Written Answers of 7 January 2003

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Devolution
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 26 November 2002. [89155]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave today to the hon. Lady the Member for the Vale of York (Miss McIntosh),official Report, 7 January 2003, column 10.

  Ann McKechin
  To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues she has considered since 1 December 2002. [89157]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  Since 1 December 2002, 32 devolution issue cases have been intimated to me, all but one relating to criminal law. All of these have concerned human rights issues, a substantial number concerned undue delay in criminal proceedings, others included cases on the fixing of the punishment part of the sentence of a life prisoner to replace the old system of serving an indeterminate length of sentence and the powers of the Crown to use surveillance tapes from prison visiting rooms as evidence in a trial. The one civil case involved delay in an appeal from the application of a children's panel reporter to the sheriff for an interim exclusion order.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Advocate-General in how many cases she has intervened since 1 October 2002 on human rights issues. [89156]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  Since 1 October 2002, I have not intervened in any new cases on human rights issues. However, I did appear in person before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on 15 to 17 October 2002 in the case of Rv. Her Majesty's Advocate and the Advocate-General. This case involved delay in bringing criminal proceedings and breach of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Clerks
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission how many(a) Clerks of the House and (b) Clerks of Committees are (i) black and (ii) Asian. [89325]

  Sir Archy Kirkwood
  The House of Commons Commission currently employs 303 individual members of staff (including part-timers) in the Department of the 64W
  Clerk of the House. Of these, 241 (approximately 80 per cent.) have completed ethnic monitoring forms, which are voluntary. The figures for members of staff in post on 31 December 2002 were:

  Of staff in the Department of the Clerk of the House, 3.31 per cent. declared themselves to be from ethnic minorities, of whom:

  1.24 per cent. declared themselves to be black

  2.07 per cent. declared themselves to be Asian

  Of Committee staff, 5.18 per cent. declared themselves to be from ethnic minorities, of whom:

  2.59 per cent. declared themselves to be black

  2.59 per cent. declared themselves to be Asian

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Judicial Appointments
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department what steps the Lord Chancellor is taking to amend the appointments system to increase the diversity of the judiciary. [89166]

  Yvette Cooper
  Since taking up office in 1997 the Lord Chancellor has introduced many improvements to the judicial appointments process aimed at promoting equality of opportunity and greater diversity within the judiciary, as follows:Establishing the Commission for Judicial Appointments to oversee the procedures and deal with complaints
  Piloting an assessment centre
  Removing lower and upper age limits for most appointments Setting up a work shadowing scheme
  Arranging events about judicial appointments to talk openly about the appointments procedures and encourage applications
  Publicising criteria and appointments procedures, including on diversity, in booklets, on the LCD website and in a video
  Publishing the Judicial Appointments annual report since October 1999, which includes statistical information about the appointment of women and people of minority ethnic origin
  Liasing with the legal profession on diversity issues, for example, through the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments
  Introducing a salaried part-time working facility and flexible part-time sitting arrangements for those who have had career breaks for family reasons
  Abolishing the system of appointments to the High Court bench by invitation only
  Involving judicial and lay members in more aspects of the selection process
  Amending the appointment criteria following recommendations by the Joint Working Party on Equal Opportunities in Judicial Appointments
  Confirming publicly that homosexuality is not a bar to appointment
  Confirming that advocacy experience is not a prerequisite for judicial appointment
  Supporting appraisal and mentoring schemes
  Improving application and consultation forms and guidance
  Researching factors that affect (especially) women and ethnic minority lawyers in deciding whether to apply to be judges
  Opening opportunities to become recorders to blind people.
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  Access to Children (Germany)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will take steps to contact parents who have reported prevention of access to their children in Germany to the Child Abduction Unit, to determine if their problems remain and offer them assistance as appropriate; and what progress has been made on Lady Meyer's case. [89055]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Child Abduction Unit discharges the Lord Chancellor's functions as Central Authority under the 1980 Hague and European Conventions. Article 21 of the Hague Convention enables applications via the designated Central Authorities to make arrangements for organising or securing the effective exercise of rights of access, and the European Convention enables a person who has obtained in one Contracting State a decision on rights of access to apply via the Central Authorities for the purpose of having the decision recognised or enforced in another Contracting State. Any parent resident in England and Wales whose child is resident in Germany may apply to the Child Abduction Unit; but there are no plans to contact parents who have reported difficulties but have not made such an application.

  No such application has been made in Lady Meyer's case.

  Access to Children (Overseas)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will take act ions against countries that deny British parents reasonable access to their children held abroad. [89054]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Lord Chancellor is designated as the Central Authority for England and Wales and Northern Ireland under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and European Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on the Restoration of Custody and Children. Should there be clear evidence of countries which are contracting states to those conventions holding children of British parents and denying those parents reasonable access to their children in breach of their obligations under the conventions, consideration would of course be given to all appropriate courses of action to rectify the situation.

  Child Abduction
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Lord Chancellor's Department will produce a yearly report presenting the results of legal proceedings abroad sought to settle disputes related to child abduction. [89053]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Child Abduction Unit, which discharges the functions of the Lord Chancellor as Central Authority under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and European Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions concerning Custody of Children and on the Restoration of Custody and Children, maintains statistics on applications under those conventions in respect of children brought to and taken from England and Wales.
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  A summarised version of those statistics appears as part of the annual report of the Official Solicitor and Public Trustee, the latest version of which was published in October 2002. A copy is in the Libraries of both Houses and is also available on the OSPT website.

  Domestic Violence
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will list legislation involving protection for survivors of domestic violence which has not been brought into force, stating the reasons in each case. [88311]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Section 60 of Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 has not been implemented. This section would give the Lord Chancellor the power to make rules to allow a prescribed person, or category of person, to act on behalf of survivors of domestic violence.

  It was not implemented in 1997 with Part IV in order to give the courts, police, practitioners and others time to become familiar with the new law and gain experience in its operation before considering the introduction of new procedures and responsibilities of this nature.

  The Lord Chancellor's Department commissioned research to assess the effectiveness of current remedies for domestic violence and understand the practical impact on individuals of third party applications. The research report has now been considered by our Domestic Violence Advisory Group, which includes representation from the police, voluntary sector, judiciary and others. The group concluded that the problems identified in the research would not be most effectively addressed by implementing section 60. A sub-group of the advisory group will now consider these problems and recommend how best to tackle them.

  E-voting
  Margaret Moran
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures the Lord Chancellor intends to take to ensure e-participation is included in e-voting pilots. [89165]

  Mr. Leslie
  I have been asked to reply.

  The local e-voting electoral modernisation pilot programme is the responsibility of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. In conjunction with the Electoral Commission, the Office of the e-Envoy and local authorities, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is exploring what more can usefully be done—before, during and after the electoral process—to ensure the e-voting pilot programme takes full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the advent of new technologies. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's aim is to engage with and better inform voters and other key stakeholders of the electoral process, increase the opportunity for voting and maintain the integrity and security of the ballot.

  Immigration Appellate Authority
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the average length of time was from explanatory statement receipt to the
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  fixing of a hearing date by the Immigration Appellate Authority in the last year for which figures are available. [88566]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Information is not kept on the average length of time from the explanatory statement receipt to the fixing of a hearing date by the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA). However, for immigration and asylum cases received in the 12 months period ending 30 June 2002 the average time from receipt was:

  six weeks for First Hearing; and

  15 weeks to the Substantive Hearing.

  Land Tribunal
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases have been brought before the Land Tribunal in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [89326]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  In the last three years, 1,421 cases have been brought before the Lands Tribunal. 501 were for the year ending December 2000; 515 for the year ending December 2001 and 405 for the year ending December 2002.

  Returning Officers
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what regulations there are on the supply by returning officers of labels containing electors' details to political parties or other interested parties. [88276]

  Yvette Cooper
  Current regulations do not provide for the supply of labels which include details of electors to authorised users. Such supply was discontinued because electoral registers are now available in data form.

  Small Claims Court
  Mr. John Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans the Lord Chancellor has to review the(a) rules governing and (b) guidance offered to judges presiding in the Small Claims Court concerning their conduct to litigants in person; and if he will introduce independent assessors to monitor the observance of such rules and guidance. [88238]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  There are no rules relating specifically to judges in small claims cases dealing with litigants in person, and the Lord Chancellor has no current plans to introduce any.

  The Judicial Studies Board, an independent body, provides guidance to judges on the conduct of small claims cases in its Civil Bench Book and on the particular needs of litigants in person in its Equal Treatment Bench Book. Both publications are available on the JSB's website (www.jsboard.co.uk).

  The Lord Chancellor expects judges to uphold the highest standards of probity, impartiality, courtesy and consideration in dealing with all litigants. Where it is alleged that a judge has failed to meet these standards, the Lord Chancellor, as Head of the Judiciary, is able to
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  consider any complaint that is made about the judge's conduct. He has no plans to introduce independent assessors to monitor the Judiciary's dealings with litigants in person.

  Weekend Voting
  Stephen Hesford
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment she has made of the feasibility of weekend voting. [88560]

  Yvette Cooper
  We plan to assess the feasibility of weekend voting after 31 January in the light of responses to the consultation paper "Combining English Local Authority, Greater London Authority and European Parliament Elections in 2004" (issued jointly with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister), which (among other things I also seeks views on weekend voting.

PRIVY COUNCIL

  Divisions
  Ms Drown
  To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to propose steps to reduce time taken to record votes in the House. [89175]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  In his memorandum of December 2001 to the Modernisation Committee, my right. hon. Friend asked the question whether views in the House on electronic voting have changed since Members were consulted in the last Parliament. He stressed that any form of electronic voting should require Members to attend Divisions in person, but could remove the need for multiple Divisions.

  House of Lords Reform
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on proposals for further reform of the House of Lords. [89172]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply today to my hon. Friend the Member for the City of York (Hugh Bayley),official Report, 7 January 2003, column 19.

  Parliament
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the President of the Council (1) if he will bring forward proposals for changing the arrangements for the recall of Parliament; [88909]

  (2) if he will bring forward proposals to improve the legal advice available to Parliament. [88911]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I have no plans to do so.

  Parliamentary Accountability
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the President of the Council if he will bring forward proposals for enhancing the role of Parliament in decisions to deploy British forces in armed conflict overseas. [88910]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  I have no plans to do so. The Government have repeatedly given Parliament the opportunity to debate decisions about the deployment of British forces in armed conflict overseas.
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  Pre-legislative Scrutiny
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the President of the Council what steps he is taking to alert Departments to the new opportunities for pre-legislative scrutiny of Bills for next session's legislative programme. [88930]

  Mr. Robin Cook
  The Government want to ensure that more Bills are published in draft and can receive pre-legislative scrutiny, and I am working closely with other Departments to achieve this aim.

SCOTLAND

  Employment
  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the benefits for employment and enterprise in Scotland arising out of the Copenhagen summit. [89142]

  Mrs. McGuire
  Scotland is well placed to take advantage of the new opportunities which enlargement of the European Union will create.

  Business Insolvency (North-East Scotland)
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the trend in small business insolvencies in north-east Scotland. [89146]

  Mrs. McGuire
  The Scotland Office does not routinely compile insolvency data. The latest official figures on company liquidations in Scotland were released by the Department of Trade and Industry on 1 November 2002. The data is not published on a regional basis within Scotland.

  Broadband
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with small business representatives in Scotland regarding the development of broadband services in rural areas. [89147]

  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the small business representative organisations in Scotland. Our discussions cover a wide range of concerns, including the development of broadband services. The small business community will be taking an interest in the outcome of the Scottish Executive programme to roll out pilot projects in the Highlands and Islands and Dumfries and Galloway areas.

  Shipbuilding
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on shipbuilding on the Clyde. [89148]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I recently announced the publication of the Government's response to the Scottish Affairs Committee report on shipbuilding on the Clyde. I recognise the significance of the shipbuilding industry within Scotland's manufacturing base and to the West of Scotland in particular. The Scotland Office maintains extensive contacts with the shipyard management at the 70W
  most senior levels to discuss opportunities and I am specifically committed to supporting and promoting export opportunities for the Clyde shipyards.

  The Clyde yards currently benefit from significant Government orders and have the opportunity to compete for work on the Future Carrier programme from a position of strength.

  European Union Business
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what efforts she is making to ensure that the(a) Scottish Executive and (b) Scottish Parliament are fully informed of European Union matters. [89149]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Government involves the Scottish Executive as fully as possible on European Union matters touching on devolved areas of responsibility, in accordance with "The Memorandum of Understanding and The Concordat on Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues".

  It is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive to inform the Scottish Parliament of relevant European Union matters. Explanatory Memoranda on European Community documents prepared by Whitehall departments are copied to the devolved Administrations. The Scottish Executive routinely pass these to the Scottish Parliament, which can request further explanation from the Executive in the form of a Scottish Covering Note.

  Postcomm
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with Postcomm regarding deregulation of postal services in Scotland. [89150]

  Mrs. McGuire
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 26 November 2002,official Report, column 166W.

  Manufacturing Sector
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action she is taking in conjunction with business and industry interests to tackle the problems faced by the manufacturing sector in Scotland. [89144]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I will continue to work closely with the Scottish Executive and with my colleagues in Government to ensure that the interests of the manufacturing sector in Scotland are understood.

  Scotland Office
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she will announce the proposed operating costs of the Scotland Office for the financial year 2003–04. [89145]

  Mrs. Liddell
  Details of my Department's expenditure in 2003–04 will be published with the Main Supply Estimates, in the spring.

CABINET OFFICE

  Millennium Bug
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how much was spent on the Millennium Bug Campaign in each year from 1990; and if he will make a statement; [88811]

  (2) what evaluation has taken place of the Millennium Bug Campaign; who undertook the consultation; what the overall costs were; and if he will make a statement. [88813]

  Mr. Alexander
  The total spend on the Millennium Bug public information campaign was £16million. The estimated cost of the work to prepare central Government IT systems for the century date change was £380million.

  The Government's Millennium Bug preparations were a huge success, with the UK almost untouched by the bug. The work also had wide reaching benefits to the entire modernising Government agenda. These were drawn out in the command paper 'Modernising Government in Action: Realising the benefits of Y2K', which was placed in the Library of the House on 18 April 2000.

  Paper Purchases
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how the Cabinet Office defines sustainably managed sources, in relation to purchasing paper supplies. [88705]

  Mr. Alexander
  Cabinet Office defines `sustainably managed sources', in relation to purchasing paper supplies, as forests supplying paper mills with wood which are tyPlcally managed in accordance with IS014001 environmental management systems (EMS) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) programs.

  Postcodes
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what use the Cabinet Office and its agencies makes of postcode areas for(a) the collection and publication of data, (b) devising formulae for the distribution of grants and awards and (c) the delivery of services; and when usages were last reviewed. [87770]

  Mr. Alexander
  The information is as follows:

  (a) The Office of the e-Envoy in the Cabinet Office is responsible for running and maintaining the UK online website. Postcode information is collected from those registering for consultations with a view to better understanding user requirements and tailoring future services accordingly.

  UK Online Interactive does not currently routinely collect postcode information from users. However, Somerset County Council have been collecting postcode information through UK Online Interactive in order to present locally tailored information back to the user. A project is currently being planned which will extend this facility to the rest of the service, collecting postcode information derived from the set top box or entered by the user.
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  The Office of the e-Envoy also uses postcode area data to map the availability and take-up of online technologies. These maps are used in the development of the Government's policy aimed at reducing the 'digital divide'.

  (b) The Cabinet Office currently makes no use of postcode data in devising formulae for the distribution of grants and awards.

  (c) The Government Car and Despatch Agency operates two services. The InterDespatch Service makes use of postcodes as a building identifier for its delivery and collection services. The Government Car Service uses postcodes in conjunction with an autoroute system to identify addresses for the Plck up/set down of passengers. Both these uses are under constant review.

  Staff Bonuses
  Mr. Lyons
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) how much each Government Department has paid in bonuses to staff who achieved personal targets in this financial year; [88303]

  (2) how many Departments which have failed to achieve Government targets have paid staff bonuses. [88304]

  Mr. Alexander
  Responsibility for pay, outside of the senior civil service, is delegated to Departments and agencies. What bonuses are paid to these staff is therefore a matter for individual Departments and agencies. This Information is not held centrally.

  The new pay and performance management arrangements for the senior civil service are designed to reward and provide incentives for high performance. Under these arrangements all Departments awarded non-consolidated bonuses to their top performers.

  Performance bonuses totalling £6 million were paid to those who contributed most to their Department's objectives. Bonuses were paid to around 55 per cent. of senior civil service staff.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  ARC Scheme
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when a decision will be made on preserved rights and beneficiaries of the ARC scheme. [89113]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government have made clear their intention to introduce preserved rights for existing beneficiaries of the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary television licence scheme, when the social mix or the level of warden cover in their sheltered housing change. The regulations governing the ARC scheme are complex and the structure of the proposed changes remains under consideration, but we shall bring forward amending regulations as soon as is compatible with the need to avoid creating new anomalies or unnecessary administrative burdens.

  BBC (Production Quota)
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will reform the
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  independent production quota for the BBC to (a) minimise exclusions to qualifying hours and (b) calculate the quota per channel by (i) qualifying hours and (ii) spending; [88695]

  (2) she intends to announce the Government's response to the Independent Television Commission's Programme Supply Review. [88668]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government's response to the ITC's UK Programme Supply Review will be announced within the next two weeks. This response will include details of the amendments we intend to make to the Communications Bill and the BBC's Agreement, including in relation to the independent productions quota.

  Children's HosPlces (Lottery Funding)
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the progress of allocating Lottery funding for children's hosPlces. [88631]

  Mr. Caborn
  The New Opportunities Fund children's palliative care programme was launched in March 2002 and closed in August 2002. Applications for all three strands of the programme (children's hosPlce provision, home based teams and bereavement services) are currently in assessment. A decision making committee will meet in January 2003 to consider which applications to fund. Applicants will then be informed whether or not their bid has been successful. Details of all the awards made will be announced shortly after this.

  Licensing Bill
  Mr. Mark Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she made of the compatibility of the objectives of the Licensing Bill with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, with particular reference to the prevention of nuisance. [88532]

  Dr. Howells
  On the face of the Licensing Bill, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts stated under section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act that in her view the provisions of the Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.

  Lottery Funds (West Cumbria)
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what Lottery funds have been given to the towns of Workington and Maryport in West Cumbria. [88842]

  Mr. Caborn
  Information on Lottery awards is provided from the National Lottery awards database, which is based upon information provided to us by the distributing bodies. While it is possible to search the database for information relating to specific towns, it is not mandatory for this information to be included in the dataset. This means that some awards relating to a specific town may not appear in the total figure shown.

  The database shows that Lottery awards totalling a minimum of £8,455,887 have been made to Workington and totalling a minimum of £1,060,968 have been made to Maryport.

  Museums and Galleries
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to her answer of 2 December 2002,official Report, column 539W, on museums and galleries, if she will place the efficiency review of national museums and galleries sponsored by her Department in 1999–2000 in the Library. [88932]

  Dr. Howells
  A copy of the Efficiency Review of national museums and galleries was placed in the House of Commons Library following its publication in September 1999. It can also be viewed on my Department's website at www.culture.gov.uk

  Sporting Events
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she has plans to increase the number of major sporting events which must be shown on terrestrial television; and if she will make a statement. [88305]

  Dr. Howells
  There are no immediate plans to review the list of sporting and other national events. However, the Government aim to keep the list under regular review, and if significant changes take place either in the public perception of what events are of national importance, or in the economics of sports rights, the Government would look at the matter again.

  Sustainable Procurement
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how her Department defines sustainable procurement, in relation to its Environmental Management System. [88704]

  Dr. Howells
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave her on 7 November 2002,official Report, column 544W. That answer is in complete agreement with the requirements of the Departmental Environmental Management System, an initiative which has the whole hearted support of the Green Minister (Baroness Blackstone), the Department's Environmental Champions, senior officials and staff.

  TV Licences
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she plans to change the cost of a TV licence for students; and if she will make a statement. [88273]

  Dr. Howells
  The Government have no plans to change the cost of television licences for students. Students pay the standard licence fee and are subject to the normal licensing requirements. We have received representations calling for concessions for students but it would be difficult to justify giving priority to students over the many other groups with a case for special treatment.

DEFENCE

  Appointees
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list current appointees on the(a) board of the

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  RAF Museum, (b) board of the Royal Marines Museum, (c) board of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum, (d) Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors, (e) Review Board for Government Contracts, (f) board of the National Army Museum and (g) Defence Scientific Advisory Council. [89052]

  Dr. Moonie
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) Board of the RAF Museum

  Chair

  Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns GCB CBE LVO FRAeS RAF (Retd.)

  Trustees

  The right hon. Baroness Blatch CBE

  Mr. L. A. Edwards (Anthony) BSc MBA CEng FRAeS

  Sir Neil Cossons MA FSA FMA FRSA CBE

  Sir Gerald Hosker KCB QC

  The right hon. Sir Geoffrey Pattie BSc PhD

  Sir R. H. Evans CBE

  Dr. Judith Rowbotham

  Air Vice Marshal David Crwys-Williams CB (MD SSVC)

  Lord Clarke of Hampstead

  Mr.Victor Gauntlett FRSA FIMI FINSTPET

  Mr. Alastair Stewart

  His Excellency Air Marshall I. D. McFadyen CB OBE FRAeS RAF (Retd.)

  Professor R. J. Overy MA PhD FRHists

  Mr. D. E. Young Sir Roger Jackling

  Mr. Michael Dale CBE Lord Evans of Watford

  (b) Board of the Royal Marines Museum

  Sir Henry Beverley KCB OBE

  Captain Brian Gibbs RM Retired

  Councillor M. Geddes

  Lt Col Andrew Noyse RM Retd.

  Colonel M. Sturman OBE

  W01 (RSM) J. Forster RM

  Councillor M. Hancock CBE MP

  (c) Board of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

  Vice Admiral Sir Roy Newman KCB JP DL

  Rear Admiral Niall Kilgour

  Dr. Martin Copp

  Rear Admiral Paul Hodinott CB OBE

  Captain Terry Meadows CBE

  Mr. Tim Schadla-Hall

  Mr. Louis Shermer-Smith OBE

  Mr. Tom Walters BEM

  Councillor Mike Geddes

  Mr. Robin Webb

  (d) Advisory Committee on Conscientious Objectors

  His Honour Judge Harris

  Mr. C. M. Lake

  Mr. A. G. Corless

  Mrs. L. L. Phipps

  Mr. K. N. Walton

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  (e) Review Board for Government Contracts

  George Staples CB QC

  Fraser Ashman

  Sir Alan Bailey KCB

  Dr. Alan Fox

  Chris Melrose

  (f) Council of the National Army Museum

  Field Marshal Sir John Chapple GCB CBE DL The Hon. David McAlpine

  Mr. Richard Marriott

  Sir Nigel Mobbs JP

  The Rt. Reverend Peter J. Nott

  Professor Hew Strachan MA Phd FRHistS The Lady Vaizey

  General Sir John Waters GCB CBE JP DL

  (g) Defence Scientific Advisory Council

  Professor A. Ledwith

  Professor R. Needham

  Dr. D. J. Price

  Mr. P. J. Stein

  Dr. A. L. Mears

  Dr. L. V. Bennett

  Professor P. G. Blain

  Professor A. J. Kinloch

  Professor R. Voles

  Air Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup

  Lt Gen R C Menzies

  Mr. G. H. B. Jordan

  Mr. M. Earwicker

  Mr. P. Roper

  Mr. P. D. Ewins

  Professor D. King

  Dr. A. Keddy

  Brave Millennium
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the recommendations arising out of the 1999 Integrated Contingency Planning exercise Brave Millennium have been accepted by his Department; what money has been spent to cover the cost of these commitments since 1999; what recommendations have not been accepted by his Department; what the basis was of such decisions; and if he will make a statement. [87796]

  Mr. Ingram
  Exercise Brave Millennium examined high-level aspects of integrated contingency planning, improving awareness of the key issues affecting the Ministry of Defence's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to any request for assistance from civil authorities.

  As a result of the exercise 57 areas for further work were highlighted, some of it involving other Government Departments/agencies, such as the Home Office, the Police, and the Department of Health.

  Most of that work has been completed and a number of actions taken. Many of these entailed the modification of existing processes and procedures. Work is in hand on a small number of outstanding

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  issues. The expenditure involved is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The second Brave Millennium, held in March 2002, confirmed that improvements to integrated contingency planning processes had been made, while further improvements will result from the Strategic Defence Review New Chapter.

  British Nuclear Tests (Compensation)
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been paid in compensation to ex-servicemen and medical auxiliaries who attended British nuclear tests and have suffered consequent illness. [89019]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Department's consistent line is that we have every confidence in the independent studies carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund that showed veterans' participation in the nuclear test programme has not had a detectable effect on their expectation of life, or on their risk of developing cancer or other fatal diseases. Consequently no compensation has been paid to British nuclear test veterans.

  Challenger 2
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the development of camouflage nets for the Challenger 2 tank; what estimate he has made of the costs of development; and what trials have been carried out. [87045]

  Mr. Ingram
  Challenger 2 already has an effective counter-surveillance capability. We are investigating ways to further improve this capability. I am withholding specific details of the developments under Exemption 1 (defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Cruise Missiles
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Cruise missiles are available for operations; what logistics and support operations are required; and if he will make a statement. [89276]

  Mr. Ingram
  I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (Defence, Security and International Relations).

  Hostage Taking
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 9 December 2002,official Report, column 16W, if the considerable and compelling evidence of systematic and continuous grave breaches of the fourth Geneva Convention included considerable and compelling evidence of the crime of hostage taking; whether anyone was named in the report as being suspected of the crime of hostage taking, and what recommendations were made in the report for further action on the issue of (a) hostage taking and (b) war crimes referred to in the report. [88513]
  78W
  Mr. Ingram
  As I explained in my answer of 27 November 2002,official Report, column 335W the report itself is a summary of evidence drawn from the statements of individuals who witnessed or were subject to alleged acts of Iraqi brutality during the Gulf War. The Ministry of Defence has a duty to protect the confidentiality of those who co-operated with the Royal Military Police.

  The Royal Military Police were tasked with determining the facts alone. Their final report makes no recommendations.

  Iraq
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of Iraq is covered by no-fly sanctions; and if he will make a statement. [88530]

  Mr. Ingram
  The no fly zones cover all the area of Iraq north of 36th parallel and south of the 33rd parallel. The purpose of our patrols of the Iraqi no fly zones is entirely humanitarian. They are conducted in support of UN SCR 688, which demanded that Saddam Hussein end the brutal repression of his own people.

  MOD Land (Inglis Barracks)
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to put on the market MOD land used by BFPO on its two sites at Inglis Barracks; what arrangements will be made for the role of the land, to take account of the needs of the local community; and if he will make a statement. [88615]

  Dr. Moonie
  Marketing of the site is expected to commence mid 2005.

  The current intention is that the site would be sold with the benefit of a development brief and, or, an outline planning approval which I understand will be the subject of detailed negotiations with the Planning Department of the London Borough of Barnet and where necessary, the Greater London Assembly and Transport for London. These negotiations should address the needs of the local community by taking into account the policies contained within the Borough's Unitary Development Plan.

  Operation Fresco
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) weekly and (b) total cost of Operation Fresco has been, since it began. [89281]

  Mr. Ingram
  Information on the weekly costs of Operation Fresco is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  In the run up to the strike the MOD incurred expenditure of around £8 million associated with the initial purchase of the urgent operational equipment such as protective clothing, breathing apparatus and hydraulic cutting equipment. No other detailed costs are yet available.

  Organophosphates
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure that British service
  79W
  personnel are not exposed to organophosphate pesticides when on operations in the Middle East. [88056]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The use of pesticides remains an essential component of force protection against the threat of insect borne disease. It is the policy of the Department only to procure pesticides approved under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 or to seek approval from Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to store items in United Kingdom, for use in overseas locations. Those pesticides are only supplied to and used by trained personnel, who are fully equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment.

  QinetiQ
  Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the plans of the Sea Technology Group and their impact in relation to the funding, operation and staffing levels of QinetiQ. [88697]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Sea Technology Group is part of the Defence Procurement Agency which is an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence.

  The Group is responsible for providing technical standards, advice and safety regulation for maritime platforms and places a wide a range of contracts with the commercial sector, including QinetiQ, and with other Government agencies to fulfil this role.

  There are no plans to change the role of the Sea Technology Group or its relationships with existing suppliers. Contracts are placed with QinetiQ and other suppliers on the basis of the capabilities they offer and the support requirements of the MOD. We maintain a dialogue with QinetiQ and other suppliers about our forward plans but it is a matter for the company to determine the appropriate funding, operation and staffing levels based on the work it wins or expects to win from the MOD and others.

  Rachel Squire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent funding decisions by(a) his Department and (b) the Sea Technology Group which affecting QinetiQ. [88698]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence continues to determine its requirements as a customer for support from industry, including QinetiQ, in the normal way.

  In common with other defence suppliers, it is a matter for QinetiQ to determine the appropriate staffing and resource levels it needs to meet any requirements placed upon it by MOD.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the additional information I have provided today in answer to her question on the relationship between the Sea Technology Group of the Defence Procurement Agency and QinetiQ.

  Royal Navy Vessels
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent IT upgrades have been made to Royal Navy vessels; how this improves capability; and if he will make a statement. [86299]
  80W
  Mr. Ingram
  The Navy Star Programme provides key IS support to RN vessels. A common IT infrastructure is being progressively deployed across the fleet. With the exception of two vessels, the programme will be complete by 2005. The rate of deployment is constrained by the availability of suitable fitting opportunities. All ship's staff have access to the system, which supports a comprehensive range of administrative and operational support applications, as well as standard OA facilities. An e-mail capability provides connectivity to shore users, including families and friends for welfare purposes. The system is refreshed on a cycle of upgrades to sustain and improve capability.

  A significant number of Royal Navy Command Support Systems, used for the planning and execution of maritime and amphibious operations, have been deployed operationally (39 ships and 10 shore units). An incremental rollout programme delivers regular capability enhancements. The most recent of these enhancements has been to upgrade the hardware in 2001 and 2002 to provide the latest commercial off-the-shelf systems, giving better performance and reliability. Software has also recently been improved with the release of Version 7 software. This will give direct benefit to the new Landing Platform Dock (Replacement) amphibious ships and also the aircraft carriers in their role as NATO High Readiness Force (Maritime) Commander.

  In addition to the above, the Ship Command System in the aircraft carriers and TYPE 42 destroyers, including the Landing Platform: Helicopter—HMS Ocean, is undergoing a programme to replace obsolescent display screens. The Endurance and Archer class inshore training vessels have also had electronic planned maintenance systems fitted to improve availability.

  A large proportion of the electrical/electronics systems fitted within RN vessels and their weapons systems use computers or incorporate software or firmware to support their specific functionality. Such equipment is not considered to fall within the heading of `information technology, and accordingly, has not been included in this answer.

  Subcontractors (Prompt Payment)
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are in place to guarantee prompt payments to subcontractors working on Defence Estates projects. [88597]

  Dr. Moonie
  Defence Estates is bound by the statutory requirements of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 that imposes an obligation on it and its contractors to pay all valid invoices within 30 days.

DEFRA

  Agriculture and Fisheries Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 16–19 December; what the
  81W
  Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [89057]

  Mr. Morley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 16–20 December 2002. The Scottish Minister for Environment and Rural Development and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State with responsibility for Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland also attended.

  The Council, after lengthy negotiation, reached conclusions by qualified majority on the linked matters of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform, urgent measures to bring about the recovery of cod stocks and the setting of total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for 2003.

  On CFP reform, the Council's conclusions were embodied in three new regulations, one addressing the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fishing resources and redefining the basic framework of the CFP, one permitting an emergency Community measure for scrapping fishing vessels, and one amending the provisions concerning Community structural assistance in the fisheries sector. Key features, including some points which the UK fought hard to secure, are:
  renewal for a further 10 years of the regime confining access to the 6 to 12 mile zones to fishing vessels which have traditionally fished there;
  renewal of the Shetland Box pending a Commission review during 2003 of all such access restrictions to determine whether their continued application is justified in conservation terms;
  retention of the principle of relative stability for allocating fishing opportunities among member states on the basis of historical fishing patterns, explicitly including the Hague Preference arrangements which can provide additional fishing opportunities to the UK and Ireland when TACs fall below determined trigger levels;
  confirmation, in relation to the access which Spain, Portugal and Finland gain to the North Sea from 1 January 2003 under their Treaties of Accession, that there has been no adjustment to allocations of regulated stocks in favour of these member states, which may fish only for unregulated stocks. There is also a commitment to monitor any consequential impact on regulated stocks;
  commitment to a multi-annual approach to stock management based on recovery plans, involving effort limitation where necessary, for stocks which are outside safe biological limits, and management plans for other stocks. Recovery plans will be developed during 2003 for southern hake, sole in the Western Channel and Bay of Biscay, Rockall haddock, and nephrops in the Cantabrian Sea and off the Iberian peninsula;
  provision to establish Regional Advisory Councils to improve the participation of fishermen and other stakeholders in the process of managing fisheries;
  the ending of public aid for the building of fishing vessels at the end of 2004. In the meantime such aid will be restricted to member states who have met national limits on fleet capacity and to vessels under 400 GT. Entry of vessels to the fleet will have to be balanced by the removal of tonnage without aid, in accordance with an entry/exit ratio. Where a vessel of
  82W
  over 100 gross tonnes built with grant aid enters the fleet, vessels equivalent to 135 per cent. of its tonnage must be removed;
  aid for modernising fishing vessels will be available only for vessels that are at least five-years-old to improve safety, product quality or working conditions, to switch to more selective fishing techniques, or to equip vessels with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS);
  an increase in the maximum rate of EU scrapping grant was agreed, to help member states achieve the decommissioning of vessels whose fishing effort has to be reduced by 25 per cent. or more under the terms of a recovery plan;
  aid for the permanent transfer of EU vessels to third countries will cease at the end of 2004 and be subjected to conditions in the meantime;
  a range of improvements will be made to the coherence of enforcement and control arrangements and the imposition of sanctions, with the Commission taking a stronger monitoring and co-ordinating role and VMS being extended to vessels over 18 metres from 1 January 2004 and to vessels over 15 metres from 1 January 2005.

  On TACs and quotas, the Council started by examining a Commission proposal whose central element was severe cuts, equating to an 80 per cent. reduction in fishing mortality, in the TACs for the cod stocks for which scientists recommended a fishing moratorium, together with the species (haddock and whiting) most closely associated with them, as well as substantial TAC cuts for other associated species. A solution was negotiated under which higher TACs than proposed by the Commission were adopted alongside an emergency recovery measure for cod based on a much simplified approach which the Commission brought forward in the course of the Council.

  The recovery measure is incorporated as Annex XVII to the Regulation setting TACs and quotas for 2003, and will control effort from 1 February 2003 by limiting days which may be spent at sea by vessels which catch cod in the North Sea, West of Scotland and Skaggerak and Kattegat. Vessels under 10 metres in length are not subject to these controls. Different limitations (expressed as numbers of days absent from port per calendar month) are set according to the type of gear carried. Hence some vessels (eg pelagic trawlers) fall outside the scheme altogether, while nephrops vessels will be allowed 25 days per month. The number of days to be allowed for whitefish demersal trawlers was absolutely critical for the UK, given the unacceptable and devastating effect the Commission's opening suggestion of seven days per calendar month would have had on our industry. The eventual outcome was that we secured a commitment that under the terms of the various conditions attached to the limitations in the EU measure, UK whitefish demersal trawlers would be allowed a total of 15 days absent from port per month.

  The measure allows for some flexibility to move days between months and between vessels. The operational details for these new arrangements will be worked up urgently, in close consultation with the industry. The Council and Commission envisage that, with this emergency measure in place, a more sophisticated regime will be developed for implementation from 1 July 2003, based on proposals to be brought forward by the Commission by 15 February and agreed by the Council by the end of March.
  83W
  On this basis, the Council set TACs and quotas for 2003 which broadly maintain 2002 levels for pelagic stocks and nephrops but significantly reduce TACs for key whitefish species such as cod, haddock, whiting and anglerfish. Reductions of the order of 50 per cent. in the TACs for these latter species in the North Sea and West of Scotland represent a considerable gain in fishing opportunities compared with the Commission's original proposals, whilst significantly enhancing the prospects for the recovery of these stocks in the long term. The closure to sandeel fishing of the area off the north east British coast, as applied for the last three years, is renewed for 2003. For Irish Sea stocks, it was agreed that the 2002 cod recovery arrangements, which include a springtime closure of part of the Irish Sea, should continue for 2003 with reduced TACS for such stocks as cod, haddock and whiting.

  The Council agreed a re-allocation of existing Spanish structural funds to provide financial support to Spanish fishermen and mussel and oyster growers affected by the Prestige oil spill.

  The Council agreed the conclusions of the Commission's action plan for the Mediterranean, which envisages the development of specific management measures for the area.

  The Commissioner also presented a draft regulation on the management of fishing effort in western waters. He explained that he considered this to be necessary to eliminate any legal uncertainty concerning the applicability of some of the measures to the activities of Spanish and Portuguese vessels, following the expiry on 31 December 2002 of the transitional period foreseen in the 1985 Act of Accession. No decisions were reached on this proposal, which will be examined by the Council in coming months.

  The Council reached unanimous political agreement on measures to update food hygiene rules applying to products of animal origin. It also reached political agreement by qualified majority on measures to update EU rules on the use of additives in animal feed.

  The Council also agreed conclusions on animal welfare in third countries and on mutual assistance between member states regarding animal welfare. The Commission reported progress on developing further proposals on the protection of animals in transport.

  The Council was unable to reach agreement on a proposal for new rules governing feedstuffs for organic livestock. Under the relevant Comitology procedures, the Commission will adopt the new measure under its

  Date

  Total animals

  Where consignments were certified

  Animals rejected at certification

  Animals rejected at Dover docks

  Destination

  11 December 2002

  2,197

  England, Scotland and Wales

  14

  1

  France

  14 December 2002

  2,854

  England

  0

  0

  Italy

  The sheep for the consignments listed above were certified within 48 hours prior to export. The consignments that sailed on 11 December were fattening animals and were transported to holdings. The consignments that sailed on 14 December went to
  84W
  own powers in January. The Commission, having reported on the progress of its work to develop an EU level Action Plan for Organic Food and Farming, was remitted to continue its efforts and report further by the end of 2003.

  The Council approved o by qualified majority arrangements to protect the EU market from a surge in low priced cereals from Russia and the Ukraine. The Commission reported agreements reached with the US and Canada to establish reduced tariff quotas for certain cereals and the Council authorised the Commission to implement the deal from the beginning of 2003.

  Over lunch, the Commission presented a paper which it proposes to submit to the WTO in the context of the Doha Round negotiations on agriculture. It proposed a number of specific reductions in tariff levels, export subsidies and domestic support. I welcomed the paper as an important first step in the process now leading up to the Cancun Ministerial meeting in September while warning that our negotiating partners were likely to press for a more ambitious outcome.

  Under other business, Germany reported national action it had taken to reduce levels of acrylamide in food; and Italy raised concerns over the co-existence of GM and conventional agriculture.

  Animal Welfare
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on 11 December; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey(a) during inspection for health certification purposes and (b) at Dover docks, and to where those sheep were taken; and what the address was of the final destination given on the route plan for each of the consignments; [88569]

  (2) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on 14 December; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey (a) during inspection for health certification purposes and (b) at Dover docks; and to where those sheep were taken; and what was the address of the final destination given on the route plan for each of the consignments. [88877]

  Mr. Morley
  The information requested is as follows:

  approved slaughterhouses. The animals which were rejected at certification and at Dover docks remained in Great Britain.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent legislation ensures the protection of the welfare of
  85W
  animals during transport abroad; and what penalties can be imposed against those who break these regulations. [88727]

  Mr. Morley
  The welfare of animals during transport is protected by EU Directive 91/628/EEC, as amended, which is implemented and enforced by each member state within its own jurisdiction. The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, as amended, implements the directive in Great Britain and a breach of the Order is punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding £5,000 (or £1,000 per animal if more than 10 animals are involved).

  Bovine TB
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many badgers have been slaughtered as a result of the Krebs' trial to investigate the relationship between badgers and bovine TB. [88970]

  Mr. Morley
  About 5,000 badgers have been culled in the course of the badger culling trial.

  Further information on the number of badgers culled is updated at the end of each culling season. Therefore, information on the number of badgers killed up to and during the 2002–03 season will be made available after the next closed season commences on 1 February.

  Fisheries
  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government funding under European Union Public Aid rules will be given to areas of the United Kingdom affected by reductions in UK fishing effort. [87632]

  Agency region

  Number of flood studies conducted

  Number of works carried out

  Number of works under construction

  Number of works to be carried out in the future

  Number that were unjustified

  Anglian

  104

  94

  0

  10

  0

  Midlands

  36

  18

  5

  0

  13

  North East

  21

  14

  2

  3 (2003–04)2(2004–05)

  0

  North West

  9

  3

  3

  3

  0

  Southern

  24

  21

  2

  1 (dependent upon compensatory land acquisition)

  0

  South West

  22

  9

  0

  9 (within the 3 year plan 2003–06)

  2 (2 remain under consideration)

  Thames

  27

  7

  12

  0

  8

  EA Wales

  19

  0

  0

  16

  3

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Government will provide flood insurance cover for those homes unprotected to the minimum standard of the Association of British Insurers from 2007. [87778]

  Mr. Morley
  The Association of British Insurers have stated that they will review the situation with Government on a regular basis. Insurance matters are for the Treasury, but there appear to be no grounds for Government intervention as insurance for flood risk is available to by far the majority of those properties
  86W
  Mr. Morley
  Funding is already available on a regional level for economic development. The needs of fishing communities will be assessed in the light of the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 10 December 2002,official Report, column 193W, on fisheries, if she will calculate the total average number of days at sea multiplied by the total number of kilowatts of engine power for vessels in the under 10 metres sector capturing and landing cod in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Sea Areas (a) North Sea, (b) Irish Sea, (c) West of Scotland, Waters and (d) Area VIId. [87807]

  Mr. Morley
  Vessels in the under 10 metre sector of the UK fishing fleet are not obliged to submit European Community logbook declarations covering their fishing trips. These submissions are required in order for accurate days at sea information to be available for individual vessels. As such the raw data required to calculate the information requested is not available.

  Flooding
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what flooding studies were conducted by the Environment Agency in 1999; and of these studies, what recommended work(a) has been carried out and (b) remains to be carried out. [86986]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that the Environment Agency conducted 262 flood defence feasibility studies during the 1999–2000 financial year. 166 works have been completed; 24 are under construction; 44 are to be carried out in the future and 28 were found to be unjustified.

  situated on the floodplain. People must remember that the insurance industry is a competitive one and they may benefit from 'shopping around'

  The nature of the risk in undefended areas means that insurers cannot guarantee to maintain cover, but will examine the risks on a case by case basis, use their best efforts to continue to provide cover and will work with the owners of domestic properties and small businesses which they currently insure to see what action could be taken by the property owner, the Environment Agency and the local authority, which might make the property

  87W
  insurable in some form. This action might include the use of accredited products, flood resilient materials and temporary defences to defend the property.

  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in which of the areas affected by flooding in autumn 2000 the Government is recommending the removal of buildings on the flood plains. [88997]

  Mr. Morley
  Defra provides grant to local operating authorities for flood defence capital works that meet certain criteria. However responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the operating authorities.

  The information requested is not readily available from all operating authorities. The Environment Agency advise that they are not aware of any specific proposals, following the autumn 2000 floods, to buy properties in the floodplain and remove them as the solution to flooding.

  However, some flood protection schemes involve property acquisition to allow defences to be built, and in some areas where effective flood alleviation is difficult then the long term solution may be relocation outside the flood risk area as buildings reach the end of their useful life.

  Krebs Trial
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Krebs' trial is being carried out in 10 triplet sites as originally planned. [88971]

  Mr. Morley
  The Krebs trial is being carried out in 10 triplets as originally planned.

  Late Payments
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the policy is of the Rural Payments Agency in respect of interest payable on late payments; and if she will make a statement. [88900]

  Alun Michael
  Government Departments and agencies of Government Departments are bound by the rules of Government accounting. In accordance with long established Government policy, compensation is not payable for delays in payment due to industrial action. Payment of compensation for delays in payment not due to industrial action are considered on their merits, provided that the payees own conduct has not contributed to the delay.

  In keeping with this policy the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be making compensation payments, subject to a de minimus level of £50 per producer, to those producers who have experienced delays beyond the regulatory deadline of 30 June 2002, in receiving their 2001 scheme year bovine balance payments, as a result of failure by either the RPA or the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). Details are on the RPA website.

  Milk Quotas
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many milk quota holders there were in the UK in each of the last five years; and how many of those quotas were non-producing. [88147]

  Mr. Morley
  Details of the total number of quota holders for each year 1997–98 to 2001–02, and of those, the presumed number of non-producing quota holders (NPQHs), are contained in the table.

  The 'quota holders' figure for each year in the table is the number of permanent quota holders at the end of the quota year. It is considered that the most representative figures on NPQHs, prior to 1999, are the number of quota holders who have leased out a high proportion of their quota in any given year. The figures given in the last three columns in the table are thus for the number of permanent quota holders who leased out the percentages of their quota shown, and might therefore be assumed to be NPQHs. The corresponding figures for 2002–03 will not be known until after the end of the quota year.

  Quota year

  Quota holders

  100 per cent.

  95 per cent.

  91 per cent.

  1997–98

  37,090

  5,309

  5,783

  5,855

  1998–99

  35,711

  5,663

  6,025

  6,094

  1999–2000

  34,663

  6,181

  6,556

  6,621

  2000–01

  33,106

  5.778

  6,412

  6,529

  2001–02

  31,605

  6,099

  6,792

  6,937

  Pigmeat
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total weight was of pigmeat sales in the United Kingdom in each year from 1972 to 2001. [87295]

  Mr. Morley
  Information on the quantity of pigmeat sold in the United Kingdom is not available. However, information is available on the amount of pigmeat supplies, in the form of pork, and of bacon and ham, in the United Kingdom, and this is given in the table.

  No data is available on the uses to which the supplies of pork and of bacon and ham are subsequently put. These uses may be for retail as meat or for catering or for foodstuffs which require further processing, some of which may subsequently be exported.

  More detailed production and supplies tables may be found on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/.

  UK supplies of pork and bacon

  000 tonnes

  Total new supply1 of:

  Pork

  Bacon and ham

  19722

  662

  639

  1973

  687

  565

  1974

  678

  529

  1975

  582

  482

  1976

  586

  476

  1977

  652

  506

  89W

  UK supplies of pork and bacon

  000 tonnes

  Total new supply1 of:

  Pork

  Bacon and ham

  1978

  660

  519

  1979

  715

  517

  1980

  707

  509

  1981

  720

  496

  1982

  731

  477

  1983

  747

  477

  1984

  709

  467

  1985

  712

  468

  1986

  726

  466

  19873

  775

  459

  1988

  796

  457

  1989

  759

  458

  1990

  765

  445

  1991

  772

  441

  19923

  768

  418

  1993

  796

  450

  1994

  798

  451

  1995

  772

  467

  1996

  806

  497

  1997

  817

  471

  1998

  829

  459

  1999

  831

  457

  2000

  790

  468

  2001

  832

  471

  1 New supply: production plus imports less exports.

  2 Average of 1970–1972.

  3 For comparability with other years, the figures have been adjusted from a 53–week to a 52–week basis where appropriate.

  Sources:

  1972–1984: 'A Hundred Years of British Food & Farming: A Statistical Survey', H F Marks.

  1984–2001: Defra

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Child Soldiers
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken to reduce the numbers of children involved in armed conflict, following the report by the UN Secretary General of 16 December on child soldiers. [88678]

  Clare Short
  The UN Secretary General's report covered many aspects of the problems of children affected by armed conflict, including their direct involvement. The most effective way to reduce the impact of armed conflict on children, their families and communities, is to prevent, reduce and resolve armed conflicts. My Department is working with other Government Departments to intensify UK efforts to resolve conflict. In relation to children affected by armed conflict, my Department is supporting UNICEF through a multi-year capacity-building project to increase its ability to work with all concerned to decrease the impact of armed conflict on children and to support the disarmament, demobilisation and rehabilitation of child soldiers. We have also been supporting the work of the Secretary General's special representative on children and armed conflict. UNICEF's work on establishing national immunisation days (NIDs), mentioned in the report, is also supported by my Department.

  CÔte d'Ivoire
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Cote d'Ivoire; what the Government's policy is on humanitarian aid to Cote d'Ivoire; and if she will make a statement. [88734]

  Clare Short
  Precise information on the extent of humanitarian needs remains incomplete. Large numbers of people, particularly among immigrant communities but also Ivorian citizens and refugees, have been displaced due to the conflict. There are real humanitarian needs and the situation could deteriorate quickly with scope for further conflict. In December, as an initial response to immediate needs, we released 2,000 tents, 30,000 blankets and 200 rolls of plastic sheeting from our emergency relief stockpile to boost UNHCR's regional stockpile in Accra, Ghana; also contributed towards an urgent airlift of UNHCR relief items to Liberia. I have also recently approved a contribution of £1 million towards appeals from agencies working in Cote d'Ivoire. We continue to monitor the humanitarian situation and are working closely with others in the international community to try to bring about a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

  Democratic Republic of Congo
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the Committee for International Investment and Multinational Enterprises to consult with(a) NGOs and (b) others regarding the report of the UN Panel of Experts on the economic causes of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [88702]

  Clare Short
  The UK, along with other members of the Security Council, has asked for more information on the claims made in the panel's latest report. We have asked specifically for information on the allegations made against UK companies and nationals. We have yet to receive this material. Once we do we will take a view on what further action to pursue, both nationally and through OECD channels.

  Eritrea
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the food aid requirements of Eritrea. [88684]

  Clare Short
  The Eritrean Government, the UN and NGOs estimate that the crop figure for 2002 is just over 50,000 MT, which is about 20 per cent. of an average annual crop.

  The Government's Appeal and the UN Consolidated Appeal, which was released on 19 November 2002, estimates that the drought-affected population is 1.4 million people out of a total population of 3.34 million. An additional 910,000 people are targeted for assistance comprising internally displaced people, returnees, soldiers to be demobilised and vulnerable urban dwellers. The Eritrean Government appealed for 477,000 MT of food aid for 2003, of which 290,000 is for the drought affected population.
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  Iraq
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what development projects her Department has supported in Iraq since the Gulf war in the rehabilitation of the country; and how much was financed for each project; [89122]

  (2) what development projects her Department has supported in Iraq since the Gulf War for the rehabilitation of the country which have focussed on women and children; and how much was financed for each project. [89120]

  Clare Short
  Since 1991, my Department has provided funding solely for humanitarian assistance projects in Iraq. Total bilateral funding has amounted to just over £100 million. Several of the projects funded were specifically focused on women and children, although all the projects to some degree benefited women and children.

  Specific data on each project is not available, except at disproportionate cost. Total annual bilateral programme expenditure for Iraq for each financial year during this period was as follows:

  Programme Expenditure

  £

  1991/92

  34,283,000;

  1992/93

  4,135,000;

  1993/94

  9,115,000;

  1994/95

  7,654,000;

  1995/96

  6,954,000;

  1996/97

  6,282,000;

  1997/98

  3,351,000;

  1998/99

  5,749,000;

  1999/00

  6,585,000;

  2000/01

  9,545,000;

  2001/02

  7,760,000

  Ivory Coast
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the UNHCR on refugees fleeing the Ivory Coast into Liberia. [87092]

  Clare Short
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: The UN launched an appeal on 11 November for humanitarian assistance as a result of the conflict in Cote d'lvoire, including for support to Liberian refugees wishing to return home. We are still considering our response to the appeal.

  As an initial response we have provided 2,000 tents, 30,000 blankets and 200 rolls of plastic sheeting from our emergency relief stockpile to boost UNHCR's regional stockpile in Accra, Ghana. We have also contributed towards an urgent airlift of UNHCR relief items to Liberia.

  Malawi
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had on the humanitarian situation in Malawi. [89048]
  92W
  Clare Short
  I remain in regular contact with my officials in Malawi about the humanitarian situation there. A recent UN assessment concluded that 2.2 million people are currently in need of food assistance. This will rise to 3.25 million—a third of the population—between now and March, after which the 2003 harvest will begin. So far, the rains have been good.

  DFID's emergency assistance to help deal with the food situation, now totals £34.5 million. This includes £4 million which I approved just before Christmas to support WHO/UNICEF disease surveillance and control, for supplementary feeding programmes and food distribution to people living in AIDS affected households.

  Mozambique
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what potential there is for the replacement of maize by sorghum as the staple crop of southern Mozambique. [88681]

  Clare Short
  There has been a trend towards reintroduction of sorghum in southern Mozambique to promote resilience to drought. However, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recently held a meeting that concluded that sorghum is not an ideal alternative to maize in southern Mozambique.

  Though sorghum resists drought a little bit better than maize, it is not a drought resistant crop, it is very labour intensive, has a long growing period and has high demands on soil fertility and moisture. Maize has also tended to experience steady market prices and an unlimited demand on the market as an export crop for Europe.

  The FAO meeting concluded that the best solution for southern Africa would be to identify patches with the right conditions for either maize or sorghum, and that the success of the introduction of any new crop will depend on the prevailing economic and marketing prospects.

  Palestine
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total UK aid to the Palestinian Authority was in each year since 1999. [88612]

  Clare Short
  The total UK aid to the Palestinian Authority in each year is:

  £million

  1999–2000

  8

  2000–01

  9

  2001–02

  14.5

  2002–03

  15 (estimated outturn)

  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the recent report by Catherine Bertini on the level of UK development funds allocated to Palestinians. [88613]
  93W
  Clare Short
  Catherine Bertini's report, and the subsequent UN Humanitarian Plan of Action, stimulated a very useful debate in the international community on how best to respond to the growing humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. I agreed in October 2002 an additional £5 million DFID contribution to help meet most urgent needs of the Palestinian people. Total projected expenditure for support to Palestinians for this financial year is now £32 million. This comprises £15 million bilaterally and £17 million through UNRWA.

  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what emergency funds are being made available by the UK to assist Palestinians impoverished by Israeli military actions. [88614]

  Clare Short
  We are providing support for a number of emergency programmes, including non-salary budgetary support, trauma counselling, special educational needs and UNRWA's emergency appeals. This year, out of estimated bilateral expenditure of £15 million, we anticipate that about £8 million will be for 'emergency' programmes. In addition, we have contributed £7 million to UNRWA's emergency appeal for 2002.

  Mr. Breed
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contributions her Department has made to assist UNRWA in its work with Palestinians in the Occupied Territories; and if she will make a statement. [88693]

  Clare Short
  UNRWA's needs are urgent, and it is critical to ensure that it receives consistent and predictable levels of support. The UK is UNRWA's second largest bilateral donor. In addition to our funding for UNRWA's regular budget—£42 million over the last three years—we have contributed over £20 million for UNRWA's emergency appeals in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

  Peru
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether her Department selected the agencies to oversee the(a) management and (b) distribution of the recent grant to the Department of Health in Peru. [89413]

  Clare Short
  The management agency for this programme has not yet been selected. A decision on the short-listed agencies will be taken by participating Peruvian institutions and DFID.

  Zambia
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had on the humanitarian situation in Zambia. [89046]

  Clare Short
  The humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa was discussed at the 18 November meeting of the EU Council of Ministers. I have written to my counterparts in OECD countries urging them to give greater support to help relieve the humanitarian crisis in Zambia. The situation in Zambia is extremely serious with about 3 million people in need of assistance. The 94W
  UK has provided over £14 million of assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Zambia since September 2001.

  Zimbabwe
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact fuel shortages are having on the transportation of food aid in Zimbabwe. [88685]

  Clare Short
  Fuel supplies have been erratic in Zimbabwe for the last three years. The problem is a direct consequence of economic mismanagement. Foreign exchange to pay for fuel is very scarce, yet it is still sold at controlled prices that do not cover costs.

  Larger organisations such as the UN and International NGOs, and other Government missions including DFID, have contracted to purchase fuel direct from importers at world-market rates and pay in foreign currency. The WFP has buffer stocks, some of which are in the rural areas and their feeding programmes are not likely to be seriously disrupted.

  Smaller organisations that rely on the commercial transport industry to distribute their food have been harder hit. However, these too are becoming more adept in covering short-term fuel problems, either through building up a reserve when fuel is available, or pre-positioning food supplies in rural areas. DFID's feeding partner organisations all pre-positioned food in the rural areas for the Christmas and new year period, and food distribution has continued.

  The short-term impact of fuel shortages has therefore been minimal to date.

  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had on the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. [89047]

  Clare Short
  The humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa was discussed at the 18 November meeting of the EU Council of Ministers. I have written to my counterparts in OECD countries urging them to give greater support to help relieve the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. The situation in Zimbabwe is a disaster. Of the 15.5 million people in need of food in southern Africa, 6.5 million are in Zimbabwe. One in three adults in Zimbabwe are infected with HIV. The UK has provided £38 million of assistance in response to the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe since September 2001.

PRIME MINISTER

  EU (Institutional Change)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what progress has been made on the proposals for EU institutional change pursued in his joint letter with Chancellor SchrÖder of 25 February 2002; and what steps he will take to ensure that these targets of institutional change are reached. [89026]

  The Prime Minister
  The European Council at Seville agreed a number of practical changes that do not require Treaty amendment but do improve the effectiveness and
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  transparency of the Council. These are now in place. They focus on improving the practices of the European Council, reform of the General Affairs Council, delivering more openness when legislating on dossiers subject to co-decision, and rationalising the number of sectoral Council formations from 16 to 9. These changes have already led to more effective preparation of European Council meetings during the Danish Presidency.

  Heads of State and Government at Seville also agreed that the Council should consider further change in parallel with the Convention on the Future of Europe. The European Council at Copenhagen took note of a Presidency paper that set out possible models for Council reform. The Government will also continue to pursue these issues in the Convention.

  EU Enlargement
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the further extension of European Union membership into Eastern Europe and North Africa; and if he will make a statement. [88803]

  The Prime Minister
  The European Union Treaty stipulates that any European State which respects the principles set out in the Treaty may apply to become a member of the Union. In addition, applicants have to meet the Copenhagen criteria, which relate to democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and protection of minorities, a functioning market economy with the capacity to withstand competitive pressure in the EU, and the ability to take on the obligations of membership.

  It is too early to say how far the EU might enlarge in the future. The EU has already recognised the countries of the Western Balkans as potential candidates. With UK support, the EU will be considering how it should further develop its relations with the countries to its east. The countries of North Africa are not European States.

  EU Structure
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister to whom his speech of 28 November on the future structure of the European Union was distributed prior to delivery; and whether it has been presented to the Convention on the Future of Europe. [88710]

  The Prime Minister
  My speech was not distributed outside Government prior to delivery. After the speech, the text was passed to interested parties including members of the Convention on the Future of Europe, and as usual it is available on the No. 10 website.

  Turkey (EU Accession)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the European Council decision to postpone negotiations on Turkey's accession to the EU; and what steps he plans to take to assist Turkey's accession. [89022]

  The Prime Minister
  The Copenhagen European Council marked a step forward in Turkey's accession to the EU. It decided that if the European Council in December 2004, on the basis of a report and a recommendation from the Commission, decides that 96W
  Turkey fulfils the Copenhagen political criteria, the European Union will open accession negotiations with Turkey without delay.

  The new UK Action Plan for Turkey includes a wide range of bilateral reform initiatives, aimed at helping Turkey prepare for EU membership.

  Written Constitution
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had on establishing a written constitution for the UK. [88926]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

TRANSPORT

  Aircraft Security
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve security checks on aircraft users from non-UK based airlines, flying into the UK; and if he will make a statement. [88444]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The UK supports the principle of host state responsibility, whereby each state is responsible for the security of civil aircraft leaving that state. This is enshrined in Annex 17 to the Chicago Convention 1944.

  My Department liaises closely with international fora such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation, European Civil Aviation Conference and the European Union to improve aviation security standards across the world. The UK has contributed to the development of EU regulations which are about to be published, making basic security standards mandatory in the Union. In addition, there is also close liaison with the US Transport Security Administration, the Israeli Security Agency and equivalent bodies of other key international partners on aviation security issues.

  Using the powers of the Aviation Security Act 1982, all non-UK carriers flying into the UK have been required since 11 November to ensure that all flight doors are locked while in UK airspace or on the ground while the engines are in operation, that the flight crew do not leave the flight deck other than for certain specified reasons, and that passengers cannot obtain access to the flight deck while in UK airspace.

  As regards UK carrier operations from overseas airports, my Department issues guidance on the recommended security measures that should be implemented where the threat to those operations dictates. Departmental inspectors have been undertaking a programme of visits to particular locations to assess the security afforded to and carried out by UK carriers and, where appropriate, liaise with the relevant authorities to improve standards. The frequency and coverage of these inspections has been stepped up significantly in recent months.

  My Department will shortly be establishing Regional Aviation Security Advisers in East Africa and the Middle East. Their role will be to advise and assist the relevant authorities to improve aviation security standards in those areas and to assess and influence how

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  flights to the UK are secured. Further appointments are planned for West Africa, South East Asia and the Indian sub-continent later in the year.

  Airport Capacity
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the outside consultancy firms which have been appointed to undertake work in connection with his consultation on airport capacity in the South East, together with(a) the tasks assigned and (b) the value of the contracts awarded in each case; and if he will make a statement. [88280]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The following table lists the organisations that have carried out work on the South East and East of England Regional Air Services (SERAS) Study and have provided advisory support for the Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom (South East) consultation. Their areas of expertise are also indicated. The total cost of their work since the SERAS study began in January 2000 is approximately £5 million. This does not include NOP and Avia Solutions, as their costs cannot be broken down by region.

  Organisation

  Area of expertise

  Civil Aviation Authority

  Noise, airspace

  Halcrow Fox

  SERAS managing consultants, wide range of appraisal work

  Ove Arup & Partners

  Airport optioneering, land use and urbanisation

  AEA Technology

  Air quality

  Scott Wilson

  New airport site search, environmental appraisal

  QinetiQ

  Climate change

  Crown Business Communications

  Event management

  Avia Solutions

  Response analysis

  NOP

  Questionnaire analysis

  NATS

  Air traffic control

  Booz Allen Hamilton

  New south east airport: airline development

  John McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many people have responded to his consultation on the future of airport capacity in the south-east in the form of(a) petitions, (b) letters, (c) questionnaires and (d) detailed submissions; [88493]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the level of response which he has had to his consultation on airport capacity in the south-east. [88494]

  Mr. Jamieson
  By 18 December, for the south-east region, 33 petitions, over 25,000 letters (including a number of detailed submissions from both members of the public and organisations), and 11,000 completed NOP questionnaires in response to the consultation had been received.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport announced to Parliament on 28 November that the consultation on airports capacity will be kept open until we have consulted on options for new runways in relation to Gatwick. We aim to publish a further consultation document shortly.
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  Broadway-Honeybourne Railway
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that no developments prejudice the re-opening of the railway line between Broadway and Honeybourne; and if he will make a statement. [88417]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This is a matter in the first instance for Wychavon district council as the local planning authority. I understand that a planning application has been made by SUSTRANS for a cycle track along a section of the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway line which also extends into Cotswold district. This is for the authorities to determine and it would not be appropriate for Ministers to become involved in this local matter.

  As part of the planning application process, details of all developments close to railway lines (whether in use or disused) are referred to the Strategic Rail Authority who will comment as appropriate.

  Certificates of Equivalent Competency
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many certificates of equivalent competency have been issued to foreign seafarers by the UK maritime administration in each year since the scheme was established. [88903]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued the following number of certificates of equivalent competency in each year since the scheme began in 1997:

  Number

  1997

  37

  1998

  257

  1999

  363

  2000

  1,107

  2001

  2,337

  2002

  2,033

  Commercial Aircraft (Terrorism)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of terrorist threats to British commercial aircraft from handheld ground to air missile launchers; and what advice has been issued by his Department. [88521]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Terrorist threats are assessed on a continual basis and appropriate advice issued. The Government do not believe that it is appropriate to disclose advice issued in relation to such matters for obvious reasons.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the British fleet of commercial aviation will be protected by electronic counter measures equipment over and above Goodrich video surveillance apparatus. [88520]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We are seeking specialist advice to establish the technical feasibility of fitting electronic counter measures to UK civil aviation fleets.
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  Community Transport Schemes
  Hywel Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representation he has received in respect of amending regulations relating to community transport schemes so as to facilitate their development. [88982]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We have had several discussions with the Community Transport Association and the Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers about the regulations affecting community transport.

  Regulations were brought forward in England, with effect from 1 May 2002, to extend the Bus Service Operators Grant (formerly Fuel Duty Rebate) to a wider range of community transport services. I understand that the National Assembly for Wales has introduced similar provisions with effect from 14 August 2002.

  In addition we have recently consulted on proposals (affecting both England and Wales) to facilitate the registration of flexibly routed bus services, which should increase the scope for community operators (among others) to register such services. We are now analysing the responses.

  Hywel Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions are in force for the exemption of community transport vehicles from vehicle excise duty when(a) they are used exclusively by disabled people and (b) they are used both by disabled and able bodied people. [88983]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The provisions governing the exemption from vehicle excise duty for vehicles used by or on behalf of disabled people are set out in schedule 2 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. Paragraph 20 of the schedule states that a vehicle used for the carriage of disabled people by a body recognised by the Secretary of State is exempt from vehicle excise duty. In practise this means that the body should be registered with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee.

  However, section 15(2) of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act states that where a vehicle is used in a way which would render it liable to taxation at a higher rate, the higher rate is payable. This means that where a vehicle is used for both disabled and able-bodied people, vehicle excise duty is payable at the normal rate applicable to that vehicle.

  Concorde
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the life expectancy of Concorde is; and if he will make a statement. [88956]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The service life of Concorde is a commercial decision, depending primarily on the rate of utilisation by the operator. The existing fatigue life of the aircraft can be extended by the operator carrying out an appropriate programme of modifications.

  Consultants
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2002,official Report, column 30W, who the specialist
  100W
  consultants in event management were who were commissioned to identify suitable venues to organise the public exhibitions on the airport options; and what their fee was. [87270]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: Crown Business Communications Ltd. were commissioned to organise the public exhibitions as part of the Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom consultation. Their fee for doing this work was £127,752.

  Cycleways
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet representatives of SUSTRANS to discuss protection of the trackbed of disused railway lines for possible re-opening when planning cycleways. [88415]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department has a continuing dialogue with SUSTRANS on transport issues. On this issue it would be more appropriate for representatives of SUSTRANS to meet with the relevant officials of the Strategic Rail Authority.

  Flying (DVT)
  Mr. John Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what incentive airlines are offering their passengers to complete questionnaires on behalf of researchers involved in the WHO study into DVT and flying; [88847]

  (2) how many seats on long haul flights airlines are offering free of charge to researchers to undertake clinical experiments on volunteers into the relationship between cabin atmosphere and the incidence of blood clotting as part of the WHO's study into DVT and flying; [88848]

  (3) what help the researchers involved in the World Health Organisation's study into deep vein thrombosis and flying are getting from the airlines to obtain passenger lists of frequent flyers [88850]

  (4) what co-operation researchers involved in the World Health Organisation's study into deep vein thrombosis and flying are receiving from airlines through the IATA medical group; and if he will make a statement [88852]

  (5) what access researchers involved in the World Health Organisation's study into deep vein thrombosis and flying are getting to passengers on board aircraft through the IATA. [88851]
  101W
  Mr. Jamieson
  This is primarily a matter between the airlines and the researchers carrying out the World Health Organisation's study into DVT and flying, but I understand that:(a) although the air travel costs of the researchers carrying out clinical studies have been included in the overall budget for the project, airlines have agreed to provide a number of seats free-of-charge on selected flights;
  (b) airlines, through the IATA Medical Advisory Group, are cooperating in a pilot study of frequent flyers in order to test the methodology for the full-scale epidemiological study;
  (c) for reasons of confidentiality airlines will not supply passenger details, but they have agreed to send out questionnaires to selected passengers and to forward the responses to the researchers;
  (d) the epidemiological studies to be carried out in the first phase of the WHO project do not require access to passengers on board aircraft; and
  (e) in order to maintain the integrity and the neutrality of the research the WHO decided that airlines should not be too closely involved with the study. For this reason they will not provide incentives to passengers.

  Foreign Seafarers
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many foreign seafarers have been employed on UK-registered merchant ships in each of the past five years. [88902]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Employment of seafarers is a matter for shipping companies and the Department does not maintain records of the nationalities of seafarers employed on UK registered ships.

  In the past five years, 6,097 certificates of equivalent competency have been issued to foreign officers, and a further 10,574 have qualified for UK certificates of competency. These officers are eligible to serve on UK ships, although many serve on foreign registered vessels. (Most officers only apply for a certificate of equivalent competency when there is likelihood of employment on a UK ship).

  Some limited information is available from returns of companies entered in tonnage tax, but in most cases, this only covers the last two years and does not cover all UK registered ships.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which Minister in his Department is the nominated Green Minister; how often he has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the DEFRA rural proofing check-list in his Department. [88459]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I represent the Department for Transport on the Green Ministers' committee ENV(G). It is established practice under exemption two of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees.

  Policy responsibility for rural proofing lies in the Department for Transport with Regional Transport Directorate.
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  Illegal Minicabs
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many illegal minicabs have been stopped this year for(a) having no tax disc and (b) being unroadworthy; and what penalties were imposed; [89250]

  (2) in what form and at what cost his Department, in conjunction with the Home Office, plan to advertise the undesirability of using illegal minicabs (a) this Christmas and New Year period and (b) next year. [89320]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is for local enforcement authorities (district/borough councils, unitary authorities or Transport for London) and the police to publicise the undesirability of using illegal minicabs and to deal with breaches in the law by their drivers. Records are not kept centrally.

  Local Bus Services
  Dr. Richard Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to increase the level of local bus services that are not profitable for bus operators. [88843]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Decisions on subsidy for local bus services that are not provided on a commercial basis are for individual local authorities, taking account of local priorities and the resources available to them in Revenue support grant and, for example, from my Department's rural bus subsidy grant scheme. I am aware there have been a number of commercial services withdrawn recently in Worcestershire and that the county council has taken action to replace a number of these with subsidised services.

  M20
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what decibel level was predicted on the M20, junctions 8 and 9, at the time of the public inquiry prior to the construction of the motorway. [88346]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mr. Tim Matthews to Mr. Hugh Robertson, dated 7 January2003:
  I have been asked by the Transport Minister, David Jamieson, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about noise levels on the M20 Motorway between Junctions 8 and 9.
  Regrettably, we no longer have the detailed records that were available at the public inquiry, which was held in 1986. The standard methodology used predicts noise levels based on the predicted volume of traffic together with other local factors.
  The factor not taken into account at that time was the effect of the concrete surface and the significance of this emerged as soon as traffic began to use it. We have tried to prevent the problem occurring elsewhere and mitigation, in the form of noise insulation and financial compensation, was made available to those adversely affected by this section of M20.
  The effects of the concrete surface on the M20 have been investigated along with 16 other roads built with this type of surface since 1988 and the Highways Agency is committed to resurfacing all of these as part of the Government's 10 Year Plan.

  103W
  If you would like further information in relation to noise issues on the M20 Motorway the Area Manager, Mark Kumar, at our Dorking office would be pleased to help you. His telephone number is 01306 878115.

  Marine Surveyors
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many marine surveyors were employed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in each of the past five years. [88906]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Maritime and Coastguard Agency have employed the following numbers of surveyors over the last 5 years.

  Year

  Number

  1998

  160

  1999

  160

  2000

  149

  2001

  157

  2002

  162

  Open Skies Agreement
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the UK has to denounce the open skies agreement with the USA in accordance with the recent European Court of Justice judgment. [88928]

  Mr. Spellar
  The UK does not have an 'open skies' agreement with the US. The ECJ judgment does not require the Government to renounce its bilateral air services agreement with the US, and the Government have no intention of doing so.

  Port Developments
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations his Department has received on proposed port developments at(a) Southampton, (b) Shell Haven, (c) Felixstowe and (d) Harwich. [88581]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We have received a wide range of representations about these port developments, especially in respect of their potential impact on the environment, and public inquiries have either been held or have been announced in each of the cases.

  Port State Control Inspections
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many port state control inspections were carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in each of the last five years; how many ships were detained; what percentage were found with deficiencies; and how many inspections of UK ships were undertaken in each of these years. [88905]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The number of inspections carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in each of the last five years is as follows.
  104W

  Port state control inspections of foreign ships

  Year

  Number of inspections

  Number of ships detained

  Percentage of ships with deficiencies

  1997–98

  1,890

  179

  73.0

  1998–99

  1,980

  155

  74.8

  1999–2000

  1,801

  106

  72.2

  2000–01

  1,803

  116

  70.1

  2001–02

  1,765

  118

  68.8

  UK inspections

  Year

  Number

  1997–98

  3,289

  1998–99

  3,668

  1999–2000

  3,616

  2000–01

  4,367

  2001–02

  4,383

  Rail Passengers (Security)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure that there is clear responsibility and accountability for personal security design standards in new rolling stock to protect the public; and if he will make a statement. [88711]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department for Transport and the Strategic Rail Authority are jointly engaged on a project to improve the on-train security of both passengers and train staff. The project will identify good practice for the building, refurbishment and management of railway passenger rolling stock.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research(a) has been carried out in the past five years and (b) is in hand to identify issues connected with passenger personal security and perceptions about their surroundings on the railways; and if he will make a statement. [88713]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department is currently reviewing the personal security perceptions of public transport passengers, and has a joint project underway with the Strategic Rail Authority to improve the on-train environment for rail passengers and staff. We also undertook research three years ago to investigate the issues in developing a secure transport pilot route along the Manchester (Victoria) to Clitheroe rail route. As a result of this research, we are currently sponsoring a secure transport route co-ordinator to help implement the action plan to improve personal security. Analysing the perceptions of rail passengers has also been included in recent research projects to find out the transport needs of women, older people, and people from minority ethnic communities.

  The Secure Stations Scheme is a national accreditation scheme recognising set standards of good practice in rail station, staff and passenger security. An independent survey of passenger perceptions is undertaken as part of the station's application process.
  105W
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to require future editions of the annual report, Railway Safety, to incorporate data and performance measures concerning the personal security of passengers during the year, and the outcomes of action taken. [88714]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) annual report on railway safety does not contain data and performance measures concerning the personal security of passengers. The HSE does not record this information because it is not a legal requirement of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR).

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will issue guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority that personal security is a key aspect of their responsibilities for safety; and if he will make a statement. [88712]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Directions and Guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority, first issued by the Secretary of State on 11 April, state that the Authority should seek to promote the personal security of passengers travelling by rail. It should promote improved personal security at stations by encouraging accreditation under the Secure Stations Scheme and the Secured Car Park Scheme. It should also work with appropriate bodies to improve personal security on pedestrian routes to stations.

  Road Tax
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation has been undertaken of pilot schemes to allow local authorities to fine and remove vehicles without a valid road tax certificate; and if he will make a statement. [89408]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The London Borough of Newham was the first local authority to take on devolved powers to clamp and impound unlicensed vehicles in partnership with DVLA.

  During the 12 months of the pilot scheme 2,000 vehicles were wheelclamped. Half of these vehicles were released upon payment with the result that these vehicles are now correctly registered.

  Surveys undertaken by Newham council before and at the end of the pilot scheme showed the level of evasion had reduced by 15per cent., the result of additional and visible enforcement in the borough.

  Sandy-Bedford rail link and Bedford-Milton Keynes canal link.
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of changes to the annual net level of CO2 emissions in the United Kingdom that would result from the operation of(a) the Sandy-Bedford rail link and (b) the Bedford-Milton Keynes canal link; [89405]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the level of (a) lottery grant (b) landfill grant, and (c) other public money that would need to be made available to (i) bring into operation and (ii) maintain each year (a) the Sandy-Bedford rail link and (b) the Bedford-Milton Keynes canal link; [89406]
  106W
  (3) what estimate he has made of (a) the volume of freight that could be carried by and (b) the number of passengers who would use (i) the Sandy-Bedford rail link and (ii) the Bedford-Milton Keynes canal link each year. [89404]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Sandy-Bedford rail link and the Bedford-Milton Keynes canal link are possible schemes that have been considered within the London-South Midlands multi-modal study. The consultants are expected to report next month and will include an assessment of the impact on CO2 levels for the preferred strategy across the study area as a whole. The three regional planning bodies whose areas the study relates to will then consider the recommendations of the study and pass their advice to Ministers. We would expect to announce our decisions on the study recommendations in the spring or summer of this year.

  Speed Cameras
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing(a) speed and (b) accidents. [88552]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Speed enforcement cameras have proved to be highly effective at reducing speeding and crashes when placed at sites or along routes with a history of speed related crashes. In the first year of the safety camera pilot scheme the number of those killed and seriously injured has been reduced on average by 47 per cent. at camera sites. A full two year report of the cost recovery system for the eight pilot areas in the safety camera scheme will be published shortly, and will be made available in the Library.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of how many speeding motorists have(a) been caught as a result of speed cameras and (b) caused accidents by sudden reduction of speed on approaching speed cameras in the last three years. [88553]

  Mr. Jamieson
  (a) The most recent year for which data are available is 2000. In 2000 733,500 drivers were either prosecuted or fined for speeding as a result of detection by camera in England and Wales. In 1999 and 1998 the numbers were respectively 498,600 and 403,800.

  (b) There is no evidence that accidents are caused by motorists suddenly reducing speed at camera locations.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions have been held with other relevant departments about the(a) guidelines for siting of and (b) design and visual acceptability of speed cameras. [88555]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Guidelines on camera deployment are contained in Circular Roads 1/93 that was subject to the normal consultation process. Where areas net off, additional guidelines and rules are in place. These have been approved by Ministers in consultation with the Safety Camera Project Board consisting of representatives of relevant Government Departments, the police and local authorities.
  107W
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many residents near and adjacent to speed cameras were consulted about the positioning of each camera on average in the last year for which figures are available. [88556]

  Mr. Jamieson
  No information is held centrally about the number of local residents that may have been consulted because there is no requirement to consult local residents on the positioning of speed cameras.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedure is in place for consulting residents about siting of speed cameras. [88557]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is no requirement to consult local residents on the siting of speed cameras. Highway authorities have powers under the Highways Act 1980 section 95 (A) to install and maintain on or near a highway structures and equipment for the detection of traffic offences. This includes speed camera housings and the camera equipment within.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed cameras have been erected with authorisation by the Highways Agency. [88558]

  Mr. Jamieson
  This information is not held centrally.

  Speed Cameras (Residential Areas)
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what redress is available to residents whose homes are situated adjacent to speed cameras which they deem visually unacceptable. [88554]

  Consultant

  Project

  Contract value (£)

  AEA Technology

  BR research report provision Study into why operational performance has failed to recover to pre

  Less than 50,000

  AEA Technology

  Hatfield levels

  240,000

  AEA Technology

  ELL Provision of timetable validation study

  Less than 50,000

  AEA Technology

  Project Radar

  Less than 50,000

  Arups

  Market study of coal market

  Less than 50,000

  Arups

  Merseyrail franchise replacement programme

  57,000

  Arups

  Joint working with Railtrack

  55,000

  Arups

  West Coast route modernisation—Rolling stock investigation

  69,000

  Arups

  Infrastructure project work

  71,900

  Arups

  WARM (E) project

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Transport Appraisal Services for ELL

  76,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Demand and economic analysis

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  West Midlands rail strategy next steps

  80,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Capacity to utilisation strategy

  50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Strategic Plan economic analysis

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Due diligence of Railtrack and CLG bus plan

  234,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  ECML Project support services

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  High Speed Interoperability management

  464,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  ITL 2000 risk manager

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Scotrail technical advice

  130,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  ECML Rolling Stock strategy definition

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  West Coast route modernisation—project

  Less than 50,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  VGR negotiations

  55,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Baseline 3 analysis

  146,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Tools for capacity utilisation analysis

  130,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Virgin trains franchise negotiation

  1,100,000

  Booz Allen & Hamilton

  Development of database for route specification and strategic modelling

  243,000

  Bovis

  Project management services (small works)

  650,000

  Bovis

  Technical advice on Chiltern replacement

  Less than 50,000

  Bovis

  ECML support services

  275,000

  Bovis

  Freight project management

  137,000

  108W
  Mr. Jamieson
  Fixed site speed cameras are structures and equipment for the detection of traffic offences. As such highway authorities have powers under the Highways Act 1980 section 95(a) to install and maintain speed cameras on or near a highway. Any resident concerned about the visual presence of camera installations may make representations to the highway authority concerned.

  STCW 95 Convention
  Mr. Prosser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many seafarers have been detected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to be in breach of the STCW 95 Convention requirements since February 2002. [88904]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Inspectors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency recorded 437 breaches of the STCW Convention between 1 February 2002 and 18 December 2002. Some of these breaches are recorded in relation to ships rather than individual seafarers.

  Strategic Rail Authority (Consultants)
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the technical and financial consultants employed by the Strategic Rail Authority, the nature of the assignment for each consultant, and the value of each contract. [87627]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The following table relates to contracts over £25,000 that have been awarded by the Strategic Rail Authority since April 2002.
  109W

  Consultant

  Project

  Contract value (£)

  Consolidated communications

  Benchmarking exercise

  56,000

  EC Harris

  Felixstowe—Nuneaton commercial assistance

  Less than 50,000

  EC Harris

  Project baselining 2

  Less than 50,000

  Fluor

  Project baselining RFP

  75,000

  Fluor

  Review of RPI costs and risk management for infrastructure

  75,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Consultancy Support for Mark 1 rolling stock

  Less than 50,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Business Case manual

  Less than 50,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Greater Anglia replacement

  100,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  T2000 LTS preparation and other CLRL tasks

  50,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Thames Trains franchise extension technical support

  51,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Joint working with Railtrack

  50,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Capacity utilisation

  130,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  Mrk 1 strategic reserve vehicles

  Less than 50,000

  Jacobs Gibb

  The impact of crossrail on the national rail network

  128,000

  Jarvis Facilities Ltd.

  Feasibility Study re mauchline remodel

  88,000

  KPMG

  National Express Work

  Less than 50,000

  KPMG

  Virgin Rail Ltd. scope review

  150,000

  KPMG

  Financial advisers for Virgin Rail Group Negotiations

  367,000

  KPMG

  WCML Review implementation, scope and costs

  191,000

  KPMG

  Central trains extension

  180,000

  KPMG

  CSE Financial adviser

  160,000

  KPMG

  West Anglia Route modernisation project

  92,000

  KPMG

  Franchise replacement programme and strategy

  100,000

  KPMG

  Strategic planning process

  84,000

  KPMG

  ISWT replacement project

  200,000

  KPMG

  Project Tide

  50,000

  KPMG

  Financial adviser to Scottish passenger rail franchise relet

  958,000

  KPMG

  Due Diligence—Transpennine express

  130,000

  KPMG

  Northern Franchise accountancy advice

  100,000

  KPMG

  Review of TOC Franchise replacement

  50,000

  KPMG

  East London Line financial modelling services

  55,000

  KPMG

  East London Line Corporate and project finance advice

  60,000

  Lazardsl

  Project Ariel, SPVs and enhancements

  3,000,000

  LEK

  Case for rail freight

  50,000

  LEK

  Policy evaluation of track access grant

  Less than 50,000

  LEK

  Review of freight performance regimes

  60,000

  LEK

  Freight performance

  75,000

  LEK

  Conventional interoperability

  168,000

  LEK

  Financial advisers Northern

  650,000

  MDS Transmodal

  Innovation competition

  Less than 50,000

  Mott McDonald

  Transport Modelling Services for ELL

  125,000

  Mott McDonald

  West Anglia Route modernisation

  70,000

  Mott McDonald

  Cherwell Valley re-signalling project

  Less than 50,000

  Mott McDonald

  Value of Rail studies

  89,000

  Mott McDonald

  Appraisal of PLANET models

  Less than 50,000

  Mott McDonald

  Regeneration impacts of changes in rail services

  Less than 50,000

  Mott McDonald

  Asset management survey desk top study ELL

  220,000

  Mott McDonald

  CSE 2003 budget review

  Less than 50,000

  Mouchel

  Central railway demand forecast review

  200,000

  Mouchel

  Interchange funding

  100,000

  Mouchel

  Central Railway growth and strategic fit

  97,000

  Mouchel

  Interchange funding

  150,000

  NERA

  Due Diligence work for CLG

  373,000

  NERA

  Due Diligence work for CLG (appendix B)

  51,000

  NERA

  Management and remuneration advice

  193,000

  Nichols

  Review of Thames Trains financial information and projections

  85,000

  Nichols

  Mark 1 Rollingstock project support team

  490,000

  Nichols

  Freight project management

  133,000

  Nichols

  TL 2000 Blockade project management

  Less than 50,000

  110W 111W

  Consultant

  Project

  Contract value (£)

  Parsons Brinkerhoff

  ELL value engineering facilitation

  Less than 50,000

  PKF

  Reporting accountant Scottish passenger rail franchise relet

  114,000

  PKF

  Reporting accountant Wales and Borders

  160,000

  PKF

  British Transport Police audit plan

  120,000

  PKF

  SRA audit plan

  78,000

  Pricewaterhousecoopers

  IRT open book audit

  Less than 50,000

  Pricewaterhousecoopers

  Review of financial models in freight grants

  50,000

  Pricewaterhousecoopers

  Project support for TL2000 work

  1,300,000

  Pricewaterhousecoopers

  Thames Trains extension

  129,000

  Pricewaterhousecoopers

  ITL2002 project support

  450,000

  Steer Davies & Gleave

  Review of International rail services

  70,000

  Steer Davies & Gleave

  Modelling and strategic review of rail industry

  75,000

  Steer Davies & Gleave

  Review of international services

  50,000

  Symonds

  Business case review of freight interchange

  Less than 50,000

  UK accreditation service

  Assessment of notified bodies

  130,000

  WS Atkins

  Thames Trains extension

  51,000

  WS Atkins

  Production of regional freight strategies

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  Newco-Immerys FFG: Port of secondary aggregates scheme

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  Review FFG application for McAlpine slate waste project

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  Proposed development of Mossend Eurotunnel

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  Regional Strategies

  100,000

  WS Atkins

  Mersey docks—Birkenhead

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  High Speed Line study (Trent Valley upgrade)

  Less than 50,000

  WS Atkins

  ECML (upgrade) Development Business Transport Case

  175,000

  WS Atkins

  Development of business case for Kings Cross expansion

  120,000

  WS Atkins

  ELLEP digital mapping

  67,000

  WSA

  Island line infrastructure

  60,000

  1 Annual equivalent

  Wyre Piddle Link Road
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what central Government funding is available to assist in the construction of the western Wyre Piddle link road. [88414]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The local transport capital expenditure settlement announced on 10 December provides £13.9 million for Worcestershire for 2003–04, including £1 million in respect of the proposed Chadbury-Twyford link road east of the Wyre Piddle bypass. The Wyre Piddle bypass has itself received funding of £5.9 million and is nearing completion. It is for Worcestershire county council as the local highway authority to consider whether the western Wyre Piddle link road is a priority within their local transport plan and for any future transport settlement.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Affordable Housing
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to reform the planning system in such a way as to promote the supply of good quality affordable housing. [88547]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is fundamentally overhauling the planning system to make it more effective overall. Proposals for reform were set out in last July's planning policy 112W
  statement "Sustainable Communities: delivering through planning", and we introduced into Parliament in December the "Planning and Compulsory Purchase" Bill. The office of the Deputy Prime Minister will publish early this year how it intends to achieve a step-change in building successful, thriving communities with affordable homes.

  Boundary Committee
  Dr. Pugh
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether ministerial guidance to the Boundary Committee acting under the proposed Regional Assemblies Act will allow for the creation of unitary authorities with a population of less than(a) 100,000 and (b) 50,000. [88969]

  Mr. Leslie
  It will be for the Boundary Committee to decide on the size and number of unitary authorities it recommends in a local government review, having regard to any Guidance issued. The draft of the Guidance, on which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently consulting, indicates that in the Government's view the Boundary Committee will need to consider the impact of size on the organisational and managerial capacity of an authority in the context of the most appropriate unitary authorities for an area being those best able to deliver quality services and effective community leadership.

  Business Improvement Districts
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what input will be expected from private landlords in the business improvement districts. [87972]
  113W
  Mr. McNulty
  Clause 45 of the Local Government Bill, which was introduced into Parliament on 25 November, allows private landlords to make voluntary Financial contributions to the business improvement district in their local area.

  As we set out in our White Paper Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services "Property Owners have a key role to play in BIDs. But there are significant practical difficulties in extending the levy to property owners, outside the rating system. This would, in effect, be a new tax on property ownership. The Office of the Deputy PrimeMinister therefore intends to build voluntary contributions, already substantial in many existing projects, into the model for BIDs in England. This would be done through the guidance rather than the legislation. This will encourage BID partnershipsto involve property owners from the start so that they can participate in the development and the implementation of BID proposals."

  Fire Dispute
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2002,official Report, column 702W, if he will place in the Library e-mails containing information given by his officials to the Fire Service Employers since the beginning of 2002 regarding the pay dispute with the Fire Brigades Union. [86500]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is withholding this information under exemption 2 (internal Discussion and Advice) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information on the basis that the release would be prejudicial to ongoing negotiations.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the timetable for the publication of the fire cover review pathfinder document. [88531]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given to my Hon. Friend, the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak, Lynne Jones, on 7 January 2003,official Report.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to publish the pathfinder review of the fire service. [89319]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak, (Lynn Jones), on 7 January 2003,official Report.

  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely impact of a reduction in fire personnel during night hours on the number of(a) deaths and (b) injuries resulting from fire. [88254]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The final report of the Independent Review of the Fire Service puts forward a series of common sense reforms which will lead to a better service, to a safer service, and to a service which saves more lives. These include the recommendation that the service should move to a system of targeted (or risk based) fire cover, based on a careful, professional assessment of the real risk of incidents in the each local area.
  114W
  Risk based fire cover is not about cutting fire stations or firefighters. Risk based fire cover is about making sure that local fire service resources-fire engines, fire stations and firefighters-are in the right place at the right time to respond to community fire needs.

  The Government will produce a White Paper on the Fire service in the spring in order to fulfil our part of the programme of modernisation. The White Paper will set out in detail the legislative and other changes required to modernise the fire service.

  Pathfinder Report
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council will consider the Pathfinder report. [88244]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Fire Cover Review Task Group agreed the text of its final report at the end of September 2002. The Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council was due to consider the report in the autumn, but no meetings were held because of the on-going pay dispute. The Central Fire Brigades Advisory Council is therefore due to consider the report at a future meeting.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will publish the Pathfinder review of the fire service. [88483]

  Mr. Raynsford
  A copy of the draft Report of the Task Group on the Fire Cover Reviewl—also known as the report of the Pathfinder trials—was placed on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website on 20 December 2002.1URL: www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/fire/fepd/fcr/fcrhome.htm

  Housing (Black and Minority Ethnic People)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will commission research into the concerns raised in the DTLR (Housing Directorate) Action Plan, addressing the needs of BME people, on the impact of the kinds of properties sold under the right to buy on BME families. [88263]

  Mr. McNulty
  This will be considered for inclusion in next years Office of the Deputy Prime Minister housing research programme.

  Housing (Health and Safety)
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has(a) to license houses in multiple occupation and (b) to introduce a new housing, health and safety system. [88548]

  Mr. McNulty
  As announced in the Queen's Speech, the Government intend to publish a draft Housing Bill this session. The Bill will make clear our commitment to introduce the mandatory licensing of houses in multiple occupation and to replace the existing housing fitness regime with the evidence-based Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Taken together, these measures will target poor property condition and management standards in the parts of the housing market that accommodate some of the most vulnerable in our society.

  Housing Consultants
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what regulations are in place to evaluate(a) the quality of housing need and (b) the house condition assessment provided to councils by consultancies. [87937]

  Mr. McNulty
  Robust information on housing need and stock condition is essential to the effective delivery of local authorities' housing strategic and landlord roles. The quality of this information is addressed in the annual scrutiny of authorities' housing strategies and housing revenue account business plans carried out by Government offices and will also be covered in some of the Housing Inspectorate's best value inspections. Detailed guidance is available to authorities on issues to be considered in commissioning housing need and stock condition surveys and in the use of the data obtained.

  Housing Need
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the level of housing need is in(a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the UK. [87938]

  Mr. Jim McNulty
  Local authorities in England report the numbers of households on their housing register (excluding tenants awaiting a transfer) as at 1 April in their annual housing investment programme returns. The latest reported information, for 2002, is as follows:Coventry City Council 7,104
  West Midlands Government Office Region 95,000
  England 1,093,300
  For information about other parts of the United Kingdom, I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friends the Members for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy), Airdrie and Shotts (Mrs Liddell) and Hamilton, North and Bellshill (Dr Reid).

  Open Spaces
  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps the Government is taking to provide additional funding to local authorities to improve the standard of public open spaces. [86946]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government set out its vision for improving the standard of public open spaces in the report "Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Greener', published on 31 October. Living Places set out a number of ways in which the Government are already offering support, including financial, to local authorities, as well as other delivery agencies, so that they can better manage and maintain high quality public spaces.

  In addition Living Places also contained a package of measures specifically aimed at urban green spaces. In particular the Government recognises the need for better use of existing support and to attract new resources for urban parks and green spaces. We will be working closely with relevant Government Departments, agencies and the new CABE Space unit to address this issue.
  116W

  Rented Accommodation (Overcrowding)
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to modernise legal standards relating to overcrowding in rented accommodation. [88550]

  Mr. McNulty
  As the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King) on 16 December 2002,official Report, column 612W, the office of the Deputy Prime Minister is considering whether overcrowding-including in rented accommodation-is best tackled through a more modern set of standards or through the new Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), on which the office hopes to legislate when Parliamentary time allows. Provisions to introduce HHSRS will form part of the Housing Bill which we intend to publish in draft during this session.

  Sheltered Housing
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many extra-care sheltered housing places were available in(a) 1997 and (b) 2001; how many are expected to be available in 2005; and what information he has collated on the waiting times for places in such schemes. [87776]

  Mr. McNulty
  Information on sheltered, or extra care housing was collected for Housing Investment Programme purposes until 2000. The number of very sheltered housing places was 18,041 in 1997 and 20,269 in 2000. Up to date figures will shortly be available from the supply mapping exercise undertaken by local authorities as part of the preparations for supporting people.

  My right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) has announced a target of increasing the levels of extra care provision by 50 per cent. on 1997 levels by 2006. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will work o ensure that the number of places available in 2005 is at least in line with this target.

  No information is collected centrally on waiting times for places in extra care schemes and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Medical Students
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many medical students left their medical courses early in each of the last five years [85460]

  Margaret Hodge
  Information on non-completion rates for higher education students broken down by subject is not held centrally. For full-time first degree students who began their studies in 1999/00, the overall non-completion rate for the UK was estimated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England to be 17 per cent. the second lowest rate in the OECD.
  117W
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the gender balance is in the intake of medical students. [85473]

  Margaret Hodge
  The latest available information is shown in the table.

  Accepted applicants via UCAS to full-time courses in pre-clinical medicine Autumn 2001 entry HE Institutions in the UK

  Numbers

  Percentage

  Men

  2,559

  41

  Women

  3,681

  59

  Total

  6,240

  100

  Academic Staff (Universities)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many academic staff are employed by UK universities; and how many are of ethnic minority origin. [87012]

  Margaret Hodge
  The latest available data are shown in the table.

  All academic staff1 in UK higher education institutions 2000–01

  Ethnicity

  Number

  White

  111,012

  Black Caribbean

  457

  Black African

  759

  Black other

  264

  Indian

  2.010

  Pakistani

  460

  Bangladeshi

  148

  Chinese

  2,800

  Asian other

  1,405

  Other

  2,666

  Total known ethnicity

  121,981

  Not known

  17,959

  Total all

  139,940

  1 Full-time and part-time staff; covers staff whose primary employment is teaching, research, or teaching/research.

  Source:

  Higher Education Statistics Agency.

  Christmas Expenses
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much will be spent on(a) entertaining, (b) Christmas decorations and (c) other festive activities this Christmas season by his Department and Government agencies answerable to his Department; and of this sum, how much will be spent in Ministers' (i) private offices and (ii) official residences. [88123]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: This information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Any expenditure incurred is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, which is based on the principles set out in Government Accounting.

  Development Plans
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how agreements between the LSC and each college will be reached for the three year development plan; who will advise whether the targets set are realistic for an individual FE college; and what support will be offered to those FE colleges who receive less funding as a result of failing to attain their targets. [86888]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: From September 2003, colleges will agree a three year development plan, including challenging improvement targets, with the LSC. The LSC will agree targets with each college, drawing on benchmarking data and an assessment of individual capacity to improve. The LSC will consult with colleges at the end of January on the structure of the new development plans, and the detail of how targets would be agreed and how performance will be measured. Guidance on the new arrangements will be published in May 2003.

  The LSC will give practical help for colleges to support them in improving their performance and offer financial support where this is needed from the special investment and intervention fund.

  Education Maintenance Allowance
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proposals he has to change the method of calculating entitlement to educational maintenance allowance for students whose parents live apart. [88151]

  Margaret Hodge
  We have gained useful experience through running the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) pilots. In light of this, when the scheme is extended to all areas in England in September 2004, there will be changes to the income assessment. This will no longer take account of the income of a parent who lives apart from the young person. Instead, the assessment will be based on household income and follow the same principles used by the Inland Revenue for calculating entitlement to the new tax credits.

  Educational Attainment Levels
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how the educational attainment of school children in current and former coalfield areas compared with the national average in each year since 1997. [82251]
  119W
  Mr. Miliband
  The information required on the educational attainment of 15–year-old pupils in current and former coalfield areas is given in the table:

  Percentage of 15–year-old pupils attaining 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE/GNVQ

  2001

  2000

  1999

  1998

  1997

  Coalfields—maintained schools

  41.5

  40.0

  38.9

  36.4

  36.3

  England—maintained schools

  47.9

  47.1

  45.7

  43.8

  42.5

  England—all schools

  50.0

  49.2

  47.9

  46.3

  45.1

  Note:

  The definition of a coalfield area taken from the coalfields task force report, June 1998, is: a ward where 10 per cent. of resident males in employment at the time of the 1981 census of population were engaged in the energy and water sector. In these areas, this sector overwhelmingly comprises coalmining.

  The information required on the educational attainment of seven, 11 and 14–year-old pupils in current and former coalfield areas is currently not available for the period requested. Achievement in coalfields areas for the whole period will be available in the new year as part of the Government-wide neighbourhood statistics project being co-ordinated by the Office for National Statistics. Once available the Department will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Exam Markers
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the cost of recruiting additional exam markers, following the recommendation of Mike Tomlinson's final report into A-levels. [89292]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 3 December that up to £6 million would be made available to deliver the 2003 examinations securely, the money to be spent in the main on ensuring that the necessary markers can be recruited. QCA are undertaking detailed costing work with the awarding bodies and further advice is awaited.

  FE Colleges
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether there will be a ceiling to increases in funding for FE colleges that continually exceed their targets; and whether the premium rate of funding increase will be reduced as more FE colleges exceed their targets. [86889]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: We want to see a continuing incentive for colleges to continually improve and we are working with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on the detailed proposals for the future funding of further education colleges. The strategy document "Success for All" sets out our intention that excellent colleges, which exceed their targets, enjoy a 3.5 per cent. real terms increase in each of 2004–05 and 2005–06 with no ceiling. This premium rate of increase will not change in those years as the percentage of colleges eligible grows.

  GCSE (Performing Arts)
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what advice his Department has received from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority regarding the introduction of a GCSE in performing arts and related disciplines. [88886]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority has been asked by the Department to begin work on the development of additional titles for new GCSEs in vocational subjects. Advice is awaited on the range of possible titles, and timings for implementation.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which Minister in his Department is the nominated Green Minister; how often he has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the DEFRA rural proofing check-list in his Department. [88452]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  I have Ministerial responsibility for Green Issues and represent my Department on the Ministers' committee ENV(g). My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills is not a member of ENV (g).

  Policy responsibility for rural proofing in my Department lies with Strategy and Communications Directorate.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) A-level and (b) non A-level students entered higher education in each year since 1997. [83939]

  Margaret Hodge
  The latest available information is given in the table. Figures for 2002 will be available in January 2003.

  Accepted applicants via UCAS to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses in the UK1

  Year of entry

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Entry qualification:

  2 or more A levels

  183,123

  181.459

  183,852

  185,348

  193,536

  Scottish Highers

  16,641

  16,421

  16,823

  17,106

  17,899

  All other qualifications2

  103,554

  100,340

  102,390

  106,267

  114,037

  Total

  303,318

  298,220

  303,065

  308,718

  325,472

  1— Covers IJK domiciled students.

  2— Including students with GNVQs, BTEC, Access and Foundation courses, degree credits, and a small number with no qualifications.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of higher education students in 1997 completed their courses; and what the proportion was in each subsequent year for which information is available. [86856]

  Margaret Hodge
  Information on the completion rates of HE students is published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) in "Performance Indicators in HE". The latest available data are shown in the table.
  121W
  Figures published recently showed that the UK has one of the lowest non-completion rates in the OECD.

  Projected Learning Outcomes Full-time Students Starting First Degree Courses in UK HE Institutions

  Projected Outcomes1

  Students starting in

  Obtained degree percentage

  Obtained no qualification percentage

  Other2 percentage

  1996/97

  80

  18

  2

  1997/98

  81

  17

  2

  1998/99

  81

  17

  2

  1999/00

  81

  17

  2

  1 The projected outcomes are calculated on the assumption that the progression paths of new entrants will be the same as those for students currently in the system.

  2 Includes students who obtain undergraduate qualifications other than a degree (e.g an HMD).

  Higher Education Student Profiles
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on participation rates broken down by socio-economic class of parents of higher education students in each year since 1990. [88328]

  Margaret Hodge
  The latest available information is shown in the table. The sharp rise in participation rates in the early 1990s reflects the expansion of the higher education sector during these years. There was an increase in entrant numbers in 1997 related partly to the funding arrangements for higher education, with students choosing to enter HE rather than wait until 1998. There was a corresponding reduction in 1998 before the entry rates started to increase again in 1999.

  The Government are committed to raising the participation rates for people from less affluent family backgrounds, and has introduced Excellence Challenge, including the AimHigher campaign, which is targeted at raising attainment and aspirations among young people who traditionally would not consider going to university.

  Participation1 in Higher Education by Social Class—Great Britain

  Percentages

  Academic year beginning:

  Social class

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  I Professional

  n/a

  55

  71

  73

  78

  80

  II Intermediate IIIN Skilled non

  n/a

  36

  39

  42

  45

  46

  manual IIIM Skilled

  n/a

  22

  27

  29

  31

  31

  manual

  n/a

  11

  15

  17

  18

  18

  IV Partly skilled

  n/a

  10

  14

  16

  17

  17

  V Unskilled

  n/a

  6

  9

  11

  II

  12

  1–IIIN

  37

  35

  40

  43

  46

  47

  IIIM-V

  10

  11

  14

  16

  17

  17

  All classes

  19

  23

  28

  30

  32

  32

  122W

  Academic year beginning

  Social class

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  I Professional

  82

  79

  72

  73

  76

  II Intermediate

  47

  48

  45

  45

  48

  IIIN Skilled non manual

  32

  31

  29

  30

  33

  IIIM Skilled manual

  18

  19

  18

  18

  19

  IV Partly skilled

  17

  18

  17

  17

  19

  V Unskilled

  13

  14

  13

  13

  14

  I-IIIN

  48

  48

  45

  45

  48

  IIIM-V

  18

  18

  17

  17

  18

  All classes

  33

  33

  31

  32

  33

  n/a = not available

  I Measured by the Age Participation Index (API), which is defined as the number of UK domiciled under 21 initial entrants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate courses expressed as a proportion of the averaged 18–19 year old population.

  Innovation
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what applications have been made for exemptions related to innovation under the Education Act 2002; and in each case(a) when the application was made, (b) what decision has been reached and (c) what his grounds were for that decision. [87831]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: The Department has received one application under section 2 of the Education Act (the 'power to innovate'). Langley Junior School applied on 7 November 2002 to gain exemption from the Changing of School Session Times Regulations 1999. The application has been approved because it will enable the school to create time for a curriculum enrichment session for pupils, and planning, preparation and assessment time for teachers. The Power to Innovate was needed to enable the school to implement the changes sooner than the start of the new school year (as required by regulations). We are expecting to receive many more inquiries and applications as this new power becomes known.

  Language Teaching
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what range of languages are included within the Government's plans to make foreign language learning standard in primary education. [88998]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The entitlement for all pupils to study languages at Key Stage 2 must include one of the working languages of the European Union. It will be for schools to decide which European Union language is chosen. Over and above that, it is for schools to decide which and how many languages they choose to offer. Schools may decide for example to offer one main language, or one or two main languages and additional 'taster' sessions in other languages. In addition, by drawing in foreign language speakers, such as parents, those in the community and in business, schools will be in a position to offer and promote a much wider range of languages than has been possible before.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what additional IT resources he will provide to assist primary schools in the development of language teaching at key stage 2. [89331]
  123W
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  A total of £710 million has been made available to schools in England through the ICT in Schools Standards Fund over the 2002–04 financial years. This funding is targeted to improve schools' ICT infrastructure and connectivity. It is for individual LEAs to decide how the funding is distributed to schools in line with their ICT development plans.

  An additional £30 million has been distributed to schools in September 2002 in the form of eLearning Credits (eLCs) for the sole use of buying certified curriculum online digital learning products. A further £20 million will be distributed in April 2003.

  We will continue to work with public and private sector providers to increase provision, raise the quality and widen the range of online teaching and learning materials. The new curriculum online service will facilitate teacher access to high quality electronic materials across the curriculum and will stimulate the development of materials for languages as well as for other subjects. There are also many online and offline ICT resources already available for teachers, including the British Educational SoftwareDatabase and the National Grid for Learning website. The Department is currently considering other ways of using ICT to support the teaching and learning of Modern Foreign Languages at Key Stage 2.

  Learning and Skills Council
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the common funding approach to be adopted by the Learning and Skills Council for 2003–04 and subsequent years. [87032]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is establishing a common funding approach for 2003–04 for further education, work-based learning, and school sixth forms. This replaces the previous separate funding arrangements for these three sectors. Adult and community learning will be brought progressively into the common funding approach as far as appropriate.

  The main principle of the common funding approach is that funding must follow the learner. It is built on the best elements of the former Further Education Funding Council's national system of formula based funding. The key elements of this system include funding elements for the basic costs for delivering all programmes, the extra costs for specialist programmes, learner achievement, extra support for disadvantaged learners, and higher costs for delivering provision in London and related areas.

  The LSC National Council has set up a Funding Group to consider future development of the common funding approach, including simplification of funding arrangements in response to the recommendations of the Bureaucracy Task Force. The LSC will take account of the "Success for All" strategy document and the forthcoming Government statements on 14–19 learning and on the Review of Funding of Adult Learning. We will ensure that the outcome and implications are clear for school sixth forms, colleges and other providers of further education and training.

  Public Schools
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to review the charitable status given to public schools; and if he will make a statement. [88272]

  Beverley Hughes
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Cabinet Office report, "Private Action, Public Benefit", was published on 25 September 2002. Its 61 recommendations set out a package of measures which aim to modernise charity law and enable a wide range of organisations to be more effective and innovative.

  The report recommends that in future all charities should have to demonstrate public benefit. Part of the report considers what happens now with those charities that charge fees which serve to exclude large sections of the population in terms of their having to make provision for wider access for those who would be excluded because of the fees. The report cites the example of independent schools.

  At present there is no systematic programme in place to check the public character of charities. The report recommends that an on-going review programme run by the Charity Commission should check the public character of such organisations. It is proposed that the commission would identify charities likely to charge high fees (such as independent schools) and undertake a rolling programme to check that provision was made for wider access. This programme will be designed to minimise red tape and will not focus on any particular sector. Short returns will be issued which ask charities what they do in terms of widening access, such as making provision for sharing facilities. It is envisaged that for the majority of cases no further inquiry will be necessary beyond the initial return.

  It is proposed that the Charity Commission, in consultation with charities likely to be affected and their umbrella bodies, would issue guidelines as to the level of access appropriate in particular circumstances.

  Of course at the moment these are only proposals. The report was out for consultation until 31 December 2002, and we shall consider the responses to this, and all the other matters addressed in the report, very carefully.

  School Admissions
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the responses received to the consultation on Revised School Admissions and Admission Appeals Codes of Practice and Accompanying Regulations. [89369]

  Mr. Miliband
  We received 187 written responses to the consultation, detailed in the following list. We also received verbal responses from four meetings with LEA officers, headteachers and others—some 400 people attended.
  125W

  LEAs (94)

  Barking and Dagenham Barnet

  Barnsley

  Bath and North East Somerset Bedfordshire

  Birmingham

  Blackpool Bournemouth

  Bracknell Forest

  Bradford Brent

  Brighton and Hove

  Bromley Buckinghamshire

  Calderdale Cambridgeshire

  Camden Cheshire Cornwall Croydon Cumbria Derbyshire Devon

  Doncaster Dorset

  Durham Ealing

  East Riding of Yorkshire East Sussex

  Enfield Essex

  Greenwich

  Hampshire

  Harrow Hartlepool Hounslow Isle of Wight

  Islington

  Kensington and Chelsea Kent

  Kingston upon Thames Leeds

  Leicestershire

  Lewisham Liverpool Luton

  Medway Merton Middlesbrough

  Milton Keynes

  Newcastle upon Tyne Newham

  Norfolk

  North East Lincolnshire North Somerset

  North Yorkshire Nottinghamshire

  Oxfordshire

  Peterborough

  126W

  Poole

  Portsmouth

  Redbridge

  Richmond upon Thames

  Rochdale

  Sandwell

  Sheffield

  Shropshire

  Slough

  Somerset

  South Gloucestershire

  Southampton Southend-on-Sea Southwark

  Staffordshire Stockport

  Stoke-on-Trent Suffolk

  Sunderland

  Surrey

  Tameside

  Torbay

  Tower Hamlets Trafford

  Wakefield

  Waltham Forest Wandsworth Warwickshire West Berkshire Westminster West Sussex

  Wirral

  Wiltshire

  Wokingham Wolverhampton

  Churches, Diocese and other belief organisations Catholic Education Service

  Church of England Board of Education

  Agency for Jewish Education/United Synagogue The Methodist Church

  Diocese of Blackburn

  London Diocesan Board for Schools

  Board of Education of Norwich Diocese Portsmouth Diocese Board of Education

  St. Albans Diocese

  The Dioceses of Southwark

  Archdioceses of Westminster Education Service Winchester Diocesan Board of Education British Humanist Association

  National Secular Society

  127W

  Key organisations

  Advisory Centre for Education (ACE)

  Association of London Chief Education Officers (ALCEO)/London Inter-Authority Admissions Group (LIAAG) Audit Commission

  Campaign For State Education (CASE)

  Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex

  Council of Tribunals

  Education Network (TEN)

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  Foundation and Aided Schools Association (FASNA) Information for School and College Governors (ISCG) Local Government Association (LGA)

  Local Government Ombudsman

  London School of Economics

  National Children's Bureau

  National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA)

  National Union of Teachers (NUT)

  Save the Children

  Secondary Heads Association (SHA)

  Others

  Office of the Children's Rights

  Five e-mails from parents

  Schools (51)

  Beaverwood School for Girls

  Beechen Cliff School

  Bennett Memorial Diocesan School

  Bishop Stopford's School

  Bullerswood School

  Bushey Meads School

  Canon Slade School

  Carr Hill 11–18 High School

  Casterton Community College

  Chelmsford County High School for Girls

  Coloma Convent Girls School

  The Folkestone School for Girls

  Grays Convent School

  Hasmonean Primary School

  Hasmonean High School

  Hertsmere Jewish Primary

  Independent Jewish Day School

  Kemnal Technology College

  King Edward VI Grammar School

  Lady Margaret School

  Latimer High School

  London Oratory School

  Langley Park School for Girls

  Menorah Primary School

  Michael Sobell Sinai School

  Minchinhampton School

  128W

  Montagu School

  Moriah Jewish Day School

  Northolt High School

  North West Jewish Day School

  Nottingham Emmanuel School

  Parkstone Grammar School

  Parmiter's School

  The Priory LSST

  St. Andrew's CE Primary, Enfield

  St. Bernard's High School, Essex

  St. Francis Xavier School

  St. Ignatius College

  St. James's CE Secondary School, Bolton

  St. James the Great VA Primary and Nursery School

  St. Peter's School, Bournemouth

  St. Peter's School, Walsall

  Sacred Heart School,

  Camberwell Sandiwig Primary

  Southend High School for Boys

  Watford Grammar School for Girls

  Westcliff High School for Boys

  Wolfson Hillel Primary School

  Plus e-mailed responses from three unnamed schools.

  School Budgets (Unspent Balances)
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what unspent school balances were clawed back using the funding formula set out by Mr.S.Bishop in his letter to chief education officers of local education authorities in England dated 23 October. [89336]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department wrote to Local Education Authorities on 10 December 2002 confirming that local education authorities would be able to use the system of controls on school balances proposed in the 23 October letter. However, they can do so only from April 2004.

  School discipline
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research he has commissioned into disciplinary problems in schools, related to juvenile drug abuse. [88654]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department for Education and Skills has not commissioned research specifically focusing on disciplinary problems in schools related to juvenile drug abuse.

  Specialist Schools
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the additional cost if the number of specialist schools rose to(a) 50 per cent., (b) 75 per cent. and (c) 100 per cent. of all maintained schools. [87197]
  129W
  Mr. Miliband
  The 2002–03 estimated cost of the programme will be £154.4 million. The full year revenue cost of the programme with the different levels of coverage of maintained secondary schools would be(a) £213.2 million (b) £320.2 million and (c) £427.2 million. Capital costs to take coverage to these levels would be (a) £61.8 million (b) £141.5 million and (c) £221.2 million.

  In November 2002 the Government lifted the cap on national funding to support the expansion of the programme. However, progress to specialist status continues to be dependent on meeting the required standard.

  De-designated specialist schools

  School

  LEA

  Specialism

  Operational From (September)

  To

  Aldersley High School

  Wolverhampton

  Technology

  2000

  31 August 19971

  Archbishop Michael Ramsey

  Southwark, LB of

  Technology

  2001

  31 July 19991

  Ashcroft High School

  Luton

  Technology

  1996

  1 September 2002

  Baines School

  Lancashire

  Technology

  1994

  31 August 2000

  Banbury School Technology College

  Oxfordshire

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 2001

  Bethnal Green High School

  Tower Hamlets

  Technology

  1996

  1 September 2002

  Chalfonts Community College (The)

  Buckinghamshire

  Technology

  2002

  31 August 19981

  Cowes High School

  Isle of Wight

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 2001

  Culcheth High School

  Warrington

  Technology

  1995

  31 December 1997

  de Stafford College

  Surrey

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Fallibroome High School

  Cheshire

  Technology

  1995

  31 December 1997

  Kings School Grantham

  Lincolnshire

  Technology

  1994

  31 August 2000

  Knowles Hill School

  Devon

  Technology

  2000

  31 August 19981

  Latymer School (The)

  Enfield

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Lea Manor High School

  Luton

  Language

  1996

  31 August 1999

  Mansfield High School

  Lancashire

  Technology

  1997

  31 August 1998

  Maricourt High School

  Sefton

  Technology

  1996

  1 September 2002

  Merrill College

  Derby, City of

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Oakmead School

  Bournemouth

  Technology

  2001

  31 August 19991

  Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

  Derbyshire

  Technology

  1997

  31 August 2000

  Rastrick High School

  Calderdale

  Technology

  1994

  31 August 2000

  Reading School

  Reading

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Sawston Village College

  Cambridgeshire

  Technology

  1999

  31 August 19981

  Senacre Technology College

  Kent

  Technology

  1994

  31 August 1997

  Sidney Stringer School

  Coventry

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 2001

  St Francis Xavier College

  Liverpool

  Technology

  1996

  31 August 1999

  St James C of E School

  Bolton

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  St Peter's High School and Technology College

  Essex

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 2001

  St Thomas More Catholic College

  Stoke on Trent

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Tring School

  Hertfordshire

  Technology

  1995

  31 August 1998

  Westlands High School

  Cheshire

  Technology

  1997

  31August 2000

  Westwood St Thomas School

  Wiltshire

  Technology

  1997

  31 August 2000

  Woolston High School

  Warrington

  Technology

  1996

  31 August 1999

  1 These schools have subsequently been successful in applications to re-join the programme.

  Note:

  Reasons for de-designation:

  All of the schools listed above, with the exception of Mansfield High School, were de-designated because they did not meet the criteria in respect of the progress expected of specialist schools against the designation criteria, and/or they did not prepare new plans that met the required standard. Mansfield High School was de-designated because of financial irregularities.

  Standards Fund
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the elements of the standards fund for each of the next two years showing budgeted expenditure under each head for each year. [87199]
  130W
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the specialist schools which have lost specialist status, with the date of the decision in each case and the reason for it. [87198]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Applicant schools seeking re-designation in their specialism are assessed against published criteria. Those applicants which do not meet the criteria in respect of the progress expected of specialist schools against the designation criteria, and/or prepare new plans that do not meet the required standard, are unsuccessful in their applications and are not re-designated.

  Mr. Miliband
  Details of education funding for the next three years, including the Standards Fund, were announced in the Secretary of State's statement to the House on 9 December and have been placed in the Library.
  131W

  £ million

  The Standards Fund

  Total budget

  2003–04

  2004–05

  Leadership Incentive Grant

  175

  175

  Targeted Improvement Grant

  34

  34

  Special Educational Needs

  41

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education and Prevention

  12

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  Study Support

  27

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  Study Support (Excellence in Cities)

  19

  21

  Child Protection Co-ordinators

  1

  1

  Vulnerable Children

  42

  42

  National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies

  109

  79

  Key Stage 3 National Strategy

  104

  71

  Key Stage 3 National Strategy: Behaviour

  20

  20

  Ethnic Minority Achievement

  78

  78

  Education Health Partnerships

  6

  6

  Music Services

  60

  60

  Playing for Success

  3

  3

  Early Excellence Centres

  10

  n/a

  This grant will be paid outside the SF from 2004–06

  Behaviour (Excellence in Cities)

  60

  70

  School Achievement Award Scheme

  60

  Funding from 2004–05 will be determined by the outcome of the evaluation of scheme

  Excellence in Cities and Excellence Clusters

  287

  330

  Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Children

  4

  4

  Specialist Schools: Revenue

  193

  273

  Demand led

  Beacon Schools

  —

  —

  To be determined

  Diversity Pathfinders

  2

  2

  Demand led

  Extended Schools

  5

  14

  Federations

  —

  —

  To be determined

  Advanced Schools

  —

  —

  To be determined

  Golden Hello Payments

  29

  0

  Demand led

  Training Schools

  8

  11

  Demand led

  Advanced Skills Teachers

  33

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  School Support Staff

  134

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  School Support Staff: Training and Development

  37

  65

  Teacher Sabbaticals

  10

  0

  Cease to be paid from 2004–05

  Early Professional Development

  10

  58

  Fast track

  —

  —

  To be determined

  Fresh Start and New Partnerships

  —

  —

  To be determined

  Information Communications Technology in Schools

  178

  —

  2004–05 to be determined

  Targets
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his response was to recent representations on targets connected with(a) the implementation of asset management plans by local educational authorities and (b) the rewording of substantial school repair projects. [88326]

  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has sent no response to representations on these targets. In recent weeks, officials have had meetings with representatives of the Construction Products Association to give details of the capital strategy and the role of the DIES in providing support for capital investment in their buildings by schools and LEAs. The Department is currently considering how best to collect information on the delivery of improved school buildings without imposing undue bureaucratic burdens locally or centrally.

  Temporary Workers Legislation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what costs he estimates will fall on(a) local education authorities and (b) other public education providers resulting from recent European legislation on temporary workers. [88327]
  132W
  Mr. Miliband
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has arranged for Regulatory Impact Assessments to be placed in the Library concerning: the recent Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of less favourable treatment) Regulations, which came into force on 1 October; and the European Commission's proposed Directive on the Working Conditions of Temporary Agency Workers.

  University Funding
  Ms Stuart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the criteria which he will use to allocate planned extra resources for student places to particular(a) universities and (b) courses, with special reference to the academic excellence of particular institutions. [88230]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) determine the extra allocations for individual institutions through an annual bidding exercise for additional student numbers. The criteria for the allocation of these places for 2003–04 are set out in the HEFCE publication, "Additional Student Places and Funds 2003–04", report number 2002/39. The strategy document on higher education, which will be published in January 2003, will set out our vision for the future funding of higher education.

  University Places
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students from Leeds West obtained places at a university in(a) 2002 and (b) 1997; and what percentage of those who had sat A levels went on to university. [81487]

  Margaret Hodge
  Figures for the number of students who enter higher education are not collated centrally by constituency.

  The available figures for Great Britain, showing the proportion of under 21-year-olds who enter higher education for the first time, are given in the table. There was an increase in the index in 1997–98 related partly to changes in the funding arrangements for higher education, with students choosing to enter HE rather than wait until 1998–99. There was a corresponding reduction in 1998–99 before the entry rates started to increase again in 1999–2000. Between 1997–98 and 2000–01, total HE students in English universities and colleges rose by 83,000. Nationally, around nine out of 10 18-year-olds who obtain two or more A levels enter HE by the time they are 21.

  Age participation index (API) 1 for Great Britain

  Year

  Percentage

  1997–98

  33

  1998–99

  31

  1999–2000

  32

  2000–01

  33

  2001–02

  233–35

  2002–03

  233–35

  1 The API is defined as the number of GB domiciled initial entrants to full-time and sandwich undergraduate HE aged under 21, expressed as a percentage of the average number of 18 and 19-year-olds in the population.

  2 Projected: final data on initial entrants not yet available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Angola
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the lifting of sanctions against the UNITA group in Angola. [88080]

  Mr. Rammell
  I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial Statement I made on 17 December 2002,official Report, column 43WS.

  Christmas Expenses
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much will be spent on(a) entertaining, (b) Christmas decorations and (c) other festive activities this Christmas season by his Department and government agencies answerable to his Department; and of this sum how much will be spent in ministers' (i) private offices and (ii) official residences. [88125]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The answer to the first part of this question could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Any
  134W
  expenditure in these categories is strictly for official purposes only, and is made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting.

  The total spent on entertainment, Christmas decorations and other festive activities for the FCO ministerial private offices and official residence at Christmas 2002 was £13,337.15. Of this £11,809.65 was spent on entertaining by ministerial offices and £1,527.50 in the official residence.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will specify the adjustments to the UN plan for Cyprus which were ratified to the parties on 10th December; if he will place a copy of the UN plan as adjusted in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [87496]

  Mr. MacShane
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: The United Nations' Secretary General has asked that the full details of the United Nations' negotiating process for a settlement in Cyprus remain confidential. It is for the UN Secretary General to decide on this plan's publication. I regret that it is therefore not possible to put a copy, as requested, in the Library.

  The broad thrust of the Secretary General's revised 10 December proposal was to make improvements for both sides in the areas of greatest concern to them.

  The United Nations held intensive consultations with the two sides in Cyprus and also in Copenhagen on 12 and 13 December 2002. It did not prove possible, however, to achieve a comprehensive settlement. However, the parties' positions have never been closer and agreement seemed possible up until the last minute.

  The UN Security Council heard a report from Mr Alvaro de Soto on 18 December and the President of the Council issued the following press statement:
  "On 18 December the members of the Security Council, in the presence of the Secretary General, heard a report from the Special Adviser to the Secretary General on Cyprus on the negotiations that have taken place in recent months, in pursuance of the mission entrusted to the Secretary General by the Security Council in its resolution 1250, aimed at achieving agreement on a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem which takes full account of relevant Security Council resolutions. The members of the Council commended the Secretary General for the initiatives he had taken in November and December 2002 to bridge the gaps between the two sides and to enable them to reach an agreement. They expressed the view that the proposal put forward on 11 November as revised on 10 December offered an unique opportunity to reach a settlement in the coming weeks. They regretted that the Turkish Cypriot leadership had not responded in a timely way to the initiatives of the Secretary General; and they called for its constructive efforts to reach a settlement in conformity with the timetable proposed by the Secretary General. They welcomed the willingness of both sides to continue the negotiations in the period ahead. They underlined the importance of intensifying the negotiations so that full agreement could be reached before 28 February 2003, in conformity with the timetable proposed by the Secretary General in his proposals. They urged both sides to work on the basis of the Secretary General's revised proposals of 10 December. The members of the Council drew attention to the unique opportunity that existed for the settlement of this long-running problem; and to the benefits for all concerned

  135W
  from so doing, so that all Cypriots can benefit from Cyprus's accession to the European Union. They urged all concerned to seize the historic opportunity to bring a peaceful, just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem to the benefit of all its people and the wider region. The members of the Council expressed their full support for the continuation of the Secretary General's mission of good offices and his efforts to bring about a settlement in the first two months of 2003."

  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Ann McKechin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the Final Report of the UN Panel of Experts on the Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources and Other Forms of Wealth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [87049]

  Mr. Rammell
  The UK fully supports the work of the UN Panel and welcomes its latest report. This highlights the activities of "criminal elites" operating throughout the region to exploit the DRC's natural resources. We hope the information in the report can be used to call those involved to account, although more information will be required to substantiate many of the claims made.

  The Panel's mandate expired on 18 October. We are still in discussion with the UN about the allegations. The Security Council is considering the extension of the panel's mandate to allow discussions to continue.

  Draft EU Constitution
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the clause in the EU draft constitution produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe requiring member states to do everything to further the aims of the EU. [88062]

  Mr. MacShane
  The draft Constitutional Treaty of the Praesidium of the Convention on the Future of Europe is an outline for discussion by the Convention. It has a clause which 'sets out the obligation of loyal co-operation of Member States vis-a-vis the Union'. The principle exists in the present Treaties (Article 10 of the Treaty on European Community and Article 11(2) the Treaty on European Union).

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the current draft of the European Constitution produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe contains a clause requiring a member state to join the euro. [88063]

  Mr. MacShane
  The draft Constitutional Treaty of the Praesidium of the Convention on the Future of Europe does not contain a clause requiring Member States to join the Euro. The UK would not agree to a constitution that would compel us to join the Euro. The Government would only recommend membership of the Euro if it is in the national economic interest and the economic case is clear and unambiguous.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish(a) the latest draft EU constitution produced by the Convention on the Future of Europe and (b) the UK response. [88064]
  136W
  Mr. MacShane
  The Praesidium of the Convention on the Future of Europe's draft Constitutional Treaty is publicly available. It can be accessed through their website at http://european-convention.eu.int/. It is a basis for further discussion by the Convention.

  EU Borders (Immigration)
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place at the Copenhagen summit regarding the securing of EU borders to illegal immigration. [88861]

  Mr. MacShane
  There were no specific discussions of illegal immigration at the Copenhagen European Council. The European Council in Seville in June 2002 focussed on ways to tackle illegal immigration and asylum, agreeing specific tasks and a timetable for implementing them. Good progress has been made on implementing these objectives. The Greek Presidency has identified combating illegal immigration as one of its priorities. Heads of State and Governments will assess progress in implementing the Seville Conclusions at the European Council in June 2003.

  European Union Enlargement
  Mr. Ian Davidson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether money and resources will be provided by the British Government for campaigning in referenda to be held in the various states proposing to join the European Union in 2004; and if he will make a statement. [88481]

  Mr. MacShane
  Given the decisions made at the Copenhagen Summit, the Government hopes that where there are referendums, EU membership will be supported; and in deepening and developing relations with the ten states prior to their planned accession on 1 May 2004, the Government will continue to set out the benefits of membership.

  The decision to join the EU rests with the citizens of the accession states themselves and the government has no plans to give direct financial support to campaigning groups within the 10 EU accession states

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister in his Department is nominated Green Minister; how often he has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the DEFRA rural proofing check-list in his Department. [88461]

  Mr. Rammell
  I am the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Green Minister.

  Information such as ministerial attendance at committees is covered by Exemption 2 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of the Cabinet and its committees.

  The DEFRA rural proofing check-list does not currently apply to the FCO.

  India
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Hawk components or production equipment exported to India under the open licence issued on 6 September 2001 have subsequently been re-exported; and what the(a) location of and (b) end-use were to which Hawk components or production equipment exported to India under the licence were put. [87613]

  Mr. Straw
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: The company has informed us that no Hawk components or production equipment have been exported to India under the open individual export licence issued by the Department for Trade and Industry on 6 September 2001.

  Statutory Instruments
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Statutory Instruments subject to negative procedure made by his Department(a) came into force and (b) were considered by a delegated legislation committee in each of the last three sessions. [88027]

  Mr. Straw
  The Statutory Instruments subject to negative procedure that were made by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in each of the last three sessions, are in the following list. All came into force and were considered by a designated legislation committee.

  1999/666 The Hong Kong (Overseas Public Servants) (Pension Supplements) (Amendment) Order 1999
  1999/1437 The Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999 (Immunities and Privileges) Order 1999
  2000/2147 The Antarctic (Amendment) Regulations 2000
  2001/3497 The British Nationality Act 1981 (Amendment of Schedules) Order 2001
  2002/1823 The Extradition (Overseas Territories) Order 2002
  2002/1824 The Extradition (Overseas Territories) (Hong Kong) Order 2002
  2002/1825 The Extradition (Overseas Territories) (Application to Hong Kong) Order 2002

  Turkey
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what investigation he has made into the number of changed appointment times brought about by the visa section of the British Consulate in Istanbul over the last quarter. [88378]
  138W
  Mr. Rammell
  No investigation has been made. On rare occasions, operational difficulties such as staff sickness or security restrictions may mean that interview appointments have to be rearranged. In such circumstances, applicants are usually seen the next day. Applicants can ask to have interview appointments brought forward for compassionate or other compelling reasons.

  UN Headquarters
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the potential move of the United Nations London headquarters to another European capital. [89024]

  Mr. Rammell
  As much UN information is available on-line, the United Nations Secretary- General in his report of 23 September 2002, "Strengthening of the United Nations", recommended the rationalisation of UN Information Centres in Western Europe, with their work being taken on by a single regional "hub". We believe the London UN Information Centre does an excellent job in promoting the UN in the UK. But we also fully support the Secretary-General's Reform report, which we believe will help to achieve a more efficient UN with resources focussed on priority activities. The proposed rationalisation of UN information centres will result in savings, which will be reallocated to those parts of the world with less access to information technology.

  A decision on the location of the Western Europe regional "hub" is not due until late 2003. The decision is for the Secretary-General to take. We would, of course, be delighted if London was chosen.

  Venezuela
  Mr. Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he is giving to(a) British expatriates living in Caracas and (b) British companies with interests in Venezuela on unrest in that country. [88706]

  Mr. Rammell
  On 21 December we advised all British Nationals in Venezuela to leave unless they had an urgent reason to remain. This decision was taken because of the continuing national strike and the resultant deteriorating security situation. We have maintained regular contact with British companies operating in Venezuela throughout this period.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Jonathan Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum-seeking unaccompanied minors were(a) returned to their country of origin prior to their 18th birthday in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000, (iii) 2001 and (iv) 2002, (b) to which countries they were returned in each year and (c) what criteria were applied for each country; and if he will make a statement. [88368]

  Beverley Hughes
  The information requested is not available. Although statistics of the removal of failed asylum seekers include unaccompanied minors; they are not separately identified. The information would therefore be available only by examination of individual case-files at disproportionate cost.

  However, as a matter of policy, unaccompanied children are not removed under Immigration Act powers unless we are satisfied that suitable arrangements have been made for their reception and care in the destination country.

  Jonathan Shaw: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there will be changes to the process for families who apply for asylum in-country claiming support following implementation of section 55 of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. [88376]

  Beverley Hughes
  From 8 January 2003, when section 55 comes into force, support will be provided to an asylum seeker and his/her household if he or she has a dependant aged under 18 even if he/she did not apply for asylum as soon as reasonably practicable. It is for the Secretary of State, in practice The National Asylum Support Service (NASS), to determine whether a person is a dependant under 18 and to determine who forms part of the household and can therefore receive support irrespective of whether the asylum seeker concerned applied for asylum as soon as reasonably practicable. Accordingly new procedures are being developed to enable this to take place.

  Children Act
  Mr. Dawson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he intends to take to implement the decision of the High Court on 29 November that the Children Act 1989 applies to children held in prison custody. [88233]

  Hilary Benn
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Mid-Dorset and North Poole (Mrs. Brooke) on 9 December 2002,official Report, column 128W.

  Children in Prison
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children are held in prison, broken down by type of offence. [88519]

  Hilary Benn
  The number of people under the age of 18 that were in prison on 31 October 2002, broken down by offence group is shown in the table.

  Juveniles in Prison Service establishments by offence type, 31 October 2002

  Offence Type

  Number of Persons

  Total

  2,724

  Violence Against the Person

  468

  Sexual Offences

  80

  Burglary

  491

  Robbery

  701

  Theft and Handling

  424

  Fraud and Forgery

  8

  Drugs Offences

  65

  Other Offences

  381

  Offence Not Recorded

  106

  Drug Trafficking
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what funding he has targeted on preventative programmes to tackle(a) drug use and crime and (b) youth offending; what funding is specifically targeted at vulnerable groups; and if he will make a statement. [82713]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  [holding answer 25 November 2002]: Planned expenditure across Government in 2002–03 is as follows:
  Prevention of drug misuse by initiatives to disrupt trafficking and to reduce the supply of drugs—£376 million;
  Preventative initiatives to strengthen communities and reduce the impact on them of drug misuse, including by reducing offending and re-offending by the drug misusers who cause the most harm to themselves and others—£171 million; and
  Preventing drug misuse by young people, including through education and early interventions particularly targeted at vulnerable young people—£102 million.

  Emergency Services
  John McDonnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to create a separate offence of assault on members of the emergency services. [88488]

  Hilary Benn
  All assaults against emergency services personnel are totally unacceptable, and the severity of the sentence should reflect the relative seriousness of the crime. Courts already have discretion to impose the appropriate sentence taking into account all the aggravating or mitigating circumstances, within maximum penalties that range from six months for common assault to life imprisonment for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

  Floating Accommodation
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which are the mainland locations closest to the floating accommodation that are being planned; [88016]

  (2) what recent representations his Department have received on using floating accommodation centres for asylum seekers; and what size of such centres he is planning. [88015]

  Beverley Hughes
  I met the hon. Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff) on 4 July 2002 to discuss floating accommodation for asylum seekers. We have not ruled out this possibility.

  Site searching for potential accommodation centre sites remains ongoing. We will not be putting into the public domain details of such sites unless and until they are considered to be a serious prospect for the siting of an accommodation centre.

  Prison Inmates (Hospital Treatment)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in 2002 prison inmates have been taken to hospital for medical treatment and have been shackled while in hospital; and if he will make a statement. [86824]

  Hilary Benn
  No central records are maintained of the number of prisoners taken to hospital for medical treatment or the number of those who are held under restraint, and the information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The application of restraints to prisoners at hospital is determined by a risk assessment but restraints are not applied to women attending for antenatal treatment or to give birth. Once applied, restraints may be removed subject to a risk assessment, and will be removed where a healthcare professional seeks their removal because of an immediate risk to the health of the prisoner, or because the prisoner is in pain or discomfort, or because the restraints are impeding essential treatment.

  Prisoners (Thrombolysis)
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of heart attack victims in the prison population received thrombolysis within 30 minutes in the most recent period for which figures are available. [88003]

  Hilary Benn
  This information is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Suicides (Youth Detention)
  Mr. Lyons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) young people and (b) women have committed suicide in youth detention in each year since 1997; [87764]

  (2) how many suicides there have been in English prisons in each year since 1997. [87763]

  Hilary Benn
  The information requested is in the tables. Table 1 covers the 468 self-inflicted deaths in Prison Service establishments in England since 1 January 1997. Table 2 covers the 71 male and eight 142W
  female self-inflicted deaths of those under the age of 21 held in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales since 1 January 1997. Those under the age of 18 may also be held in Local Authority Secure Units and Secure Training Centres (STCs). Table 3 covers the one self-inflicted death in Local Authority Secure Units in England and Wales since 1 January 1997. There have been no deaths in STCs since the first STC opened in April 1998.

  Table 1: Number of self-inflicted deaths in Prison Service establishments in England between 1 January 1997 and 17 December 2002

  Calendar year

  Number

  1997

  65

  1998

  76

  1999

  89

  2000

  80

  2001

  67

  2002

  91

  Total

  468

  Table 2: The number of self-inflicted deaths in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales by gender and age category between 1 January 1997 and 17 December 2002

  Age category

  Gender/calendar year

  15–17 years

  18–20 years

  Total

  Male

  1997

  0

  8

  8

  1998

  3

  11

  14

  1999

  2

  13

  15

  2000

  3

  9

  12

  2001

  3

  8

  11

  2002

  3

  9

  11

  Total

  13

  58

  71

  Female

  1997

  0

  1

  1

  2000

  0

  4

  4

  2001

  0

  2

  2

  2002

  0

  1

  1

  Total

  0

  8

  Table 3: The number of self-inflicted deaths in Local Authority Secure Units between 1 January 1997 and 17 December 2002

  Number

  1997

  —

  1998

  1

  1999

  —

  2000

  —

  2001

  —

  2002

  —

  The Prison Service and the Youth Justice Board (YJB) are working closely together to try to prevent the suicides of young people held in their care. The Prison Service's suicide prevention and self-harm reduction programme (which applies to all prisoners, regardless of gender and age) includes a series of projects to improve pre-reception. reception and induction arrangements; the exchange of information; the care of prisoners; detoxification; prisoners supporting each other and learning from investigations into deaths in custody.

  Terrorism
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with European partners on changes to immigration and asylum policy in the fight against terrorism. [88392]

  Beverley Hughes
  The United Kingdom has actively promoted counter terrorism measures within the European Union (EU) and the global fight against terrorism now represents a key priority objective for the EU. We ensure that discussions of immigration and asylum issues, and in particular border control measures, take full account of the contribution that these activities can make to the fight against terrorism.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  High Hedges
  Mr Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce legislation for Northern Ireland to deal with high hedges. [88379]

  Angela Smith
  I have no plans at present to introduce legislation for Northern Ireland on this issue.

  Transport Links
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the potential for enhanced rail, air and sea transport links between Scotland and Northern Ireland. [88936]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Air and shipping services are 'reserved' matters, which are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Transport. Northern Ireland is reasonably well served at present by the existing transport linkages with Scotland, however there is always potential for such links to be further strengthened and enhanced, and I would expect this to happen as the private sector operators respond to new commercial opportunities and the changing market. It remains to be seen though what effect the growing competition between air and shipping operators will have on the Northern Ireland-Scotland routes.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  GATS
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what organisations have been consulted in the UK public consultation on GATS; and what measures have been taken to maximise public contributions to the consultation process. [88002]

  Ms Hewitt
  To date, my Department has distributed over 1,500 copies of the consultation document to NGOs, professional associations, trade associations, industry groups, members of the public and other interested groups and associations. In addition, the consultation document has been available in two formats (PDF and Word) on the DTFs World Trade web site.

  Nuclear Facilities (Safety)
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice he has given to civil nuclear facilities regarding security. [88396]

  Mr. Wilson
  Advice on security measures at civil nuclear facilities is provided by the DTI's Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS). The Director of Civil Nuclear Security, the nuclear security regulator, published his first annual report this year outlining his activities, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

  It is not Government policy to disclose details of security issues concerning nuclear facilities as this information could be of use to potential terrorists.

  Arbre Biomass Renewable Energy Plant
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she received(a) from and (b) in relation to the Arbre Biomass renewable energy plant; and if she will make a statement. [88101]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: My officials and I, have received a number of representations from those with an interest in the Arbre biomass plant.

  Despite the recent problems that have beset Arbre it is hoped the project will be brought into full commercial operation under new ownership. The Government has indicated its willingness to talk to interested parties willing to create a long-term future for Arbre and to consider proposals which reduce the technical risk of taking the project to commercial operation.

  Many lessons have already been learnt as a result of the project that can be applied to future high efficiency biomass plant, which are likely to be required if dedicated biomass plant are to be available in the medium term.

  ASW Steel
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the communications she has received from(a) Members and (b) officials of the Welsh Assembly about (i) ASW Steel and (ii) Celsa. [87452]

  Ms Hewitt
  DTI Ministers have received a number of communications from Members and officials of the Welsh Assembly Government about the receivership of ASW Holdings Ltd. and the subsequent announcement by its receivers, KPMG, that they have entered into an exclusivity agreement with Celsa to discuss the sale of certain ASW assets. It has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose confidential communications between Government Departments which are covered by Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date she was informed that(a) ASW Steel had gone into receivership, (b) the Cardiff plant was closed by the receivers and (c) Celsa had purchased part of ASW Steel's assets. [87453]
  145W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: The answer is as follows:

  (a) I became aware that ASW Holdings Ltd. was in difficulty in early July and immediately initiated discussions to try to help the company. My colleague, Minister of State for Employment Relations, Industry and the Regions, held an emergency meeting, on 8 July 2002 involving the company, its bankers and credit insurers. Despite these efforts, I was informed on 10 July 2002 that the company unfortunately had been left with no alternative but to call in the receivers.

  (b) On 24 July 2002, the receivers, KPMG, informed my Department that production at the Cardiff plant would not recommence after the annual two-week summer shut down due to begin on 26 July 2002.

  (c) I became aware that Celsa had entered into an exclusivity agreement with KPMG to negotiate the purchase of part of ASW's assets on 11 November 2002.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department had with(a) Members, (b) officials of the Welsh Assembly, (c) officials and (d) receivers of (i) ASW Steel and (ii) Celsa regarding the sale of ASW Steel to Celsa and what the (A) purpose and (B) conclusions of them were. [87459]

  Ms Hewitt
  ASW is in administrative receivership and discussions with potential purchasers of the company are entirely a matter for the receivers, KPMG. My Department has therefore had no discussions with Celsa. My Department has, as you might expect, maintained a dialogue, and met, with KPMG to keep abreast of developments in order to assess the future of the company and its workforce. It has also maintained contact with officials at the Welsh Assembly to exchange information on the progress of discussions between the receivers and potential purchasers.

  The sale of parts of ASW to Celsa has not been finalised. The discussions between Celsa and KPMG are subject to a confidentiality agreement and so full details of the proposed agreement are not known at this stage. Celsa has indicated that if its bid is finalised it hopes to create jobs for around 600 in Cardiff. KPMG continue discussions with prospective purchasers for the parts of the Sheerness plant not included in the proposed Celsa deal and I very much hope that a buyer can be found.

  At the request of my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, officials in HM Consulate General Barcelona have separately attempted, unsuccessfully, to facilitate a private meeting for my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, with Celsa. In doing so, it was made clear that my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, wished to express his concern for his constituents and the job losses involved and that her Majesty's Government was impartial between the UK locations currently occupied by ASW and officials would not be able to accompany my hon. Friend to any meeting with the company. Apart from this, my Department has had no contact with the company.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her Department's involvement in the sale of ASW Steel to Celsa. [87460]
  146W
  Ms Hewitt
  ASW Holdings Ltd. is in administrative receivership and the sale of the company is a matter for the appointed receivers, KPMG. My Department has had no involvement in the proposed sale of parts of ASW Holdings Ltd. to Celsa.

  At the request of my hon. Friend, the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Mr. Wyatt), officials in HM Consulate General Barcelona have separately attempted, unsuccessfully, to facilitate a private meeting for my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey with Celsa. In doing so, it was made clear that my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey wished to express his concern for his constituents and the job losses involved.

  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants have been made to(a) ASW Steel, (b) Celsa, (c) ASW's Cardiff site, and (d) ASW's Sheerness site in each of the last two years, stating for each (i) the date and (ii) conditions of the grant. [87490]

  Ms Hewitt
  I can find no record of grants awarded by my Department to any part of ASW Holdings Ltd. in the last two years, neither is there any record of any grants to the Sheerness plant from authorities in the south-east. Similarly, the Welsh Assembly Government inform me that no grants have been awarded to the Cardiff site from Welsh authorities. Celsa, although it is currently in discussion with KPMG for the purchase of parts of ASW, is a Spanish company with no known business operations in the UK, and so would not have received any grants in the UK.

  British Energy
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the financial implications to BNFL of the rescue package for British Energy; and if she will make a statement. [88662]

  Mr. Wilson
  This is a commercial matter for BNFL.

  Broadband Satellite (SEEDA)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent on the SEEDA's policy to introduce broadband by satellite; and why the scheme was discontinued. [88014]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: To date approximately 200 grants have been offered at £1,060 each during a pilot phase of SEEDA's satellite broadband programme. The trial ran from June through to November 2002. The programme has not been discontinued. The results of the pilot are being evaluated and it is planned that the programme will be launched across the whole of the south-east region early in the new year.

  Child Care
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of the role of regional development agencies in promoting growth of child care in industry; and if she will make a statement. [89114]
  147W
  Alan Johnson
  I strongly believe that the appropriate provision of child care makes an important contribution to the achievement of economic prosperity at national and regional level. Accordingly, officials in the Department and the Department for Education and Skills have been discussing with the RDAs ways in which they can help to promote and support both public and private provision of child care in their regions.

  Christmas Expenses
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many departmental Christmas cards she and her Ministers intend to send in 2002; how much these cards will cost(a) to buy, (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if she will place in the Library a sample copy of the official Christmas card she has sent this year. [88108]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: In total, 800 departmental Christmas cards were sent by Ministers in my Department. The total cost of designing and printing these cards was approximately £269 and the cost to post them was about £250. It is not possible to estimate the staff costs involved in signing, addressing and placing the cards in envelopes without incurring disproportionate cost.

  All expenditure incurred in the purchase and despatch of official Christmas cards was made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in `Government Accounting'.

  I have arranged for a sample of the departmental Christmas card to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Coal Health Compensation Schemes
  Jeff Ennis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent on the coal health compensation schemes; and what percentage of the total has gone to(a) claimants, (b) solicitors and (c) other organisations, with specific reference to (i) IRISC, (ii) Healthcall, (iii) Schlumberga Senna and (iv) Hayes. [88285]

  Mr. Wilson
  The information is as follows:

  COPD

  VWF £ million

  Total £ million

  Percentage £ million

  Total damages paid

  520

  660

  1,180

  73

  Total solicitors' costs paid

  100

  60

  160

  10

  Other costs related to claim settlements which include payments to contractors

  —

  —

  1270

  17

  1 Due to commercial confidentiality, the Department is unable to provide a breakdown of the figures paid to individual contractors.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will reply to the letter of 16 October regarding car imports from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan. [88633]
  148W
  Ms Hewitt
  My office cannot find any trace of the letter. I suggest that the hon. Member sends it to me again and I will ensure that it receives prompt attention.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will reply to the letter of October 2002 regarding mis-selling of pensions from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan. [88634]

  Ms Hewitt
  The letter was transferred to the Treasury for response since the subject is the responsibility of that Department.

  Embedded Generation
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress she has made in encouraging embedded generation; and if she will make a statement. [87883]

  Mr. Wilson
  The DTI has taken a number of initiatives to facilitate the development of embedded or distributed generation. Many of the initiatives are being progressed through the Distributed Generation Co-ordinating Group (DGCG), established jointly by the DTI and Ofgem, to monitor the implementation of the Embedded Generation Working Group's recommendations. These recommendations focus on ensuring that embedded generation is treated in a fair and equitable fashion when connecting to the distribution networks and operating in the electricity market.

  Many of the activities of the DGCG are funded via the DTI's Renewable Energy Programme, which also supports a range of other activities designed specifically to facilitate the development of embedded or distributed generation within the UK.

  Further and Higher Education Policy
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had on the needs of employers with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in connection with formulation of policies on further and higher education. [87489]

  Ms Hewitt
  I am well aware that the business perspective needs to be reflected in the higher education and further education agendas.

  To this end, I have regular meetings with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills to discuss these issues. The last such meeting was on 1 December 2002. There are regular meetings between my right hon. and hon. Friends, the Minister for Work and Pensions, the Minister for Adult Learning, the Economic Secretary and the Minister for E-Commerce and Competitiveness, in order to develop the agenda. Also, senior officials from the two Departments meet regularly to discuss the strategy fully.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Minister in her Department is the nominated Green Minister; how often she has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the DEFRA rural proofing check-list in her Department. [88453]
  149W
  Mr. Wilson
  I am DTI's Green Minister.

  It is established practice under Exemption 2 of Part II of the code of practice on access to Government information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of the Cabinet and its committees— such as Ministerial attendance at committees.

  Departments do not publish a list of officials responsible for the DEFRA rural proofing check-list as personnel and machinery of Government changes mean that any published list would become out of date fairly quickly.

  Icelandic Trawlermen
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will include the Erimo on the list of eligible vessels for the purpose of the compensation scheme for former Icelandic water trawlermen. [80120]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Government are not satisfied on the basis of the available evidence that the Erimo made voyages within 200 miles of Iceland, as required under the scheme rules. It would not therefore be appropriate for it to be added to the list.

  Investment Committee
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the terms of reference are for the Investment Committee; and if she will make a statement. [87926]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Draft terms of reference for the Business Support Investment Committee are to be discussed at its first meeting in January and the agreed version will then be published.

  Knowledge Transfer Initiatives
  Mr. Mark Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money her Department will spend on knowledge transfer initiatives in(a) 2003–4, (b) 2004–5 and (c) 2005–6 following the comprehensive spending review 2002. [87836]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: As part of its 2002 spending review (SR2002) settlement, the Department of Trade and Industry's resources for innovation and knowledge transfer will rise from £338 million in 2002–3 to £388 million by 2005–6. My Department is currently developing—as part of our business planning process—detailed allocations for individual budgets and activities for the SR2002 period.

  In addition, through the Office of Science and Technology and the UK science budget, my Department provides funding for activities which support the commercial exploitation of science. This includes, for example, funding for the Higher EducationInnovation Fund and the Public Sector Research Establishment (PSRE) Fund. For more information, see www.ost.golv.uk/reerach/funding/budget 03–06/dti-sciencebudgetbook.pdf

  Ministerial Engagements
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many engagements were 150W
  undertaken outside London (a) by her or her predecessor and (b) by ministers in her Department in January (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002. [87348]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon Member to the answer given to him on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 608W, by my hon Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office.

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of the time she spent in the last six months working as a Minister was spent on issues relating to her role as(a) Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, (b) Minister for Women and (c) E-Minister in the Cabinet. [87454]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: My roles as Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Minister for Women and E-Minister in the Cabinet are closely linked, and it is not practicable to make an assessment of my time spent on each subject without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Nimrod/Astute Contracts
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department hired UBS Warburg to advise it and the MoD on issues arising from the Nimrod and Astute contracts with BAE Systems. [88412]

  Alan Johnson
  The Government has retained the services of UBS Warburg to provide specialist financial advice. There is nothing unusual in this, as it is not uncommon for Government to bring in external experts for specialist advice.

  Post Office Network
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports she has made to the Prime Minister on progress in implementing the recommendations made by the PIU for modernising the Post Office network; if she will publish the reports; and if she will make a statement. [88042]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Postcomm reports annually on the post office network and its second annual report was published on 30 September 2002. The Prime Minister's Office has also been kept abreast of progress in implementing the recommendations made by the PIU for modernising the Post Office network; there are no plans for publication. We have separately kept Parliament informed of progress.

  Post Office Benefit Payments
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she has taken to facilitate the distribution to customers by sub-postmasters of material produced by their trade association concerning changes to the payment of benefits and pensions; and if she will make a statement. [88666]
  151W
  Mr. Timms
  The marketing of universal banking services is, like other post office services, a matter for Post Office Ltd, in line with any contractual obligations. It is inappropriate for other organisations or individuals to produce their own marketing materials. Competing marketing materials would run the risk of misleading and worrying customers.

  Post Office Group
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the financial position of the Post Office Group. [88039]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Royal Mail Holdings published their interim financial statements on 14 November 2002. These showed that in the six months to 29 September 2002 the company made a post-tax loss of £484 million on turnover of just under £4 billion. The company's accumulated capital and reserves stood at £2,127 million.

  The Government believe the necessary changes to remedy this disappointing performance are now under way. These changes include the appointment of new board members, a major restructuring programme under the chairman, Allan Leighton, and making available the £1.8 billion of accumulated reserves, which will back investment required in the mails business and Post Office Ltd.

  Post Offices
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will set out the timetable for(a) testing and (b) installing the software systems for operating the new Post Office card accounts. [86211]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 9 December 2002]: These are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Post Office will advise about banking services at Post Offices. [86558]

  Mr. Timms
  Post Office Ltd. currently provides information to customers on banking arrangements at Post Office branches.

  The Government and Post Office Ltd. are working together to ensure that frontline staff have all the information they need to answer any questions from customers about banking facilities in Post Office branches.

  Post Office Ltd. has now sent three pieces of communication to all Post Office branches: a leaflet entitled "Your essential guide to your customers' banking options" to explain to sub-postmasters all the options available to customers; a customer child benefit leaflet for issue to customers; and, a Banking Information Pack. I am informed that all have received positive feedback from sub-postmasters.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices are being run by modified sub-postmasters, working on(a) short-term, (b) temporary contracts and (c) long-term contracts; and if she will make a statement; [88041]
  152W
  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: These are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. and I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 16 December 2002,official Report, columns 542–43W, on post offices, when she expects the first proposals for closures to be announced. [88476]

  Mr. Timms
  I understand from Post Office Ltd. that the first proposals for post office closures under the urban reinvention programme went out to public consultation under the Code of Practice in respect of 25 offices on 29 November, followed by closure proposals for a further 32 offices on 16 December.

  Post Offices (Benefits)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the change in revenue of the average Post Office branch as a result of changes to the method of paying benefits from April 2003. [86450]

  Ms Hewitt
  The migration of benefit payments to ACT will take place over two years from April 2003. There will not be a sudden drop in benefit book related income in April 2003. On changeover of payment arrangements, all customers who wish to do so will be able to access their benefits in cash at a post office counter and sub-postmasters will be remunerated for those transactions. The change in revenue as a result of changes to the method of paying benefits from April 2003 will vary according to the individual circumstances of each office, and the extent to which they develop new revenue streams, including from banking services.

  Post Office Ltd. continues to develop plans for expansion of revenue generating services in the post office network. Banking will be a central part of the Post Office's strategy to move forward. Universal banking services, together with plans for the expansion of network banking, should lead to substantial increases in the range and volume of banking at post offices, tapping into a very much larger customer base than benefit recipients alone.

  Post Offices (Chorley)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when Chorley council area post offices will be ready to use post office customer card accounts. [87519]

  Mr. Timms
  Good progress is being made on the implementation of universal banking services, including the card account at the Post Office. The programme is on track to deliver in advance of migration of benefits to ACT in 2003.

  Post Offices (GP Services)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her plans for Government general practitioner services to be provided in post offices. [88673]
  153W
  Mr. Timms
  As I announced on 15 October, although the outcome of the evaluation of the Your Guide pilot of post offices as Government General Practitioners showed that a publicly funded national Your Guide service would not provide value for money and we therefore decided not to extend it, the pilot did identify opportunities for individual Government Departments to deliver services through post offices in the future. There is also commercial interest in placing kiosks in retail outlets including post offices. It is expected that a commercial kiosk pilot run by E-Daily will start in Cornwall next year and that this will involve a number of post offices. Officials in my Department are in contact with other departments about the potential for using E-Daily as an information channel and I understand that E-Daily is in direct touch with other departments as well as with the National Federation of Sub Postmasters.

  Postal Services
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on the maintenance of universal postal service provision at a uniform price. [87970]

  Mr. Timms
  The universal postal service obligation was laid down in the Postal Services Act 2000 and consists of a service provided at an affordable price determined by a public tariff uniform throughout the United Kingdom. It includes the delivery each working day to the home or premises of every individual in the United Kingdom and a collection each working day from access points, subject to the exceptions to this agreed with Postcomm.

  Under section 3 of the Act, it is the primary duty of the Regulator, Postcomm, to maintain the universal postal service. The Government's commitment to that service is consequently enshrined in the Postal Services Act.

  Power Generation (State Aid)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the admissibility of state aid to the power generation industry under EU regulations; and what recent consultations she has had on this issue. [88048]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: State aid may be paid to the power generation industry, subject to commission approval and consistency with the terms of the EC treaty, under a number of horizontal frameworks and guidelines. These include the community guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and for rescuing and restructuring firms in difficulty. My ministerial colleagues and I have been in contact with the European Commission and others about the rescue aid recently granted to British Energy, which was approved by the commission on 27 November.

  Productivity
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research has been conducted by her Department into the relationship between expenditure on research and development and productivity. [87837]
  154W
  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]My Department undertakes some studies into the factors affecting business innovation, including industrial and public research and development and its effects on productivity. Some examples can be found on a DTI economists' Website www.dti.gov.uk/iese. We also keep in close touch with the large amount of academic research on the links between R&D and GDP growth and productivity. Some of this material was summarised in the joint DTI/Treasury./DfES publication Investing in Innovation, pages 11–12. Available at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what business support is provided by regional development agencies. [87999]

  Alan Johnson
  A key part of the RDAs' role is to ensure there is appropriate business support in their regions to support the regional economic strategies which the RDAs have developed and are implementing, working with regional and local partners closely.

  Information on what the RDAs are doing is available in the regional economic strategies, which can be accessed on the RDAs' website (via www.rdauk.org) and in the RDAs' corporate plans. The corporate plans for 2003–6 will be available in the Libraries of the House in the spring.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which projects involving renewable energy sources have been accepted for generation export since May 2001. [89315]

  Mr. Wilson
  The information requested is not available since there is no means of determining whether any of the electricity exported is generated from renewable energy sources.

  Retired Mineworkers
  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many retired mineworkers have received a lump sum payment as compensation for low level payments from the Mineworkers Pension Scheme; and how many were from the Forest of Dean coalfield. [87593]

  Mr. Timms
  To date over £56.9 million has been paid to 42,500 MPS members on the lowest pensions who left British Coal before or shortly after 1975. 57 members with postcodes in the area of the Forest of Dean have been paid.

  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many retired mineworkers from the Forest of Dean coalfield have been turned down for the compensatory lump sum payment to the Mineworkers Pension Scheme. [87594]

  Mr. Timms
  The Scheme to help those MPS members on the lowest pensions who left British Coal before or shortly after 1975 does not operate on the basis of applications. MPS members who are identified by DTI's agents, Paymaster, as meeting the Scheme's criteria
  155W
  are automatically sent the appropriate sum. While Paymaster, and my Department, both receive enquiries from MPS members about eligibility, no records are kept of the addresses of those advised they are ineligible.

  Diana Organ
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to assist those retired mineworkers from the Forest of Dean coalfield who are not eligible for the lump sum payment as compensation for the Mineworkers Pension Scheme owing to them not fulfilling the criteria of being in the scheme for five years from April 1961. [87595]

  Mr. Timms
  The intention of the scheme to help those MPS members on the lowest pensions who left British Coal before or shortly after 1975 is to address the problem of retired mineworkers who receive very low pensions in spite of lengthy service in the industry. For this reason, mineworkers with less than five years contributory service were excluded. For most MPS members, service prior to April 1961 is not included because they opted to take a refund of contributions with respect to that service, although service prior to April 1961 is counted in the cases of those who chose not to exercise that option. We have no plans to revisit these criteria.

  Single Mail Delivery
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Post Office's(a) proposal to move to a single mail delivery and (b) decision to cancel late collections from city centre post boxes. [88140]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: These are matters that fall within the day-to-day responsibility of Royal Mail Group plc and I have therefore asked the chairman to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Small Retail Businesses
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates she has made of the number of people employed in small retail businesses in(a) the UK, (b) Lancashire, (c) the north west and (d) Wales. [R] [88646]

  Nigel Griffiths
  At the start of 2001 there were 1.1 million people employed in small retail businesses in the UK with less than 250 employees.

  Data are available for the north west and Wales at the start of 1999 but only at a greater aggregation that includes wholesale, repairs, retail, hotels and restaurants. There were 361,000 people employed in small businesses classified to these sectors in the north west and 141,000 in Wales.

  County level data are not available.

  Solar Panels
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have applied for a grant to aid the installation of solar panelling for their domestic electricity; and how much money has been set aside for this purpose. [87963]
  156W
  Mr. Wilson
  Under the £20 million major demonstration programme, 126 small-scale applications had been received by the end of November 2002. Of these, 25 had been completed, a further 79 had a grant offered, nine were on hold, eight had been withdrawn and five rejected. Total grants (which represent 50 per cent of the total cost of the PV systems) to date is around £860,000.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals she has to improve the promotion of solar panels. [87964]

  Mr. Wilson
  The £20 million first phase of the Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme has already received publicity through newspaper and magazine articles and in items on TV and radio. The Programme Management Contractor is promoting the programme through thousands of flyers and fact sheets, and at seminars, conferences and exhibitions, and a number of PV suppliers and installers are doing their own promotion on the back of the programme. We will continually review the marketing of the programme, particularly to geographical areas and sectors which show a poor level of take-up.

  Solar PV Industry
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria are being used to decide which large scale project bids under Stream 2 of her Department's solar PV major demonstration programme receive capital grant funding. [87716]

  Mr. Wilson
  The criteria for selecting Stream 2 projects are set out in the Guidance Notes for the Application Process and on the programme website www.solarpvgrants.co.uk

  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will begin the process of determining whether phase one of the solar PV major demonstration programme has been a success. [87718]

  Mr. Wilson
  The first phase of the PV M DP runs for three years and, while progress is constantly being reviewed, we will probably not undertake formal evaluation until the third year.

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 5 December: what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [86705]

  Mr. Timms
  I represented the UK at the Telecommunications Council in Brussels on 5 December.

  There was a policy debate on the situation in the telecommunications sector in Europe, and the Council adopted conclusions which emphasised the importance of developing content, services and applications for the information society, and the widespread availability and use of broadband networks, using a multi-platform approach as set out in the eEurope 2005 Action Plan. The conclusions also underlined the importance of implementation of the new regulatory framework for electronic communications, and agreed that intervention in the form of state aid was not the way

  157W
  forward. In particular, the Council emphasised the importance of placing the information society and the telecommunications sector high on the agenda of the Spring European Council, and invited the Commission to report on these subjects in due time beforehand and if necessary put forward appropriate proposals.

  There was also adoption of two resolutions: one on the implementation (including the benchmarking) of the eEurope Action Plan 2005; and another on promoting a culture of network and information security. Council conclusions were also adopted on eSkills. There was also an agreement on a general approach, without the need for a vote, towards the MODINIS programme which helps fund the implementation of the eEurope Action Plan 2005, and work on network security. Regarding the dti Department of Trade and Industry Commission's proposal for a Directive on the re-use and commercial exploitation of public sector information, the presidency concluded that a common position is likely to be adopted at the March Council following adoption of an opinion by the European Parliament.

  The Commission also gave a short presentation on its eighth report on the implementation of the current regulatory framework for telecommunications which reiterated the importance of timely, effective and coherent implementation of the new regulatory framework for electronic communical ions. The Commission also reported progress on its work on open platforms for digital television and 3G mobile, and on electronic identification and authentication systems in e-commerce, on which public hearings are expected in the New Year.

  On the reform of ICANN, the private sector company based in the United States that manages the Internet domain name system, the Commission gave an update on the positive progress towards successful reform achieved at the latest ICANN reform negotiations which took place in Shanghai in October.

  TUPE Regulations
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will respond to the consultation on the reform of TUPE Regulations, with particular reference to the treatment of occupational pension rights; and if she will make a statement. [88046]

  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The Green Paper "Pensions and the Workplace", published on 17 December 2002, reaffirms that the Government remain committed to the long-standing policy of protection for employees' occupational pension rights on a "broadly comparable" basis for public sector transfers, both on first transfer of a service to the private sector and on any subsequent transfers within the private sector. It also seeks further views on the question of providing a degree of explicit legal protection for occupational pension rights on transfer, including in the private sector, in the light of the wide range of views expressed in response to the options put forward in our initial consultation at the end of 2001.

  As regards the other aspects of our proposed TUPE reform, we aim to carry out a further round of public consultation in 2003 on draft revised regulations.

  Undersea Cables
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the likely cost of undersea cables to take power from northern Scotland to southern England, down the west and east coasts; and if she will make a statement. [88663]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department commissioned a high level feasibility study into the possibility of building a subsea cable to transfer electricity generated in Scotland down the west coast to markets in the south. The report, which was published in February and is available on the DTI website: www.dti.gov.uk, includes capital costings for different systems and costs will be dependent of course on the length of the cable and its capacity. For illustrative purposes, the report concludes that the capital costs of an HVDC link capable of transferring 2000 MW of electricity would range from £790 million for a 200 km cable to £1,700 million for a 700 km cable.

  The report is a useful contribution to the important debate on the best way of transmitting renewable energy generated in Scotland to centres of demand in the south.

  Wind Power
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on how the Government plans to reach its aim of 6 per cent. of Britain's electricity to be provided by wind power by 2010. [88066]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government's target for renewable energy is that, by 2010, 10 per cent. of electricity should be supplied from sources eligible for the renewables obligation. While we expect wind to make a substantial contribution to this target, no specific targets have been set in relation to its contribution to the overall 10 per cent. target.

TREASURY

  Bank Clearance System
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when power will be granted to the Office of Fair Trading to allow it to regulate the bank clearance system; and if he will make a statement. [88661]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government is closely monitoring developments in payment systems and will introduce legislation to give the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) new powers to promote effective competition in payment systems as soon as parliamentary time allows. Progress has already been made through, for example, the removal of charges for most cash withdrawals from automated teller machines ("ATMs") and reforms to the governance structures of the main UK payment systems. The Government welcome these moves by payment system participants to address the competition issues identified by the Cruickshank report and urges the industry to continue with these reforms.

  To promote its understanding of how payment systems operate, and to help pave the way for its prospective powers, the OFT announced on 27 November that it will conduct an empirical study into recent payment system developments, starting early in 2003.
  159W

  Productivity Performance Figures
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the productivity performance figures were in each year since 1992 for(a) output per worker and (b) output per hour. [88856]

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

  Letter from K. Dunnell to Dr. Vincent Cable, dated 7 January 2003:

  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question about what the productivity performance figures were for each year since 1992 for (a) output per worker and (b) output per hour. I am replying in his absence. (88856)

  The table below shows indices of output per job and output per hour for the UK whole economy for each year from 1992 to 2001 along with the annual growth rates.

  UK whole economy productivity indices and growth, 1992 to 2001

  Index (1995 = 100)

  Annual growth rate (per cent)

  Year

  Output per job

  Output per hour

  Output per job

  Output per hour

  1992

  91.0

  3.4

  1993

  94.3

  95.4

  3.6

  1994

  98.2

  98.5

  4.1

  3.2

  1995

  100.0

  100.0

  1.8

  1.5

  1996

  101.5

  101.8

  1.5

  1.8

  1997

  103.1

  103.3

  1.5

  1.4

  1998

  105.0

  106.0

  1.9

  2.6

  1999

  105.8

  107.5

  0.8

  1.4

  2000

  107.5

  110.6

  1.6

  2.9

  2001

  108.6

  111.5

  1.0

  0.8

  Central Government Accounts
  Norman Lamb
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress towards publication of the first consolidated Central Government accounts for 2003–4. [89271]

  John Healey
  The Government is working towards publication of the first consolidated Central Government accounts for 2003–04 by producing dry run accounts for 2001–02 and 2002–03. Data in respect of 2001–02 is currently being submitted to the Treasury by departments.

  Climate Change Levy
  Sue Doughty
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what the anticipated receipts are during the current fiscal year from those companies subject to negotiated agreements under climate change levy. [88539]

  John Healey
  No estimate is available of levy receipts the Exchequer anticipates to receive during 2002–03 from those companies covered by negotiated climate change agreements.

  Debt Relief
  Tony Worthington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on further debt relief additional to that currently available. [87572]
  160W
  John Healey
  The UK Government have been at the forefront of the international debate on debt relief issues, and continues to press for the rapid and full implementation of the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Under the terms of the H1PC initiative bilateral creditors tyPlcally provide 90 per cent. debt relief. However, many creditors, including the UK, go further and provide 100 per cent. debt relief to qualifying countries.

  In the provision of interim debt relief at Decision Point to reach a debt-to-exports ratio of 150 per cent. this additional bilateral voluntary debt relief is excluded. Subsequently at Completion Point if this debt ratio is greater than 150 per cent., perhaps due to new borrowing or weaker export prices, the initiative provides the option for further debt relief or 'topping-up'. Moreover, the UK has argued that we should be prepared to be proactive and flexible in providing this additional debt relief at Completion Point.

  But at present this additional bilateral voluntary debt relief is included in the calculation of any 'topping-up' needed, and the net effect is that this additional relief benefits other creditors and not the HI PC. The UK believes that this additional relief should be excluded from the calculation of topping-up at Completion Point, and this would delineate more clearly the burden sharing between all creditors, both bilateral and multilateral, in the HIPC initiative.

  This policy would ensure that this voluntary debt relief over and above HIPC terms would be truly additional. Moreover, it would provide an additional degree of support to vulnerable HIPCs facing the challenges of a global economic slowdown and weaker commodity prices.

  However, even the provision of 100 per cent. debt relief to all low-income countries would still far short of the resources needed to fund the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is our ultimate objective to make a lasting difference in the lives of the world's poorest people by achieving the MDGs, but debt relief is only part of the solution: the real issue is one of total resources. That is why the Chancellor has proposed an International Financing Facility to leverage significant additional resources from developed countries, to help achieve the 2015 MDGs. Increasing our support from $50billion currently to the $100 billion a year needed to meet the MDGs would transform the ability of countries to increase their investment in critical poverty reducing programmes. The UK Government will shortly be publishing a detailed proposal on the International Financing Facility.

  Departmental Sickness Absence
  Norman Lamb
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures have been taken to reduce sickness absence in his Department in line with Spending Review 2000 SDA Target E2.1, as described on page 33 of the HM Treasury Departmental Report 2002. [89268]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury has taken a number of steps to manage the level of sick absence including publishing clear guidance of the responsibilities for staff and line
  161W
  managers, revising procedures for recording sick absence, an increased role for the Welfare Officer, closer involvement of Human Resources, and running a flu vaccination and health screening programmes for Treasury staff.

  Departmental Targets
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what formula is being used to measure(a) annual efficiency gains and (b) savings of running costs within his Department in order to meet the targets outlined on page 75 of the HM Treasury departmental report 2002; [89258]

  (2) if he will make a statement on why it has not been possible to measure aggregate Treasury output, as mentioned on page 75 of the HM Treasury departmental report 2002. [89257]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury monitors those outputs which can be measured, such as replies to parliamentary questions, letters or other communications with the public, payment performance, and so on. However the Treasury's primary output is policy advice. Such outputs are difficult to measure and without a measure of overall output it is not possible to measure efficiency.

  Departmental Working Hours
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the percentages of excessive hours worked within his Department were in(a) 1999, (b) 2000 and (c) 2001. [89256]

  Ruth Kelly
  This information is available in the Library of the House and was referred to in the answer I gave on 25 February 2002 to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr Cable),official Report, columns 1045–46.

  E-procurement
  Norman Lamb
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department has purchased an e-procurement system. [89273]

  Ruth Kelly
  H M Treasury is in the process of introducing such a system.

  Earnings Statistics
  Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the ratio was of female to male full-time equivalent earnings for(a) non-manual, (b) manual and (c) all workers in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [88589]

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

  Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Peter Bottomley, dated 7 January 2003:

  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on the ratio between female and male earnings. I am replying in his absence. (88589)
  162W
  The attached table gives the ratio of female to male average weekly earnings, for April 2002 based on the annual New Earnings Survey (NES). Monthly data of average weekly earnings are not available.

  Ratio of female to male average earnings1

  April 2002

  Manual

  0.68

  Non-manual

  0.66

  All

  0.75

  1 Full time employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay period was unaffected by absence

  Source:

  New Earnings Survey

  Enterprise Areas
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what the new enterprise areas announced in the Pre-Budget Report are; how they were chosen; and if he will make a statement,. [88201]

  John Healey
  Enterprise Areas are designed to improve access to and take-up of a number of Government policy measures focused on tackling the barriers to small business in disadvantaged areas. They are intended to ensure that these policies form a coherent package from the perspective of existing and potential new businesses, so that take-up by businesses in disadvantaged areas is easier, and effectiveness in improving outcomes is increased. In addition to stamp duty exemption on property transfers up to £150,000, and policies designed to tackle market failures and provide better business support, the Government is looking at ways to make the planning regime in Enterprise Areas more flexible.

  The Enterprise Areas are the 2,000 most deprived areas across the UK. They are the same as the areas which benefit from the stamp duty exemption on property transfers up to £150,000. A list can be found at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/so/disadvantaged.htm. A list was also placed in the House of Commons Library on 27 November 2001.

  The areas were selected using the best available data on multiple deprivation in each of the countries of the UK. These were: in England, the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000; in Wales, the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation 2000; in Scotland, the Scottish Area Deprivation Index 1998; and in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Measures of Deprivation 2001.

  External Suppliers
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the external suppliers used by his Department for training purposes, as stated on page 37 of the HM Treasury departmental report 2002; and if he will make a statement on the assessment he has made of the value for money delivered by these suppliers and the programmes. [89260]
  163W
  Ruth Kelly
  The Treasury has contracts with various external training providers to deliver the Treasury's Development Programme. The companies used are as follows:

  Accountancy Tuition Centre

  Angel Scott Associates

  Birkbeck College

  CMPS

  London School of Economics

  Parity Training

  Sunley Management Centre

  Trainers at Work

  All contracts with external suppliers are procured on a competitive basis, initially for two years but with the option to extend the contract to a maximum of five years. The provision of centrally managed training means that training is delivered on cost effective terms and can be regularly monitored to ensure that it continues to meet the Treasury's needs.

  Film Production (Tax Relief)
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the income tax receipts forgone, since 1997, as a result of Her Majesty's Government's policy of making tax relief available for investment in film production; and if he will make a statement. [88677]

  John Healey
  Film production benefits from a number of tax reliefs that accelerate the deduction of expenditure on British qualifying films. The estimated tax cost of relief provided under Section 48 of the Finance (No.2) Act 1997 is £440 million for the period 1997–98 to 2001–2, over double the amount that would have been available under the previous arrangements. The tax cost of the other reliefs is estimated to be an additional £70 million a year.

  Government Borrowing
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 12 December,official Report, column 472W on government borrowing, what the evidence is of the effect of government borrowing on wholesale commercial rates. [88510]

  Ruth Kelly
  As the right hon. gentleman will note from the Chief Secretary's previous answer of 12 December, there is no clear-cut evidence regarding the impact of government borrowing on commercial borrowing rates. In particular, the statistical evidence in the economic literature from both time series and cross-sectional studies is inconclusive on this question.

  Honours and Dignities
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will break down by main spending heads HM Treasury's payments towards(a) the Civil List and (b) honours and dignities, as listed in the table on page 35 of the HM Treasury departmental report 2002. [89259]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Queen's Civil List is the funding provided by Parliament to enable the Queen to undertake her duties as Head of State; it meets the 164W
  central staff costs and running expenses of Her Majesty's official Household. The figure of £8,902,000 for 2001–2 in table 4.4 of the Treasury's departmental report also includes annuities granted by Parliament for HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. It comprises:

  £

  Queen's Civil List

  7,900,000

  Parliamentary annuities

  HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

  643,000

  HRH the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

  359,000

  Parliamentary annuities for other members of the royal family are reimbursed by Her Majesty and are therefore not included in the net payments shown in the departmental report.

  On the breakdown of costs associated with honours and dignities, I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to his question 89263.

  House Price Inflation
  Mr. Love
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the estimates he used of house price inflation from(a) major mortgage providers and (b) the Land Registry; and if he will make a statement. [89394]

  Ruth Kelly
  There are significant concerns about whether currently available measures give adequate estimates of house price inflation. The Land Registry produces the most comprehensive measure, covering all transactions in England and Wales. However, price changes as measured by the Land Registry are affected by changes in the composition (mix) of transactions, as well as pure price changes. Mix- adjustment is desirable as there is significant variation from one period to the next in the characteristics of properties sold size, type eg flat or house, location and other factors that affect price. Figures from the Halifax and Nationwide are mix-adjusted, and also more timely, but only cover properties purchased with mortgages from these providers. These two indicators can show significant differences, highlighting concerns as to how representative they are. The Government is concerned about such discrepancies, and is therefore planning to launch a new official house price measure in the Summer 2003, though it will not cover non-mortgage financed house purchases.

  Household Income
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take further steps, in addition to those presented in the pre-Budget report, to reduce the division in household income between England's northern and southern regions. [89023]

  Ruth Kelly
  Measures associated with Public Sector Agreement targets, such as those related to children in low-income households, to regional economic performance, and to the employment rates of disadvantaged areas, are likely to have a positive impact on the regional distribution of household income.

  Import Controls
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many staff posts and how much money is being transferred to HM Customs, and to the Department of Food, Agriculture and Rural Affairs in view of the transfer to HM Customs of responsibility for controls of ports over the import of plant and animal products; [88432]

  (2) what additional (a) manpower and (b) financial provision he is making available to HM Customs and Excise to equip them to carry out their new responsibilities in respect of the import of plant and animal products; [88430]

  (3) what targets he has set for HM Customs and Excise in respect of their new responsibilities to control the import of plant and animal products. [88431]

  John Healey
  The recent government spending review made available £5 million of new money in 2003–4 and £10 million per annum in the subsequent two years to address the issue of illegal imports of plant and animal products.

  Manpower and other financial resources to be made available to Customs in respect of their new responsibilities in this area, together with the nature of targets to be achieved, are still the subject of discussions between Defra, Customs and other relevant Departments and Agencies.

  Landfill
  Whitehead
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of schemes funded by tax foregone under the landfill levy would be eligible for funding under the terms of the allocation of funds for public spending to encourage sustainable waste management in(a) 2003–4, (b) 2004–5 and (c) 2005–6. [88585]

  John Healey
  The design of the public spending programme will be determined following further work on the management of waste policy.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many environmental projects which are funded by the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme and that contribute to achieving the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan, have a completion date beyond March 2003. [88974]

  John Healey
  There are no statistics that detail how many environmental projects, funded by the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, contribute to achieving, the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan and have a completion date beyond March 2003. Contributions made by landfill site operators for the period up until 31 March 2003 will still be able to be spent after that date on current projects. A reformed tax credit scheme, worth around £47 million a year, will continue to be available for community environment projects, including those that contribute to biodiversity, after 31 March.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government will make a decision on the criteria or scope of the replacement spending scheme for the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme which runs until March 2003. [88975]
  166W
  John Healey
  Decisions on the criteria and scope of the replacement spending scheme for waste related projects will be made by Budget 2003, as the Government are aware of the need to make announcements in good time.

  The general tax credit scheme will continue for local community environmental projects after 31 March 2003, with around the present level of funding available for these projects. The Government are currently considering the detailed administration and the criteria for the scheme and will be announcing any further changes over the coming months.

  Life Insurance Companies
  Barbara Follett
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for changing the rules for taxing life insurance companies. [89550]

  Dawn Primarolo
  On 23 December 2002 the Inland Revenue issued a press notice setting out measures to be included in the Finance Bill 2003 changing some of the rules for taxing life insurance companies. The proposed package of measures will remove certain anomalies and prevent a small number of companies exploiting particular circumstances to pay much less tax than other companies writing similar business. The changes will therefore protect the tax base and ensure a fairer distribution of tax across the industry. Copies of the Press Notice have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and full details have been published on the Inland Revenue's web site.

  Non-domicile Tax Laws
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates have been made of the amount of foreign investment in the UK resulting from non-domicile tax laws. [88551]

  John Healey
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply the Paymaster General gave her on 4 December 2002,official Report, column 840W.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to improve his targets for responding to Named Day Parliamentary questions. [89322]

  John Healey
  An increasing proportion of Named Day Parliamentary questions was answered on time by the Treasury in each session since PSA targets were introduced in 1998–99, as the table shows:

  Percentage answered on time

  1998–99

  35.3

  1999–2000

  59.4

  2000–1

  63.0

  2001–2

  73.2

  167W
  71.1 per cent. of Named Day questions have been answered on the nominated day in the 2002–3 session to date.

  Pollution Targets
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the economic measures which he has taken that have as one of their objectives helping the UK meet its Kyoto carbon dioxide emissions targets. [87735]

  John Healey
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to previous Budget documentation which detail the taxation policies and the climate change programme which covers other regulatory and spending initiatives that the Government have introduced to the help the UK meet its legally binding commitments to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide under the Kyoto Protocol.

  A list of environmental initiatives is published in both the Budget and pre-Budget reports (in the 2002 PBR and Budget 2002 tables 7.1 and 7.2).

  Privately Operated Tolls
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the privately operated tolls which will be subject to VAT from 1st February. [89116]

  John Healey
  The Government is aware of 10 bridges operated by non-public bodies where the tolls will become subject to VAT from 1 February if the bodies are liable to register for VAT. These are Aldwark Bridge, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Dunham Bridge, Rixton and Warburton Bridge, Severn River Crossing, Skye Bridge, Swinford Bridge, Shrewsbury (Kingsland) Bridge, Whitchurch Bridge and Whitney on Wye Bridge.

  As I made clear in my written statement of 19 December, the Government's intention remains that tolls will not increase on account of VAT being levied from 1 February. The Department for Transport and the Scottish Executive are consulting with toll operators on the details, and suitable arrangements will be in place by 1 February.

  In addition to these, tolls levied by private landowners to cross their land will also become subject to VAT. There is no central record maintained of this type of toll.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Written Ministerial statement of 19 December, on VAT on privately operated toll roads, how he intends to ensure that tolls will not increase on account of VAT being levied from 1st February 2003. [89398]

  John Healey
  As I made clear in my statement, the Government's intention remains that tolls will not increase on account of VAT being levied from 1 February. The Department for Transport and the Scottish Executive are consulting with toll operators on the details, and suitable arrangements will be in place by 1 February.

  Mr. Chope
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will define the expression 'privately operated' in relation to toll roads in his Written Ministerial Statement of 19th December. [89399]

  John Healey
  The European Court of Justice has ruled that statutory tolls levied by central and local government bodies are outside the scope of VAT, because these bodies do not engage in business activities when performing their statutory functions. The court has also ruled that tolls levied by other bodies, or levied in other circumstances, must be made subject to VAT. The term "privately operated" is a generic term, which refers to this second category of tolls.
  168W
  Mr. Chope
  To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his Written Ministerial Statement of 19 December, on VAT on privately operated tolls, if the Central London road user charge will bear VAT; and if he will make a statement. [89400]

  John Healey
  Provided that the Central London road user charging scheme is operated entirely by a public body and under public statute, the charges will not be liable to VAT.

  Social Exclusion
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on the use of public procurement contracts to reduce social exclusion; what plans he has to issue guidance on the subject; and if he will make a statement. [88142]

  Ruth Kelly
  Treasury officials have had discussions with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in connection with their report "Achieving Community Benefits through Contracts". As the report acknowledges, the authors' understanding of the issues surrounding the procurement policy and legal framework has been furthered by discussions with, inter alia, officials at HM Treasury and the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).

  Transaction Costs
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his Department's progress towards a reduction in transaction costs by 2004. [89272]

  Ruth Kelly
  Good progress is being made towards this target through increased use of the Government Procurement Card and more efficient systems for handling invoices.

  Website Relaunch
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the relaunch of the www.euro.gov.uk website in March 2001 cost. [89255]

  Ruth Kelly
  Details of HM Treasury expenditure on business euro preparations were included in the 'Sixth Report on Euro Preparations', published on 18 July 2002. Copies of the report were deposited in the Library of the House.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Minimum Income Guarantee
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he intends to implement targets for take-up of the minimum income guarantee. [89321]

  Malcolm Wicks
  There are no plans to introduce a take up target for the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG). However, from October 2003, the MIG will be replaced by pension credit. The Public Service Agreement (PSA) target is to be paying pension credit to at least three million households by 2006.

  ASW
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to pay funds into the pension schemes of the ASW workers at Sheerness and Cardiff. [85262]

  Mr. McCartney
  [holding answer 12 December 2002]. Ministers have met members of the ASW Action Group and their constituency MPs to discuss the Group's concerns about the Cardiff and Sheerness pension schemes. We identified a number of practical ways forward and have written to the hon. Member on a number of detailed technical pension issues on the process of winding up, and has raised the concerns of the Group as appropriate within Government.

  It was also suggested that the scheme's independent trustee might like to contact the Inland Revenue to discuss the option of members being re-introduced into the State Second Pension (formerly SERPS). It may be possible, under the 'deemed buyback' provisions contained in the Pensions Act 1995, for members to have their state scheme rights restored, thus ensuring that they receive an additional pension under the state scheme, in addition to basic state pension.

  The Government recognises that the ASW situation is extremely unfortunate, and that is why it acted quickly to put in place a range of measures through Jobcentre Plus, in conjunction with key partner organisations to help those employees being made redundant. No responsible Government could agree to be the guarantor of private pension savings. It would place huge liabiliites on tax payers some of whom will not have private savings of their own.

  The Government is concerned about schemes that wind up with insufficient assets to cover their liabilities. That is why it has set out proposals aimed at improving protection for scheme members in the pensions Green Paper 'Simplicity, security and choice: Working and saving for retirement', Cm 5677. The Green Paper includes proposals to share out scheme assets more fairly, introduce some form of insurance and strengthen protection for members whose solvent employer chooses to wind up its scheme

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Denis Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many cases are being dealt with by the Child Support Agency; and how many cases were received in each of the last five years. [88156]
  170W
  Malcolm Wicks
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Murphy, dated December 2002:

  The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent parliamentary questions about the Child Support Agency promised a substantive reply from me.

  You ask how many cases are being dealt with by the Child Support Agency; and how many cases were received in each of the last five years.

  At the end of November 2002 the Agency's live and assessed case load is 1,088,920.

  The total new intake is:

  at 31 March

  1998

  581,815

  1999

  594,805

  2000

  369,226

  2001

  303,797

  2002

  365,414

  to end November 2002

  219,103

  Community Care Grant
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what is the average amount by which community care grant payments have fallen short of the amounts applied for in the last four years for which figures are available. [85159]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The discretionary Social Fund provides help with unexpected or occasional costs which vary widely in their nature and importance, to a wide range of client groups. People applying for community care grants can request any items they wish, whether or not they fall within the scope of the scheme. In deciding whether, and for what items, a grant is payable a balance has to be struck between meeting people's needs and the costs of providing that support from available resources.

  The available information is in the table. Figures for the average amount requested refer to all applications, not all of which will be successful.

  Community Care Grants

  Year

  Average amount initially requested (£)

  Average amount initially awarded (£)

  1998–99

  761

  343

  1999–2000

  772

  342

  2000–1

  794

  338

  2001–2

  833

  338

  Notes:

  For 1998–99, and part of 1999–2000, it was possible to make a dual application for both a budgeting loan and a community care grant. For these years the average amount applied for is based on community care grant applications only, while the average amount initially awarded is for both types of application. Dual applications were phased out from 5 April 1999.

  Source:

  Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System.
  171W

  Housing Benefit
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much housing benefit is unclaimed so far this financial year; and what impact he expects the implementation of the Supporting People Partnership will have on reducing this figure. [89242]

  Malcolm Wicks: Estimates of unclaimed Housing Benefit for 19997/2000, the latest financial year for which information is available, are in the report "Income Related Benefits: Estimates of Take-Up 1999/2000", a copy of which is in the Library. Estimates for 2000–1 will be published in March 2003. The Supporting People programme will give local authorities a leading role in matching the provision of housing-related support services with local needs so as to give vulnerable people in the community improved choice and flexibility. Under the programme, providers of support services and local authorities will encourage people to claim the Housing Benefit to which they are entitled, if they have not already done so. However, the impact of the programme on benefit take-up will not be measurable in isolation.

  Occupational Pension Schemes
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the change in the number of occupational pension schemes since the abolition of the right for employers to make membership a condition of employment; and if he will make a statement. [89396]

  Mr. McCartney
  Provision of an occupational pension scheme is a voluntary act by the employer and changes in the numbers of occupational pensions schemes since the abolition of the right to make membership compulsory in 1988 are unlikely to be related to whether membership of any particular scheme is compulsory.

  A significant number of employees are not taking advantage of the occupational pension provision of their employers. The General Household Survey (2001) indicates that less than 70 per cent of employees whose employer provides a pension scheme actually participate in their employer's scheme. As a result, the Pensions Green Paper 'Simplicity, security and choice: working and saving for retirement' Cm 5677, suggests options for employers to be able to make membership of their occupational pension schemes a condition of employment for new employees. This could be one way of increasing the numbers of employees who are members of, and contributing to, their occupational pension scheme and may have benefits for employers in terms of recruitment and retention of staff.

  Pension Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of pensioner benefit units have been in receipt of income-related benefits in each of 172W
  the last five years, including the effects of the (a) guarantee and (b) savings elements of the pension credit; and what his estimate is for the proportion in the next five years. [88222]

  Mr. McCartney
  I refer to the hon. member to the answer given on 6 November 2002,official Report, column 292W.

  Pensions
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the net present value is of the Government's liability for pensions to be paid to its employees in(a) the public sector as a whole and (b) in the Ministry of Defence; in each case how much of this has been funded; and whether provision has been made for it in the Government's accounts. [87759]

  John Healey
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government Actuary's Department estimate that the unfunded public service pension scheme liabilities are approximately £380 billion as at 31 March 2002. It is not possible to separate out the liabilities relating to civil servants working for the Ministry of Defence, but the liabilities of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme covering armed forces personnel is £53.5 billion. The liabilities of the major public service schemes are reported in Resource Accounts, and from 2003–4, the liabilities of the smaller schemes will be incorporated into the balance sheets of employers who are mainly non-departmental public bodies.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what up-rating assumptions for the pension credit were used when calculating the spending on pensions as a proportion of gross domestic product outlined in the Pre-Budget document, "Long-term Public Finance Report: An Analysis of Fiscal Sustainability". [88210]

  Mr. McCartney
  Estimates of pension credit spending, included as part of total state pension spending in HM Treasury's publication, "Long-term Public Finance Report: An Analysis of Fiscal Sustainability", assumed that the savings credit threshold would be up-rated in line with increases to the basic state pension, and the guarantee credit would be up-rated by average earnings. The long-term assumption was that average real earnings would grow in line with productivity of two per cent. a year. This is one of several possible up-rating scenarios.

  Stakeholder Pensions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 26 November 2002,official Report, column 212W, which companies were registered as stakeholder pension providers on 6 April 2001; and whether any of these have stopped offering stakeholder pensions direct to individuals since then. [88221]

  Mr. McCartney
  Information available is in the table.
  173W

  Companies registered as stakeholder pension providers on 6 April 20011

  Address

  Companies since 6 April 2001 notified that they have stopped offering stakeholder pensions direct to individuals2

  Abbey National Life Plc

  Abbey National House, 287 Vincent Street, Glasgow

  Allied Dunbar Assurance Plc

  UK Life Centre, Station Road, Swindon

  AXA Sun Life Plc

  AXA Centre, PO Box 1810, Bristol

  St Andrew's Life Assurance Plc

  PO Box 10.Walton Street, Aylesbury

  De-registered3 as a stakeholder pension scheme August 2002 following parent company's (Bank of Scotland) merger with the Halifax

  B&CE Insurance Ltd

  Manor Royal, Crawley

  Brittanic Assurance Plc

  1 Wythall Green Way. Wythall, Birmingham

  Canada Life Ltd

  Canada Life Place, Potters Bar

  De-registered as a stakeholder pension scheme December 2002

  Chamber Pensions Ltd

  Manning House, 22 Carlisle Place, London

  Stopped4 July 2001

  Co-operative Insurance Society

  Miller Street, Manchester

  Clerical Medical Investment Group

  Narrow Plain, Bristol

  Deutsche Asset Management Life and Pensions Ltd

  One Appold Street, London

  Eagle Star Life Assurance Company Ltd

  UK Life Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, Gloucester

  Friends Provident Life and Pensions Ltd

  Pixham End, Dorking, Surrey

  Stopped January 2002

  Halifax Life Ltd

  Trinity Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire

  HSBC Life (UK) Ltd

  Norwich House, Nelson Gate, Commercial Road, Southampton

  INVESCO Pensions Ltd

  INVESCO Park, INVESCO Park Drive, Henley on Thames

  Legal and General Assurance Society Ltd

  Temple Court, 11 Queen Victoria Street, London

  Marks and Spencer Life Assurance Ltd

  Kings Meadow, Chester

  Merrill Lynch Pensions Ltd

  33 King William Street, London

  Nationwide Unit Trust Managers Ltd

  Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon

  National Westminster Life Assurance Ltd

  PO Box 886, Trinity Quay, Avon Street, Bristol

  National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Ltd

  Tiddington Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon

  CGNU Life Assurance Ltd

  2 Rougier Street, York

  NPI Ltd

  Box 89, 55 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells

  Pearl Assurance (Unit Linked Pensions) Ltd

  Box 89, 55 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells

  Police Mutual Assurance Society Ltd

  Alexandra House, Queen Street, Lichfield

  The Prudential Assurance Company Ltd

  Abbey Gardens, 55 Kings Road, Reading

  Royal and Sun Alliance Life and Pensions Ltd

  St Marks Court, Chart Way, Horsham

  Royal Liver Assurance Ltd

  Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool

  The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd

  Royal London House, Middleborough Colchester

  Royal Scottish Assurance Plc

  42 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh

  Schroder Pensions Ltd

  31 Gresham Street, London

  Scottish Amicable Life Plc

  PO Box 25, Craigforth. Stirling

  Scottish Equitable Plc

  Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh

  The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Ltd

  Royal London House, Middleborough, Colchester

  Scottish Mutual Assurance Plc

  Abbey National House, 301 Vincent Street, Glasgow

  Scottish Widows Plc

  69 Morrison Street, Edinburgh

  FPS Stakeholder Trustee Limited

  Castle House, Park Road, Banstead

  The Standard Life Assurance Company

  Standard Life House, 30 Lothian Road, Edinburgh

  Teachers Provident Society Ltd

  Deansleigh Road, Bournemouth

  TUG Stakeholder Trustees Ltd

  Congress House, Great Russell Street, London

  Virgin Money Unit Trust Managers Ltd

  Discovery House, Whiting Road, Norwich

  Wesleyan Assurance Society

  Colmore Circus, Birmingham

  Winterthur Life UK Ltd

  Winterthur Way, Basingstoke

  1 Information from The Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority's (Opra) register of stakeholder pension schemes.

  2 Whilst registered stakeholder pension providers are required to inform Opra of any restrictions they impose on membership to their scheme, they do not have to inform the Authority of any changes to their marketing or publicity strategies.

  3 "De-registered" effectively means leaving the stakeholder pensions market altogether.

  4 "Stopped" means the provider does not accept business from individuals but does offer stakeholder pensions to group clients.

  Note:

  James Hay Trustees Ltd is not, included in the table above because it did not register until after 6 April 2001 (registered March 2002 and de-registered August 2002).
  174W

HEALTH

  Child Protection Staff (Assaults)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) social workers and (b) health visitors were assaulted in 2002 in their duties in child protection. [89344]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department does not collect statistics on violence against social workers centrally. However, it did commission a national task force on violence against social workers that reported early in 2001. The task force made a number of recommendations that were accepted by Government and social care employer organisations.

  The early targets recommended by the task force were for employers to: undertake an audit of their organisation's ability to deal with violence and abuse, do a training needs analysis for their workforce, prepare an action plan and begin to effect planned developments. The longer term target was for local authority employers to reduce incidents of violence and abuse by 25 per cent. by 2005 and the Department is working with employers to set up the means to measure their progress. The Department maintains and updates a website that was set up under the ausPlces of the task force on violence against social care. It is at www.doh.gov.uk/violenttaskforce. The Department does not collect information on reported number of violent or abusive incidents by groups of staff or by services such as child protection within the national health service. However, in June 2002 the following survey was published: "2000/2001 Reported Violent or Abusive Incidents, Accidents Involving Staff and Sickness Absence in NHS Trusts and Health Authorities in England". This survey states that there were a total of 84,273 reported violent or abusive incidents across all the staff in NHS trusts and health authorities in England in 2000–1. A copy of this report is available in the Library.

  "Changing Habits"
  John Mann
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many of the Audit Commission recommendations from their report Changing Habits, have been adopted by the Government. [82275]

  Ms Blears
  The recommendations in the Changing Habits report were very much in line with the Government's drugs policy and were therefore accepted. In fact, work on the areas highlighted in the report had been either undertaken prior to the publication of the report or was in the process of being developed.

  "Valuing People" White Paper
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress made delivering 176W
  the commitments in the White Paper 'Valuing People', published in March 2001, with particular reerence to (a) the Learning Disability and Development Fund, (b) the Implementation Support Fund, (c) the Quality Protects programme, (d) the Schools Access Initiative, (e) the Standards Fund, (f) funds invested in the development of advocacy services for people with learning disabilities, and (g) the development of a national learning disability information centre and helpline. [87379]

  Jacqui Smith
  I reported progress to the House on 1 February,official Report, column. 535 and on 26 September in my reply to the hon. Member for Daventry, official Report, column 391W. The Learning Disability Task Force, which monitors and supports implementation of the Valuing People programme, expects to publish its first annual report in January. I will be responding to that report when I publish my own report on learning disability services shortly afterwards. My report will give a full account of progress made with the delivery of Valuing People.

  We continue to make good progress. This was acknowledged by the recognition given to Valuing People in the recent Institute for Public Policy Research/Guardian Public Involvement awards.

  Accident and Emergency Services
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of minor injuries services in A and E departments are nurse-led. [87532]

  Mr. Larnmy
  Data on the proportion of minor injuries services in accident and emergency (A and E) departments that are nurse-led is not available centrally.

  The Reforming Emergency Care Strategy, launched in October 2001, introduced a new streaming system so that patients with minor injuries or illness are separated from those with more serious problems. £40 million was invested to recruit 600 additional A and E nurses to help deliver streaming in A and E departments.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the additional accident and emergency nurses announced by his Department on 23 October 2001 have been recruited; and where they are located. [87529]

  Mr. Lammy
  On 25 October 2001, the Reforming Emergency Care Strategy was announced including £40 million to fund an additional 600 accident and emergency nursing (A&E) posts.

  At 30 November 2002, 743 additional A&E nurses announced on 25 October 2001 had been recruited and 679 of these were in post.

  The location by strategic health authority (StHA) of these additional nurses is shown in the table.
  177W

  Number of these nurses in post by 30 November

  Number of these nurses appointed but not yet in post by 30 November

  DHSC

  StHA

  Whole time equivalent

  England

  679.35

  63.95

  Y21

  London

  154.9

  12

  Y22

  Midland and Eastern

  159.22

  14

  Y23

  North

  194.8

  30.35

  Y24

  South

  170.43

  7.6

  Y21

  Q04

  North West London StHA

  45

  4

  Y21

  Q05

  North Central London StHA

  25

  1

  Y21

  Q06

  North East London StHA

  35.4

  1

  Y21

  Q07

  South East London StHA

  32.5

  5

  Y21

  Q08

  South West London StHA

  17

  1

  Y22

  Q24

  Trent StHA

  26

  5

  Y22

  Q25

  Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland StHA

  14.06

  0

  Y22

  Q26

  Shropshire and Staffordshire StHA

  9.8

  1

  Y22

  Q27

  Birmingham and the Black Country StHA

  37

  0

  Y22

  Q28

  Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire StHA

  16

  0

  Y22

  Q01

  Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire StHA

  10

  3

  Y22

  Q02

  Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire StHA

  27.82

  5

  Y22

  Q03

  Essex StHA

  18.54

  0

  Y23

  Q09

  Northumberland, Tyne and Wear StHA

  15.9

  1.5

  Y23

  Q10

  County Durham and Tees Valley StHA

  19

  22.65

  Y23

  Q11

  North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire StHA

  12

  0

  Y23

  Q12

  West Yorkshire StHA

  33.2

  1.2

  Y23

  Q13

  Cumbria and Lancashire StHA

  26

  0

  Y23

  Q14

  Greater Manchester StHA

  34.75

  0

  Y23

  Q15

  Cheshire and Merseyside StHA

  40.4

  5

  Y23

  Q23

  South Yorkshire StHA

  13.55

  0

  Y24

  Q16

  Thames Valley StHA

  21.5

  0

  Y24

  Q17

  Hampshire and Isle of Wight StHA

  25.69

  2

  Y24

  Q18

  Kent and Medway StHA

  13

  0

  Y24

  QI9

  Surrey and Sussex StHA

  58.29

  1.6

  Y24

  Q20

  Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire StHA

  36.85

  0

  Y24

  Q21

  South West Peninsula StHA

  8.6

  1

  Y24

  Q22

  Somerset and Dorset StHA

  6.5

  3

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used for streaming patients on waiting lists in A&E units. [87528]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Reforming Emergency Care Strategy launched in October 2001, introduced a new streaming system in accident and emergency (A&E) departments so that patients with minor injuries or illness are separated from those with more serious problems. Each stream is seen in parallel by staff dedicated to that stream.

  Streaming patients ensures that patients with minor conditions do not wait disproportionate lengths of time whilst safeguarding immediate treatment for the more seriously ill or injured. £40 million was invested to recruit 600 additional A&E nurses to help deliver streaming in A&E departments.

  It is for clinical decision in individual A&E departments to decide which patients have minor injuries or illnesses that can be treated in a separate dedicated stream.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the additional Accident and Emergency consultants envisaged in the Government's strategy document have been recruited. [87531]
  178W
  Mr. Lammy
  The Reforming Emergency Care Strategy was launched in October 2001. It states that an additional 183 accident and emergency (A&E) consultants will be recruited by 2004, an increase of 40 per cent., as part of the planned expansion of consultant numbers in the NHS Plan.

  As at 31 March 2002, there were 486 consultants in A&E. This represents an increase of 26 per cent. since September 1997.

  Current workforce projections suggest that by March 2004, there may be sufficient trained specialists to increase numbers in A&E by around 190 over a 2,000 baseline. This takes account of expected numbers of additional recruits and numbers leaving due to retirement.

  Acute Care
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cleaning contractors have lost their contracts as a result of non-performance in acute hospitals in each of the past three years. [88764]

  Mr. Lammy
  Figures for private sector cleaning contractors who have had their contracts terminated by
  179W
  National Health Service trusts for poor performance in each of the past three years are as follows:

  In 2000—one contract terminated

  In 2001—two contracts terminated

  In 2002—six contracts terminated

  Adverse Drug Reactions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adverse drug reactions have been reported by nurses to the electronic yellow card scheme in each of the last three months. [88246]

  Ms Blears
  The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) launched a new electronic yellow card on the 31 October 2002. To date the MCA and CSM have received four reports of suspected adverse drug reactions submitted by nurses using the electronic yellow card. Three electronic reports were received from nurses during November and one report was received during December, out of a total of 29 electronic reports.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it the policy of the Government that access to the NHS ambulance service should be available to patients travelling to private hospitals when referred by NHS GPs; and if he will make a statement. [87730]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: National health service ambulance services are available to patients travelling to private hospitals when they are receiving NHS treatment at that hospital or if they are receiving treatment at a private hospital within the trust's normal catchment area.

  Ambulance Trusts
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which ambulance trusts he and his ministerial colleagues have visited in the past year. [88161]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Ministerial Team has visited the following ambulance trusts in 2002.

  Laboratory reports of Staphylococcus aureus blood isolates with methicillin susceptibility England and Wales, 1992–2001.

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Number of Saureus blood isolates resistant to methicillin (MRSA)

  104

  187

  407

  797

  1,279

  2,290

  2,853

  3,338

  4,308

  4,904

  Percentage1 resistant to methicillin

  2

  4

  9

  14

  22

  30

  34

  37

  42

  42

  Number of Saureus blood isolates sensitive to methicillin

  4,215

  4,539

  4,300

  4,959

  4,556

  5,325

  5,433

  5,590

  5,897

  6,864

  Percentage1 sensitive to methicillin

  98

  96

  91

  86

  78

  70

  66

  63

  58

  58

  No information on methicillin susceptibility

  730

  1,015

  1,253

  831

  1,960

  1,763

  1,936

  1,896

  1,898

  1,316

  Total

  5,049

  5,741

  5,960

  6,587

  7,795

  9,378

  10,222

  10,824

  12,103

  13,084

  1 As a percentage of reports with methicillin susceptibility information.

  Note:

  Data last updated 5 June 2002 ans subject to change due to late reporting.

  Source:

  PHLS

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collects on the number of new discoveries of antibiotics each year. [88073]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Medicines Control Agency does not monitor the number of new antibiotic discoveries that are made each year and hence is unable to provide the information requested.
  180W

  London Ambulance Trust-21 January 2002, 25 June 2002 and 4 September 2002.

  Greater Manchester Ambulance Services National Health Service Trust-24 April 2002.

  Warwickshire Ambulance Trust-26 September 2002.

  West Country Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust-14 November 2002.

  Ambulance Turnaround Times
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the ambulance turnaround times were in(a) England, (1)) each NHS region and (c) each ambulance trust in each of the last six years. [88072]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many 999 calls for ambulances received a response within eight minutes in the last 12 months. [88744]

  Mr. Lammy
  The latest information available about the proportion of Category A emergency calls resulting in an ambulance arriving at the scene of the reported incident within the Government's target response times for all ambulance trusts, is contained in the Department of Health Statistical Bulletin "Ambulance Services, England 2001–2". A copy of the bulletin is in the Library and available at www.doh.gov.uk/public/sb0213.htm.

  Antibiotics
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department collects on the growth in resistance of staphylococcus aureus to antibiotics. [88069]

  Ms Blears
  The Public Health Laboratory Service has a voluntary reporting system for cases of bacteraemia (blood infection). These data are known to be incomplete but are useful for tracking long term trends and the available data on staphylococcus aureus bacteraemias with their susceptibility to methicillin are shown in the table.

  Appointments
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health to which bodies his Department makes appointments; how many members there are(a) in total and (b) in each body; and how many of those appointed are (i) businessmen, (ii) businessmen in SMEs and (iii) businessmen in micro-businesses. [87391]
  181W
  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 16 December 2002, official Report, volume. 396, column 607W.

  Bed Availability (Worcestershire)
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contingency arrangements he has made to enable hospitals in Worcestershire to find sufficient beds in the event of(a) a major influenza epidemic, (b) a serious motorway accident and (c) a terrorist incident; and if he will make a statement. [88011]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: All primary care trusts and acute trusts have produced specific plans, which address any rise in activity across local health communities, including that potentially caused by influenza.

  Both motorway and terrorist incidents have been covered in Worcestershire acute hospitals national health service trusts major incident plan. Following the events of 11 September 2001, the deputy Chief Medical Officer issued specific guidance on planning for mass casualty incidents. These plans had to include robust arrangements for mutual aid across health partners. A recent audit of the primary care trust's plan by the Department commended the arrangements in place for mass casualties.

  Carers
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent measures have been introduced to support informal care by carers and other groups. [88873]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 strengthens the rights of carers to an assessment of their own needs as carers, and also gives local councils more powers to directly support carers. The carers grant for 2003–4 will be increased to £100 million to ensure that more carers are able to receive breaks. One of the major changes to this grant is that the proportion to be spent on carers services will increase from 10 per cent, to 16 per cent. From October 2002, the Department of Work and Pensions has extended the invalid care allowance to carers over 65.

  Chefs Initiative
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes to catering in acute hospitals resulted from the leading chef initiative; how many recipes developed by leading chefs for the NHS are used in the NHS; and how many hospitals use menus resulting from the leading chefs initiative. [88747]

  Mr. Lammy
  Leading chef dishes promote freshness and taste in hospitals meals and have encouraged the use of higher quality ingredients

  There are currently 201 leading chef dishes available for use in the National Health Service.

  Details regarding which of these dishes are currently in use is not collected.
  182W
  The latest information available, at June 2002, shows that 40 per cent, of acute hospitals had included three leading chef dishes in their menus.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent on the leading chefs initiative. [88761]

  Mr. Lammy
  The leading chef dishes promote the use of fresher ingredients and reflect changes in tastes and lifestyles. Exact costs of leading chef dishes vary across the national health service, depending on locality and the methods of production.

  Information on the use of these dishes is not collected but average dish costs are no greater than that for other NHS dishes.

  Child Abuse
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ask for an urgent meeting with the Home Office regarding child protection to discuss implications of the Newham Area Child Protection Committee Report on the Ainlee Walker case. [89357]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government recognise that there is still more to be done to ensure that high standards of child protection are applied in every case. That is why it commissioned "Safeguarding Children", the Joint Chief Inspectors' report on arrangements to safeguard children. It is also why my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and the Home Secretary set up the statutory Inquiry, chaired by Lord Laming, into the circumstances leading up to, and surrounding, the death of Victoria Climbie. The issues raised by Victoria's case are wide-ranging, in terms of both policy and practice. The recommendations of the Joint Chief Inspectors' report and those of the Victoria Climbie Inquiry will provide us with an authoritative basis for any reforms to child protection that may need to be made, and, if radical reform is necessary, we will implement it. In considering these reports, the Government will also consider all relevant recommendations in the Ainlee Walker/Labonte Serious Case Review report and those arising from any other serious case review reports that may be published in the near future.

  Children's Vision
  Andy Burnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend entitlement to NHS vouchers to children who are prescribed coloured spectacle lenses without a power for the purpose of enabling them to read. [88579]

  Mr. Lammy
  There is currently limited evidence to suggest that the provision of tinted lenses would provide enduring benefits to a significant number of children with reading difficulties, though some children may benefit. We will, however, continue to consider the issue as evidence becomes available and any decision will be taken in collaboration with the Department for Education and Skills.

  Children in Care
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children in care have been listed as missing since 1997. [88187]
  183W
  Jacqui Smith
  Information about the proportion of children in care listed as missing is shown in the table.

  Estimated number of looked after children who went missing from their usual place of residence at any time during the years ending March 1998 to 2001; and the proportion of all children looked after at any time—England

  Number of children missing at any time during the year

  Percentage of all children looked after at any time during the year

  1997–98

  570

  0.7

  1998–99

  550

  0.7

  1999–2000

  530

  0.6

  2000–11

  920

  1.1

  1 With effect from 1 April 2000, the definition of missing was changed from being absent for more than seven days to being absent for 24 hours or more.

  Note:

  Table excludes all children looked after under an agreed series of short-term placements.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in local authority voluntary agency care were adopted in(a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002; and what percentage these represent of the total in care. [88607]

  Jacqui Smith
  The numbers of children adopted from local authority care in England in years ending 31 March 2000, 2001 and 2002 are shown in the table.

  Information on the number of children adopted from voluntary agency care is not collected centrally. However, the actual figure is likely to be very small, as voluntary adoption agencies only place children voluntarily relinquished by their birth family to their care for the purposes of adoption.

  Children adopted from local authority care in England

  Number

  Percentage1

  2000

  2,700

  5

  2001

  3,100

  5

  2002

  3,400

  6

  1 Of all looked after children

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children in(a) local authority and (b) voluntary agency care were awaiting foster homes on 31 March in (i) 1979, (ii) 1987, (iii) 1997 and (iv) 2002. [88608]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested regarding numbers of children in local authority and voluntary agency care awaiting foster homes on 31 March 1979, 1987, 1997 and 2002 is not held centrally.

  Chiropody
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists; and what plans he has to meet the society in the near future. [87676]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: I met the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists on 1 May 2002.1 have no current plans for a further Ministerial meeting.
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  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the findings of the Feet First II review; and if he will make a statement. [87677]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: We have no plans at present to publish the review of 'Feet First', Since the review was undertaken our policy is now focused on patient-led National Health Service services rather than professionally-led guidance. We want to ensure that primary care trusts (PCTs) make service provision decisions on the basis of their local populations' clinical needs. The national service frameworks for older people and diabetes will help PCTs make these decisions and these have been developed with clinical input from chiropodists.

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients on average were awaiting an appointment with an NHS chiropodist in England in 1997; and what the figure was at the last date for which figures are available. [87684]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: Data are not collected on numbers of patients waiting by the category of chiropody or podiatry.

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he plans to review the provision of chiropody services in the NHS. [87683]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 17 December 2002]: We have no current plans to review the provision of National Health Service chiropody services.

  CJD
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the link between vCJD, BSE and rogue prions. [86763]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals are part of a group of diseases called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases. The precise nature of the agent responsible for CJD is not fully understood, but the most likely theory points to an abnormal form, known as a prion, of a normal cell protein. According to the protein-only hypothesis, infectious prions are composed mainly if not entirely of the abnormal form of the prion protein, which aggregates in infected tissue.

  Post mortem examination of the brains of CJD patients and BSE animals shows the accumulation of the abnormal protein and there is a massive destruction of the brain, which shows the characteristic spongy appearance.

  Although there is no direct evidence that the BSE prion is infectious to humans, obtaining such evidence could not be justified ethically as this would require humans to be inoculated with BSE agent. A judgment on the link between BSE and vCJD inevitably depends on an assessment of a range of clinical, pathological, epidemiological and laboratory based evidence. There is now convincing evidence that the agent causing BSE is

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  the cause of vCJD, although there remains uncertainty about the future number of cases and the mechanism of transmission of BSE to humans.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Angela Watkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what medical(a) qualifications and (b) background are required in those engaged in clinical governance reviews carried out by the Commission for Health Improvement. [88316]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) is responsible for improvements in quality across the national health service. CHI assess systems and processes through clinical governance reviews and comment on where and when they think the potential to deliver good care is compromised.

  Teams carrying out clinical governance reviews are multidisciplinary. Each team normally comprises: a doctor, a nurse, an NHS manager, a lay member and another clinical professional who is not a doctor or a nurse, for example a pharmacist or physiotherapist.

  The eligibility criteria for doctor reviewers is,
  "must be a registered medical practitioner Consultant/GP ideally with managerial experience at directorate, board or senior partner level".

  The backgrounds of those doctor reviewers are:

  119 from acute hospital trusts

  25 from mental health trusts

  55 from primary care trusts

  four from ambulance trusts

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance and assurances have been given to Community Health Council staff relating to the forthcoming abolition of community health councils. [87623]

  Mr. Lammy
  A human resources framework for community health council (CHC) staff is being prepared by the Department jointly with the employing strategic health authorities and the unions. This will be available early in the year. The Chief Nursing Officer has issued regular newsletters to keep CHC staff updated on developments concerning the abolition of CHCs and support for CHC staff.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has set a date for the cessation of community health councils; and if he will make a statement. [87624]

  Mr. Lammy
  We are presently considering the date for abolition of Community Health Councils. An announcement will be made early this year.

  Continuous Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether all strategic health authorities and local authorities have agreed eligibility criteria for continuous care in line with current guidance. [88708]

  Jacqui Smith
  HSC 2001/015: LAC (2001)18 issued in June 2001, asked health authorities to review their continuing care criteria to ensure that they complied 186W
  with the judgment made on national health service responsibilities in the Coughlan judgment. In addition, the new strategic health authorities were asked to agree one set of criteria across their boundaries from October 2002. The Department will be monitoring StHAs' progress on this in the New Year.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Chelmsford of 16 July, Ref P01012753, concerning NHS Professionals, the National Framework and anti-competitive practices. [82945]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 26 November 2002]: A reply was sent on 19 December 2002.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Eastbourne of 6 August, relating to constituents, Mr. and Mrs. Ryder. [87590]

  Jacqui Smith
  A reply was sent on 23 December 2002.

  Mr. Plckthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter sent to him by Mr. Mark Heyes, of Lathom, Lancashire, relating to Ormskirk hospital. [88055]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: The Department's Customer Services Centre, correspondence management has no record of receiving this correspondence and has requested a copy of this correspondence.

  Delayed Transfers
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what conclusions his Department has reached concerning its examination of the effect of the Direction on Choice on delayed transfers. [88535]

  Jacqui Smith
  We are at present reviewing the guidance on the Direction on Choice. We intend to consult on the revised guidance in the early months of 2003.

  Departmental Christmas Cards
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many departmental Christmas cards he and his Ministers intend to send in 2002; how much these cards will cost(a) to buy, (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if he will place in the Library a sample copy of the official Christmas card he has sent this year. [88103]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 19 December 2002]: 1,000 cards have been purchased at a total cost of 1,243.15. More detailed information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All expenditure incurred in the purchase and despatch of official Christmas cards has been made in accordance with the departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in "Government Accounting".

  A sample of the official Christmas card has been placed in the Library.
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  EDS Hotmail System
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he made of alternative systems prior to the decision to contract EDS to supply a hotmail system to the National Health Service; when the project to procure a hotmail system for the NHS was originally costed, and what the initial estimated cost for the system was; for what purpose the NHS is commissioning a hotmail system; and what estimate he has made of the final cost of the system. [88179]

  Mr. Lammy
  As part of a formal open competitive procurement exercise 30 expressions of interest in the national e-mail service were received; eight of these were invited to submit outline proposals based on the service specification. Five of these responded, from which the final shortlist of three was chosen and their proposals assessed in detail.

  The Outline Business Case (OBC) for the National Health Service national e-mail system was prepared in September 2001.

  The initial total cost to the NHS for the recommended option in the OBC was estimated at £148 million over five years.

  The national e-mail service is a strategic business tool for the NHS and an enabler for many of the electronic data flows which the NHS wish to implement. The service will give NHS staff a single e-mail address that can be securely accessed from within the NHS network as well as from the Internet. This will be particularly useful to NHS staff based in more than one organisation or who require mobile working in the community. Staff will also be able to access their e-mails via portable devices such as mobile phones or personal digital assistants as well as from home.

  The contract was let for a period of 10 years after negotiation with EDS for a cost of £9 million with an option to terminate after five years.

  Number of emergency psychiatric re-admissions of patients aged 16–64 within 90 days of discharge from the care of a psychiatric specialist as a percentage of such discharges

  1997–98 total1

  1998–99 total1

  1999–2000 total1

  2000–1 total1

  2001–02 total2

  Number of re-admissions within 90 days

  16,384

  15,461

  14,875

  14,068

  13,306

  Total number of discharges

  114,946

  113,585

  114,616

  110,312

  104,367

  Re-admission rate (percentage)

  14.3

  13.6

  13.0

  12.8

  12.7

  Source:

  1 Common Information Core, now known as the 2 Service and Financial Framework Return (SaFFR), end of financial year forecast outturn (FOT) position, apart from 1997–98 where only activity for each quarter was collected, so figures represent the sum of all four quarters.

  Feeding Patients (Guidance)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance nursing staff in acute hospitals receive about feeding patients unable to feed themselves; and how many complaints the NHS has received in the past 12 months about patients being left to feed themselves and being unable to do so. [88759]

  Mr. Lammy
  'The Essence of Care', a tool to promote best practice in eight fundamental aspects of patient care, including food and nutrition, was published by the

  Electronic patient Records
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Department plans to issue initial application for tenders to supply the NHS with smart card technology for personal medical records. [88757]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Department has no current plans to invite tenders for smart card technology for personal medical records.

  The Department is considering the role smart card and other technologies will play in allowing patients easier access to their health records in the context of the integrated care records services programme.

  Emergency Admissions
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of admissions to accident and emergency units have to wait more than four hours for treatment. [88742]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Department collects and publishes information quarterly on total time in accident and emergency and waits for admission to a bed via A&E. The data for the period July-September 2002 were published on 20 December 2002 and are available from www.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity.

  The published data show that between July and September 77 per cent. of patients spent four hours or less in A&E from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge. In the same period 90 per cent. of patients admitted as emergencies via A&E were found a bed within four hours of a decision to admit.

  Emergency Readmissions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the number and (b) the rate of emergency psychiatric readmissions in each of the last five years. [88806]

  Jacqui Smith
  The number and rate of emergency psychiatric re-admissions in each of the last five years are shown in the following table.

  Department of Health in February 2001. It comprises best practice benchmarks to be used as a tool to help improve the quality of care provided, and includes a standard concerned with assisting patients to eat and drink.

  Data on the number of National Health Service complaints made each year is set out in the Department of Health publication 'Handling complaints: monitoring the NHS complaints procedures.' Due to the diverse range of issues for which complaints may be made under

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  the NHS complaints procedures, it is not possible to provide information on the number of complaints requested.

  Five-a-day Initiative
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much it has cost to introduce the five-a-day nutritional logo; and which outside bodies were involved in the creative process. [86372]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 9 December 2002]: The logo is due to be introduced to consumers in Spring 2003. The creative work to develop the logo cost £40,000 and was carried out by Identica.

  The logo has been developed through extensive research and consultation with the food industry, consumers, and health, education and voluntary organisations. This work has also contributed to the development of the five-a-day programme as a whole, to improve awareness of and access to fruit and vegetables. The research and consultation has cost £50,000.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent advice he has received from the Food Standards Agency on the safety of eating meat from animals which have been vaccinated against foot and mouth disease. [88994]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency has advised that there are no health concerns for consumers from eating meat, milk or other produce from animals vaccinated with any of the foot and mouth disease vaccines that are being considered for possible future use in the United Kingdom. The vaccine does not contain live virus and hence is not infectious. All of the other ingredients in the vaccine are commonly used substances that are known to be safe.

  Frozen Embryos
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to give women greater rights in respect of the use of their frozen embryos; and if he will make a statement. [83563]

  Ms Blears
  The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 provides that the consent of both the man and woman whose gametes are used to create an embryo through in vitro fertilisation is needed for the storage and use of the embryo. This recognises the interest that both parties have in the embryo. The Government have no plans to change this.

  Genetic Lifestyle Tests
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on the sale of genetic lifestyle tests by private companies in the UK; and what his policy is on the sale of self-administered osteoporosis testing kits. [87526]

  Ms Blears
  The Department has published two voluntary codes of practice and guidance for genetic tests being sold directly to the public. These set out broad requirements in areas such as: peer-reviewed 190W
  evidence of value, accreditation and quality assurance in testing laboratories, consent, confidentiality, sample and information storage, and customer information.

  The Human Genetics Commission is conducting a review of genetic testing services supplied direct to the public and plans to publish its report and recommendations to Ministers early in 2003.

  Anyone concerned about the risk of osteoporosis should seek advice from his or her general practitioner. Those at high risk of developing this disease can be easily identified and offered appropriate treatment. Others can be given simple lifestyle advice about prevention.

  In vitro diagnostic medical devices such as osteoporosis testing kits are regulated by the In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices (IVD) Directive (98/79/EC) which has been transposed into United Kingdom law by Medical Devices Regulation (SI2002 No 618).

  Health Protection Agency
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the Public Health Laboratory Service; [86029]

  (2) what his policy is on the future of the National Radiological Protection Board. [86027]

  Ms Blears
  The Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) and the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) are both affected by our proposals to create a unified Health Protection Agency (HPA) which will be able to provide more effective support for health protection and health emergency planning.

  Having considered responses to "Health Protection: A Consultation Document on Creating a Health Protection Agency", published in June 2002, we aim to establish the HPA as a non-departmental public body from 1 April 2004, subject to legislative time being available. At that stage, the agency would take responsibility for most of the functions currently performed by the NRPB.

  As an interim step towards this, we intend to establish a special health authority, also to be called the Health Protection Agency, from 1 April 2003. This special health authority would be responsible for functions under the NHS Act which are to be given to the new agency.

  On these proposals, the NRPB would, on the establishment of the HPA as a non-departmental public body, become a body with responsibilities to the Scottish Executive only. The Scottish Executive is currently consulting on future health protection arrangements in Scotland.

  The PHLS would remain in existence until primary legislation is changed. From 1 April 2003, we intend that it will be responsible for the production of media for microbiology laboratories, following the transfer of its other current functions to the proposed new special health authority and other national health service bodies in England and Wales.
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  Copies of letters of 15 November 2002 to the chairs of the NRPB, the PHLS Board and the Microbiological Research Authority, which provide further details, have been placed in the Library.

  Herbal Medicines Directive
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what level of fees the Medicines Control Agency will charge under the proposed Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive for considering applications for the registration of herbal medicines under the terms of the directive; [88688]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the compliance costs in terms of registration charges, documentation, storage costs and analysis for companies seeking a full pharmaceutical licence for a herbal product under the proposed Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive. [88689]

  Ms Blears
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 5 December 2002,official Report, column 966W.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of how the pharmaceutical production and testing standards for products under the draft Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive will affect the commercial value of the products on the UK market, with special reference to those produced by smaller specialist companies and distributed through specialist retailers. [88690]

  (2) what assessment he has made of how the fees charged by the Medicines Control Agency for considering applications for the registration of herbal products under the terms of the proposed Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive will affect the commercial value of the products on the UK market, with particular reference to those produced by smaller specialist companies and distributed through specialist retailers. [88691]

  Ms Blears
  Existing regulatory arrangements do not allow the public readily to distinguish which unlicensed herbal remedies on the United Kingdom market are made to acceptable standards. There is continuing evidence of an international trade in herbal remedies made to unreliable standards. Currently, the commercial value of herbal remedies made to good quality standards, as well as public health, can be compromised by products made to low standards.

  The requirements of the proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products should mean that the public will have access to a wide range of herbal remedies made to assured the requirements of the proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products should mean that the public will have access to a wide range of herbal remedies made to assured standards of safety, quality and product information. Many in the herbal sector share our view that this could lead to increased public confidence in herbal medicines, and lead to greater stability for business.
  192W
  In continuing detailed discussions with industry about the Directive the Medicines Control Agency will continue to pay close attention to issues of regulatory impact which are of specific concern to small business.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what effect the proposed Traditional Herbal Products Directive will have on the choice of herbal products available to the consumer. [88692]

  Ms Blears
  Our expectation is that, subject to the successful outcome of negotiations on the proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products, the customer will have access to a wide range of traditional herbal remedies made to assured standards of safety and quality and with systematic information about the safe usage of the product.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what opportunities exist for new herbal products under the proposed Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive; [88694]

  (2) how many routes to the market will be allowed by the proposed Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive for herbal remedies other than by obtaining a full pharmaceutical licence. [88686]

  Ms Blears
  Under the proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products, non active ingredients within the traditional herbal remedy, need not have traditional usage. The possibility of permitting the inclusion of nutrients with traditional herbal remedies is currently under consideration in European negotiations on the Directive.

  Where non industrially produced unlicensed herbal remedies are supplied following one to one consultation in accordance with the terms of s12(1) of the Medicines Act 1968 there is no requirement to demonstrate traditional usage of the remedy.

  Home Aids
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average waiting time and how many people are currently waiting for(a) assessment and (b) delivery and installation of home aids and adaptations by (i) Staffordshire, (ii) Cheshire, (iii) Derbyshire, (iv) Hertfordshire, (v) Lancashire, (vi) Lincolnshire, (vii) Leicestershire, (viii) Shropshire, (ix) Oxfordshire and (x) Northamptonshire social services department. [80496]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information is not collected centrally on the number of people waiting for assessment or delivery and installation of home aids and adaptations.

  Information was collected for the first time on waiting times on the Referrals, Assessments and Packages of Care (RAP) return in 2000–1. Data is collected on the time waited from:

  (i) first contact to completed assessment;

  (ii) first contact to first service;

  (iii) first contact to provision or commission of all specified services in the care plan, where specified services excludes home aids and adaptations.

  Seven of the authorities listed in the question did not submit any data for these items in 2000–01.
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  For the authorities that did provide data on waiting times to first service, no information is available specifically on home aids and adaptations. Table 1 shows the actual length of time from first contact to first service for new clients in England for 2000–01. Data for 2001–2 will be available in February 2003.

  Table 1 Actual length of time from first contact to first service for new clients

  England, 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  Rounded numbers

  Actual length of time from first contact to first service

  All client groups

  115,000

  Contact day or the following day

  20,000

  More than day following contact day up to

  21,000

  1 week

  More than 1 week up to 2 weeks

  15,000

  More than 2 weeks up to 6 weeks

  28,000

  More than 6 weeks up to 12 weeks

  14,000

  More than 12 weeks up to 6 months

  9,400

  More than 6 months

  7,400

  Actual figures for 52 Las

  The information centrally available on delivery times is provided in the table 2.

  Table 2—Performance Assessment Framework Indicator D38: Percentage of equipment items costing less than 1,000 delivered within 3 weeks in 2001–2

  Local Authority

  Percentage of items of equipment costing less than £1,000 delivered within 3 weeks

  Cheshire

  98

  Derbyshire

  99

  Hertfordshire

  83

  Lancashire

  91

  Leicestershire

  94

  Lincolnshire

  89

  Northamptonshire

  93

  Oxfordshire

  97

  Shropshire

  91

  Staffordshire

  83

  The NHS Plan set targets for the integration of social services and health community equipment services and to increase the number of people benefiting from them by fifty per cent, both by 2004. Additionally. on 23 July 2002, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health made a statement to the House concerning services for older people. He announced that by December 2004 all items of community equipment will be delivered within seven working days. This target will also apply to minor adaptations made by community equipment services. New indicators will be introduced to monitor these targets.

  Homeless Children
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Treasury to seek new funding directly to meet the support needs of homeless children to ensure that their education is not adversely affected. [88544]

  Jacqui Smith
  The resource requirements of children's social services were considered with the Spending Review 2002 and taken account of in the settlement. Most of the resources available to local authorities are 194W
  not earmarked and it is for each local authority to decide how much to spend in the light of local priorities on the support needs of homeless children.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the health effects of homelessness; and what progress has been made to improve health care for homeless people following publication of the homelessness directorate's document, "More than a Roof?. [86251]

  Ms Blears
  The health needs of homeless people have been assessed in various studies, including the Acheson inquiry into inequalities in health and the homelessness directorate's strategy, "More than a Roof?. "More than a Roof? set out a new approach to tackling homelessness, focused on the problems homeless people face as much as on places where they live. It identified addressing health needs as critical to helping homeless people, as well as in preventing homelessness.

  Homeless people will have benefited particularly from measures to improve access to health care, such as the more than 1,300 personal medical service pilots and 42 national health service walk-in centres which this Government have introduced. They have been identified as a priority for cross-Government action in the "Cross-cutting Review on Health Inequalities", published on 20 November 2002.

  Horton Hospital (Land Sales)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the increase in land values in Epsom does not prevent the sale of land at Horton Hospital to Rosebery Housing Association and other bodies which are subject to Housing Corporation rules and formulae on the acquisition of land by such associations. [88333]

  Ms Blears
  In accordance with the planning consent, land at Horton allocated for affordable housing is to be sold to housing associations at 40 per cent. of the open market value, representing a significant discount, and a reduced receipt for reinvestment in the national health service. The Department will comply with this requirement, but has no involvement in the housing association's funding arrangements.

  HosPlces
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will reimburse(a) in full and (b) in part the costs to the hosPlce movement of the impact of the increase in contributions to the NHS superannuation scheme; [88574]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the impact the increase in the NHS superannuation scheme will have on hosPlces. [88576]

  Ms Blears
  Technical changes to the way the national health service pension scheme is funded were included in my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor's pre-Budget report on 27 November 2002. In future, employer contributions will include the cost of indexing scheme benefits but the arrangements will be phased in, with employers charged directly from April 2004.
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  The extra employer costs will be offset by additional health service funding. A departmental working group has been set up to develop detailed implementation plans and the position of hosPlces and other voluntary sector employers, who contribute to the scheme, will be fully considered.

  Hospital Cleanliness
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints the NHS has received in the past 12 months about standards of cleanliness in acute hospitals. [88763]

  Mr. Lammy
  Data on the number of National Health Service complaints made each year is set out in the Department of Health publication "Handling complaints: monitoring the NHS complaints procedures." Due to the diverse range of issues for which complaints may be made under the NHS complaints procedures it is not possible to provide the information requested.

  Hospital Infections
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will next publish figures on the level of deaths in British hospitals from infections resulting from hospital treatment. [88180]

  Ms Blears
  There are no centrally held statistics on the number of deaths caused by hospital acquired infections. The recent paper on deaths associated with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) was a research study and not a routine publication.

  The Department does publish data on MRSA bacteraemia for acute National Health Service hospital trusts in England. Results for the first year of this scheme, from April 2001 to March 2002, were published in the Communicable Disease Report Weekly of 20 June 2002 and are available on the Public Health Laboratory Service website at www.phls.co.uk/publications/cdr/PDFfiles/2002/cdr2502.pdf

  Legal Disputes
  Mr. Doug Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been required to pay cash to the health authority where a legal case for damages against a health authority has been lost or withdrawn, and which health authorities have been involved, in each of the last 10 years. [88302]

  Mr. Lammy
  Information on the amount of any money received by health authorities from people required to pay in lost or withdrawn cases of damages is not collected at the required level of detail by the Department.

  Numbers of people involved would not be collected in any of the returns received by the Department.

  Licence Fees
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to his Department's answer to honourable Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme of 7 November, what mechanisms his Department uses to review the(a) effectiveness and efficiency of social
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  service departments, (b) the adequacy of resource allocation to social service departments and (c) the meeting of local needs by social services, with special reference to community care for the elderly; and what statistics on (i) average assessment times and (ii) waiting lists for home aids and adaptations he collates in England. [80495]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department has the following monitoring mechanisms in place:(a) The overall performance of each council is assessed by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) each year, using a range of evidence from performance indicators, inspections and twice-yearly monitoring information. This assessment incorporates evidence on effectiveness and efficiency. A summary of the performance is published as a performance star rating, ranging from zero to three stars. The most recent star ratings were published on 15 November 2002. A more detailed summary of performance is contained in a performance letter written by the SSI to each council. These are published on the Department's website, at www.doh.gov.uk/pssratings/councilsbylist.htm.
  (b) It is the responsibility of each individual council to decide what resources to allocate to social services. Most of local government resources are not earmarked by central government. The exception is ring-fenced grants, which have to be spent in accordance with grant conditions; this is a relatively small proportion and will decrease further in future years.
  (c) As in the answer to (a) the SSI assess the performance of councils, and this includes an assessment of community care services for older people.

  The Department collects the following information:
  (i) Detailed information on the waiting times for clients receiving an assessment for a care package is published in table A7.1 of the referrals, assessments and packages of care (RAP) report for 2000–1. The publication for 2000–1 is available on the Department's website at www.doh.qov.uk/rap.htm. Corresponding data for 2001–2 will be published early in 2003. One performance indicator on waiting times for care packages has been published for 2001–2 in Social Services performance assessment framework indicators for 2001–2, available at www.doh.gov.uk/paf (indicator D43).
  (ii) Information is not centrally collected on waiting lists for home aids and adaptations.

  Looked-after Children
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many looked after children there were in each of the last five years. [88514]

  Jacqui Smith
  The number of looked after children for each of the last five years is shown in the table.

  Number of children looked after at 31 March, 1998–2002—England

  Year

  Number

  1998

  53,300

  1999

  55,500

  2000

  58,100

  2001

  58,900

  2002

  59,700

  Note:

  Table excludes children being looked after under any agreed series of short term placements.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many looked after children were convicted of criminal acts in each of the last five years. [88515]
  197W
  Jacqui Smith
  Figures identifying the numbers of looked after children who have been looked after for at least a year and have been cautioned or convicted in the year have only been collected since the year 2000. The figures are shown in the table.

  Offending by looked after children, 12 months ending 30 September 2000 and 2001: England

  Number

  2000

  2001

  Number of children looked after for at least 12 months, aged 10 or older at 30 September

  25,700

  27,000

  of which:

  Number cautioned or convicted during the year

  2,800

  2,800

  Laming Report
  Mr. Bailey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Lord Laming will publish his report on the Victoria Climbie inquiry. [88345]

  Jacqui Smith
  Lord Laming has handed his report into the death of Victoria Climbie to my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Health and the Minister for Children and Young People, on 6 January. The report will be published shortly.

  Medical Devices
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken with the Medical Devices Agency to improve public confidence in the effectiveness and reliability of self-testing diagnostic medical devices. [88529]

  Mr. Lammy
  The United Kingdom was one of a small number of European Community member states that transposed the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) directive into national law by the required deadline (June 2000). All IVD manufacturers placing products on the European market will be required to meet this legislation by December 2003.

  Public confidence in the reliability and effectiveness of self-testing diagnostic medical devices will be improved when the IVD regulations come fully into force, and evidence is provided by the manufacturers that the results provided are accurate and meaningful.

  In order to learn about concerns that the public might have with medical devices, the Medical Devices Agency introduced, in September 2001, "on-line" reporting for members of the public for all medical devices, including in vitro diagnostic medical devices.

  In addition, the Department has published two voluntary codes of practice and guidance for genetic tests being sold directly to the public. These set out broad requirements in areas such as peer-reviewed evidence of value, accreditation and quality assurance in testing laboratories, consent, confidentiality, sample and information storage, and customer information.

  Mental Health
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of treatment with drugs 198W
  for child and adolescent mental health patients (a) since 1 January and (b) in each of the previous five years. [88527]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information is not collected centrally in the form requested.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his assessment is of the adequacy of mental health provision in Leeds West; and if he will make a statement. [81492]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Leeds West Primary Care Trust (PCT) remains committed to the provision of high quality mental health services, which are easily accessible. A working group, which has representation from the PCT and the voluntary sector, as well as service users, has been formed to help determine the options for closer working and service improvements across the community.

  Secondary care mental health services will also be further enhanced following the opening of a new community unit for older people in 2003.

  The West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority is responsible for overseeing the local modernisation of mental health services in line with the National Service Framework and the NHS Plan. Strategic health authorities will be clarifying through their local delivery plans, to be completed by March 2003, how mental health services should be developed over the next three years to help meet the needs of the local population.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of carers of mental health patients in Shropshire have been given a carer's assessment. [87419]

  Mr. Lammy
  27 per cent. of carers of mental health patients in the Shropshire Primary Care Trust area have been offered an assessment to date in 2002–3.

  Source:

  Shropshire PCT

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the underlying reasons for the recent change in numbers of prisoners transferred under the Mental Health Act 1999 from prisons to hospitals. [87440]

  Jacqui Smith
  The "Statistics of Mentally Disordered Offenders 2001", published on 28 November 2001, shows that the number of prisoners being transferred to hospital on mental health grounds has reduced in 2000 and 2001, compared to 1999. It is too early to begin to say what the causes might be. The past three years represent a period of considerable change for prison health, and for mental health in particular, with the development of mental health in-reach to prisons from the national health service. These changes need more time to work through before we can assess their effects with any certainty.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is putting in place to ensure that users of mental health services are treated in a respectful manner. [88198]
  199W
  Jacqui Smith
  Empowering patients to take an active role in their own care is a key theme in the NHS Plan. We know that people are more likely to have a better outcome from treatment when they understand and agree with their treatment and have been active partners in decision making. Increasing the involvement of service users and carers in all aspects of service development and delivery will help to increase their status and the respect they are afforded by all those involved.

  A number of programmes of work attest to the importance of this. For example the mental health stigma campaign Mind out for mental health and National Institute of Mental Health England's Experts by experience programme.

  Mental health performance indicators for 2002–3 include indicators on patient focus. There is a specific indicator on 'Privacy and dignity', with objectives set to support the elimination of mixed sex accommodation in general wards.

  The mental health patient survey, which is being carried out by the Commission for Health Improvement, is timed to provide data for the performance rating of mental health trusts in 2002–3. It will provide information to trusts to enable them to offer mental health patients better information and more choice.

  Ministerial Correspondence
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters to him from(a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public remain unanswered, broken down by those which are (i) over six months, and (ii) over one year. [83279]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 25 November 2002; pursuant to his answer, 17 December 2002, official Report, c. 783 W]: I regret my previous answer was incorrect. The first sentence should read as follows:

  "At 11 December there were 38 letters from hon. Members dated before 10 June which had not received a reply and none over a year."

  MMR Vaccine
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will lift the limit on the daily quota for vaccine for the single MMR injection. [87165]

  Ms Blear
  [holding answer 16 December 2002]: Single measles and single mumps vaccines, which are prescribed and administered outside the national childhood immunisation programme, are imported unlicensed medicines. Licensed single rubella vaccine is currently available in the United Kingdom. Unlicensed single rubella vaccine may only be imported and supplied when the licensed vaccine is unavailable. Importers, who must be licensed by the Medicines Control Agency, are required to notify the Agency on each occasion that they intend to import an unlicensed medicine. Notifications may be submitted daily, but the maximum quantity that may be imported per notification is controlled by legislation.
  200W

  Monitored Dosage Systems
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to keep the use of monitored dosage systems for elderly patients free at the point of demand; and if he will make a statement. [87429]

  Mr. Lammy
  Under their national health service terms of service, pharmacies are not required to provide monitored dosage systems. Primary care trusts can negotiate contracts with pharmacies to pay for the provision of monitored dosage systems where they consider it appropriate to meet the needs of patients locally.

  NHS Catering
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the NHS takes to provide varied meal options in hospitals for patients from different ethnic backgrounds. [88765]

  Mr. Lammy
  Each hospital's menu should reflect the needs and preferences of all patients although the range of choice available will depend on the diversity of the local population. The new national health service menu format, launched in May 2001, includes a section for "Cultural and Religious Choices" which sets out example menus for halal, vegetarian, kosher and African-Caribbean meals.

  During 2003, NHS Estates will be working with the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency to tender for a national contract for supplying the NHS with halal, kosher and other authentic ethnic dishes.

  NHS Cleaning Contractors
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS cleaning contractors have lost their contracts in each of the past five years. [85776]

  Ms Blears
  Figures for private sector cleaning contractors who have had their contracts terminated by national health service trusts for poor performance in each of the last five years are as follows:

  1998—one contract terminated

  1999—one contract terminated

  2000—one contract terminated

  2001—two contracts terminated

  2002—six contracts terminated

  NHS Dentistry
  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage recruitment of NHS dentists. [87721]

  Mr. Lammy
  The number of dentists practising in the general dental service has risen consistently in recent years. Most of these dentists spend most of their time on national health service work. However, access to routine NHS dentistry can be an issue in some parts of the country.

  A number of initiatives have been implemented to address this shortfall. New ways of working and new ways of paying dentists will be explored in the Options for Change field sites, which have been identified by the NHS Modernisation Agency, working closely with the

  201W
  profession. The learning gained from these field sites will be used to inform future changes to NHS dentistry as a whole.

  The report "Better Opportunities for Women Dentists" reflects changes in the work force and aims to make NHS dentistry a more attractive profession for women.

  Doctors' and Dentists' review body recommendations on increases to gross fees have been implemented in full since 1999.

  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists are accepting NHS patients in(a) Morecambe, (b) Lancaster and (c) Carnforth. [87722]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information asked for is not collected centrally in the format requested.

  The number of practices taking on new patients in the Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust (PCT) was, estimated at August 2002, 29 out of 57 practices or 51 per cent. The average for England is 45 per cent. However, 98 per cent. of the PCTs population was within a five mile (urban) and 10 mile (rural) radius of dentists accepting new patients.

  NHS IT Programme
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average time taken between the initial advertising of NHS IT contracts with a value of more than £5 million and the final contract award has been in the last month. [88178]

  Ms Blears
  No national health service information technology contracts with a value of more than £5 million have been awarded in the last month.

  The Department, at the centre, only approves NHS information management and technology business cases that exceed £20 million whole life cost. The remaining cases are dealt with at various intermediate levels in the NHS; previously by regional offices and now strategic health authorities. We do not maintain a central list of cases approved in the NHS.

  Because of their complexity projects of this size normally take over a year to complete.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has issued basic standards and specifications as part of the NHS IT programme. [88164]

  Ms Blears
  Information standards for use by the national health service in England are maintained and published by the NHS information authority.

  As part of the implementation programme for NHS information technology currently going forward within the Government's "21st Century IT" strategy, a national specification for the integrated care records service element was published for consultation on 26 July 2002.
  202W
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what testing has been carried out on the procurement model for the NHS IT programme. [88165]

  Mr. Lammy
  Thee procurement strategy for the national programme for information technology in the National Health Service will be in line with European Union Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) regulations and procedures and also covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).

  The purpose of the procurement strategy is to simplify the contracting environment for NHS IT projects by reducing the duplication and delay that can be the result of running numerous local procurement exercises in parallel.

  The national programme and its key deliverables are subject to the Office of Government Commerce Gateway Review process. They will examine the procurement strategy and provide assurance that the selected procurement approach is appropriate for the proposed programme and in line with good practice.

  The national IT programme has also appointed commercial lawyers, DLA and Alien & Overy, to provide legal advice and support.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which IT projects being undertaken by the NHS(a) are running over budget and (b) have been subject to a significant respecification. [88167]

  Ms Blears
  The Department does not keep central records of local information management and technology projects. Projects are managed by the local National Health Service organisation under the relevant standing financial instructions. There is no general requirement to report cost over-runs or re-specifications to the Department.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the implications of a moratorium in localized IT purchasing by the NHS for the viability of smaller suppliers. [88168]

  Ms Blears
  There is no moratorium on localised information technology purchasing by the National Health Service.

  The new national programme for IT in the NHS was announced by my noble Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, on 12 June 2002. We are planning significant increases in expenditure from April 2003 onwards in the NHS following the recommendations of the Wanless Report. The final details of the new funding in the 2002 Spending Review are still being worked on and an announcement will be made shortly.

  The Department has issued a prior information notice (PIN), a tender notice that is published as part of the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) series. The PIN invites interested parties to respond to fulfilling the role of prime contractors and suppliers in the delivery of the national IT programme.
  203W
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the NHS National IT Strategy. [88166]

  Mr. Lammy
  The national programme for information technology in the national health service focuses on the key developments that will make a significant difference to improving the patient experience and the delivery of care and services. There are four key deliverables: electronic appointment booking, an electronic care records service, an electronic prescribing service and an underpinning IT infrastructure with sufficient capacity to support the critical national applications and local systems.

  To support better central direction a ministerial task force has been established under the chairmanship of my noble friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. Each strategic health authority has appointed a chief information officer. They have a pivotal role in including costed IT plans in their local delivery plans and ensuring primary care trusts and NHS trusts implement and use the core IT solutions determined at national level.

  Since Richard Granger took up the post of Director General of NHS IT on 7 October there has been a great deal of progress and accelerating the mobilisation of the national programme has been a priority.

  A significant step forward has been the issue of a prior information notice (PIN), a tender notice that is published as part of the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) series. The PIN invites interested parties to respond to fulfilling the role of prime contractors and suppliers in the delivery of the national IT programme.

  The focus in the early part of the year will remain on strengthening programme management, including risk management and progress monitoring, ensuring faster and smarter procurement and providing a clear and meaningful critical path for implementation.

  NHS Net
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of(a) GP surgeries and (1)) other surgeries were connected to NHS net in each of the last four years. [86879]

  Mr. Lammy
  [holding answer 12 December 2002]: Figures held centrally for general practitioner practice connections are shown in the table. These are for centrally funded connections; connections for other GP premises such as part-time surgeries are a matter for local arrangements.

  Date

  Number of practices

  Percentage

  April 1999

  75

  0.9

  April 2000

  4,611

  53

  April 2001

  8,125

  93

  Currently

  8,579

  98

  204W

  NHS Targets
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list targets set by his Department in 2002 for the NHS in the last year. [89031]

  Mr. Lammy
  The key publication setting out priorities for the national health service in 2002–3 was the "Planning and Priorities Framework 2002". A copy is available in the Library.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Paul Farrelly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to reply to written questions refs. 80495 and 80496 tabled by the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme on 13 November 2002. [88616]

  Jacqui Smith
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to these questions. They have been answered today.

  Patient Admissions
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from(a) ambulance unions and (b) other representatives of ambulance workers about delays in the admission of patients from ambulances into A&E units. [88160]

  Mr. Lammy
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 10 December 2002,official Report, column 293W.

  Physical Health of Prisoners
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the prison population are(a) smokers and (b) overweight. [87443]

  Jacqui Smith
  A study of the physical health of sentenced male prisoners was undertaken in 1994. It showed that 81 per cent. of sentenced male prisoners smoked and 30 per cent. were overweight. This is still considered to be representative of the current prison population

  Primary Care Trusts
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the progress made by primary care trusts in carrying out their roles; and if he will make a statement; [88099]

  (2) whether his Department has carried out research into the effectiveness of primary care trusts in carrying out their roles. [88100]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answers 19 December 2002.1 In April 1999 the Department commissioned the national primary care research and development centre (NPCRDC) at Manchester University and the King's Fund to undertake a longitudinal survey (the Tracker Survey), of a representative sample of primary care groups and trusts over their first three years of development.

  The research has concluded that primary care groups and trusts have continued to build on their early achievements in establishing infrastructures and their capacity to improve services. They have continued to improve access to care, extend the range of services

  205W
  available in primary care settings and raise quality standards. The reports are available on the NPCRDC website at: www.nperdc.man.ac.uk

  The national primary and care trust development programme (NatPaCT) has also been working with primary care trusts (PCTs) to develop a competency framework as a self-assessment tool to help PCTs assess their organisational competence to deliver the National Health Service agenda. It provides guidance on organisational and personal competencies. The NatPaCT programme and competency framework has been made available to all PCTs and can also be downloaded from the NatPaCT website at: www.natpact.nhs.uk

  Dr. Richard Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the Diabetes National Service Framework Delivery Strategy before primary care trusts plan their expenditure for future years. [88849]

  Mr. Lammy
  We shall be publishing the delivery strategy for the diabetes national service framework in the next few weeks.

  Prisons (Mental Health)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prisoners with mental health problems there were awaiting transfer to secure hospitals in each prison in each year since 1997. [87416]

  Jacqui Smith
  The table shows data from prisons on numbers of prisoners who were waiting for mental health transfer in each prison on the last day of each calendar year since 2000. Earlier figures collected are either incomplete or cannot be verified, and so are not included here.

  As at December

  Prison

  2001

  2000

  Acklington

  1

  0

  Albany

  2

  4

  Altcourse

  3

  0

  Ashreld

  0

  1—

  Ashwell

  0

  0

  Askham Grange

  0

  0

  Aylesbury

  0

  0

  Bedford

  1

  2

  Belmarsh

  17

  6

  Birmingham

  4

  1

  Blakenhurst

  1

  0

  Blantyre House

  0

  0

  Blundeston

  0

  0

  Brinsford

  2

  2

  Bristol

  2

  1

  Brixton

  4

  7

  Brockhill

  1

  0

  Buckley Hall

  0

  0

  Bullingdon

  0

  1

  Bullwood Hall

  0

  0

  Camp Hill

  0

  1

  Canterbury

  3

  0

  Cardiff

  1

  2

  Castington

  0

  0

  Channings Wood

  0

  0

  Chelmsford

  1

  2

  Coldingley

  0

  0

  Cookham Wood

  0

  0

  Dartmoor

  0

  2

  Deerbolt

  0

  0

  Doncaster

  3

  3

  206W

  As at December

  Prison

  2001

  2000

  Dorchester

  0

  0

  Dover

  0

  0

  Dovegate

  0

  1—

  Downview

  0

  0

  Drake Hall

  0

  0

  Durham

  1

  2

  East Sutton Park

  0

  0

  Eastwood Park

  2

  1

  Elmley

  1

  0

  Erlestoke

  0

  0

  Everthorpe

  0

  0

  Exeter

  0

  15

  Featherstone

  1

  0

  Feltham

  2

  5

  Ford

  0

  0

  Forest Bank

  0

  0

  Foston Hall

  0

  0

  Frankland

  1

  0

  Full Sutton

  0

  0

  Garth

  0

  0

  Gartree

  4

  3

  Glen Parva

  0

  0

  Gloucester

  0

  0

  Grendon/Spring Hill

  0

  0

  Guys Marsh

  1

  0

  Haslar

  0

  0

  Hatfield

  0

  0

  Haverigg

  0

  0

  Hewell Grange

  0

  0

  Highdown

  2

  3

  Highpoint

  0

  0

  Highpoint North

  1

  0

  Hindley

  0

  0

  Hollesley Bay

  0

  0

  Holloway

  1

  0

  Holme House

  0

  0

  Hull

  0

  0

  Huntercombe

  0

  0

  Kingston

  1

  1

  Kirkham

  0

  0

  Kirklevington

  0

  0

  Lancaster

  0

  0

  Lancaster Farms

  0

  0

  Latchmere House

  0

  0

  Leeds

  2

  1

  Leicester

  0

  1

  Lewes

  2

  1

  Leyhill

  0

  0

  Lincoln

  2

  1

  Lindholme

  0

  0

  Littlehey

  0

  0

  Liverpool

  3

  0

  Long Lartin

  2

  3

  Low Newton

  0

  1

  Lowdham Grange

  0

  0

  Maidstone

  1

  2

  Manchester

  2

  2

  Moorland

  0

  0

  Morton Hall

  0

  0

  Mount, The

  0

  0

  New Hall

  4

  0

  North Sea Camp

  0

  0

  Northallerton

  1

  0

  Norwich

  3

  2

  Nottingham

  1

  1

  Onley

  1

  0

  Parc

  2

  2

  Parkhurst

  0

  1

  Pentonville

  2

  10

  Portland

  0

  0

  Preston

  0

  0

  Ranby

  0

  0

  207W

  As at December

  Prison

  2001

  2000

  Reading

  0

  1

  Risley

  1

  0

  Rochester

  3

  1

  Rye Hill

  0

  0

  Send

  0

  0

  Shepton Mallet

  0

  0

  Shrewsbury

  0

  0

  Stafford

  0

  0

  Standford Hill

  0

  0

  Stocken

  0

  0

  Stoke Heath

  1

  0

  Styal

  3

  3

  Sudbury

  0

  0

  Swaleside

  3

  0

  Swansea

  1

  0

  Swinfen Hall

  0

  0

  Thorn Cross

  0

  0

  Usk/Prescoed

  0

  0

  Verne, The

  0

  0

  Wakefield

  0

  13

  Wandsworth

  3

  4

  Wayland

  0

  0

  Wealstun

  0

  0

  Weare

  0

  0

  Wellingborough

  0

  0

  Werrington

  0

  0

  Wetherby

  2

  0

  Whatton

  0

  0

  Whitemoor

  1

  1

  Winchester

  2

  5

  Woodhill

  10

  0

  Wormwood Scrubs

  3

  3

  Wolds

  0

  0

  Wymott

  0

  0

  1Indicates data not available—new prison

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of health professionals working in prisons have received training in mental health issues. [87438]

  Jacqui Smith
  Mental health services are provided in prisons by both National Health Service providers—mental health in-reach and secondary care—and by healthcare staff employed by prisons. In addition, many prisons employ health professionals with mental health speciality on a contractual or sessional basis to support the work of permanent staff or to provide secondary care advice.

  Of those prison staff providing healthcare in prisons approximately one third of nurses, and 7 per cent. of doctors have formal psychiatric qualifications.

  Within the prison service much training in mental health awareness is being developed and delivered to a range of staff, including training for non-healthcare staff who work with prisoners.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Director General of the Prison Service to discuss mental health provision in the UK Prison Service. [87576]

  Jacqui Smith
  In my capacity as Minister responsible for Prison Health matters, I last met with the Director General of the Prison Service, Mr. Martin Narey, on 11 September 2001. We discussed a number of issues,208W
  including mental health provision for prisoners. Nigel Crisp, chief executive of the National Health Service and permanent secretary of the Department of Health last met with Mr. Narey on 18 September 2002. Again, a variety of issues, including mental health, were discussed.

  Public Health (Proposed Committee)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what input his Department has had into the proposed committee of senior officials on public health; and what his policy is on the proposed committee. [88171]

  Ms Blears
  The senior officers group on health inequalities is a cross-Government Group chaired by officials from Her Majesty's Treasury and includes in its membership officials of my Department. This Group has the Department's full support.

  Public Information
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 17 December 2002,Official Report, column 783W, for what reason accurate information is not currently available for letters from members of the public. [89360]

  Mr. Lammy
  Letters from the public arrive at several different points in the Department of Health and we do not collate the information routinely. We have established a new Customer Services Centre to improve the timeliness of responses to correspondence.

  Rampton/Broadmoor
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in increasing the number of in-patient beds at(a) Rampton and (b) Broadmoor prison. [87417]

  Jacqui Smith
  Projects are well under way to deliver beds for the dangerous and severe personality disorder (DSPD) programme at both Broadmoor and Rampton High Security Hospitals. This programme will deliver an additional 70 in-patient beds at both hospitals, to be completed by late 2004. Work is due to commence in January 2003 on an initial 10 bed pilot ward for DSPD patients at Broadmoor, which is expected to open in April 2003.

  Runaway Children
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children who ran away from home since 1997 he estimates suffered from(a) physical abuse and (b) mental abuse. [88189]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government are aware from the social exclusion unit's "Young Runaways" (2002) report that it is estimated that 77,000 children and young people run away every year, including nearly 20,000 who are under 11. However, the information
  209W
  requested, which relates specifically to children who run away as a direct consequence of either suffering physical abuse or from suffering mental abuse is not collected centrally.

  Secure Beds
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition he uses of(a) high secure beds, (h) medium secure beds, (c) low secure beds and (d) long-term secure beds in relation to hospitals. [87441]

  Jacqui Smith
  High secure beds are intended for those who pose a grave and immediate danger to others. The perimeter security of these hospitals has recently been upgraded to be equivalent of that of a category B prison. There are three such hospitals: Rampton, Broadmoor and Ashworth.

  Medium secure beds are designed for those who pose a lesser risk and, although there is significant perimeter security, the emphasis is on security derived from the close attention of the staff of the units.

  Low secure beds are those for people who present a minimal risk, often to themselves. They are not designed to prevent a determined escape, and may consist of no more than a locked door to an otherwise conventional ward.

  Long-term secure beds can be either medium or low secure, and are specifically designed for those who are expected to need to stay in hospital for longer than two years.

  Sheltered Housing
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission a cost-benefit analysis of care villages and other forms of extra-care or very-sheltered housing. [84012]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government's policy on long-term care for older people is to promote quality, choice and independence by the increased use of alternative forms of care provision, such as intensive home care and extra care or sheltered housing.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, together with colleagues from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, is considering commissioning information which will help to evaluate comprehensively the state of the potential and future development of the extra care home sector.

  Sight Tests
  Mrs. Helen Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have had their sight tested following the extension of eligibility for NHS sight tests to those aged 60 and over. [87675]

  Mr. Lammy
  The table shows the number of national health service sight tests paid for in England for the years ending 31 March 2000 to 2002.

  Eligibility to NHS sight tests was extended to those aged 60 and over from 1 April 1999.
  210W

  General ophthalmic services: number of sight tests paid for by health authorities in England for all patients and patients aged 60 and over

  Number of sight tests for aged 60 and over (millions)

  Total number of sight tests (millions)

  1999–2000

  3.3

  9.4

  2000–1

  3.8

  9.6

  2001–2

  4.0

  9.8

  Information on the number of people having NHS sight tests is not collected centrally. The number of sight tests cannot be equated with the number of people, as some groups are advised to have more than one sight test in a year.

  Social Care
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his targets are for the assessment and provision of social care; and what measures are in place to ensure that these targets are met. [87775]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government's priority targets for social services are set out in the Department of Health's planning and priorities framework for 2003 to 2006, "Improvement, Expansion and Reform: the next three years", principally in the sections on life chances for children in care, mental health and older people. The document sets out priority targets for both health and social services. A copy is available in the Library.

  The priorities for social services and social services performance in general are assessed by the Social Services Inspectorate, taking into account a broad range of performance evidence from performance indicators, inspections and in-year monitoring. Since May 2002 this assessment of performance has been summarised as the social services performance "star" rating. There are significant freedoms available for the best performing councils, providing an incentive to improve. Where councils show poor performance and we do not believe the council has the capacity to improve, we have provided assistance in the form of performance action teams. In cases of serious failure we will not hesitate to use our formal intervention powers.

  Social Services (Targets)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list targets set by his Department in 2002 for social services. [89032]

  Jacqui Smith
  In September 2002 the Government set out the priority targets for both social services and health services in the Department of Health's planning priorities framework for 2003 to 2006, "Improvement, Expansion and Reform: the Next 3 Years". This is available in the Library and on the Internet at http://www.doh.qov.uk/planning 2003–2006.

  Social services targets are mainly in the sections on life chances for children in care, mental health and older people although social services have a contribution to make in other areas such as health inequalities and drug misuse.
  211W

  South Worcestershire PCT Deficit
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that measures taken to address the deficit of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust do not lead to long-term reductions in the capacity of the health economy of the area; and if he will make a statement. [88413]

  Mr. Lammy
  The South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) as part of its review of all options for reducing its financial deficit is looking at services provided to the local population as well as its own administration and management. The PCT is discussing the implications of service changes and modernisation with a wide range of stakeholders and will be discussing progress on the service reviews at its next public board meeting, which takes place on 5 February 2003.

  The Government expect South Worcestershire PCT to meet performance targets and return to financial balance.

  Thrombolysis
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to improve the delivery of thrombolysis in acute hospitals since March 2002. [88752]

  Ms Blears
  Since March 2002, we have taken a number of steps aimed at improving the delivery of thrombolysis, including:investment of £.10 million from the New Opportunities fund for cardiac monitoring equipment, electro-cardiograph (ECG) machines, on 999 ambulances, to support faster thrombolysis either en route or on arrival at the acute hospital;
  a further £14 million a year central investment over the next three years to complete the programme of providing ECGs for 999 ambulances, to provide thrombolysis training for paramedics and to modernise communications between ambulances and acute hospitals;
  work with the coronary heart disease collaborative to ensure paramedics pre-alert hospitals that heart attack patients are on the way, so that thrombolysis can be started immediately on arrival; and
  a rapid review of best practice with the coronary heart disease collaborative to support better delivery of thrombolysis across the national health service.

  In addition, in October 2002 the National Institute for Clinical Excellence published "Guidance on the use of drugs for early thrombolysis in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction". In November 2002, the Royal College of Physicians published hospital performance data by the myocardial infarction national audit project. This should help hospitals to improve the time they take to provide thrombolysis to patients with a heart attack.

  Wheelchair Organisation

  Organisation

  The Wheelchair Service

  Bedfordshire Heartlands PCT

  Bexhill & Rother Wheelchair Service

  Bexhill & Rother PCT

  The Wirral Wheelchair Assessment Centre

  Birkenhead & Wallasey PCT

  Wheelchair Service

  Brent PCT

  Bromley Wheelchair Service

  Bromley PCT

  South East Staffs Wheelchair Service

  Burntwood, Litchfield & Tamworth PCT, SE Staffs PCT

  Chantry Wheelchair Services

  Central Suffolk PCT

  Southern Derbyshire Wheelchair Service

  Derbyshire Dales and South Derbyshire PCT

  Wheelchair Services

  Doncaster East PCT

  South Durham Wheelchair Service

  Durham and Chester Le-Street PCT

  Enfield Wheelchair Service

  Enfield PCT

  212W

  Tinnitus Research Consortium
  Angela Watkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in establishing the Tinnitus Research Consortium agreed by the then Minister on 11 July 2000. [88317]

  Mr. Lammy
  There was no such agreement. At the meeting on 11 July 2000 with representatives of the British Tinnitus Association, my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Health (Mr. Hutton), who then had responsibility for sensory disabilities such as tinnitus, was asked for advice about sources of support for tinnitus research. My right hon. Friend suggested that an approach should be made to the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its grant in aid from the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology and which is the main agency through which the Government supports medical research.

  While it is true to say that my right hon. Friend made clear that funds for tinnitus research might be available from the MRC, it would be a mistake to imply that he undertook to secure such funds. The MRC is independent in its funding decisions and does not generally earmark funds for particular toPlcs.

  The MRC has discussed mechanisms of funding with representatives of the British Tinnitus Association, and always welcomes high quality applications for funding medical research, which are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. The MRC is currently funding research projects related to tinnitus, mainly at the MRC Institute for Hearing Research in Nottingham. The MRC is also funding some more basic work on the auditory system, and this would inform any developments in treatments for a range of hearing disorders including tinnitus.

  Wheelchairs
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his Answer of 11 December 2002,official Report, column 401W, on wheelchair services, if he will make a statement on the wheelchair services collaborative programme. [89353]

  Jacqui Smith
  As outlined in the Department's press release of 27 November, forty five centres are now participating in the wheelchair services collaborative, which spans eighteen months. The aim of the collaborative is to improve the overall experience for users and carers, and to work towards minimising delays and maximising efficiency.

  The services participating are shown in the table.
  213W

  Wheelchair Organisation

  Organisation

  The Wheelchair Centre

  Hambleton and Richmondshire pct

  Haringey Wheelchair Service

  Haringey Teaching PCT

  Hillingdon Wheelchair Service

  Hillingdon PCT

  Occupational Therapy & Wheelchair Services

  Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Trust

  The Wheelchair Service

  King's Lynn and Wisebech Hospitals NHS Trust

  Leeds Wheelchair Service

  Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

  North Essex Wheelchair services

  Maldon and South Chelmsford PCT

  Wheelchair Services

  Milton Keynes PCT

  Disablement Services Centre

  North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  North Cumbria Wheelchair Service

  North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  Wheelchair Centre

  North Lincolnshire Primary Care NHS Trust

  NW Surrey Wheelchair Service

  North Surrey PCT

  Harrow Wheelchair Service

  North West London Hospitals NHS Trust

  Occupational Therapy and Wheelchair Services

  Northamptonshire Heartlands PLC

  Oxford Centre for Enablement

  Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust

  Wheelchair Assessment Centre, Thameside General Hospital

  Oldham PCT/Thameside and Glossop

  Wheelchair Service & Community Equipment Service

  Redditch and Bromsgrove NHS PCT

  Exeter Mobility Centre

  Royal Devon and Exeter Healthcare NHS

  Wheelchair Service

  Sedgefield PCT

  Birmingham Wheelchair Service

  South Birmingham PCT

  Sussex Rehabilitation Centre

  South Downs NHS Trust

  South Tyneside (Healthcare NHS Trust) Wheelchair Services

  South Tyneside PCT

  South Warwickshire PCT

  South Warwickshire PCT

  Wheelchair Services

  Sussex Downs and Weald PCT

  Shropshire Wheelchair Service

  Telford and Wrekin NHS PCT

  Liverpool Wheelchair Service

  The Royal Liverpool and NHS Broadgreen University Hospitals

  Tower Hamlets Wheelchair Service

  Tower Hamlets NHS PCT

  Wheelchair Service at the Rehabilitation Centre

  United Lincoln Hospitals NHS Trust

  Leicestershire Wheelchair Service

  University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust

  Wheelchair Services

  Walsall PCT

  Wheelchair Service

  Wandsworth NHS PCT

  West Dorset Wheelchair Service

  West Dorset PCT

  The Wheelchair Service

  West Kent NHS and Social Care Trust (Medway PCT, Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley PCT)

  Queen's Counsel
  Queen's Counsel
  Strangford: Schools
  Strangford: Schools
  Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission
  Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission
  Northern Ireland Arts Council
  Northern Ireland Arts Council
  Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund
  Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund
  Ministers and Civil Servants: Home to Office Travel
  Ministers and Civil Servants: Home to Office Travel
  Northern Ireland Civil Service
  Northern Ireland Civil Service
  Irish Language Agency
  Irish Language Agency
  Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Linguistic Diversity Branch
  Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure: Linguistic Diversity Branch
  Ulster Scots Agency
  Ulster Scots Agency
  Waterways Ireland
  Waterways Ireland
  Northern Ireland Hospice
  Northern Ireland Hospice
  Shannon Navigation
  Shannon Navigation
  Belfast Agreement: Cross-Border Bodies
  Belfast Agreement: Cross-Border Bodies
  Food Safety Promotion Board
  Food Safety Promotion Board
  Aid to Post-conflict Countries
  Aid to Post-conflict Countries
  Reproductive Health: DfID Funding for International Organisations
  Reproductive Health: DfID Funding for International Organisations
  China: Reproductive Health Programmes
  China: Reproductive Health Programmes
  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Democratic Republic of the Congo
  Ethiopia: HIV and AIDS
  Ethiopia: HIV and AIDS
  Global Health Fund: HIV and AIDS
  Global Health Fund: HIV and AIDS
  Iraq
  Iraq
  Smallpox
  Smallpox
  Highways: Winter Maintenance
  Highways: Winter Maintenance
  Persons Granted Exceptional Leave to Remain in the UK: Housing
  Persons Granted Exceptional Leave to Remain in the UK: Housing
  Single Currency
  Single Currency
  Gift Aid: Works of Art
  Gift Aid: Works of Art
  Legal Services
  Legal Services
  Discrimination: Enforcement Powers
  Discrimination: Enforcement Powers
  Wideroe Airlines Plane Crash
  Wideroe Airlines Plane Crash
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd: MoD Communications
  Major (Retired) Christine Lloyd: MoD Communications
  Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft
  Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft
  Computer Misuse Act: Prosecutions
  Computer Misuse Act: Prosecutions
  Cultural Property: Offences
  Cultural Property: Offences
  Hunting
  Hunting
  Timber Products
  Timber Products
  Pigeons
  Pigeons
  Environment Agency: Cost Recovery
  Environment Agency: Cost Recovery
  Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: Inspections
  Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: Inspections
  Family Visitor Appeals
  Family Visitor Appeals
  Deportation
  Deportation
  Local Authorities: Administrative Errors and Enforcement Agents
  Local Authorities: Administrative Errors and Enforcement Agents
  Asylum Seekers: Health Screening
  Asylum Seekers: Health Screening
  Legionella Outbreak in Barrow-in-Furness: PHLS Support
  Legionella Outbreak in Barrow-in-Furness: PHLS Support
  Local Authority Children's Homes
  Local Authority Children's Homes
  Antenatal Clinics
  Antenatal Clinics
  NHS: Research and Development Budget
  NHS: Research and Development Budget
  Mental Health: Black and Minority Ethnic Groups
  Mental Health: Black and Minority Ethnic Groups
  Hospices
  Hospices
  Potters Bar Points 2182A: Communications and Responsibilities
  Potters Bar Points 2182A: Communications and Responsibilities
  Procurement
  Procurement
  Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal
  Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal
  National Lottery: New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund
  National Lottery: New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund
  Export of Works of Art
  Export of Works of Art