Written Answers of 18 March 2003

TRANSPORT

  A696
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received in opposition to the de-trunking of the A696 in Northumberland; and if he will hold a public enquiry into the proposal. [102843]

  Mr. Spellar
  Initially 11 objections to the draft orders published on 23 August 2001 were received from Northumberland County Council, Tynedale District Council, Scottish Executive, Northumberland National Park, Freight Transport Association, five parish councils and a private individual. Tynedale District Council, Scottish Executive and Freight Transport Association subsequently withdrew their Objections.

  Negotiations continue with Northumberland County Council, which will be the highway authority after detrunking, over the future funding of the A696/A68 and it would therefore be premature of me to comment on whether there will be a public inquiry into the proposal before these discussions are concluded.

  Amber Beacons
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on restrictions on the use of flashing amber beacons on motor vehicles on the public highway; what plans he has to change the regulations; and if he will make a statement. [103476]

  Mr. Spellar
  The Department of Transport regularly receives requests for clarification of the regulations on the use of flashing amber beacons on motor vehicles. In the past five years only one request has been made for these regulations to be extended. This was to permit amber warning beacons to be fitted to vehicles which are used for the purposes of rescuing animals injured on the roads, as they sometimes need to stop on the highway.

  A consultation exercise is currently being carried out on proposals to permit recovery operators to use red rear flashing lights in conjunction with amber beacons at the scene of a breakdown.

  The Government has no immediate plans for any further amendments to the regulations on amber beacons on road vehicles.

  Motorised Wheelchairs
  Mr. Robert Syms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he intends to publish the findings of his Department's review of the use of motorised wheelchairs on the highway; [103736]
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  (2) what plans he has to introduce a requirement in law for compulsory third party insurance for users of motorised wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement; [103640]

  (3) what representations his Department has received from (a) pedestrians and (b) motorists on the unsafe and dangerous use of motorised wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement. [103639]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We receive a wide range of correspondence about the use of motorised wheelchairs on the highway from disabled people themselves as well as from other pedestrians and motorists. A proportion of that correspondence is expressing concern about safety issues.

  In response to these concerns I will shortly be launching a review of the law which currently governs the construction of these vehicles and their use on the highway. The review will cover the full range of issues that have been raised with the Department, including the case for compulsory insurance for the users of motorised wheelchairs. We will be seeking the views of users and all other stakeholders before drawing any conclusions about possible changes to current arrangements.

  I will publish the results of the Review once it is complete, which I would hope to be later this year.

  Motorways
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many additional miles of motorway in England and Wales he expects to have lighting(a) by December 2003 and (b) by December 2004. [102815]

  Mr. Spellar
  Motorways in Wales are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment at the National Assembly for Wales.

  In England, the Highways Agency expects to install lighting on approximately 10.8 miles of existing motorway by December 2003 and a further 14.5 miles by December 2004.

  The new M6 toll motorway will be open by December 2004 and will have lighting on lengths totalling approximately 10 miles.

  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of changes in the number of injury-accidents occurring after introduction of driving on the hard shoulder; [102220]

  (2) what guidance he has (a) sought and (b) received from the Health and Safety Executive on the proposal to permit the use of motorway hard shoulders as a running lane; [102219]

  (3) what steps he has taken to gauge the opinion of motorists on the proposal to remove the hard shoulder on many motorways; [102221]

  (4) what estimate he has made of the (a) construction and (b) maintenance costs associated with the introduction of driving on hard shoulders; [102218]

  (5) what plans he has to permit use of hard shoulders as a running lane; and if he will make a statement; [102213]
  619W
  (6) what assessment he has made of the safety implications of using the hard shoulder as a running lane; [102214]

  (7) what meetings he has had with motoring organisations to discuss the safety implications of the proposal to remove the hard shoulder on many motorways; and what responses he had (a) in favour and (b) opposed; [102224]

  (8) what guidance he has (a) sought and (b) received from the Fire Service on the proposal to permit the use of motorway hard shoulders as a running lane; [102223]

  (9) what estimate he has made of the costs to public funds as a result of a change in the number of accidents caused by driving on the hard shoulder, with particular regard to (a) insurance, (b) medical costs, (c) care of dependants and (d) time off work; [102225]

  (10) what meetings he has had with (a) the Transport and General Workers Union and (b) other trade unions, to discuss the safety implications of driving on hard shoulders for those who work at the roadside; [102222]

  (11) if he will place in the Library copies of research he has assessed in relation to his policy regarding use of hard shoulders as a running lane; [102216]

  (12) if he will commit the Department to retaining the existing hard shoulder network for the purpose for which it was intended. [102215]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced on 27 July 2001 that the M42 between Junctions 3a and 7 had been chosen as a pilot site for Active Traffic Management (ATM). The pilot offers the potential to allow carefully controlled use of the hard shoulder as a running lane during congested periods. The outcome of the pilot will be assessed very thoroughly before any policy decision is taken about the more general use of the hard shoulder as a running lane. The hard shoulder is routinely used as a running lane during motorway maintenance.

  The Health and Safety Executive regularly provide input into the standards applied when the hard shoulder is used as a running lane during motorway maintenance. They will be consulted about its use as part of the M42 ATM Project when the Highways Agency has developed its proposals more fully.

  The Highways Agency has met with and discussed the proposals for the M42 ATM with the local fire service. There is a programme of ongoing liaison with the emergency services to discuss matters in more detail.

  The Highways Agency has arranged a number of exhibitions and local presentations and has generally received favourable feedback on the proposals to use the hard shoulder as a running lane on the M42. As part of this assessment a range of surveys will be undertaken to assess motorists' opinions on the scheme. A driver simulator has also been developed and this was displayed at the 2002 Birmingham International Motor Show. Again, a favourable response to the use of the hard shoulder was received.

  The controlled use of the hard shoulder in the M42 ATM Project is not expected to result in an increase in the costs to the public funds with regard to insurance,
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  medical costs, care of dependants or time off work. Extensive monitoring as part of the M42 ATM Project will be undertaken to quantify the actual impact of the scheme. The proposals are subject to an ongoing assessment and safety audits have already been undertaken as part of the design process.

  The proposal for use of the hard shoulder under controlled motorway conditions on the M42 is being designed with safety in mind. Hard shoulder running will only be allowed when a lower speed limit is in place and control room staff have ensured that the hard shoulder is clear. There will be emergency refuge areas, equipped with emergency roadside telephones, installed at regular intervals for motorists that breakdown or require assistance.

  I have asked the Highways Agency to place in the Library copies of the reports, listed as follows, that have been assessed in relation to the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane.

  (a) Safety Review of Making Better Use Techniques—Final Report.

  (b) PR/T/168/2001 Development of the Candidate Operational Regimes and the Assessment Strategy for the M42 Active Traffic Management (ATM) Project—Review of innovative schemes for lane, speed and incident management.

  (c) PR/T/019/2002 Development of the Candidate Operational Regimes and the Assessment Strategy for the M42 ATM pilot Project—M42 ATM Pilot CORE Proposals.

  (d) 42691/03A/012—Operational Team Visit to Utrecht Traffic Information Centre.

  It is not envisaged that there will be an increase in the injury accident rate through the controlled use of the hard shoulder for the M42 ATM project. Extensive monitoring of the M42 project will be undertaken to quantify the actual impact of the scheme on safety. The safety of drivers and those concerned with the operation and maintenance of the road will be a major consideration.

  The Highways Agency is in the process of discussions with various motoring organisations about different aspects proposed for the M42 pilot. These discussions are on-going.

  The M42 ATM Project has received initial funding of £40 million from the Capital Modernisation Fund to cover the ATM infrastructure construction costs. An initial estimate of £3.2 million per annum was made for the future maintenance and operational costs for the project.

  No meetings have yet been held with the Transport and General Workers Union or other trade unions to discuss the safety implications of hard shoulder running in general or on the M42 ATM Project. The advanced signalling and monitoring equipment being installed on the M42 will provide the ability to close lanes and provide advanced warning of incidents on the M42. This infrastructure will allow the protection of road users involved in incidents and will support existing maintenance activities which is likely to be especially beneficial in reducing risk to traffic management operatives.

PRIVY COUNCIL

  Conservative Party
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the President of the Council pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Cannock Chase (Tony Wright), of 11 March 2003,Official Report, column 156W, if he will list the individual sums of public money paid for (a) salaries, listing the offices held, (b) expenses and (c) Short money; and what the value was of services in kind to the Conservative Party since 1997. [103339]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The scheme for financial assistance to opposition parties (Short money) provides funding for three purposes:to assist an opposition party in carrying out its parliamentary business;
  for the running costs of the office of the Leader of the Opposition
  for the opposition parties' travel and associated expenses.

  The amounts received under these three headings were as follows:

  £

  year

  Assistance for parliamentary business

  Office of Leader of Opposition

  Travel expenses etc.

  Totals

  1997–98

  919,627

  0

  67,136

  986,763

  1998–99

  1,037,125

  0

  75,761

  1,112,886

  1999–2000

  2,800,314

  500,000

  77,356

  3,377,670

  2000–01

  2,872,763

  513,000

  79,368

  3,465,132

  2001–02

  2,833,866

  524,799

  80,401

  3,439,066

  2002–03

  2,846,649

  531,621

  81,266

  3,459,537

  Total

  13,310,344

  2,069,420

  461,288

  15,841,054

  Note:

  As a result of roundings, figures may not total exactly.

WALES

  Award Schemes
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the award schemes in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002 promoted by the Department; what their scope was when the relevant participating organisations are scheduled to be sent results; and whether other parties will be given notification of the results at the same time. [102064]

  Peter Hain
  None.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his estimate is of his Department's spending on(a) consultants, (b) advertising and consultancy, (c) travel and (d) conferences in each year from 1999–2000 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [90357]

  Peter Hain
  My Department was created on 1 July 1999. Figures for 1999/2000 are not readily available in the format requested.

  (a) for spending on consultants, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 March 2003, Official Report, column 249W.
  622W
  (b) for spending on advertising I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave the hon. Member for Buckingham on 15 April 2002, Official Report, column 750W.

  (c) total expenditure on travel, excluding payments to the Government Car and Despatch Agency, was £86,000 in 2000–01; £105,233 in 2001–02; and has been £121,000 in 2002–03 to date.

  (d) there is no separately recorded expenditure on conferences in any year.

  Fiscal Balance
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the fiscal surplus or deficit was in Wales in the most recent year for which figures are available. [89825]

  Peter Hain
  No official figure for the fiscal deficit/surplus in Wales has been calculated in recent years.

  Overseas Trips
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the overseas trips made by himself and other members of his ministerial team in 2002; and what the(a) purpose and (b) cost was in each case. [101484]

  Peter Hain
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003,Official Report, column 334W, in response to a similar question from the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws).

  Special Advisers
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many special advisers in the Department(a) have left and (b) will be leaving to work in Scotland for the Labour Party in the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary elections. [103599]

  Peter Hain
  None.

  University Students
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many university students his Department has supported or sponsored with a work placement in the last year; what his policy is on work placements; what plans he has to develop such schemes; and what his policy is on paying their university fees. [98538]

  Peter Hain
  The staff of the Wales Office are secondees from other Government Departments and in particular the National Assembly for Wales. The Assembly has an annual scheme which offers opportunities to students as well as work placements.

  Whole of Government Accounts
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what impact the Whole of Government Accounts project has had on Wales. [103371]

  Peter Hain
  The introduction of Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) will assist in ensuring that best practice accounting methods are used to construct accounts covering the public sector as a whole,
  623W
  and that fiscal reporting is as transparent as possible. Central Government Accounts (CGA) are the first step towards WGA.

  The Treasury has planned to produce `dry-run' CGA for 2001–02 and 2002–03, with the first CGA published for 2003–04. The Wales Office and the National Assembly for Wales are part of this process.

  Both the Wales Office and National Assembly for Wales have produced consolidation information for the first dry run year. The Assembly's 'consolidation group' currently includes the Assembly itself, its agencies, the Health Authorities in Wales, Estyn and the Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies.

  In future years the project will be extended to include NHS Trusts and local authorities. The Assembly is co-funding a project with the Treasury to examine the issues involved in consolidating local authority accounts in Wales.

  In addition to CGA the Assembly will produce a `Whole of Government of Wales Account' to the same timetable. This account will include bodies designated for inclusion in CGA plus the 'Wales elements' of certain cross-border authorities like the Forestry Commission in Wales.

DEFENCE

  Allied Harmony Operation
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the common action for an EU military mission to take over from NATO's Allied Harmony operation in FYROM; which(a) European states that are not yet EU members and (b) other third countries have expressed the intention of taking part in that mission; what NATO assets the EU will use for that mission; whether the launching of this operation depends on finalising permanent arrangements for the EU's use of NATO assets; when those arrangements are expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement. [102671]

  Mr. Hoon
  The "Berlin Plus" arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective assets and capabilities of NATO are now in place.

  Good progress has been made on the Council's Joint Action on the EU military operation in Macedonia. For example, the EU has agreed that the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for Europe will be appointed as the EU Operation Commander and that the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers in Europe will be used as the EU Operational Headquarters. Arrangements with third states have been agreed and a Committee of Contributors has been formed. The Operation Plan has been finalised, subject to approval by the Council. As envisaged, contacts and meetings between the EU and NATO have been stepped up.

  The non-EU European states that are expected to take part in the operation are Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Iceland, Turkey, Hungary and Norway. Canada is also expected to take part.
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  NATO has drawn up an indicative list of those assets that will be available for the EU-led operation in Macedonia, and the EU is expected to place a formal request for the assets that it wishes to use in the very near future.

  Chartered Ships
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what special measures are being taken to vet the crews of ships chartered by his Department from overseas countries where there are security considerations. [103638]

  Mr. Ingram
  It is not possible to vet the crews of commercial ships chartered from overseas countries, due to a combination of circumstances which include: non-residency in the United Kingdom, the rapid turn-over of crew members and the short notice nature of the Ministry of Defence charter requirements. Special measures are taken when there are security considerations and these can include the placing of a UK military escort party onboard chartered commercial ships.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates the Government have made regarding the number of military personnel required to provide support to the civil authorities in response to a large scale(a) conventional and (b) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attack on the UK. [103410]

  Mr. Ingram
  The primary responsibility for handling the consequences of any attack in the United Kingdom lies with the emergency services. The nature of any request they might make for military assistance will be determined by the type, scale, impact and location of the attack and the availability of civil resources. It is therefore not possible to make a specific estimate of the level of military support that might be requested. Information on the contingency plans for specialist Armed Forces responses to terrorist attacks is classified and details are therefore being withheld under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which Department's budget the cost of(a) creation, (b) maintenance and (c) deployment of the civil contingency reaction forces will be taken. [103411]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence budget will bear the cost of establishing and maintaining the civil contingency reaction forces. The treatment of the costs of deployments will be determined case by case under existing arrangements in the same way as other military assistance to the civil authorities.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost is of(a) creating and (b) maintaining the civil contingency reaction force. [103412]

  Mr. Ingram
  The annual cost of maintaining the 14 civil contingency reaction forces will be some £4.5 million. This comprises the costs of the 406 new Volunteer Reserve posts established within the parent Territorial Army Infantry battalions to support the administration and training of the civil contingency
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  reaction forces, and of the additional man-training days allocated to existing Volunteer Reserve personnel who volunteer for the CCRF role in addition to their current roles.

  Start-up costs are estimated to be some £2 million in 2002–03.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many joint regional liaison officers have been created since July 2002 to act as a single point of liaison between civil authorities and the armed forces on emergency planning matters. [103407]

  Mr. Ingram
  22 Joint Regional Liaison Officer posts have been established as part of the SDR New Chapter measures to enhance the Armed Forces' capability to respond to requests for assistance from local authorities and emergency services. These measures were announced in the House on 31 October 2002.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many more civil contingency reaction forces are planned. [103408]

  Mr. Ingram
  The establishment of fourteen Civil Contingency Reaction Forces was announced in the House on 31 October 2002.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists are deployed in civil contingency reaction forces. [103409]

  Mr. Ingram
  None of the 14 Civil Contingency Reaction Forces has yet been deployed.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals there are to commit units and assets from the regular armed forces to home defence. [103413]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom from military attack, including air defence. The lead responsibility for security within the UK, including the response to the activities of terrorist groups, rests with the Home Office and the police. However, where appropriate, the Ministry of Defence responds positively to requests for military assistance from civil authorities, drawing on available resources. Although fluctuations do occur, a significant number of military personnel are stationed in the UK at any one time and we are also establishing a capability in the Reserve Forces to undertake military assistance.

  EU Operations
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the main features are of the EU/NATO arrangements for EU access to NATO capabilities for EU-led operations; how they differ from the agreement concluded between WEU and NATO; and if he will make a statement. [102676]

  Mr. Hoon
  At the NATO summit at Washington in 1999, the Alliance declared that it stood ready to "define and adopt the necessary arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective assets and capabilities of the Alliance, for operations in which the Alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily as an Alliance". The main features of the arrangements, known as "Berlin Plus", are assured EU access to NATO operational planning capabilities, and a626W
  presumption of availability to the EU of pre-identified NATO capabilities and common assets for use in EU-led operations.

  The North Atlantic Council (NAC) decided on 13 December 2002 that assured EU access to NATO's operational planning capabilities was effective immediately, and undertook to put in place the rest of the Berlin Plus arrangements swiftly. This has now been done.

  The NATO/EU arrangements go beyond those established for the WEU in two important respects. First, because EU access to NATO operational planning is assured (i.e. continuous and guaranteed), NATO agreement is not required for any EU requests for NATO planning support; every WEU request would have required specific NAC approval. Second, there is a presumption that those NATO assets and capabilities that have been pre-identified will indeed be available to the EU. There was no such presumption under the NATO/WEU arrangements.

  The implementation of the Berlin Plus arrangements is a manifestation of the genuine strategic partnership in crisis management which NATO and EU have decided to establish together.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his Spanish counterpart regarding the British military base on Gibraltar. [102919]

  Mr. Ingram
  My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary has not met his Spanish counterpart formally since December 2001, nor has he had any recent discussions. However there has been some correspondence on security matters.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the British military base on Gibraltar. [102920]

  Mr. Ingram
  My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary has had no recent discussions with Commander British Forces (CBF) Gibraltar. I visited British Forces Gibraltar in November 2002 and had extensive discussions with CBF and others.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of Gulf War veterans who are(a) receiving treatment for Gulf War syndrome, (b) have outstanding compensation claims to his Department for Gulf War syndrome and (c) have been compensated by his Department for Gulf War syndrome. [103452]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: The Ministry of Defence does not recognise "Gulf War Syndrome" as a medical condition. It accepts that some veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict have become ill and that many believe this ill health is related to their Gulf experience. A large number of multi-system, multi-organ, non-specific, medically unexplained symptoms have been reported by some Gulf veterans as well recognised medical conditions. The overwhelming consensus of the scientific and medical community is

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  that there is insufficient evidence to enable this ill-health to be characterised as a unique illness, condition or `syndrome'. The MOD's approach must be guided by findings from the scientific and medical community. Primary health care records for the 53, 000 or so veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict are held by their doctors and are not accessible centrally for reason of patient confidentiality.

  When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the MOD has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability arising to pay compensation we do so. The MOD has received about 2,000 notices of intention to claim from Gulf veterans, and members of their families in respect of illness allegedly arising from the Gulf conflict, but no writs or formal claims have yet been received. No compensation has therefore been paid following claims for Gulf veterans' illnesses.

  The fact that there is, at present, no proper basis for recognising "Gulf War Syndrome" as an appropriate diagnostic label does not prevent a Gulf veteran from getting a war pension. A war pension can be paid for any disablement provided that a causal link to Service is accepted. Over 1,200 war pensions have been awarded to Gulf veterans by the Veterans Agency.

  HMS Triumph
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons HMS Triumph is being put into extended readiness in 2004; and how many fleet submarines will be operational in 2004. [102577]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Royal Navy operates its nuclear submarine fleet under stringent safety regulations. It is planned to place HMS Triumph in a state of Extended Readiness when her reactor reaches its maximum length of service, prior to entering a refit and overhaul period

  Roal Navy

  Training Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Manning

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning

  Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth

  1

  1

  0

  0

  7

  6

  HMS Raleigh

  2

  2

  1

  1

  16

  16

  HMS Collingwood

  2

  2

  1

  1

  11

  11

  HMS Dryad

  0

  0

  1

  1

  3.5

  2.5

  HMS Sultan

  1

  1

  1

  1

  8

  8

  Army

  Training Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Manning

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning

  Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

  3

  3

  0

  0

  18

  18

  Arm Training Regiment Bassingbourne

  1

  1

  2

  2

  18

  11

  Arm Training Regiment Lichfield

  1

  1

  2

  2

  15

  10

  Arm Training Regiment Winchester

  0

  0

  0

  0

  17

  15

  Arm Foundation College Harrogate

  1

  1

  2

  1

  4

  3

  Arm Technical Foundation College Arborfield

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

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  that will include refuelling. It is planned that a minimum of five fleet submarines should be available in 2004 for operational tasking.

  Hospitality
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what hospitality has been offered at public expense in the last 12 months, by each Minister in his Department to outside interest groups, broken down to(a) restaurant, (b) recipient and (c) cost in each case; [99501]

  (2) what criteria Ministers in his Department use when determining whether to offer hospitality in restaurants to interest groups at public expense; and if he will make a statement; [99500]

  (3) how often Ministers in his Department have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups in the last 12 months. [99576]

  Dr. Moonie
  All offers of hospitality are made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting. The giving and receiving of hospitality is conducted fully in accordance with the guidance set out in the Ministerial Code and Guidance on Contacts with Outside Interest Groups including Lobbyists. The detailed information requested is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Military Training Establishments
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the(a) establishment and (b) requirement is of (i) medical officers and (ii) other medical staff in military training establishments in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [100174]

  Dr. Moonie
  Current establishment and manning figures for military medical officers, civilian medical practitioners, and other medical personnel at training establishments in each of the Services are as follows:
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  Army

  Training Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Manning

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning

  HQ Armour Centre

  1

  1

  2

  2

  10

  10

  Royal School of Artiller/14 Regt RA

  1

  1

  1

  1

  8

  7

  Combat Engineering School Minley

  0

  0

  1

  1

  6

  5

  Combat Engineering School Chatham

  0

  0

  1

  1

  4

  4

  HQ Royal School of Signals

  2

  1

  2

  1

  21

  7

  Infantry Training Centre/School of Infantry Catterick

  1

  1

  3.5

  3.5

  27

  23

  Infantry Training Centre (Wales)/Infantry Battle School Brecon

  0

  0

  0

  0

  17.5

  17.5

  HQ School of Army Aviation

  2

  2

  1

  1

  14

  7

  HQ Defence Logistic Support Training Group

  0

  1

  1

  1

  2

  2

  Defence School of Transport Leconfield

  0

  0

  1

  1

  4

  4

  HQ REME Training Group

  0

  0

  4

  4

  13.5

  13.5

  School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Bordon

  0

  0

  1

  1

  5

  4

  Adjutant Generals Corps Training Group

  0

  0

  1

  1

  6

  4

  Royal Military School of Music

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  RAF

  Training Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Establishment

  Military Medical Officer Manning

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment

  Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment

  Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning

  RAF Cranwell

  3

  1

  3

  3

  23

  21

  RAF Cosford

  2

  1

  2

  2

  20

  19

  RAF Brize Norton

  5

  3

  3

  2

  31

  31

  RAF Halton

  1

  1

  2

  2

  18

  18

  RAF Digby

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  7

  RAF Boulmer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  8

  RAF St. Athan

  2

  0

  2

  2

  13

  13

  RAF Linton on Ouse

  2

  2

  0

  0

  19

  16

  RAF Valley

  2

  2

  0

  0

  13

  11

  RAF Honington

  1

  1

  1

  1

  17

  16

  RAF Shawbury

  2

  2

  0

  0

  13

  11

  RAF Northolt

  2

  2

  0

  0

  10

  9

  Notes:

  1. Civilian posts may be part-time or filled on a job-share basis. In calculating these figures, part&-time posts have been counted as a half; job-share arrangements have been counted a one.

  2. Figures for other medical personnel include practice manager/receptionist posts.

  3. HQ Defence Logistic Support Training Group, School of Logistics and 25 Training Support Regt are covered by Deepcut Garrison medical centre, and it is these figures which appear in the table.

  4. The following Army training establishments do not have medical staff on their establishment, but are covered by medical centres at local units:

  Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Training Centre and Army School of Physical Training—covered by Aldershot Garrison medical centre.

  Army School of Ammunition—covered by the medical centre at Defence Munitions at Kineton.

  School of Petroleum—covered by the medical centre at West Moors Station.

  Port and Maritime Wing—covered by the medical centre at 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC.

  Construction Engineering School, Defence Explosives Ordnance School and HQ

  Royal School of Military Engineering—covered by medical centre at Combat Engineer School at Chatham.

  5. There are no medical staff on the strength of the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre.

  Postal Services
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the reasons for the reduction in the permitted weight of parcels being sent to BFPO 660; and if he will make a statement. [103171]

  Dr. Moonie
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2003, Official Report, column 387W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham).

  Research Contracts
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department provides to universities and 630W
  other academic research centres regarding (a) the management of defence research contracts and (b) the sharing of intellectual property. [102210]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence's approach to contracting for research is the same as that used for the other goods and services it purchases and there is no specific additional guidance on the management of defence research contracts. The MOD's general advice is freely available at http://www.dgcom.mod.uk

  The MOD fully supports the HM Treasury report "Creating Knowledge, Creating Wealth" (The Baker Report, 1999). In line with the recommendations of that

  631W
  report, it has negotiated a new contracting standard, DEFCON 705, which vests ownership of IP with the contractor. This standard has been used for the vast majority of research contracts let b the MOD over the past 12 months.

  The MOD has actively contributed to "A guide to Managing IP:—Strategic Decision Making in Universities" available at http://www.patent.gov.uk/about/ippd/bakergroup.htm and is also about to publish "Guideline for Industry No 10—The Intellectual Property Defence Conditions".

  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how man research contracts were placed b his Department with UK universities and other academic research centres in each of the last five ears; and what their values were. [102211]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence recognises the strong science and technology capability of United Kingdom universities as a source of innovation and knowledge of relevant research in the wider non-defence community. It is for this reason that MOD encourages universities to participate in the Defence Technology Centre Scheme.

  The MOD has placed almost all of its research work over the past five ears with DERA and, since Jul 2001, with DSTL and QinetiQ. In turn these organisations have sub-contracted with academia in a manner which ensures that the Department's needs are met in an integrated and cost effective manner. MOD does not hold centrally information about the numbers of subcontracts placed b our contractors with either academia or industry and this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Information is available, however, for contracts placed directly by the Department with academia for the past four years since the decision was made to increase the level of competition for research work. To date three universities have been awarded contracts valued at £591,000. In addition 10 UK universities have received £2.619 million for their role in successful consortia bidding into the research programme. A breakdown of these figures is given in the following table.

  £000

  Prime contractor

  As part of a consortium

  1999

  n/a

  n/a

  2000

  266

  1,200

  2001

  295

  213

  2002

  0

  1,100

  2003 to date

  30

  106

  The MOD also seeks to further academic research by funding research jointly with the Research Councils through the Joint Grants Scheme. Details of the number of grants are given in the following table.
  632W

  £000

  Number of grants

  Value of grants

  1999

  43

  5,100

  2000

  61

  4,600

  2001

  41

  4,650

  2002

  34

  4,780

  2003

  31

  5,600

  Royal Marines
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the additional funding recently made available to the Royal Marines. [102921]

  Mr. Ingram
  Additional funding was made available to the Royal Marines to meet the additional costs necessarily incurred on Contingency Planning for possible operations against Iraq. This was contained within the £1 billion added to RfR2 Conflict Prevention at Spring Supplementary Estimates 2002–03

  Satellite Centre/Institute for Security Studies
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the EU's plan for strengthening the impact of the work being done b(a) the Satellite Centre and (b) the Institute for Security Studies; and if he will make a statement. [102673]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been asked to reply.

  The UK wants to see both the Satellite Centre and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) make an effective contribution to the EU. We will consider an particular proposals put forward for the Satellite Centre. The Political and Security Committee has tasked the ISS with a work programme for 2003, reflecting the Council's priorities in external relations.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the extent is of UK military deployment to Sierra Leone and the surrounding region during 2003; what estimate he has made of the costs of this deployment; and if he will make a statement. [102942]

  Mr. Ingram
  The United Kingdom has maintained a twin track strategy in Sierra Leone, supporting the UN mission and providing training, advice and assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the democratically elected Government of Sierra Leone. A United Kingdom-led International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) continues to help build the RSLAF into an effective, professional and democratically accountable force. The HVLATT currently involves some 120 personnel, comprising 108 United Kingdom personnel plus a number of internationals. The annual cost of the IMATT is approximately £15 million.

  To display our continued commitment to the settlement process in Sierra Leone on 21 February we deployed a Company Group from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles plus HQ and supporting elements (eg logistics and medical). HMS Iron Duke and RFA Black Rover have also deployed to Sierra Leone

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  as a further demonstration of United Kingdom commitment. The provisional costs of this deployment are in the order of £1.8 million.

  There are no other United Kingdom deployments in the region, although the United Kingdom also provides the Chief Of Staff, six HQ staff officers and 15 Military Observers to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).

  Training Exercises
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training exercises have been cancelled as a result of Operation Fresco and Operation Telic. [102571]

  Mr. Ingram
  Some 70 training exercises listed in the Ministry of Defence's Defence Exercise Programme (which lists some 350 exercises each year) have been cancelled as a result of Operation Fresco and Operation Telic. Information on tactical training exercises organised by the Front Line Commands, the Permanent Joint HQ, the Defence Logistic Organisation HQ and individual units is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  US Bases
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the US Government asked for permission for the US National Guard to be based at(a) RAF Mildenhall, (b) RAF Lakenheath and (c) JAC Molesworth; who gave permission; and how many US National Guard are based at each of the bases. [101689]

  Mr. Ingram
  The US formally advised us on 3 March of their plans to augment military guard forces at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth with US Army National Guardsmen. The Guardsmen arrived on 10 March, around 230 have been deployed. About 100 have been deployed to RAF Lakenheath, 60 to RAF Mildenhall, 40 to RAF Croughton and 30 to RAF Molesworth. The National Guardsmen will carry out routine access control and other guarding duties under supervision, to `backfill' permanent security personnel who have been deployed to other duties.

  Vaccines
  John Thurso
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch), of 10 February 2003,Official Report, column 517W, on vaccines, if he will break down the figures and the percentages they represent by unit. [102806]

  Dr. Moonie
  I am withholding the information requested under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Illegally Imported Meat
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much illegally imported meat has been seized at UK ports and airports in each of the last three years, broken down by(a) type and (b) location. [102158]
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  Mr. Morley
  A central database of illegal animal product seizures notified to Defra was set up in August 2001, with detailed data going back to April 2001. Little or no data is held centrally for 2000.

  The numbers and weights of meat seizures at UK ports and airports reported to us in each of the last three years is shown below. A detailed breakdown of locations of seizures is not provided in order to protect operational details of targeted checks.

  Number of seizures

  Weight of seizures (kg)

  Ports

  2001

  404

  60,544

  2002

  301

  6,091

  Airports

  2001

  739

  14,254

  2002

  1953

  18,593

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements there are with(a) Customs and Excise and (b) the Food Standards Agency (i) to prevent and (ii) to detect illegally imported meat entering the UK. [102159]

  Mr. Morley
  Currently the Port Health Authorities, Local Authorities and the State Veterinary Service lead on enforcement of controls for detecting smuggled meat. They are supported in this by Customs, who deployed extra resources in this role in 2002. Defra has been funding additional enforcement activity this financial year through temporary Local Authority staff and overtime.

  Following the Cabinet Office review of enforcement structures, responsibility for all anti-smuggling activity is to be transferred to HM Customs as soon as practicable, and we are working on a Service Level Agreement. Defra has been leading on implementing the Government's action plan, including a risk assessment, detector dog pilot and design of publicity material. Customs have been providing support. A comprehensive centralised database of seizures has been set up to share information and inform decisions on the targeting of resources.

  The Food Standards Agency is an independent agency accountable to an independent board, with responsibility for food safety matters. It co-ordinates the activities of Local Authorities, including Port Health Authorities, on food safety matters and has lead policy responsibility for controls at the border on products of non-animal origin and fish. The Agency is concerned with checks to verify compliance with food safety standards, and has produced a 10-point plan in relation to imported food, including illegal food imports. The Agency is also working closely with Defra on the action plan.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what resources she is committing(a) to prevent and (b) detect illegally imported meat entering the UK; [102160]

  (2) what resources she is committing (a) to prevent and (b) to detect illegally imported meat entering the UK. [102161]
  635W
  Mr. Morley
  The Government have made available a total of £25 million over the next three financial years to tackle illegal imports from outside the European Union of any meat, other animal products and plant products. Final decisions on the allocation of this money in 2003–04 will be made shortly.

  In the current financial year, additional measures have been introduced at ports and airports to tackle illegal imports. Temporary agency staff, funded by Defra, have been recruited to carry out checks to detect smuggled goods—teams of six are based at our major airports and teams of two at major seaports. We are also paying for additional checks through overtime elsewhere. Further inspection resources have also been provided through the detector dog pilot, and a publicity campaign which has targeted ports, airports and points of departure.

  We expect to lay the legislation shortly, under which HM Customs will take over responsibility for detection, intelligence and enforcement with regard to illegal food imports.

  Animal By-Products Regulations
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Animal By-Products Regulation with regard to the burial of(a) domestic animals in pet cemeteries and (b) livestock in domestic locations. [102651]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: No specific assessment has been made of the burial of domestic animals in pet cemeteries and of livestock in domestic locations.

  However, under a Derogation the Regulation permits the burial of any animal belonging to species normally nourished and kept, but not consumed, by humans for purposes other than farming.

  The burial of livestock is not permitted.

  Avian Influenza
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps farmers can take to improve biosecurity to prevent Avian Influenza. [102368]

  Mr. Morley
  In view of the current outbreak of Avian Influenza in the Netherlands, Defra is advising producers to take all reasonable precautions to prevent their flocks coming into contact with wild birds. The producers most at risk are those close to where wild birds congregate, such as surface water.

  The poultry industry is being reminded of the need for stringent biosecurity at the present time. This includes advice on:
  minimising the risk of introducing disease into their birds through faecal contamination of boots, clothing, equipment and food stores by the prudent use of disinfectants on clothing, footwear and vehicles;
  ensuring that the number of staff with access to the birds is kept to a minimum and not allowing non-essential visitors in or near poultry houses;
  clearing up external feed spillages quickly and preventing wild birds from gaining access to poultry areas and food.
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  Such advice will be kept under review in the light of developments.

  Biofuels
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role biofuels will play in Government plans to address fuel poverty. [100215]

  Mr. Morley
  During 2002, the Department commissioned a scoping study to consider the use of alternative technologies, including biofuels, in helping to tackle fuel poverty. The findings of that report, and the possibility of establishing pilot trials, are currently being considered by my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Bushmeat
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what analysis her Department has made of the work of the CBD bushmeat working group. [101329]

  Mr. Morley
  A liaison group to be convened under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to consider inter alia non-timber forest products, including bushmeat, has yet to meet. Therefore, no analysis of this work has been made.

  Chewing Gum
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to apply the principles of producer responsibility to those who manufacture and retail chewing gum; what contribution the manufacturers of chewing gum provide to the cost of cleaning up pavements and public places of discarded chewing gum; and what plans she has to apply the pollutor pays principle to the manufacturers of chewing gum. [102595]

  Alun Michael
  We encourage manufacturers and retailers to participate in a voluntary scheme to use the international Tidyman logo on products. The environmental charity, Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which undertakes work on behalf of the Government, owns a logo which includes the Tidyman logo and draws up voluntary agreements with willing participants.

  I am not aware of any gum manufacturers providing funding for the cost of cleaning gum from pavements but Defra officials have had meetings with the industry and I recently had a constructive meeting with Wrigley's, which is Britain's largest producer of chewing gum, to discuss these issues.

  Defra's consultation document Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities, includes an option to include discarded chewing gum as litter to which existing litter duties and powers apply. This option would impact on anyone irresponsibly discarding chewing gum as they would then be committing a litter offence.
  637W
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the manufacturers of chewing gum regarding the public nuisance of their discarded product. [102596]

  Alun Michael
  Officials at Defra have been involved in discussions with gum manufacturers since last summer with a view to finding an acceptable solution to the problems surrounding chewing gum litter. Recently, I met Wrigley's, as the largest UK producer of chewing gum, to discuss this issue.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has commissioned to develop techniques for removing chewing gum from footpaths, pavements and other public places; and what steps her Department has taken to encourage effective methods of removing discarded chewing gum from footpaths, pavements and other public places. [102597]

  Alun Michael
  The environmental charity Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which is grant funded by Defra, has produced advice and guidance on prevention and cleansing for local authorities under the banner "Become an Authority on Gum"

  Defra's consultation document Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities, included several options relating to chewing gum. We are currently evaluating responses to that consultation exercise, which closed on 14 February, and will then consider how to take matters forward.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the local authority associations concerning chewing gum. [102599]

  Alun Michael
  Defra has not had specific discussions with the Local Government Association concerning the cleaning up of chewing gum. The environmental charity, Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which is grant funded by Defra, has been working with gum manufacturers and local authorities over many years to develop best practice on prevention through education and cleansing affected areas. Our consultation document 'Living Places' refers to the problem of dealing with chewing gum and we are currently considering the responses from a variety of sources including local government.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of cleaning chewing gum from pavements and other public areas in the last 12 months. [102600]

  Alun Michael
  We have made no estimates of the cost of chewing gum removal in the last 12 months.

  Chickens/Eggs (Imports)
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how man(a) chickens and (b) eggs were imported from 2002(i)Holland, (ii) German and (iii) Ital in the last year for which figures are available. [102370]
  638W
  Mr. Morley
  2002 is the latest year for which figures are available on the imports of chickens and eggs from Germany, Holland and Italy. The provisional figures are as follows:

  Number of live chicks and chickens (of the species Gallus Domesticus) imported to the UK in 2002 (thousand head)

  From

  Number

  Netherlands

  92.6

  German

  1,236.6

  Ital

  nil

  Number of eggs imported to the UK in 2002 (million dozen)1

  From

  Number

  Netherlands

  22.4

  German

  14.3

  Ital

  0.2

  1 Estimates based on the value and volume of trade and the average weight per dozen eggs.

  Dangerous Dogs Act
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dogs have been detained in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in 2003. [102917]

  Mr. Morley
  There are no centrally held records of dogs held under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in the UK. However, the Metropolitan police, who hold the largest number of dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) currently hold 19.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost has been to public funds of dogs detained under the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in 2003. [102918]

  Mr. Morley
  There are no centralised records of figures or costs of dogs held, by all police forces, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended). However, the Metropolitan police who hold the largest number of dogs under the 1991 Act, have informed us that the total cost within the Metropolitan police area of dogs currently held in 2003 under the 1991 Act is £63,937.

  Dolphins
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dolphin bodies have been washed up on UK beaches(a) since the beginning of January and (b) in the last five years. [102760]

  Mr. Morley
  Since the beginning of January to 12 March 2003, 168 dolphins (out of a total of 265 cetaceans) have been reported as having stranded in the UK. In the last five years, the numbers of reported stranded dolphins are as follows:

  Dolphins

  Total number of cetaceans

  2002

  199

  649

  2001

  155

  549

  2000

  88

  421

  639W

  Dolphins

  Total number of cetaceans

  1999

  57

  386

  1998

  59

  369

  It should be noted that these figures include stranded, dead cetaceans, live strandings, carcases seen floating at sea, reported cetacean bycatch and cases of unconfirmed or suspected cetacean bycatch. The data was obtained under the Defra-funded Cetacean and Turtle Strandings Scheme, carried out by the Natural History Museum in partnership with the Institute of Zoology and Scottish Agricultural College.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets are being set for energy efficiency and renewable energy; and if she will make a statement. [102506]

  Mr. Morley
  In January 2000 the Government announced their aim for renewables to supply 10 per cent. of UK electricity in 2010, subject to the costs being acceptable to the consumer. We believe that renewable sources of energy will increasingly demonstrate that they can meet our energy needs at both an economically acceptable cost and in a carbon free way. On that basis, our aspiration is by 2020 to double renewables' share of electricity from our 2010 target and we will pursue policies to achieve this.

  More than half the emissions reductions in our Climate Change Programme—around 10 million tones of carbon per annum—is expected to come from energy efficiency. Further ahead, we believe that energy efficiency can contribute around half of the additional 15–25 million tonnes of annual carbon savings we are likely to need by 2020. A strategy for achieving these savings is set out in the Energy White Paper.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many area based sustainable energy projects and partnerships incorporating a Home Health Programme there are; where they are located; what areas they cover; and what their annual budgets are. [103169]

  Mr. Morley
  Despite a detailed search, my officials can find no record of a Home Health Programme. Turning to sustainable energy projects in general, the majority operate on a national basis, providing assistance to households and communities across the country.

  To encourage sustainable energy projects:
  We are spending £50 million over two years on the UK wide Community Energy programme which promotes community heating. So far £8.5million of grants have been approved. Two of these grants have been for innovative energy from waste schemes.
  The Energy Crops Scheme has allocated £650,000 of grants to promote the establishment of energy crops in England.
  We fund the Countryside Agency's Community Renewables Initiative, which promotes the establishment of local renewable energy schemes in England.
  The DTI fund both the UK wide Bio Energy Capital Grants Scheme and the UK wide £10 million Clear Skies initiative. Both are relatively new initiatives. The Bio Energy Capital Grants scheme aims to ensure the development of 100MW
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  biomass heating provision at all scales, while Clear Skies provides advice and support for the installation of household and renewable community renewable schemes.

  To encourage domestic energy savings and health initiatives:
  We fund the Warm Front grant scheme which assisted over 500,000 households living in Fuel Poverty by installing energy efficiency measures. This indicates that the Government are making good progress toward meeting its target of assisting 600,000 homes by 2004.
  The Government have established the Energy Efficiency Commitment. The Commitment requires electricity and gas suppliers to achieve targets for the promotion of improvements in energy efficiency, with an emphasis on helping lower income customers. The overall target on all suppliers is a combined saving of 62 fuel-standardised terawatt hours.
  Defra and DTI are funding a pilot Warm Zones initiative in five areas in England. The zones attempt to identify all fuel poor households in an area, and ensure that existing schemes are used to improve the energy efficiency of those homes. The pilot is being evaluated at present and an interim report is expected shortly.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when boiler repairs and replacements were incorporated into measures funded by Warm Front for non-pensioner households; what amendments to the scheme regulations were needed to authorise these measures; what provision there is for service and maintenance of the boilers; and if central heating systems can be funded or part funded through the Warm Front scheme for non—pensioner households. [100162]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 2003]: Following a public consultation, the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme was launched in June 2000. The scheme, now marketed as Warm Front, introduced heating measures, boiler repairs and replacements. Only those over 60 on a qualifying benefit are eligible for central heating system installations, under Warm Front Plus.

  As a result, the grant maximum increased from £315 to £1,000 in 2000 and to £1,500 in 2001 for under 60s households. The grant maximum for over 60s households is £2,500. Revised regulations were issued to enable these amendments.

  All installations under Warm Front are guaranteed for a year by Eaga Partnership and TXU Warm Front Ltd. who manage the scheme. All materials used are guaranteed by the manufacturer for a year, with the exception of storage heaters which are guaranteed for two years.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if(a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have discussed with TXU Warm Front the use of promotional literature for the Warm Front scheme as a means of selling other goods and services. [100163]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 5 March 2003]: The Government's main programme for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), now marketed as `The Warm Front Team'. Warm Front provides

  641W
  insulation and heating measures depending upon the needs of the householder and the property type to eligible households.

  TXU Warm Front Ltd. is one of the two scheme managers appointed to administer the scheme.

  The literature used b TXU outlines measures offered by Warm Front and is not used as a vehicle for selling an other goods or services.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the total expenditure on warm front grants made in England and Wales in the financial years ending 2001 and 2002 were represented by(a) loft and (b) cavity wall insulation measures. [90811]

  Mr. Morley
  Expenditure requested as a percentage of total grant expenditure for the warm front scheme in England was as follows:

  Percentage

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Cavity wall insulation

  29

  22

  Loft insulation

  16

  15

  The drop in the proportion of expenditure on cavity wall insulation in the second year of the scheme reflects increased activity in the installation of heating measures, which have a higher average cost per household.

  The New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the average administrative cost associated with each household that benefited under the warm front scheme, as a percentage of the cost of the measures installed in 2001–02. [90808]

  Mr. Morley
  In 2001–02, approximately 23 per cent. of total expenditure on the scheme related to administration costs, covering surveying, inspections, marketing, energy efficiency advice, installer management and customer support services including the Scheme Managers' call centres.

  English Nature
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the administrative cost was of English Nature for each Government Office of the regions in each year since 1999–2000. [102683]

  Mr. Morley
  English Nature's grant in aid has been £44.68 million (1999–2000), £49.924 million (2000–01), £58.010 million (2001–02), £66.855 million (2002–03). Of this, insofar as spending in the Government Regions, the following has been spent:

  Total £000

  Government Regional Office

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  East Midlands

  979

  928

  1,110

  1,120

  East of England

  1,517

  1,749

  1,988

  2,002

  London

  197

  198

  223

  225

  North East

  764

  635

  719

  729

  North West

  1,293

  1,410

  1,608

  1,602

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  Total £000

  Government Regional Office

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  South East

  1,851

  2,153

  2,334

  2,310

  West Midlands

  985

  1,068

  1,165

  1,169

  South West

  2,388

  2,618

  3,199

  3,244

  Yorkshire/Humberside

  1,013

  1,027

  1,281

  1,287

  Total

  10,987

  11,786

  13,627

  13,688

  National (amount spent in EN HQ on the regions

  10,618

  11,771

  14,253

  14,681

  Overall total

  21,605

  23,557

  27,880

  28,369

  Ethical Banking
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contracts have been concluded as a result of the Government's commitment to support ethical banking. [89945]

  Alun Michael
  Defra predominantly banks with the Bank of England and there have been no other relevant contracts concluded.

  EU Environment Council
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 4 March 2003; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting records; and if she will make a statement. [101747]

  Margaret Beckett
  I represented the UK at Environment Council on 4 March 2003, accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment. The Council reached a political agreement on one legislative measure, and also considered a number of other important issues.

  The Council reached a political agreement on the Forest Focus Regulation, which concerns forest monitoring, with the UK among its supporters. Italy, Spain, and Portugal would have preferred greater support for fire prevention measures, and therefore abstained. The Commission also withheld its support.

  We debated the Commission's proposals to revise the Bathing Water Directive, which would raise the required bathing water quality standards across the EU. There was general support for high standards where this would benefit the public, but widespread concern that the measures should be proportionate to the public health benefits sought, and flexible in their application. My right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment expressed concern over the soundness of the Commission's cost benefit analysis, and explained that, in the UK, illness related to bathing in sea waters is not a problem serious enough to feature in the public health surveillance system. Most bathing waters in the UK would already meet the higher standards proposed, but there would be high costs involved in ensuring compliance at all times for about 15 per cent. of beaches in England and Wales. There was a risk therefore that the proposals as currently drafted would incur disproportionate costs of compliance for comparatively little benefit. Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Germany, France and Austria all expressed similar concerns. There was wide support for more flexibility in the use of management measures to

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  implement the Directive. Most states also asked for greater clarity of definitions. There was no support for extending the scope of the Directive to waters used for other recreational purposes, and this was accepted by the Commission. The Presidency concluded that Council had given a sufficient steer for further progress to be achieved by the next Council, in June.

  Council also debated the proposed Environmental Liability Directive, and in particular the issues of financial security and biodiversity. I made it clear that the UK insurance industry did not support compulsory financial security. It would make little sense to make financial security compulsory if the, market is unable to provide the necessary cover. There was support for this line of reasoning from Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, the Commission and Germany. There was also some support for a compromise proposed by the Greek Presidency, that compulsory financial security should be phased in. This was not an option I was able to support. On biodiversity, I put forward the view, also supported by France and Germany, that to be insurable and provide certainty, the scope of the Directive should be site-based. The remaining Members favoured extending the scope of the directive to cover all EU-protected biodiversity wherever it may, with an option to include nationally protected species too. The Presidency concluded that progress had been made towards reaching political agreement in June.

  We agreed Council Conclusions calling for a community strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment. The Commission reported on action taken in relation to the Prestige incident, and will present a full report to the European Council later this month. Council accepted a Spanish request asking the Commission to consider liability and sanctions in relation to the safety of marine transport. France and Spain also reported on the progress of clean-up operations.

  We also discussed the Council's contribution on Sustainable Development for the Spring European Council, and agreed a lengthy set of Conclusions, which included an emphasis on the need for implementation of the commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg last September, and on the importance of encouraging the development of environmental technologies.

  Council also adopted Conclusions on the Fifth Pan-European Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe", to be held in Kiev in May.

  The Commission gave an update on approvals of Genetically Modified Organisms, and their co-existence with conventional crops. It was announced that an option paper on co-existence by Commissioner Fischler would be released on 5 March, and a Round Table discussion would follow at the end of April.

  On approvals, Commissioner Walstrom noted that there are currently 19 applications in the process, which should be dealt with on a case by case basis. I supported the position of the Commission, along with Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Ireland, that existing legislation is adequate for an orderly return to decision making. A number of other member states continued to argue against proceeding with authorisations until the
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  new traceability and labelling rules come into force. The Commissioner explained that it was unlikely that any authorisation would complete the process before the traceability and labelling rules came into force in any event. She emphasised the need to move the process forward, and that there is no justification for further delay.

  Denmark sought clarification from the Commission concerning its guidelines on the presence of metabolites in groundwater. The Commission confirmed that these are not legally binding, and that the expected groundwater directive will look into this issue.

  The Commission reported that it was on track with its long-awaited chemicals package, with an early interim consultation, followed by adoption by the Commission in early summer. It also formally presented its proposals on ozone depleting substances, a monitoring mechanism for greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds in paints.

  Over lunch we discussed progress towards ratification of the Kyoto protocol.

  Fairtrade
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made and representations she has received regarding the application of Fairtrade status to British farmers; and if she will make a statement. [102441]

  Mr. Morley
  We have seen a report that the Soil Association and the Fairtrade Foundation were planning to announce an extension of the Fairtrade mark to British produce but I am unaware of any representations to government on this matter. For its part the Government are striving to rid agriculture of the constraints of price protection and production-related subsidies and to reconnect farmers with their markets. The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food launched last December aims to help deliver this objective and sets out how Government, industry and others can work together to secure a more positive future for the food and farming industries. It contains a number of measures to help farmers reconnect with their customers and the rest of the food chain, to improve co-operation and performance, and to enhance training and opportunities to learn from best practice. The Government also remain determined to secure market-oriented reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy and through the WTO.

  Fallen Livestock
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to provide guidance to farmers on the disposal of dead livestock after 3 April. [103454]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: Guidance on the disposal of fallen stock is available from local Animal Health offices and on the Defra website. In addition, the Department will shortly be writing to livestock farmers explaining the changes to the legislation, and to provide advice as to what disposal routes are available.
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  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that alternatives are in place for all farmers to deal with fallen stock when on-farm burial is banned. [103011]

  Mr. Morley
  The situation regarding Government funding in other member states is complicated. Based on data provided by each member state, the European Commission issued a paper on 20 November 2001. It showed that the level of Government support varies across the Community, with farmers in some countries paying the full cost of disposal while in others the Government or local authority provides support.

  The collection and disposal industries for fallen stock have stated that there is sufficient capacity within the existing infrastructure to deal with the estimated additional quantities of fallen stock when the ban on burial comes into effect.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she collates in respect of the policy in other EU member states concerning financial support for farmers to deal with fallen stock. [103012]

  Mr. Morley
  The situation regarding Government funding in other member states is complicated. Based on data provided by each member state, the European Commission issued a paper on 20 November 2001. It showed that the level of Government support varies across the Community, with farmers in some countries paying the full cost of disposal while in others the Government or local authority provides support.

  The collection and disposal industries for fallen stock have stated that there is sufficient capacity within the existing infrastructure to deal with the estimated additional quantities of fallen stock when the ban on burial comes into effect.

  Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many fishing vessels in each EU country have been deemed by the European Commission to be economically viable; and what assessment has been made of the costs of paying off vessels and crews from these countries. [103696]

  Mr. Morley
  The Commission has made no authoritative estimates in these areas. Indicative figures provided by the Commission last May, of the scale of decommissioning implied by their proposals for recovery plans, have been challenged by a number of member states.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has appraised the testing methodology obliged in the Processed Animal Protein (England) Regulations 2001 against the currently best available methodologies for the same tasks. [102836]
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  Mr. Morley
  The Processed Animal Protein (England) Regulations 2001, all except the international trade provisions of that legislation, were replaced by and incorporated into the TSE (England) Regulations 2002 on 19 April 2002.

  The development of effective detection methods to distinguish the species content of meal intended for feed is a priority for Defra. The Commission has indicated that they are prepared to re-consider the current ban on fishmeal in ruminant feed once such a test has been validated. Full validation of a new test technique, however, is likely to take some time to achieve. In addition to the on-going development work, there are assessments being made both in the European context and in the UK to examine the currently available technology. A paper summarising the current position was prepared by Defra for a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, and can be found at: http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/acaf0237.pdf

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has appraised the testing methodology obliged in the Animal By-Products Order 1999 against the currently best available methodologies for the same tasks. [102837]

  Mr. Morley
  Testing under the Animal By-Products Order 1999 may be carried out under the methodology set out in the Order, or by a method which conforms with the relevant British or International Standards.

  Hampshire Avon Catchment
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the first annual report under the operating agreement signed by Ofwat, the Environment Agency, English Nature and Wessex Water on restoring sustainable flows to the Hampshire Avon Catchment. [103540]

  Mr. Morley
  I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that the 'First Annual Report to the Minister on Progress in Restoring Flows in the Malmesbury Avon, River Wyle and River Piddle' was placed in the House Library at the end of February.

  Nitrate Vulnerable Zones
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many nitrate vulnerable zones have been designated; and what percentage of the land area of England and Wales is designated as nitrate vulnerable zones. [102984]

  Mr. Morley
  The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is only responsible for implementing the Nitrates Directive in England.

  In 1996, the Government designated 66 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) covering 8 per cent. of England's land area.

  In October 2002, the Government designated NVZs covering an addition al 47 per cent. of England's land area. This brings total coverage of England to around 55 per cent. The Government have not made an assessment of the total number of discrete NVZs in England.
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  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the effect on land values of the introduction of nitrate vulnerable zones. [103020]

  Mr. Morley
  The Government have not made an assessment of the effect on land values of the introduction of nitrate vulnerable zones.

  The Government have published a Regulatory Impact Assessment paper which sets out the costs to the agricultural industry of complying with the Action Programme measures in England. This publication is available in the Defra Library and via the Defra NVZ web pages (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/nitrate/library.htm).

  Radioactive Contamination
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research has been commissioned from consultants to assess the(a) need for and (b) prospective benefits of industry profiles for radioactively contaminated land. [103115]

  Mr. Meacher
  Consultants are currently carrying out work to assess the need for and benefits of industry profiles for radioactively contaminated land. They are to report in early April. If the results of this are positive, industry profile(s) for operations using radioactive material outside nuclear sites will be produced. They will provide information on the processes, materials and wastes associated with individual industries and advise on how best to identify, assess and tackle the problems of land contamination. This will provide useful supporting guidance for the introduction of a regime to deal with radioactively contaminated land (excluding that on nuclear licensed sites).

  Rural Proofing
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on the rural proofing of housing policy of the withdrawal of local authority social housing grant. [102337]

  Margaret Beckett
  The decision to abolish local authority social housing grant was taken in light of the increased provision for investment in existing and new affordable housing announced in "Sustainable Communities: building for the future". LASHG was a funding mechanism used by many rural authorities, among others, but they should not lose out under the new arrangements. By 2006, the money available for housing will be nearly 50 per cent. higher than this year. The new regional housing boards will recommend how these resources should be spent and will be required to ensure that their regional housing strategies are rural proofed.

  Safeways
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent(a) representations she has received and (b) discussions she has had regarding the sale of Safeways; and if she will make a statement. [102652]
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  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: Ministers and officials in Defra have been sent information or views on the sale of Safeway by some of the companies who have expressed an interest in bidding and by the National Consumer Council.

  Officials have met separately with ASDA, Morrison, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco, at the companies' request, to listen to points that they wished to make about the sale of Safeway. Ministers have not been involved in these discussions.

  Soft Drink Consumption
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many litres of soft drinks were, on average, consumed by each British consumer in the last year for which figures are available. [102255]

  Mr. Morley
  It is estimated that 75 litres of soft drinks were consumed per person in the UK in the 12 month period starting in April 2001. Soft drinks are defined to exclude mineral water and fruit juices. The equivalent consumption of mineral water was 13 litres and of fruit juices was 18 litres. These estimates are based upon records of consumer purchases from the Expenditure and Food Survey.

  State Veterinary Service
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary surgeons were employed by the State Veterinary Service on(a) 20 February 2001, (b) 20 February 2002 and (c) 20 February 2003. [103013]

  Mr. Morley
  The number of Veterinary Surgeons employed by the State Veterinary Service is as follows:

  As at 20 February 2001–263

  As at 20 February 2002–299

  As at February 2003–335

  The figures are calculated on a head count basis and include permanent, casual and fixed term appointments. The figures do not include HQ Veterinary Surgeons responsible for policy development in the Animal Health & Welfare Directorate General.

  Sustainability Fund
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to use the Sustainability Fund to compensate operators for revoking the most damaging old mineral permissions in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. [102693]

  Mr. Meacher
  Following two full consultation exercises, the core objectives of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) were set to support work in three main categories: minimising demand for primary aggregates; promoting environmentally friendly aggregates extraction and transportation; and reducing the local effects of aggregates extraction. Using the fund as a mechanism for compensating operators for revoking permissions was not raised in either consultation and does not, therefore, feature in the scheme.
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  English Nature has been designated as the distributing body for projects aimed at addressing the effects of old mineral planning permissions, increasing biodiversity and conserving geological features and the Countryside Agency distributes funds for projects that conserve and enhance the countryside. For both cases, the ALSF operates as a project based scheme and does not provide a mechanism for compensating operators for revoked permissions.

  Veterinary Surgeons (Assaults)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many assaults on veterinary surgeons by farmers have occurred on farms in each year since 1997. [101146]

  Mr. Morley
  There have been two reported physical assaults on State Veterinary Service Veterinarians, since 1997. These are listed as follows:

  17 May 199—Veterinary Officer threatened and prodded in ribs by farmer

  25 February 2003—Veterinary Officer pushed into slurry pit

  We take any such assaults on staff seriously and we expect appropriate action to be taken against anyone responsible for such acts.

  Welsh Farming
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the effect of the proposed reform of the common agricultural policy on Welsh farming. [100735]

  Mr. Morley
  We have undertaken various economic and impact assessments of the Commission's reform proposals, which conclude that overall the reforms would have a positive effect on farmers and farm incomes in the UK. Results of the main analysis will be published later this month. The likely effects of the proposed reforms in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Education (Northampton)
  Mr. Ton Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how man children per 1,000 are issued with a statement of special needs in(a) Northamptonshire and (b) Northampton. [100806]

  Mr. Miliband
  The latest information available is shown in the table.

  All schools: Pupils with statements of special educational needs January 2002

  Number on roll

  Number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs

  Number of pupils in every 1,000 with a statement of special educational needs1

  Northampton, North

  17,557

  827

  47

  Northampton, South

  18,387

  418

  23

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  All schools: Pupils with statements of special educational needs January 2002

  Number on roll

  Number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs

  Number of pupils in ever 1,000 with a statement of special educational needs1

  Northamptonshire LEA

  113,366

  3,299

  29

  England

  8,369,081

  248,982

  30

  1 The number of pupils with statements expressed as a proportion of the number of pupils on roll.

  Milk Vouchers
  Mr. Burnett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has for the disbandment of the milk voucher system for school children. [102400]

  Ms Blears
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no plans to end the supply of free milk to children in nursery or day care under the welfare food scheme. The consultation document, "Healthy Start", included a proposal to broaden the nutritional scope of the scheme by offering children in nursery or day care a choice of milk or fruit.

  The nursery element of the scheme does not involve the use of vouchers.

  Sikhs
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what support and materials he is making available in schools to increase awareness of Sikhs and their religion. [103034]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The current policy regarding religious education is set out in the Department for Education and Skills circular 1/94. All RE syllabuses in schools should seek to develop pupils' knowledge, understanding and awareness, not only of Christianity, but also the other principal religions represented in the country, including Sikhism.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to make unfair discrimination on grounds of age unlawful in Northern Ireland and to ensure equality of access and opportunity for older people. [96852]

  Mr. Browne
  We plan to issue our proposals for legislation to tackle age discrimination for consultation in the summer. We intend that legislation will be made before the deadline of 2006 imposed by the European Directive.

  The consultation in 2001 on the general content and scope of a single Equality Bill asked some general questions about age discrimination. There are many complex issues to be addressed and we want to ensure that we take account of expert advice and comments in taking forward this work.
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  In addition to new legislation, Departments have a duty under section 75(i) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between persons o f different age.

  We have also established a Working Group under the Promoting Social Inclusion initiative to look at factors which cause older people to be at risk of social exclusion. The Working Group will present Ministers with a draft policy and strategy document for public consultation, setting out clearly defined recommendations as to what preventative and other measures are required.

  Education System
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what system for transfer of pupils between primary schools and secondary schools will operate after the planned abolition of the 11 plus examination. [103248]

  Jane Kennedy
  No decisions have been taken about new transfer arrangements. I am considering carefully the views expressed in meetings with political parties, the education sector and parents, along with the responses to all the strands of the consultation, before determining the next stages of the review of post-primary education. My aim is to maintain the current high levels of achievement and build a modern and fair education system that enables all children in Northern Ireland to fulfil their potential.

  Football
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the decision was made to provide funding for soccer in Northern Ireland; and who made that decision. [103187]

  Angela Smith
  Funding has been provided to soccer for many years. However on 7 February 2003, following advice from the Soccer Strategy Advisory Panel, I announced that the IFA's proposed Development Plan offered a sufficient basis for moving forward on the development of Soccer in Northern Ireland. I also made it clear that, before funding relating to the plan can be provided, I would require assurances that:

  the IFA's proposals are ratified at its Annual General Meeting;

  the governing body's new executive and accountability arrangements are in place; and

  accountability requirements for Government funding, including implementation, monitoring and evaluation, are satisfied.

  Hares
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hare courses took place at the Dungannon Coursing Club meet on 2 November 2002. [102906]

  Angela Smith
  The number of courses that take place in any organised coursing event on the island of Ireland is subject to the policy and rules of the Irish Coursing Club. The policy for coursing in Northern Ireland is set by the Department for Social Development in conjunction with the ICC. Environment and Heritage Service of the DOE issue permits to allow the netting of hares for use in coursing events. Under the conditions of these permits, EHS officials monitor the catching of 652W
  hares before the event and the return of the hares to the wild after the event. The officials have no role in coursing events, consequently I am unable to answer the hon. Member's question.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the recent research of the Northern Irish Hare Survey; and what actions he proposes to implement its recommendations on the hare's status as a quarry species. [102905]

  Angela Smith
  Professor Montgomery's report, entitled "The Northern Ireland Irish Hare Survey 2002", was received by my Department on 14 February 2003.

  The report provides a current population estimate and compares these results with data collected in a 1997 survey. It also assesses the merits of two survey techniques and makes recommendations for future Irish hare monitoring. Professor Montgomery's team concludes that a method of survey known as 'Night Driven Transect Survey' allows a reliable estimate of hare abundance to be calculated.

  The 2002 Night Driven Transect Survey produced an average density estimate of one hare per square kilometre in Northern Ireland, an estimate similar to that reported in 1997. The present report concludes that hares are widespread and are found most frequently in upland areas. Hares were more frequently recorded in County Antrim during the survey and were less frequent in County Tyrone. The survey technique is not a census and so the sample survey gives an estimate of 14,000 hares for Northern Ireland, with lower 95 per cent. confidence limit of 7,000 and an upper confidence limit of 25,200.

  Professor Montgomery concludes, "That the population of Irish hares appears to be stable, albeit at a low density."

  The contract also required the Queen's University Team to make recommendations for practical measures which could improve the status of the Irish Hare in the medium to long term. One of the recommendations was as follows: "Removal of the Irish Hare from the quarry list and protection given under the Wildlife Order."

  In the Irish Hare Species Action Plan, published by DOE in October 2000, a number of actions are listed for consideration. Section 5 deals with Policy and Legislation and Action 5.1.3 recommends that DOE "Review, and if necessary, increase the level of protection given to the Irish Hare in the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985". My Department has appointed consultants to consider the implications of local Biodiversity Action Plan recommendations on the legal status of species, including the Irish hare, and recommend changes where appropriate. I will ensure that the consultants give very careful consideration to Professor Montgomery's recommendation to remove the Irish Hare from the quarry list. The report resulting from this contract is due in June 2003.

  My Department will consider carefully any changes which are proposed to the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985 Schedules or to the Game Preservation Act (NI) 1928 (as amended by the Game Law Amendment Act 1951

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  and The Game Preservation (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2002) and will bring forward any amendments considered necessary in the usual way.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received a copy of Professor Montgomery's report commissioned by his Department on the hare population in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [101575]

  Angela Smith
  Professor Montgomery's report, entitled "The Northern Ireland Irish Hare Survey 2002", was received by my Department on 14 February 2003. I welcome the opportunity to make a statement to The House on the results of the survey.

  The Irish hare, Lepus timidus hibernicus, is an endemic sub-species, confined to Ireland, of the mountain hare, which has a widespread distribution across northern Europe.

  The best evidence available suggests a major decline in Irish hare numbers in Northern Ireland during the latter half of the 20th century. This decline has been largely attributed to a loss of suitable habitat brought about mainly by agricultural intensification and changing patterns of grassland management.

  A comprehensive estimate of the population density of Irish hares throughout Northern Ireland was published in 1997. That survey reported that the Irish hare had a widespread distribution and occurred at low densities.

  The Environment and Heritage Service responded to the findings of the report by publishing a Species Action Plan in 2000 that listed a number of specific measures geared "to maintain the existing range and to demonstrate a population increase by 2005; and to double the present population by 2010 over as much of the range as possible."

  To assess achievement of the Species Action Plan targets, and to have current information on the distribution and abundance of Irish hares, requires a system of regular and effective monitoring of population density and distribution.

  Professor Montgomery's report provides a current population estimate and compares these results with data collected in the 1997 survey. It also assesses the merits of two survey techniques and makes recommendations for future Irish hare monitoring. Professor Montgomery's team concludes that a method of survey known as 'Night Driven Transect Survey', allows a reliable estimate of hare abundance to be calculated.

  The 2002 Night Driven Transect Survey produced an average density estimate of one hare per square kilometre in Northern Ireland, an estimate similar to that reported in 1997. The present report concludes that hares are widespread and are found most frequently in upland areas. Hares were more frequently recorded in County Antrim during the survey and were less frequent in County Tyrone. The survey technique is not a census and so the sample survey gives an estimate of 14,000 hares for Northern Ireland, with a lower 95 per cent. confidence limit of 7,000 and an upper confidence limit of 25,200.
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  The report advances a number of recommendations aimed at improving the status of the Irish Hare, these include:

  The provision of hare refuge sites.

  Hare friendly agricultural practices in agri-environment schemes.

  Removal of the Irish hare from the quarry list and protection given under the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985

  Increase in awareness of the plight of the Irish Hare by liaison with farming groups, the rural community and DARD.

  My Department will give these recommendations active consideration and will act on them in an appropriate manner.

  Professor Mongomery concludes, "That the population of Irish hares appears to be stable, albeit at a low density".

  This assessment of the current status of the Irish hare in Northern Ireland is welcome, although the success of the Species Action Plan will be judged ultimately on a sustainable increase in the population of this special creature.

  Skills Task Force
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Skills Task Force will complete its investigation into labour supply and demand in the construction industry in Northern Ireland. [100434]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Northern Ireland Skills Taskforce (NISTF) contracts its skills forecasting exercises to the Priority Skills Unit of the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre (NIERC). Work on the labour supply and demand situations in the construction industry started in February 2003 and is due to be published in November 2003.

HEALTH

  Healthcare-acquired Infections
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress his Department has made in reducing the number of healthcare-acquired infections. [103210]

  Mr. Hutton
  We have introduced a mandatory surveillance system for healthcare associated infection and since April 2001 all acute national health service trusts have reported methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections. The first year's data show that rates tend to be higher in special trusts and in the south and east of the country. An MRSA improvement score will be a performance indicator from July. Surveillance will be extended to other micro-organisms and incidents such as outbreaks of gastro-enteritis later this year.

  Kent and Canterbury Hospital
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital. [103211]
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  Ms Blears
  A decision on the reconfiguration of acute services in east Kent could not be made while the judicial review of the consultation process was under consideration. This has now been completed and Ministers are considering the recommendation made by Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority.

  Capitation Funding (Bedfordshire)
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about capitation funding in Bedfordshire. [103212]

  Mr. Lammy
  I understand that the Chairman of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Strategic Health Authority has written on 10 February to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regarding national health service investment in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire in 2003–06.

  Community Pharmacies
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received regarding the Office of Fair Trading report on community pharmacies. [103213]

  Mr. Lammy
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) earlier today.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. [103214]

  Jacqui Smith
  We are committed to improving care and treatment for people with multiple sclerosis. Around 4,600 patients are receiving treatment with a disease modifying drug. A National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline will be published shortly. This and the forthcoming National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions will help to improve services for people with MS.

  First Aid
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Department for Education and Skills on teaching basic first aid to children in schools. [103215]

  Ms Blears
  Department for Education and Skills and Department of Health officials have always worked closely together on this issue—most recently in the development of the Safety Education Guidance for schools.

  First aid training is included in the revised National Curriculum, introduced into schools in September 2000. This includes a non-statutory framework for Personal, Social and Health Education in both primary and secondary schools.

  Hospital Reconfigurations
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on hospital reconfigurations. [103217]
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  Mr. Hutton
  New guidance, "Keeping the NHS Local: A New Direction of Travel" was published on 14 February. It challenges the view that 'biggest is best', and puts patients and the public at the centre of the process. The core principles must be applied by the NHS with immediate effect.

  Acute Trusts
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in how many cases primary care trusts are withholding money from acute trusts; and what the(a) individual and (b) total value is of the amounts being disputed. [103216]

  Mr. Hutton
  In line with this Government's policy of shifting the balance of power, discussions about such issues take place between the national health service trust and the relevant commissioner and, if required, the managing Strategic Health Authority.

  Autism and Asperger Syndrome
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding he has allocated into the(a) causes, (b) care and (c) treatment of (i) autism and (ii) Asperger Syndrome in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [102930]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives most of its income via grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, is the main government agency that funds research into medical conditions. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for support for research into any aspect of human health and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. The MRC funds a large amount of work on the causes and treatment of autism, and to increase the knowledge base of issues surrounding autism. The amounts the MRC has spent on autism research in recent years are shown in Table 1.

  Table 1: MRC spend on autism research

  Year

  Amount(£)

  1997–98

  905,000

  1998–99

  1,041,000

  1999–2000

  1,114,000

  2000–01

  1,182,000

  (an figures for 2001–02)

  2001–02

  1,257,000

  I announced on 14 February 2002 that the Government have allocated an extra £2.5 million to the MRC to help them to take forward recommendations on further research contained in their report of their review of the epidemiology and causes of autism. The additional funds provide the opportunity for the MRC to accelerate research on autism, building on existing strengths and addressing gaps, which were identified in the report. It will complement and add to the MRCs current support for research in this field.

  Under the section 64 General Scheme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations, the Department of Health issues funds to further its objectives in the health and

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  social care fields in England. National Autistic Society projects, which have received funding in the last five years, are shown in Table 2.

  Table 2: Section 64 Grants to the National Autistic Society

  Year

  Project

  Amount (£)

  1998–99

  Regional Advice Service

  40,000

  1999–2000

  Regional Advice Service

  45,000

  1999–2000

  Asperger's Syndrome

  40,000

  2000–01

  Asperger's Syndrome

  40,000

  2001–02

  Asperger's Syndrome

  40,000

  2001–02

  Parental Training

  46,000

  2002–03

  Parental Training

  48,000

  2002–03

  Independence and Autism

  49,000

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding he has allocated to social service departments to support those with autism and Asperger Syndrome and their carers in each of the last five years. [102931]

  Jacqui Smith
  Our increased investment in personal social services in England in recent years will benefit people with autism as well as everyone else who needs them. Details are set out in the table. Amounts for specific conditions are not separately identified within allocations to social services departments. Health bodies and local authorities should ensure that the particular health and social care needs of each person with autism and Asperger's Syndrome are met with genuine choices for both clients and families, through the most appropriate community based services, in a cost—effective way.

  In 1999–2000, we introduced the new children's services grant, whose purpose is to help local authorities implement the Quality Protects programme and in particular to improve the life chances of looked after children and children in need. Disabled children, including those with autism, have been made a priority area in the programme.

  Since the carers grant was introduced in 1999, it has provided an extra £225 million over four years to increase the number of breaks for carers. In recognition of the importance placed on supporting carers, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, announced in July 2002 that the grant has been extended for a further three years to 2005–06. During this time it will provide extended care and 130,000 further breaks to carers.

  Details of the past and proposed future amounts of both grants are shown in the table.

  Children's services grant

  Financial year

  Total social services expenditure (£ billion)

  Overall expenditure (£ million)

  Disabled children's element (£ million)

  Carer's grant (£ million)

  1997–98

  10.0

  —

  —

  —

  1998–99

  10.8

  —

  —

  —

  1999–2000

  12.0

  75

  —

  20

  2000–01

  12.8

  120

  —

  50

  2001–02

  13.6

  180

  15

  70

  2002–03

  220

  15

  85

  2003–04

  290

  30

  100

  2004–05

  125

  2005–06

  185

  Barnet Chase Farm Trust
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to establish diagnostic and treatment centres at(a) Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and (b) Barnet and Chase Farm Trust; when he expects such centres to become operational; and if he will make a statement. [98937]

  Mr. Hutton
  The need for additional capacity was identified in north central London and this was included in the December procurement exercise for independent sector Diagnosis Treatment Centres (DTCs).

  A DTC at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital was also included in the December procurement exercise for independent sector DTCs.

  The two DTCs are intended to be operational as soon after contract close as the independent sector can mobilise and in any event by March 2005.

  Biological Weapons
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on planning for the event of deliberate release of biological weapons. [103203]

  Mr. Hutton
  The national health service has made contingency plans For the deliberate use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. These plans are kept under careful and continuous review. Overall responsibility for CBRN planning rests with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

  Child Care, Allowances (Trainee Nurses)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to pay a child care allowance for trainee nurses entitled to an NHS bursary. [103138]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government have already made a commitment to introduce help with the costs of child care for all nation al health service—funded students, including trainee nurses, with children aged up to five years, by 2004.

  Children's Diets
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion c f overall funding to improve the nation's eating habits is allocated to improving children's diets. [101386]

  Ms Blears
  During the year 2002–03, 93.5 per cent, of the cost of Department of Health and Food Standards Agency (FSA) led initiatives to improve the nation's eating habits was allocated specifically to improving children's diets.

  Funding for Department-led programmes aimed at improving children's diets totals £140.98 million, including the National School Fruit Scheme, with funding from the New Opportunities Fund, Food in Schools, in conjunction with the Department for Education and Skills, Welfare Foods and support for breastfeeding. The FSA has provided funding of £0.58 million as part of its nutrition action plan to support initiatives aimed at improving the diet and nutrition of children.
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  Funding not specific to children totals £9.83 million, including five-a-day community initiatives, with funding from the New Opportunities Fund, other FSA activities and grants to charities.

  In addition to the above, local nutrition initiatives are funded through health action zones, sure start, healthy living centres and through general funding allocations to health authorities and primary care trusts, on which information is not collected centrally.

  Children's Hospices
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which children's hospices have been visited by(a) him and (b) Ministers in his Department since May 2001. [95996]

  Ms Blears
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had the opportunity to visit any hospice whose sole remit is the care of terminally ill children. Should an opportunity arise to undertake such a visit he would give it his full consideration.

  Richard House Children's Hospice in East London was visited in March 2002 by the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health, the hon. Member for Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette Cooper).

  Clinical Consultants (Salisbury)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the clinical consultant caseload in Salisbury is(a) ward—based and (b) home-based; and if he will make a statement. [103079]

  Ms Blears
  This information is not held centrally. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) only holds data for admitted patient care in England's National Health Service hospitals and therefore data is not available for home care. Collection of data at ward level is not mandatory and therefore is not available.

  Emergency Admissions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the National Priorities Guidance target to reduce the per capita rate of growth in emergency admissions of people aged 75 or over to an annual average of 3 per cent. up to 2002–03. [102523]

  Jacqui Smith
  Comparing emergency admissions data for the first three quarters of 2002–03 with the first three quarters of 2001–02 suggests a growth in emergency admissions of 1.1 per cent.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he plans to charge the importers of non-animal foodstuffs from outside the EU for the testing of their imports into the United Kingdom under the proposals in the EU document of 10 February I EC Draft 6090/03). [102848]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has lead responsibility for this proposal on official feed and food controls. I am advised by the FSA that the proposal is for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council and as such, once adopted, its 660W
  provisions will be directly applicable in all the Member States. This includes the provisions on imports from outside the European Union of foodstuffs of non-animal origin. The FSA's understanding of these provisions is that Member States will be required to collect fees for the costs incurred by the competent authorities from the importer or his customs agent. Clarification will be needed during the negotiations, which have not yet started. The FSA commenced a full public consultation on 12 March so that the views of all stakeholders may be taken into account in assessing the implications of the provisions and in developing the United Kingdom policy position on this and other issues arising from the proposal.

  Food Standards Agency
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Sir John Krebs will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) dated 9 January 2003 concerning the Food Standards Agency's Annual Report. [102614]

  Ms Blears
  A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 13 March 2003.

  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his definition is of the term 'subsidiary' as used in the EU document of 10 February (EC Draft 6090/03). [102844]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has lead responsibility for this proposal on official feed and food controls. I am advised by the FSA that it will seek to ensure that the proposal takes account of the principles of subsidiarity as set out in Article 5 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. In practice this means ensuring that Community action will not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Treaty and that decisions are taken at the lowest level consistent with effective action.

  Food Supplements
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been commissioned by his Department into the costs and implications for product characteristics of the reformulation of food supplements in those cases where nutrient sources in use in the United Kingdom are not included in the lists of permitted nutrients set out in the annexes to the food supplements directive. [103003]

  Ms Blears
  The Government have not commissioned any research into the costs and implications for product characteristics of reformulation of food supplements in those cases where nutrient sources currently used are not on the list of permitted sources. Information gathered by the Food Standards Agency in preparing the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the draft Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 provides estimates of the costs of reformulation up to £3,000 per product.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the potential costs involved in the production of dossiers for submission to the European Food Safety Authority in connection with nutrients for which manufacturers are
  661W
  seeking inclusion in the lists of permitted ingredients set out in the annexes to the Food Supplements Directive. [103004]

  Ms Blears
  The Government have not made its own assessment of the potential costs involved in the production of dossiers for submission to the European Food Safety Authority. Industry cost estimates, provided to the Food Standards Agency during consultation, suggest that they might be £80,000 to £250,000 per dossier where significant safety data are not already available.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from(a) individual companies, (b) trade organisations and (c) consumer bodies about nutrients which are permitted for use in food supplements in the United Kingdom, but which are omitted from the lists of permitted nutrients set out in annexes 1 and 2 of the Food Supplements Directive. [103005]

  Ms Blears
  A number of individual companies, trade organisations and lobby groups have recently suggested that the Government should seek an amendment to the Food Supplements Directive to allow the continued sale in the United Kingdom of safe and appropriately labelled food supplements even if they lie outside the technical restrictions of the Directive.

  During negotiations, the Government fought hard to secure the provisions in Article 4 of the Directive, which enable member states to allow the continued sale of products that do not comply with the compositional requirements up to 31 December 2009, provided certain criteria are met. The Government are taking advantage of these provisions and have no plans to seek a further amendment to the Directive. Negotiations were finished some time ago and it is not likely either that the Commission would be willing to reopen them now or that there would be support from a majority of other member states for such an amendment.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps his Department and the Food Standards Agency intend to take to address technical difficulties and financial costs associated with the production of dossiers for consideration by the European Food Safety Authority in relation to nutrients which are not included in the list of permitted ingredients for use in food supplements set out in Schedules 2 and 3 of the proposed Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003; [103007]

  (2) whether his Department and the Food Standards Agency have made representations to (a) the European Commission and (b) the EU Scientific Committee for Foods in relation to the technical difficulties and financial costs associated with the production of dossiers for consideration by the European Food Safety Authority of nutrients which are not included in the list of permitted ingredients for use in food supplements set out in Annexes 1 and 2 of the Food Supplements Directive. [103006]

  Ms Blears
  The Government are not able to address the financial issues associated with the production of safety dossiers for consideration by the European Food Safety Authority. The Food Standards Agency has written to the European Commission with the aim of 662W
  facilitating a meeting between United Kingdom stakeholders and representatives of the European Union Scientific Committee on Food to discuss the technical content of such dossiers.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number and value of food supplement products on the UK market which contain nutrients omitted from Annexel of the Food Supplements Directive and for which no nutrient sources are listed in Annexe 2 of the Directive. [103008]

  Ms Blears
  The Government have not made an assessment of the number of products on the United Kingdom market which contain nutrients and nutrient sources omitted from Annexes 1 and 2 of the Food Supplements Directive. In the UK, the retail market for vitamins, minerals a rid other supplements was valued at £335 million in 2000. Industry estimates suggest that up to 5 per cent. of the market may be affected, indicating a value in the region of £16.75 million.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what nutrients are on the market in the United Kingdom as ingredients in food supplements but are not listed in Schedules 2 and 3 of the proposed Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 recently published by the Food Standards Agency; how long each of them have been on sale in the UK; and whether representations are under preparation by manufacturers for submission to European Food Safety Authority for consideration as possible additions to those annexes. [103009]

  Ms Blears
  According to information provided by industry, the nutrients boron, cobalt, nickel, silicon, tin and vanadium are used as ingredients of food supplements currently on the market in the United Kingdom and are not listed in Schedules 2 and 3 of the draft Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003 issued for consultation in October 2002. The most recent information received by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) from industry indicates that manufacturers are not preparing safety dossiers for any of these nutrients. The FSA does not hold information on how long each of these nutrients has been on the UK market as ingredients of food supplements.

  Foundation Trusts
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the acute NHS trusts which have expressed interest in applying for foundation trust status. [102207]

  Mr. Hutton
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my right horn. Friend, the Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Frank Dobson) on 6 March 2003,Official Report, columns 1207–1208W.

  Hillcroft Site, Lymington
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS secured from the disposal of the Hillcroft site in Lymington; and if he will make a statement. [103482]
  663W
  Ms Blears
  An agreement between the New Forest primary care trust and the commercial buyer of the Hillcroft site means that it is not possible to publicly divulge the sum. However, the District Auditor, the District Valuer and NHS Estates are satisfied that the sum received by the PCT for the sale of the Hillcroft site is good value for money.

  Irradiation (Foodstuffs)
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the foods tuffs for which an irradiation process has been permitted. [102669]

  Ms Blears
  The Food (Control of Irradiation) Regulations 1990, as amended, permits the irradiation of seven categories of food in the United Kingdom:

  Fruit

  Vegetables

  Cereals

  Bulbs and tubers

  Spices and condiments

  Fish and shellfish

  Poultry

  Food that falls within one of the above categories may only be irradiated in a facility that has been granted an Irradiation Licence. Only one UK licence has been granted, which permits the irradiation of a range of dried herbs and spices.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what tests are available to establish whether foodstuffs have been subject to irradiation; how many such checks were carried out in the last year for which figures are available; and what percentage of those checks identified that illegal irradiation had occurred. [102670]

  Ms Blears
  There are nine tests that have been standardised by European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) of these thermoluminescence and photostimulated luminescence techniques are the most useful. More specific tests include analysis for alkyl cyclobutanones and electron spin resonance analysis.

  The nine standardised detection, tests for irradiated foods are:
  EN 1784:1996: Detection of irradiated food containing fatߞGas chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbons.
  EN 1785:1996: Detection of irradiated food containing fatߞGas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis of 2— alkylcyclobutanones
  EN 1786:1996: Detection of irradiated food containing boneߞMethod by ESR spectroscopy
  EN 1787:2000: Detection of irradiated food containing cellulose by ESR spectroscopy
  EN 1788:2001: Detection of irradiated food from which silicate minerals can be isolatedߞMethod by thermoluminescence
  EN 13708:2001: Detection of irradiated food containing crystalline sugar by ESR spectroscopy
  EN 13783:2001: Detection of irradiated food using Direct Epifluorescent Filter Technique/Aerobic Plate Count (DEFT/ APC)ߞScreening method
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  EN 13784:2001: DNA comet assay for the detection of irradiated foodstuffsߞScreening method
  EN 13751:2002: Detection of irradiated food using photostimulated luminescence.

  In June 2002, the Food Standards Agency published the results of a survey for irradiated foods. A total of 543 food samples were analysed. Of these, 58 were found to be illegal irradiated products and six were irradiated but not labelled as such.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) with reference to the NHS Ombudsman's report `NHS funding for long term care', if he will ensure that new guidance on HSC 2001/15 contains model eligibility criteria, with appropriate use of case studies and examples so that they may be understood by patients as well as professionals, which are consistent with(a) R v North and East Devon Health Authority ex parte of Coughlan of 1999 and the ruling that where a person's primary need is owing to health needs or disabilities, their care is a continuing NHS responsibility, and (b) the consequence of the Appeal Court's decision on the circumstances in which it is unlawful to transfer responsibility for a patient's general nursing care to the local authority; [103148]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the comments of the NHS Ombudsman relating to the clarity of HSC 2001/ 15 in the report 'NHS funding for long term care' with particular reference to the Ombudsman's observation that HSC 2001/015 is weaker than guidance previously declared to be unlawful by the Court of Appeal in R v North and East Devon Health Authority ex parte Coughlan of 1999; [103149]

  (3) what steps he is taking to address the comments in the Health Service Ombudsman's report 'NHS funding for long term care' on the clarity of HSC 2001/ 015. [103152]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government will consider the recommendation to review national guidance on continuing care carefully. Once this process is complete, we will consider if any further action is necessary.

  From 1 April 2003 and the commencement of Section 49 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001, local authorities will no longer be able to provide nursing care directly.

  The Court of Appeal in Coughlan said previous guidance issued by the Department of Health was lawful. The Department of Health is satisfied that the guidance issued in 1999 and 2001was compatible with the Court of Appeal judgement in R v North and East Devon Health Authority ex parte Coughlan of 1999.

  Mental Health (Salisbury)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Service Trust have to sell Century House in Salisbury; and if he will make a statement. [103078]

  Ms Blears
  Century House, which is currently the base for most community mental health services in South Wiltshire, is likely to be sold in 2003–04 for the following reasons:
  665W
  The building cannot be made compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act
  It has health and safety problems
  It is not particularly user friendly for many mental health service users

  I am advised, however, that sale of the building will not affect the level of service provision but, on the contrary, will increase accessibility for disabled service users.

  The Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership National Health Service Trust has already considered alternative options for service delivery. The majority of services will continue to be delivered in service users' homes and community settings, and existing service teams will move in to the new and refurbished buildings at the Old Manor Hospital, where individual consultations and group sessions will take place.

  NHS (International Recruitment)
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to introduce legislation to prevent NHS organisations from entering into a contract with a recruitment agency that has not signed up to his Department's code of practice on the international recruitment of health care professionals. [103073]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: There are no immediate plans to introduce legislation to prevent national health service organisations from entering into contracts with agencies who are not adhering to the code of practice. The Department has not been made aware of any trusts that have contravened the code. Monitoring procedures are in place and regular communications issued reminding trusts to only recruit from agencies adhering to the code of practice.

  Nursing Student Bursaries
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2002,Official Report, column 354W, on nursing student bursaries, whether the 4,600 curricular hours include work placements; and what minimum number of work placement hours a nursing student is required to complete in order to obtain a diploma. [102892]

  Mr. Hutton
  A nursing student is required to complete 4,600 curricular hours to qualify for a diploma award and achieve professional registration. Of these 4,600 curricular hours, a minimum of 50 per cent. will be designated for learning within practice. These may include simulation of practice learning.

  Patient Numbers (North Yorkshire)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were registered with national health services in each of the last five years in the area covered by North Yorkshire area health authority. [103136]

  Jacqui Smith
  The information requested is shown in the table.
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  Patients of Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPEs)1 for North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire Strategic Health Authority as at 1 October 1997–99 and 30 September 2000–01

  Number (headcount)

  England-Patients of UPEs

  North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire StHA

  1997

  50,904,322

  1,655,197

  1998

  51,110,352

  1,631,540

  1999

  50,894,064

  1,653,512

  2000

  51,332,917

  1,648,770

  2001

  51,249,672

  1,639,945

  UPEs include CMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Salaried GPs.

  Note:

  Data has been converted to match Strategic Health Authority structures for 2002.

  Source:

  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics.

  Primary Care Trusts (Prisons)
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from primary care trusts about the impact on their budgets of providing healthcare services in prisons. [103383]

  Jacqui Smith
  I have received no recent representations front primary care trusts (PCTs) on this issue. Funding responsibility for health services in prisons will not be Fully devolved to PCTs until April 2006.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what allowance he has made in budget allocations to primary care trusts for the number of prisons in the area they cover. [103384]

  Jacqui Smith
  Allocations to primary care trusts (PCTs) for 2003–04 include an element to fund National Health Service secondary care services for prisoners, and take into account the population of each prison in a PCT area. Allocations also include funding for the continuation of existing prison mental health in-reach services.

  Prisons
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prison health care centres are categorised as(a) red, (b) amber and (c) green under the traffic lights performance monitoring system; and what the criteria are on which prison healthcare centres are rated under the traffic lights system. [103071]

  Jacqui Smith
  The current criteria for rating prison health care centres are as follows.Red—The totality of the problems faced by the health care centre are such that decisive short-term or long-term action is needed to ensure a minimally acceptable and safe service.
  Amber—the problems faced need to be resolved quickly and could or would get worse if left unattended, but are not as urgent as those in the Red category.
  Green—the problems faced are manageable and on the whole the service provided is acceptable in the short to medium term.

  The latest traffic lights ratings show that, on 31 December 2002, there were no red, 28 amber and 110 green prison health care centres.
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  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of cost implications for future NHS budgets of trends in the prison population. [103388]

  Jacqui Smith
  Overall financial responsibility for prison health services will transfer from the Home Office to the Department of Health from 1 April 2003. Any subsequent funding identified to support increased prison capacity will contain an element for health care, which will be transferred to the Department of Health.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) sentenced and (b) unsentenced prisoners are receiving treatment for mental health problems; and how many of these are being treated as in—patients (i) in the prison health care centre and (ii) in an NHS setting. [103070]

  Jacqui Smith
  Information is not available in exactly the form requested. From 1 January to 31 December 2002, there were 39,000 admissions to prison health care centres. We estimate that around 30 per cent. of these, approximately 11,800, were for mental health reasons.

  In the national health service setting, the latest available statistics show that in 2001, 3,002 restricted patients were detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. In this period, 595 prisoners had, by order of the Home Secretary under sections 47 and 48 of the Act, been transferred from prison service establishments to secure places funded by the NHS.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will announce the budgets for mental health in-reach services in prisons. [103386]

  Jacqui Smith
  Funding for in-reach services established before the end of 2002–03 was included in the baseline resource level allocations that were issued to primary care trusts in December 2002. Further allocations, in respect of new in-reach services to be developed in 2003–04 and addition al support for some existing services will be made shortly.

  Respite Care
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progess he has made in drawing up guidelines for the use of vouchers for providing respite care. [103296]

  Jacqui Smith
  We plan to lay the regulations for the short breaks voucher scheme before the House by the end of April, with the guidance to follow thereafter.

  Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester
  Mr. Mates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether emergency surgery facilities will remain at the Royal Hampshire county hospital in Winchester to support a consultant—led accident and emergency service. [102890]

  Ms Blears
  Our policy of "Shifting the Balance of Power" means that the configuration of local services is a matter for the local national health service, working in partnership with its local community.
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  The future of services across Hampshire is currently under discussion in a local consultative process called "Healthfit" As this is a matter for the local community it would be inappropriate for Ministers to comment further at this time.

  Sexual Assault
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what protocols are in place in Accident and Emergency departments to adopt a fast track system for referrals from(a) sexual assault referral centres and (b) police stations for victims of sexual assault and rape. [101336]

  Ms Blears
  This is a matter for local determination. However, we would expect all Accident and Emergency departments to have a protocol in place to deal sensitively with victims of sexual assault. This includes medical treatment if needed and support and advice on referral to appropriate local services, including sexual assault referral centres and the police.

  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require Accident and Emergency departments and primary care trusts to ask patients attending for emergency contraception whether the intercourse was consensual. [101335]

  Ms Blears
  It is a matter for professional bodies to issue guidance on the supply of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). All health professionals supplying EHC receive training, which should address issues around sexual history taking, partners and consent. If during a consultation for EHC, disclosure of a sexual assault occurs the health professional should provide support and advise on accessing appropriate local services including counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and, if the woman wishes, reporting the matter to the police.

  Smoking
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of 11 to 15—year-olds smoke; and what progress his Department is making towards its objective relating to the incidence of smoking in this age group by 2005. [102567]

  Ms Blears
  In 2001, 10 per cent. of 11 to 15—year-olds smoked regularly.

  The Government White Paper: "Smoking Kills", published in December 1998, included the following target: "To reduce smoking among children from 13 per cent. to 9 per cent. or less by the year 2010; with a fall to 11 per cent. by the year 2005."

  Mr. Pollard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward legislation to ban smoking in public places. [98491]

  Ms Blears
  Although the Government do not support legislation to ban smoking in all public places, existing health and safety legislation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places responsibility on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees.

  We consider that if we are to ensure protection against passive smoking in public places and workplaces, we need action nationally and locally both

  669W
  to raise awareness of the risks associated with passive smoking and to increase the prevalence of smoke free environments. The Department will continue to encourage the development of smoke-free policies, working with employers and communities.

  Locally, the Department is funding tobacco control alliances across England to work in communities to raise awareness and to increase the number of smoke-free environments. Findings from these projects will inform future development of the Department's work in this area.

  The Department will, in addition to action already under way, develop education and information resources to raise awareness and understanding of the risks associated with passive smoking.

  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what actions have been taken since the Approved Code of Practice on passive smoking was published. [98640]

  Ms Blears
  The Government consider that if we are to ensure protection against passive smoking in public places, we need action nationally and locally both to raise awareness of the risks associated with passive smoking and to increase the prevalence of smoke free environments. The Department of Health will continue to encourage the development of smoke-free policies, working with employers and communities.

  At a national level the Department of Health has, since 1998, worked with the hospitality industry to reduce the problem of exposure to passive smoking through the development of a Public Places Charter. An independent evaluation of the Charter is being commissioned, and further work will be considered on the basis of the findings.

  The Government are giving careful consideration to the Health and Safety Commission's proposals for an approved code of practice (AcoP). We encourage all employers to introduce smoke-free workplaces, but are particularly concerned about the implications such a code would have for the hospitality sector and small businesses. While consideration of the AcoP continues, other action is being taken to encourage the provision of smoke-free areas in public and workplaces. We recognise that making places entirely smoke free is not always going to be possible and encourage in these circumstances other measures to be taken to reduce people's exposure to smoke.

  Locally, the Department is funding tobacco control alliances across England to work in communities to raise awareness and to increase the number of smoke—free environments. Findings from these projects will inform future development of the Department's work in this area.

  The Department of Health will, in addition to action already under way, develop education and information resources to raise awareness and understanding of the risks associated with passive smoking.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been successful in giving up smoking as a result of the "Together" programme; how many people have participated in the programme;670W
  how much the programme has cost since it was established; and what assessment he has made of its success rate. [100784]

  Ms Blears
  The "Together" programme is a six-month pilot study launched on 9 January to determine the effectiveness of long-term support for smokers wishing to give up.

  As at 28 February, a total of 4,072 smokers had registered to participate in the programme. 2,387 of these participants are known to have given up smoking but it is too early to make any estimate of long-term success.

  £537,000 has been allocated to the programme.

  Carers
  Vernon Coaker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent assessment he has made of the quality of services available to the parent carers of children with physical and learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement; [102282]

  (2) what support is available to the parent carers of children with physical and learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement; [102281]

  (3) what recent discussions he has had with representatives of parent carers of children with physical and learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement. [102283]

  Jacqui Smith
  Disabled children receive a range of care and support from the national health service and social services departments. This includes: medical and nursing support; family support, including short—term breaks and domiciliary care; advice and guidance; residential provision; self—care and independent skills training; drop—in clubs and groups; activities at family centres and transition support services.

  As part of the Government's £885 million "Quality Protects" programme, we set national objectives for children's social services. Through inspections monitoring and annual reviews, the Department's social services inspectorate monitors progress by individual authorities towards the achievement of these objectives. They include specific sub-objectives for disabled children, which are a priority area in the "Quality Protects" programme.

  Last year's "Quality Protects" management action plans (MAPS) show that local authorities are beginning to improve the services they provide to disabled children, including the provision of more family support services, such as home—based respite care and sitting services, and better planning and delivery of services jointly with health and education. There has also been an increase in the number of families being supported. In late 2001, the children in need survey found that social services were supporting 29,700 disabled children: a 2 per cent. increase on the position in 2000. The introduction of direct payments for parents with disabled children is enabling greater choice and greater control over the way services are delivered. Next year, in 2003–04, the "Quality Protects" money earmarked for disabled children will double: from £15 million to £30 million.
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  We are also increasing the provision of short-term breaks through the carers' grant, which was first introduced in 1999 in order to provide breaks for carers, including parents of disabled children. Last year children's social services provided 52,400 carers with short-term breaks funded by this grant: an increase of 21,400 from the previous year. The majority of those receiving a short-term break were parents of disabled children. The grant is increasing on a yearly basis. This year the grant is £85 million. Next year it will rise to £100 million, and by 2005–06 it will have risen to £185 million.

  The Government are providing funding to Contact a Family, of £500,00 per annum, to run a national information centre for parents of disabled children. The free 0808 national telephone help and advice line has been widely used. In the year ending 31 March 2002, it had received nearly 9,000 calls. By the end of 2004, it is estimated that this figure will have risen to 21,000 a year.

  Ministers and officials hold regular discussions with groups representing parents of disabled children about the development and implementation of policy including the implementation of the "Quality Protects" programme and the development of the children's national service framework (NSF). We have set up an external working group to develop NSF standards for disabled children. This includes two parents of disabled children and representatives from the Council for Disabled Children, Contact a Family, SCOPE, MENCAP and the Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

  Untoward Incidents (Health Trusts)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many NHS hospital trusts have an action plan to reduce the number of elderly people who fall in hospital; and whether these action plans include introducing bed guards or fall monitors for high-risk patients; [1005141]

  (2) what action he is taking to reduce the number of elderly people who fall in hospital wards; [100512]

  (3) how many elderly people were delayed from hospital discharge in the last quarter because of a fall within a hospital. [100513]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Department does not collect information centrally on the number of older people affected by falls during a hospital stay. In-patient central records monitor why a patient has entered a hospital but do not necessarily record subsequent changes to the reason they are being cared for in hospital.

  The national service framework for older people, published in 2001, requires all hospitals to recognise, assess and minimise the risks that hospital admission can pose for older people, as part of good management.

  The Government have established the national patient safety agency to improve the safety of national Health service patient care by introducing a national reporting and learning system for adverse events and by promoting an open and fair culture.

  NHS Estates is also developing guidance for hospital facilities for older people and this will include reference to patient safety, including falls.

TREASURY

  Unemployment Benefit
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many unemployed people in the City of York parliamentary constituency claimed unemployment benefit in each year since 1979. [102636]

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

  Letter from Office for National Statistics to Hugh Bayley dated 18 March 2003:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about how many unemployed people in the City of York Parliamentary Constituency claimed unemployment benefit in each year since 1979.
  Information on the claimant count, that is the numbers claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or previous unemployment benefits by Parliamentary Constituency are available monthly, but only from June 1983 onwards. The data are not fully comparable over time. Figures for parliamentary constituencies from January 1996 were based on the ward boundaries of the 1991 census. Data before were based on the 1981 ward boundaries.
  The attached table shows the annual average claimant level in the City of York Parliamentary constituency for the year 1983 to 2002.

  Annual average levels of claimant count in the City of York Parliamentary Constituency

  Year

  Number

  1983

  14,391

  1984

  5,133

  1985

  5,712

  1986

  5,994

  1987

  5,526

  1988

  4,538

  1989

  3,521

  1990

  2,991

  1991

  3,645

  1992

  4,281

  1993

  4,614

  1994

  4,582

  1995

  4,403

  1996

  4,053

  1997

  3,002

  1998

  2,495

  1999

  2,190

  2000

  1,895

  2001

  1,676

  2002

  1,480

  1 Average of the seven months June to December 1983.

  Advertising Costs
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Inland Revenue spent on advertising in 2001–02. [102869]

  Dawn Primarolo
  For figures for 2001–02 I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) 7 May 2002,Official Report, column 36W.
  674W
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Valuation Office Agency spent on advertising in 2002–03. [102868]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which the Financial Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 5 March 2003,Official Report, column 1061W—1063W.

  Budget Statement
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps will be taken to ensure that official support for the Budget statement will be in accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments. [103666]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Holding the Budget announcement on 9 April is fully consistent with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments. The guidance emphasises that care should be taken during the election period to ensure that Government resources are not used, or seen to be used, for party political purposes. This will be the case in the context of the Budget.

  Compliance Costs
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the compliance costs of a Budget date beyond the end of the 2002–03 financial year; and if he will make a statement. [102880]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Any costs will be negligible.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Siôn Simon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Birmingham. Erdington of 4 February 2003, concerning regulations under section 42 of the Tax Credits Act 2002. [103175]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have done so.

  Council Tax
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of income households in each income decile pay in council tax(a) net of council tax benefit and (b) gross; what assumptions on take—up were made in coming to the estimate; and if he will make a statement. [102867]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Matthew Taylor, dated 18 March 2003:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the proportion of income that households pay in council tax within each income decile. (102867)
  Estimates for council taxes are based on the analysis "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01"

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  produced by the ONS and published on the National Statistics website on April 19th 2002 and in Economic Trends in the May 2002 edition. The analysis can be obtained from the House of Commons library. This includes measures of income inequality for the United Kingdom as a whole based on data from the Family Expenditure Survey.
  The attached table shows the estimated gross and net council tax for all households in Great Britain and for each income decile where households are ranked by equivalised disposable income.

  Council tax as a percentage of gross income, 2000–01—Great Britain

  Percentages

  Decile groups of all households ranked b equivalised disposable income

  Bottom

  2nd

  3rd

  4th

  5th

  6th

  7th

  8th

  9th

  Top

  All households

  Gross council tax

  8.8

  5.8

  4.7

  3.9

  3.2

  2.8

  2.4

  2.1

  1.9

  1.3

  2.6

  1 Net council taxes rates after deducting discounts.

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics, 'The effects of taxes and benefits on household income,' published on the ONS website and in Economic Trends No. 582 May 2002

  Dormant Accounts
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Inland Revenue next intends to calculate the total amount held in dormant bank accounts. [102938]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Inland Revenue has no plans to undertake an exercise to estimate the total amount held on deposit in dormant bank accounts.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what method was employed by the Inland Revenue in its 1997 study to calculate the total amount held in dormant bank accounts. [102939]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Inland Revenue conducted a desk review of publicly available information.

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special tests relating to matching assets and liabilities were made in the case of Equitable Life in the last 10 years. [103479]

  Ruth Kelly
  None. Equitable Life is subject to the same standard of prudential supervision as other regulated firms.

  Exports
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are being taken to improve and protect the world market share of exports of merchandise of the United Kingdom, with particular reference to exports to the Eurozone. [101971]

  Nigel Griffiths
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government promote open trade globally through a range of policies including its support for the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations and the European Single Market. Through Trade Partners UK, the Government aim to enhance the competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas sales and investment.
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  As council tax does not exist in Northern Ireland, the figures shown relate to Great Britain only. The net council tax figures are gross council tax less benefits and discounts.
  Council tax benefit is available to low income households to help them meet their local tax liability. The Family Expenditure Survey collects data on the amount of council tax benefit received b households who take up their entitlement. Where a household reports taking up their council tax benefit entitlement, this has been deducted from the council tax liability to produce the net figures.

  TPUK is currently providing support to more than 1,500 companies under its flagship "TPUKߞyour passport to export success" initiative to develop new and novice exporters.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of income is paid in tax by those earning(a) the lowest 20 per cent. and (b) the top 5 per cent. in earnings; and if he will make a statement. [102505]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is estimated from the New Earnings Survey that the 20th percentile point and the 95th percentile point are £14,350 and £53,600 respectively.

  Estimates are in the following table.

  Total income range

  Income tax as a percentage of total income

  Less than £14,350

  6

  £53,600 and over

  31

  The estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes and are consistent with the November 2002 pre—Budget report.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Inland Revenue has spent on its internet tax return system since its inception; what the estimated(a) manning and (b) set—up costs were; what estimate he has made of the percentage of tax payers that will use the system; and if he will make a statement. [102507]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has spent a total of £34.5 million on its internet service for Self Assessment since it's inception. This includes the full
  677W
  range of costs, including the costs of IT Infrastructure, Development and staff costs as well as other associated costs such as postage and marketing.

  (a) The estimated costs are as follows:

  April 2000-April 2001: £1,056,000

  April 2001-April 2002: £1,588,000

  April 2002-April 2003: £2,065,000

  (b) As my answer of 19 July 2001, Official Report, column 382W, set out, the estimated cost of implementing the Internet service for Self Assessment for years one and two was just under £10 million.

  The Inland Revenue has estimated that 25 per cent. of taxpayers will file electronically by 2005–06.

  Insurance
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with insurance companies about the effect on the(a) quarrying and (b) construction industries of increases in insurance premiums; and if he will make a statement. [103480]

  Ruth Kelly
  Ministers and officials from HM Treasury and other Government departments have regular discussions with the insurance industry on a range of issues, including the cost of insurance premiums.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he plans to introduce to mitigate the effects of high insurance premiums on(a) companies and (b) self-employed people. [103481]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government is aware of the recent increase in insurance premiums and the problems faced by some businesses in obtaining affordable insurance cover. The Department for Work and Pensions is currently reviewing the operation of Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance. The review will report to Ministers in spring.

  Clive Efford
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when he will respond to the report from the Financial Services Authority on the regulation of the sale of travel insurance by tour operators and travel agents; [103748]

  (2) what representations he has received regarding regulation of the sale of travel insurance; [103749]

  (3) what proportion of complaints about travel insurance were from customers whose policies were sold to them by (a) tour operators, (b) travel agents and (c) insurance companies; [103752]

  (4) what plans he has to ensure that all companies involved in the sale of travel insurance are regulated by the Financial Services Authority; [103750]

  (5) what assessment he has made of the benefits to consumers of a different system of regulation for the sale of travel insurance by tour operators and travel agents to that which applies to insurance companies; [103753]
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  (6) if he will require companies selling travel insurance to itemise charges made to the customer and the cover purchased at the time of purchase. [103751]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham) on 27 February 2003,Official Report, column 388.

  Mapeley
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Grimsby of 29 January 2003,Official Report, columns 300-01W, on Mapeley, if the Inland Revenue has access to Mapel ey's accounts. [99135]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Under the terms of the STEPS contract, the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise have access to the accounts of Mapeley STEPS Contractors Ltd. only.

  Mortgages
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of mortgages were re-mortgages of the same property, and if he will estimate the size of mortgage equity withdrawal, in each year since 1997. [103424]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Council for mortgage lenders reported that 51 per cent. of mortgages were re-mortgages in January 2003. Bank of England publish figures for mortgage equity withdrawal in terms of both the level and as a percentage of disposable income on their website at: www.bankofengland.co.uk/mew.xls.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of(a) working age adults and (b) adults in work whose National Insurance contributions were (i) incomplete and (ii) incorrectly recorded in each of the last 10 years. [102607]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We estimate there are around 43 million NI accounts relating to people of working age. Information about the number of adults in work whose NI contributions were incomplete or incorrectly recorded in each of the last 10 years is not held.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the accuracy of records of National Insurance contributions; and if he will make a statement; [102609]

  (2) what safeguards are in place to ensure that gaps recorded within individual National Insurance contribution records do not arise from (a) error and (b) fraud. [102606]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The accuracy of National Insurance records depends primarily on information that has been received and processed from employers, Pensions Providers, other Government Departments and individual contributors. The Inland Revenue has a number of systems and operational processes in place to continually validate and review the accuracy of each National Insurance record. The Government's plans to encourage more employers to submit payroll data
  679W
  electronically should also help to improve the accuracy of National Insurance records. In addition to the routine validation checks, the Inland Revenue visit employers to check the accuracy of their records, guard against fraud and to provide support to help them get things right.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what documents were signed by married women remaining on the married women's stamp in 1977 to 1979; how many such documents were issued; and if he will place a copy of the documents in the Library. [103709]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Married women who wanted to continue to pay the Married Women's Reduced rate of National Insurance did not have to sign any documents. However, women who wanted to pay the full rate of National Insurance contributions had to complete the declaration (Form CF9) in the back of leaflet N1. A copy of this leaflet is held in the House Library.

  National Savings and Investments
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many successful traces have been concluded by National Savings and Investments on dormant savings and investments in each month since November 2001; [102935]

  (2) what progress has been made by the tracing service for dormant savings and investments by National Savings and Investments since its introduction. [102936]

  Ruth Kelly
  National Savings arid Investments' new Tracing Service was launched in November 2001. Information is available on a monthly basis from February 2002, with the results for the first three months (November 2001 to January 2002) only available on a consolidated basis. To date, about 35 per cent. of all requests have resulted in successful traces. The number and value of successful traces are as follows:

  Successful traces of dormant savings and investments

  Number

  Value (£)

  November 2001 to January 2002

  876

  904,303

  February 2002

  475

  441,684

  March 2002

  504

  745,443

  April 2002

  89

  303,042

  Ma 2002

  652

  1,132,539

  June 2002

  189

  483,025

  Jul 2002

  409

  264,485

  August 2002

  323

  105,322

  September 2002

  253

  168,943

  October 2002

  151

  163,007

  November 2002

  244

  74,235

  December 2002

  307

  189,401

  January 2003

  412

  291,578

  February 2003

  560

  408,031

  Total

  5,444

  5,675,038

  Net Investment Statistics
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 6 March 2003,Official Report, column 1222W, on public sector net investment statistics, if he will make it his policy to publish net investment statistics by Department monthly; and if he will make a statement. [102889]

  Ruth Kelly
  No.

  Personal Income
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the(a) gross and (b) taxable income of individuals in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland in the latest year for which data is available; and if he will make a statement. [102876]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Estimates of(a) gross and (b) taxable income of taxpayers in (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland in 2001ߞ01 are set out in the following table.

  £ million

  Government region

  Gross income

  Taxable income

  England

  513,300

  380,700

  Wales

  21,900

  15,000

  Scotland

  45,400

  32,300

  Northen Ireland

  11,500

  8,100

  Estimates are based on Survey of Personal Incomes in 2000–01.

  Public Spending
  Mr. Howard Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of his Department's rules on public spending; and what plans he has to revise these guidelines. [102689]

  Mr. Boateng
  The 1998 Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report set out the Government's new framework for the planning and controlling of public expenditure. This framework was implemented with the plans set out in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review. Further modernisation of the regime has taken place through the implementation in two stages of resource accounting and budgeting in the 2000 and 2002 Spending Reviews.

  Self-assessment
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what target the Inland Revenue has set for the number of individual taxpayers filing self-assessment tax returns by 2005; and if he will make a statement. [102877]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Revenue do not have targets for the number of individual taxpayers who are required to file SA returns. The target for the percentage of 2001–02 returns issued by 31 October 2002 and filed by the January 2003 filing date was 90.5 per cent. This target was reached.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the(a) filing and (b) other costs of the self-assessment tax system in each year since 1998; and if he will make a statement. [102878]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The costs of collecting income tax and other taxes are set out each year in the Inland Revenue Annual Reports, copies of which are in the House of Commons Library. The costs of administering and collecting income tax cover a variety of integrated tax regimes and systems of which Self Assessment is one. Some significant costs are shared across these regimes
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  and cannot be meaningfully apportioned to particular regimes or systems. No figures are available for the total costs of Self Assessment in isolation.

  Student Debts
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to exempt parents from the tax implications of paying off the higher education debts of their children. [103681]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no such plans.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates his Department has made of the costs of the promotional campaign for the new tax credits, broken down by(a) design, print and production of promotional materials, (b) television and radio advertisements, (c) press advertising, (d) online design related website costs and (e) the provision of faxback facilities. [102416]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The spend on the promotional campaign for the new tax credit is currently estimated as follows:

  £000

  (a) design, print and production of promotional materials

  95

  (b) media costs for:

  television advertisements

  8,016

  radio advertisements

  876

  (c) press advertising

  2,224

  (d) online advertising

  400

  (e) the provision of faxback facilities

  15

  Note:

  All estimated costs include VAT

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend the child care tax credit to grandparents caring for their grandchildren. [102799]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are no plans to make the childcare element of Working Tax Credit available in respect of grandparents caring for their grandchildren under informal arrangements or while acting as a home childcarer. But if grandparents are registered childcare providers, and provide childcare for their grandchildren outside the children's home, then the cost of their services will count as eligible childcare for the purposes of claiming the childcare element of the Working Tax Credit, which will be introduced from April.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the component costs were of each tax credit which contributes to the 2003–04 tax credit lines of(a) table B12 of page 197, (b) table B17 of page 205 and (c) table B9 of page 193 of the November 2002 Pre-Budget Report (Cm 5664); and if he will make a statement. [99394]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The following table shows a breakdown of the tax credit lines of the 2002 Pre-Budget Report Tables B12 and B9 for 2003–04.
  682W

  £ billion

  Table B12, Row 3

  Table B12, Row 33

  1Table B9

  Children's Tax Credit and negative tax element of new tax credits2

  -4.3

  N/a

  -2.2

  Reduced liability corporal ion tax, tax credits

  -0.5

  0.5

  0.1

  Other3

  -0.1

  0.1

  0.0

  Total

  -4.9

  0.6

  -2.1

  1 These figures are the change between Budget 2002 and PBR 2002

  2 New tax credits consist of the Child Tax Credit and the Working Tax Credit, which will be introduced from April 2003. The will replace the Working Families' Tax Credit (WFTC), the Disabled Person's Tax Credit (DPTC), the Children's Tax Credit and the New Deal Employment credit for the over 50s and income related elements of support for children in Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance.

  3 Consists of the negative tax elements of LAPRAS (life assurance premium relief), WFTC and DPTC.

  Between Budget 2002 and the 2002 Pre-Budget Report, the estimated split of total tax credits between that scored as tax and that scored as public expenditure was revised, with the negative tax element now about £2 billion a year higher from 2003–04 onwards. This accounts for almost all of the change seen in Table B9. These revisions are balanced by changes in the public expenditure element of tax credits, and have no overall impact on the current balance or net borrowing. In 2003–04, the tax credit line in Table B17 (£11.7 billion) mainly consists of the public expenditure elements of the new tax credits (£7.6 billion) and child allowances in Income Support and Jobseekers' Allowance (£3.7 billion). The remaining £0.4 billion consists of the tax credits accruals adjustments, charities transitional relief, stakeholder pensions and the public expenditure elements of WFTC, DPTC and LAPRAS.

  Tax Evasion
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) the average amount of tax evaded and (b) the total amount of tax evaded was in cases pursued by the Inland Revenue's special compliance office which have resulted in convictions, in each year since 1997. [102004]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The total amount of tax that was the subject of criminal offences successfully prosecuted by the Inland Revenue since 1997 is:

  £

  2001–02

  6,201,945

  2000–01

  6,599,539

  1999–2000

  16,108,650

  1998–99

  9,575,906

  1997–98

  16,721,002

  Values in particular cases range from less than £1,000 to over £5 million. These variations can cause significant fluctuations from year to year. Given this range of values we believe that average figures are unrepresentative.

  Unclaimed Assets
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much has been donated to charities by the Unclaimed Assets Register donations scheme
  683W
  from dormant accounts in each year since its introduction (a) in total and (b) from (i) banks and (ii) building societies; [102910]

  (2) how many successful traces have been concluded on dormant accounts in each month since May 2001 by (a) the British Banking Association and (b) the Building Societies Association; [102908]

  (3) how many charities have benefited in each year from the Unclaimed Assets Register donations scheme since its introduction; [102911]

  (4) how many claims have been received in relation to dormant accounts in each month since May 2001 by (a) the British Banking Association and (b) the Building Societies Association; [102909]

  (5) how much total assets have been successfully reunited with owners of dormant accounts in each month since May 2001 by (a) the British Banking Association and (b) the Building Societies Association. [102937]

  Ruth Kelly
  These are matters for the bodies involved.

  VAT Registrations
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the stock of VAT registrations was in each city and district within the county of Tyne and Wear in 1996; what the(a) gross and (b) net alterations to that stock were in each subsequent year; what the net alterations to the stock were as a percentage of the 1996 stock; and what the stock of VAT registrations was in 2002. [103732]

  John Healey
  The information requested on districts can be found on the Small Business Service website: www.sbs.goyuk.

  Data on cities are not available. Figures for 2002 will be available in October 2003.

  Water Sprinklers
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove the VAT on the purchase and fitting of water sprinklers in domestic properties. [103673]

  John Healey
  When installed during the construction of a house, water sprinkler systems benefit from the general VAT zero rate that applies to the construction of new houses. Under the long-standing formal agreements with our European partners, the UK may keep its existing zero rates but may not extend their scope or introduce new ones. There is therefore no scope to remove VAT on the installation of water sprinkler systems in existing homes.

  Working Families Tax Credit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the results of the WFTC/DPTC evaluation programme will be released. [100793]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The results of the WFTC/DPTC evaluation programme will be published in due course.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the reasons for miscalculation of working families' tax credit by the Inland Revenue; how many people were affected; what 684W
  steps have been taken to correct the miscalculations; how much it has cost to correct the miscalculations; and if he will make a statement. [102508]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The small percentage of miscalculations in assessing applications for Working Families' Tax Credit (WFTC) arise for a variety of reasons, most commonly problems with the accuracy of the calculation of weekly or monthly earnings in the period leading up to the application. For the new Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which supersede WFTC, entitlement is not based on earnings for a specified period immediately before the claim. Therefore, the reason for miscalculation within WFTC should be eliminated in future.

  For the 2001–02 financial year, the latest full year for which figures are available, over 90 per cent. of all WFTC applications were correctly assessed to the nearest penny. In those cases where a miscalculation is detected, action is taken to correct all underpayments and any overpayments that exceed one pound per week. No information is available on the cost of correcting these mistakes. As confirmed by the National Audit Office, the level of errors made in assessing WFTC applications is low in proportion to the aggregate amount paid.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish figures for working families tax credit take-up in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [102993]

  Dawn Primarolo
  No reliable estimate of the take-up rate of the working families' tax credit in 2001–02 can be attempted until the Family Resources Survey for that year is analysed.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Department for Work and Pensions concerning the potential for increased claims against the Social Fund, with particular reference to meeting the costs of additional alignment payments, during the introduction of the new tax credits. [102994]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Department for Work and Pensions is working with the Inland Revenue to ensure that there is a seamless transition to the new tax credits system and that there is good liaison between the two organisations to ensure that awards of both tax credits and social security benefits are made promptly to people in the most urgent need. We do not expect to see increased claims for Social Fund alignment payments under the new tax credits.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Miners' Pension Funds
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the funds allocated to her Department from the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and the Mineworkers Pension Schemes which remain unpaid will be removed from the pension funds and paid into the consolidated fund. [102763]
  685W
  Mr. Wilson
  The income streams from the Guarantor's Funds already created from valuation surpluses of each Scheme are payable to the Consolidated Fund in instalments over 10 year periods, the last of which will end in 2010–11.

  Releases from the Investment Reserves are determined by the Schemes' actuary following completion of each actuarial valuation. As part of the Guarantee discussions with the Trustees last year, it was agreed in principle to extend the lifetime of the Investment Reserve beyond the 25 years agreed in 1994.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the entitlement of Her Majesty's Treasury is to sums from(a) the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme and (b) the Mineworkers Pension Scheme that have accrued but are yet to be paid. [102771]

  Mr. Wilson
  The actual amounts received by the Government will depend on future investment returns and any amounts applied in support of the pension guarantee as determined by the Schemes' periodic valuations.

  Brazilian Sugar Industry
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the level of public subsidy involved in the expansion of the Brazilian sugar industry. [100630]

  Nigel Griffiths
  I am told the DTI has no knowledge of public subsidy being applied to the expansion of the Brazilian sugar industry.

  British Energy
  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether public funding to British Energy is being used to provide financial support in the cost of installing flue gas de-sulphurisation at British Energy's coal-fired Eggboro ugh Power Station. [101921]

  Mr. Wilson
  The credit facility was provided to British Energy in respect of its working capital requirements and cash collateral for its trading activities. Details of individual payments are commercially confidential. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, told the House on 7 March 2003,Official Report, column 89WS, BE have repaid all outstanding amounts under the credit facility.

  Coal Mine Methane Energy
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent research has been conducted by her Department into the technology for coal mine methane capture; and what representations she has received on it. [102066]

  Mr. Wilson
  Technology for coal mine methane capture is considered a relatively mature technology, employed and proven at several mine sites in the UK, and therefore no recent research has been conducted into the technology.
  686W
  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many coal mine methane capture and generation plants she expects private companies to develop in the next three years. [102067]

  Mr. Wilson
  The number of coal mine methane capture and generation plants which could be developed by private companies in the next three years is a decision for industry to make in the light of market conditions, and not a decision for government.

  Mr. Sayeed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons coal mine methane capture and electricity generation from disused coalmines receives no form of incentive through Government programmes. [102068]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Government recognise and value the benefits the coal mine methane industry provides by tapping the methane emissions from disused coal mines and putting them to good use for generation of electricity. We have already demonstrated this support through our securing exemption from the Climate Change Levy for electricity generated from CMM in last year's budget, and this is currently being cleared with the European Commission. In addition, we concluded from our investigations that the environmental benefits of CMM-use can also be rewarded using the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and hence we support the study DEFRA has commissioned to determine a baseline for CMM emissions that could enable it to qualify for this Scheme.

  Electricity Suppliers
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to reduce the barriers to entry faced by potential small suppliers of electricity to the national grid.[103037]

  Mr. Wilson
  We recognise that smaller generators have concerns about the NETA market that operates in England and Wales. Significant improvements have been made since the start of NETA, particularly to improve cost reflectivity of imbalance prices and reduce imbalance price risk, which should particularly help smaller generators. There have also been improvements to reduce barriers to the consolidation of the output of smaller generators.

  The Government recently announced its intention to bring forward the Electricity (Trading and Transmission) Bill as soon as Parliamentary time allows in order to implement a GB market. The draft Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny. The improvements above and any future improvements will be carried across to the wider GM market.

  As part of this project, the DTI, jointly with Ofgem, will shortly be issuing a consultation document on the treatment of smaller generators under BETTA. This will look specifically at any barriers to entry that may be faced by smaller generators who are connecting to the transmission system in Scotland.

  Gulf States
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the level of bilateral trade was with(a) Bahrain, (b) Abu Dhabi and (c) Yemen in the last 12 months for which figures are available.[103221]
  687W
  Nigel Griffiths
  According to information published by HM Customs and Excise, UK trade in goods for 2002 was as follows:

  £ million

  UK imports

  UK exports

  Bahrain

  77.7

  132.4

  Abu Dhabi

  160.1

  213.4

  Yemen

  39.8

  74.0

  Source

  OTSI: UK trade with Countries Outside the European Community, December 2002

  Licence Boundaries (Wales)
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many responses to the DTI consultation on licence boundaries were received regarding Wales; and how many expressed support for licence boundaries to include areas totally within the boundaries of the devolved Administration. 103456]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: 19 responses were received to the consultation. Two of these expressed support for a licence boundary following the border of Wales—those from MLL, a telecoms provider, and the Welsh Advisory Committee on Telecommunications.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria were used by the Government to decide the allocation of regions for the auction of 3.4GHz wireless broadband licences; and if she will make a statement about the proposal to disregard the geographical Welsh border. 103458]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: The 3.4GHz licence packaging was designed to increase competition and availability of broadband services across the UK. The licence regions were drawn up following market and economic studies to be as economically viable and inclusive as possible, maximising the potential development of sustainable wireless services and the broadband market throughout the UK.

  Dividing up spectrum at 3.4GHz along the lines of funded regions, as suggested by the Welsh National Assembly, would produce more areas of the UK with no coverage. It would also lead to a lower capacity—that is, fewer broadband customers in Wales who can be supported, given the spectrum available.

  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations her Department received from the National Assembly for Wales on allocating regions for the forthcoming auction of 3.4GHz wireless broadband licences; and if she will make a statement; [103459]

  (2) what representations the Secretary of State has received from the National Assembly for Wales and (b) others in Wales on the proposed licence boundaries for the forthcoming auction of 3.4GHz wireless broadband licence. [103457]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: Consultation on the allocation of 3.4GHz public fixed wireless access (PFWA) licences began on 19 December 2000, when the Radiocommunications Agency ("RA"),
  688W
  on behalf of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, published a consultative document entitled "3.4 and 10 GHz: Scenarios for Spectrum Packaging and Delivery". This consultation document presented a number of scenarios for packaging and delivering licences to establish and use stations and apparatus for wireless telegraphy in the 3.4 and 10GHz bands for the provision of Fixed Wireless Access services ("FWA").

  Following a detailed review of the responses to the December consultation document and the completion of further technical studies in the 3.4GHz and 10GHz bands a further consultation document, "PFWA: Proposal by the RA to package and deliver licences at 3.4GHz", published in April 2002, set out the proposal to award spectrum licences for the 3.4GHz band.

  Both consultations were carried out nationally and all Government Departments and devolved Administrations were invited, along with industry and the public, to be involved and comment on the proposals. Among the many comments received and meetings held, RA received input and held discussions with officials of the National Assembly for Wales on numerous occasions. This included a proposal from the Welsh Assembly Government for two licences to match EU objective funding areas in Wales. This proposal was included in the public consultation process alongside those of the Scottish Administration and RA.

  Of the responses to the consultation, only one industry response expressed support for the proposals from the devolved Administrations, MLL, a telecoms provider with operations in Wales. One industry response to Government's consultation commented "creating two purely Welsh regions could result in insufficient market potential in viable geographic coverage spreads to justify serious bidding". The Welsh Advisory Committee on Telecommunications, part of the Welsh National Assembly, also expressed support.

  Since the timetable of the award was announced there have been representations from Welsh National Assembly members about licence areas. Further consideration has been given to this issue but I believe the packaging, which has been accepted by the majority of industry, will produce the best outcome both for Wales and for the UK as a whole.

  In particular, it will enable a larger number of users to be supported in Wales, given the spectrum available, than the alternative proposal.

  LINK Programme
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance she has issued to the assessors of applications for funding to the LINK Programme in respect of the provision of feedback to unsuccessful applicants. [101877]

  Ms Hewitt
  LINK is a pan-government scheme for the support of collaborative research between UK companies and the science base. It consists of a number of individual programmes which have their own management and feedback procedures agreed by the sponsoring Departments in line with overall LINK Scheme guidelines which aim to ensure that constructive and unambiguous feedback is provided. Each programme funds a number of projects.
  689W
  I believe that my hon. Friend has a particular interest in the LINK Basic Technologies for Industrial Applications programme. Within this programme, all projects are assessed by an independent panel against the criteria for support for the programme, which are included in the guidance notes to applicants and published on the programme website at www.basictechnologies.gov.uk. Aspects considered in assessing project proposals include: the level of innovation including the potential for a step-change in industrial capability; the risks and likely rewards in using the new technology; the feasibility of the proposed approach; the quality, relevant expertise and resources of the consortium; the range of potential beneficiaries; the strength of the UK science base in the technical areas involved; the potential for lasting benefit to UK capability beyond the life of the project; and the level of wider industrial interest.

  The programme coordinator provides feedback on the panel's recommendations to all applicants and has been asked to point out both the strengths and weaknesses in the proposal in line with the assessment criteria above. Where possible, guidance is also provided to the unsuccessful applicants on other possible sources of funding where these can be identified. As 140 outline proposals were received under the current call, it was not possible to provide immediate detailed written feedback to all applicants. However, applicants could telephone or e-mail the coordinator for further feedback on the panel's recommendation and over 50 consortia did. With funds available to offer support to less than 20 projects, only the projects which best met all the criteria were invited to come forward as full proposals and inevitably some good projects were rejected.

  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications for funding have been made to the LINK Programme in the current financial year; and what the(a) name, (b) subject and (c) cost is of each application which has been approved. [101878]

  Ms Hewitt
  LINK is a pan-government scheme for the support of collaborative research between UK companies and the science base. It consists of a number of individual programmes which run their own calls for proposals. There are currently 25 programmes open for applications. Each programme funds a number of projects.

  I believe that my hon. Friend has a particular interest in the LINK Basic Technologies for Industrial Applications programme. In the case of this programme, a call for proposals was announced by my noble Friend, the Minister for Science and Innovation on 26 July 2002, with a closing date of 7 November 2002. 140 outline applications were received, of which 20 were invited to come forward as full proposals to the second stage of the appraisal process. 19 full proposals were received by the closing date of 20 February 2003 and are now being assessed by an independent panel of industrial and academic experts. Therefore, at this stage, no projects have been approved for funding under the programme.
  690W
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what management arrangements she has established for processing applications under the LINK Programme; and if she will make a statement. [101879]

  Ms Hewitt
  LINK is a pan-government scheme for the support of collaborative research between UK companies and the science base. It consists of a number of individual programmes which have their own management procedures agreed by the sponsoring Departments in line with overall LINK Scheme guidelines. Each programme funds a number of projects.

  I believe that my hon. Friend has a particular interest in the LINK Basic Technologies for Industrial Applications programme. In the case of this programme, my Department is the primary sponsor and has established a 2-stage process for assessing applications to minimise unnecessary work for applicants whose projects may not be strong candidates for support.

  Initial outline proposals, consisting of a 3-page project description with a covering application form, are submitted to the programme co-ordinators by the advertised closing date. These proposals are then circulated to an appraisal panel of independent industrial and academic experts, who assess the proposals against the programme's criteria for support, in particular, the degree of innovation and the potential long-term wider benefit for UK productivity. The panel, which has an independent chairman from industry, meets to review the proposals and recommends those which it considers should come forward as full proposals, bearing in mind the funds available for commitment. The project applicants are then informed of the panel's recommendation by e-mail. A telephone contact number and e-mail address are provided for applicants who wish to seek further feedback or discuss the panel's recommendation. The target for the process from closing date to notification is 30 working days, which was achieved in the call currently under way which involved 140 applications. With such a large number of applications, it is not possible to give detailed feedback to all the applicants within the stated target times for processing.

  The projects invited to submit full proposals are given a closing date for submission about two months after notification. They are provided with feedback from the appraisal panel and visited by the programme co-ordinators or officials to provide advice on preparing a full application. The full application consists of a 10-page project description with technical annexes plus a LINK summary application form and application forms from each of the consortium members summarising company and financial information. The full proposals are again circulated to the appraisal panel and additional input is sought from other experts where appropriate. The panel meets to review all the proposals and recommends to DTI those which should be supported. The proposals are ranked to enable the available funds to be assigned to the strongest proposals. The applicants are notified of the recommendations of the panel which indicate that, subject to satisfactory financial arrangements being

  691W
  completed, the project will be offered grant support. The target to complete the process from closing date to notification is 40 working days.

  Information on the programme, including application forms and guidance notes for applicants, are available on the programme website at www.basictechnologies.gov.uk, which is maintained by the programme co-ordinators.

  Miners' Compensation
  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been paid since 31 December 2002 in respect of(a) chronic bronchitis and emphysema and (b) vibration white finger to former miners; how much has been paid to (i) solicitors and (ii) handling agents; and how much has been paid for medical assessments. [102850]

  Mr. Wilson
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: The information is as follows:

  £ million

  COPD

  VWF

  Total

  Total damages paid (1 January 2003 to 9 March 2003)

  94

  46.1

  140.1

  Total solicitor costs (1 January 2003 to 9 March 2003)

  26.4

  4

  30.4

  Other costs which include payments to contractors* (1 January 2003 to 28 February 2003)

  —

  —

  14.3

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

  Motor Fuel
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many motor fuel retailers were trading in(a) 1997 and (b) the most recent year for which figures are available. [103047]

  Mr Wilson
  The Institute of Petroleum's (IP) annual "Retail Survey 2002" provides the following data on the number of retail petrol filling stations in the UK.

  End of 1997—14,824

  End of 2002—12,201

  Nuclear Industry
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes she plans to make in the security regulations covering the civil nuclear industry; what costs will be incurred in the proposed changes; what additional resources she is making available to the Office of Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS) to implement the regulations; and when she expects to receive the next annual report of the OCNS. [103089]

  Mr. Wilson
  On 26 February I made the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations which will update and consolidate the regulation of security in the UK's civil nuclear industry. The regulations carry forward the main substance of the current regulatory regime, but bring the existing requirements together to provide a single, comprehensive legislative basis for regulation. They set requirements for the protection of nuclear and radiological material, whether on sites or in transit, against the risks of theft or sabotage, and for the 692W
  protection of sensitive nuclear information, such as site security arrangements and proliferation-sensitive information.

  The regulations were laid before Parliament on 28 February and most of the provisions are due to come into force on 22 March.

  It is likely that the regulations will lead to minor additional one-off compliance costs to industry as a whole of around £190,000, and annually recurring costs to industry as a whole of around £115,000. There are also likely to be minor additional one-off costs to Government. The likely costs and benefits of the regulations are set out in a Regulatory Impact Assessment. Copies of this were placed in the Libraries of the House when the regulations were laid before Parliament.

  Seven additional posts were made available in the Office for Civil Nuclear Security from 2002–03, to increase capacity in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States in September 2001 and in anticipation of the Nuclear Industries Security Regulations 2003 coming into force.

  The Director of Civil Nuclear Security intends to submit his next annual report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in May.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken to engage stakeholders in discussion of proposals to create a nuclear decommissioning agency (NDA); what funds are available to defray the costs of participation in discussion forums by stakeholders of the NDA; and if she will make a statement. [103090]

  Mr. Wilson
  My officials are actively engaging with interested stakeholders, in particular through a planned rolling series of meetings at regional level. The first round of these meetings is focusing on explaining progress to date and identifying the issues which stakeholders wish to discuss. The second round, in the summer, will focus on how the NDA might work with stakeholders with a view to developing a draft stakeholder engagement framework which the NDA can build on once it is in place. This programme of regional events supplements existing arrangements for bilateral dialogue with stakeholders through the BNFL Stakeholder Dialogue and regular meetings with the nuclear regulators, trade unions, BNFL and UKAEA staff, Interested local authorities, environmental groups and the local liaison committees for individual sites.

  I recognise that some stakeholders incur costs through their participation in such meetings. We have previously reimbursed any reasonable costs on a case by case basis and will continue to do so.

  Nuclear Pollution
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how much has been levied in fines by the Nuclear Inspectorate against(a) companies, (b) local authorities and (c) individuals, with regard to incidences of pollution, broken down by the type of pollution incidence (i) in total, (ii) in each region and (iii) per fine, in each year since 1995; [99210]
  693W
  (2) what assessment has been made or is planned of the effectiveness of fines levied by the Nuclear Inspectorate on polluters preventing (a) further incidences of pollution by the polluters and (b) incidences of pollution from others who have not previously polluted; what changes are planned; and if she will make a statement; [99211]

  (3) how many (a) complaints, (b) court actions and (c) fines against the nuclear industry for problems related to (i) odours, (ii) water pollution, (iii) air pollution and (iv) human health impact, (A) in total, (B) in each region and (C) per site there have been in each year since 1995. [99212]

  Mr. Wilson
  The DTI does not hold information broken down according to the categories set out in these questions with respect to complaints or court actions arising from instances or alleged instances of pollution and any ascribed effects on health.

  Office of Fair Trading
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she plans to advertise for the positions of chairman and board members to replace the Director General of Fair Trading; and if she will make a statement. [102784]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) was advised in his appointment letter dated 13 July 2000 that he would be appointed chairman if the Enterprise Bill was enacted. He was formally appointed chairman (and therefore executive member of the Office of Fair Trading) from 6 January 2003, following royal assent to the Enterprise Act 2002, under section 13 of the Interpretation Act 1978. This appointment ends on 30 September 2005.

  Advertisements for the non-executive members appeared in June 2002, with a closing date of 26 July 2002. Following the interview process, and then consultation with the chairman, four selected appointees were announced in a press notice P/2003/32 dated 21 January 2003 available in the Libraries of the House. These roles will commence under the Enterprise Act 2002 with the new Office of Fair Trading and the end of their appointment terms are staggered between 2007 and 2008.

  The current deputy of the DGFT is also being appointed as an executive member from 1 April 2003 for four years (in same press notice).

  The department will consult the new board on plans for the appointments of separate Chair and Chief Executive when John Vickers leaves in 2005, but no further action is required this year.

  Pressure Equipment Directive
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the difficulties of professional copper boiler makers in complying with the Pressure Equipment Directive. [102759]

  Alan Johnson
  The Department is aware of the problems of small businesses operating in the heritage sphere that need to comply with CE marking directives. Arrangements were put in place last year offering help to them with the start up costs they incur in respect of 694W
  third party verification and inspection services required to CE mark some of their products. In the case of copper boilermakers and the Pressure Equipment Regulations 1999, the Department also engaged the services through much of last year of an independent consultant, at public expense to assist them in their compliance efforts. The Department continues to offer advice as appropriate.

  Self-employment Pensions
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry from what date the Department of Trade and Industry ensured that life offices that offered Guaranteed Annual Returns for self-employed pensions were matching assets against guarantees given. [103478]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are no specific requirements relating to pensions for self-employed people. Life insurers offering personal and stakeholder pensions are subject to the same prudential supervision as other regulated firms.

  Spectrum Access
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has received on the recognised spectrum access scheme proposed in the Communications Bill; and how many of them were(a) in support of and (b) in opposition to the scheme. [101611]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 7 March 2003]: Eight representations have been received by the Department supporting recognised spectrum access and 26 opposing the principle of the scheme or its proposed application to satellite services.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether Ministers from her Department have met representatives of the UK satellite industry to discuss the impact of recognised spectrum access on the satellite industry. [101612]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 7 March 2003]: I agreed last month to meet representatives of UK and European satellite operators to discuss recognised spectrum access. The meeting has been arranged for 8 April.

  Staff Redundancies
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance she gives on whether firms, when making staff redundant without allowing staff to work their notice period, have to take into account lost pay and benefits pension rights when making payment in lieu of notice. [103395]

  Alan Johnson
  Employees entitled to notice of dismissal are entitled, where no notice is given, to pay in lieu for the period of notice required. They are also entitled to other benefits, such as pension rights, that would have accrued in respect of that period. This is the position whatever the reason for dismissal except in cases where the employer is justified in dismissing the employee summarily.
  695W
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions her Department has been notified of significant redundancies planned by(a) AMP, (b) Pearl Assurance and (c) NPI; how many jobs were affected; and in what locations. [103399]

  Alan Johnson
  I regret it is not possible to disclose details of the number of notifications of proposed redundancies received by the Department. Such information is a confidential matter between the employer and the Department, under Exemption 13, Third Party's commercial confidences, of the Code of Practice on access to Government information.

  UK Steel
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Corus regarding the UK steel industry; and what support and assistance she can provide to the UK steel sector. [103859]

  Alan Johnson
  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had a number of discussions with senior management of Corus to discuss its current difficulties. She met Corus board members on 18 March when she again stressed the need for them to develop a workable solution which will return the company to profitability. We must await the outcome of commercial discussions.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact she estimates the present difficulties in the UK steel industry will have on production for military contracts. [103860]

  Alan Johnson
  It is considered that the UK steel industry will not have any difficulty fulfilling contracts.

  Your Guide Project
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the total cost of the Your Guide project in post offices. [103541]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 5 November 2002,Official Report, column 157W.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Accountancy Services
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total cost to his Department was for accountancy services in 2002. [101557]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Appeals
  Mr. Peter Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he last reviewed provision under the Reviews of Sentencing Orders of 1994, 1995 and 2000; when his Department will next review this; and if he will make a statement; [100207]
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  (2) what representations he has received to extend the range of cases over which the Attorney General has power to refer cases to the Court of Appeal where it appears that sentencing has been unduly lenient; and if he will make a statement; [100209]

  (3) what discussions he has had with the Attorney General and the Courts regarding the current provision under Sections 35 and 36 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Reviews of Sentencing Orders of 1994, 1995 and 2000 to refer certain types of case to the Court of Appeal to further review sentencing orders to include further offences; and if he will make a statement. [100210]

  Hilary Benn
  There is no formal review system in operation for the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. New requests to extend the Attorney General's powers to refer unduly lenient sentences are considered by my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and Lord Chancellor, as and when they are received.

  The Home Secretary is sympathetically considering a request from the Attorney General (which has the support of the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice) to add certain racially aggravated offences to the scheme. This request followed a specific recommendation in a report of a thematic inspection of casework with an ethnic minority dimension, conducted by Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

  An amendment was tabled during the Committee Stage of the Courts Bill in another place, to add burglary to the scheme, but this was defeated on 18 February.

  The Home Secretary will continue to consider whether any additional offences should be added, and will liaise fully with the Attorney General, Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice in such deliberations.

  Asylum Seekers
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications have been outstanding for(a) more than three months and (b) more than 6 months. [102438]

  Beverley Hughes
  As at the end of December 2002 the number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision for more than three months is estimated to be 25,800, of which 21,400 cases were outstanding after more than six months. This includes cases that are currently under consideration and compares with 27,300 and 22,100 such applications as at the end of December 2001, and 72,000 and 60,600 applications as at the end of December 2000.

  Provisional data show that 60 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases) received in 2001–02 had initial decisions reached and served within two months, 78 per cent. within four months and 84 per cent. within six months. 76 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases) received in the period April to September 2002 had initial decisions reached and served within two months.
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  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it is taking to process(a) straightforward and (b) non-straightforward cases for (i) asylum and (ii) British citizenship. [102463]

  Beverley Hughes
  The information requested is unavailable and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records. Each asylum claim is assessed on its individual merits, and it is not clear on what criteria an asylum case would be classified as being straightforward or not straightforward. An asylum case, which appears straightforward at the outset, can become more complex later in the asylum process. 76 per cent. of applications (excluding withdrawals and third country cases) received in the period April to September 2002 had initial decisions reached and served within two months.

  The average time between application and initial decision was six months for initial decisions made in 2002. This has been calculated using all cases for which data are available, including older cases decided as part of the reduction of the backlog, as well as new cases. This compares to 20 months in 1997.

  Applications for British citizenship are dealt with upon receipt and are not subdivided into straightforward and non-straightforward applications.

  The most recently published data on average processing times for British citizenship relate to applications lodged prior to 31 March 2001, when the average waiting time was 11.6 months.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding arrangements are in place to enable the Immigration and Nationality Directorate to meet the target to halve the number of asylum applicants by September. [102469]

  Beverley Hughes
  The budget for 2003–04 will be published in the Home Office's main estimates (in the usual way).

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) guidelines and (b) rules the National Asylum Advisory Service gives to contracted companies as to where each asylum seeker can be housed in a cluster. [103182]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) identified areas suitable for the provision of accommodation to asylum seekers. NASS contracted companies were told where these areas were and that accommodation must be located within the defined areas. All accommodation had to meet a strict specification laid down by NASS. Providers were responsible for ensuring that all necessary planning regulations were met, including local requirements relating to houses in multiple occupation. Additionally, where it is proposed that a single address will have over six bedspaces, there is a requirement that NASS should formally consult the local authority.

  Asylum Support Fraud
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the level of(a) fraud and (b) overpayment in respect of claims by landlords for accommodation provided under the NASS asylum
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  support programme has been in each year since the establishment of NASS; how many investigations have been undertaken in each year; what the outcomes were; and if he will make a statement. [102778]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 13 March 2003]: The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has entered into contracts with both the private and public sector to provide accommodation for asylum seekers. Under the terms of the contract a set price is paid for the accommodation provided but contractors are required to meet key performance indicators. There have been no investigations into suspected cases of fraud or overpayment.

  The method of payment used by NASS to pay its contractors may, on occasions, result in a technical overpayment. This is caused by the need to make deductions from the contract price where there has been a failure to meet key performance indicators but the system is self correcting in subsequent months.

  Award Schemes
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the award schemes in(a) 2001 and (b) 2002 promoted by his Department; what their scope was; when the relevant participating organisations are scheduled to be sent results; and whether other parties will be given notification of the results at the same time. [102052]

  Beverley Hughes

  The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award

  From November 2002, the Home Department has been responsible for The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award (for voluntary service by groups in the community). This new, annual Award, which was launched in April 2002, is for outstanding voluntary groups of two or more people who have been operating in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, normally for a period of three years or more. Winning groups and the individuals who nominated them for consideration will be informed in confidence shortly before the public announcement on 2 June 2003.

  The Philip Lawrence Awards

  The Philip Lawrence Awards were established in 1996. They celebrate annually outstanding citizenship in their communities by young people. They are awarded in November or December of each year.

  Home Office Police Research Award Scheme

  The Home Office Police Research Awards have been granted every year since 1987. The Awards provide Home Office funding and support for police staff to carry out research and/or development projects. All individuals submitting an application are provided with feedback. Those who are successful undergo an induction training event whilst those who are unsuccessful are given suggestions, if and when appropriate, on how to improve their proposals for a future application.

  Host police force areas are notified together with the candidates.
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  The Ferrers Trophy

  The Ferrers Trophy is awarded annually to the `National Special of the Year'. The re are also awards for Highly Commended and Team entries. They are open to all special constables and teams of special constables in England and Wales. The awards ceremony is held in June of each year.

  The Tilley Award

  The Tilley Award is open to all United Kingdom police forces for excellence in problem oriented policing. It was established in 1999. Winners and runners up are notified of the results in July with a formal announcement in September of each year.

  The Prison Service has several award schemes for staff and prisoners. For staff they are as follows:

  Butler Trust—Greening award

  A new award for staff who have contributed towards improving the Prison Service's environmental performance was announced in August 2002 and the first winners will be presented with their awards in late March.

  Staff Ideas Themed Competition "Making Prisons Greener"

  In September 2001, the Prison Service launched its second central staff ideas themed competition "Making Prisons Greener". All the ideas have been featured in more detail in the Greening Operations Team's quarterly newsletter and in its annual environmental report published in July 2002.

  Design a poster competition

  The Prison Service, as part of its campaign to promote awareness of environmental matters among staff, launched a design a poster competition in 2001. This was aimed at staff and their families who were asked to submit designs for greening and energy efficiency posters to be used across the Service. The winning designs were used to produce posters that have been distributed to every prison and Service Headquarters.

  The Elton Trophy Competition

  The Elton Trophy Competition is an annual award scheme rewarding highly creditable performance in prison workshops. Eligibility for nomination was restricted to industrial workshops until 2002 when the scope was expanded to allow nominations from craft, charity and vocational training workshops.

  Commendation awards are also made to individual members of staff directly linked to workshops who have contributed significantly to a workshop's success.

  The Prison Service introduced performance arrangements in April 2001. These provide practical guidance on approaches to recognising individual performance outside the staff appraisal system. The arrangements encourage managers to recognise and acknowledge good performance by their staff. The methods suggested vary from a simple "thank you", to
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  the award of vouchers to one-off financial rewards. There are a number of strands to the arrangements and consist of the following:

  Prison Officer of the Year Award

  This is an annual event introduced in 2002 as a method of "recognising, rewarding and celebrating the outstanding achievements of prison officers throughout the Service".

  Butler Trust Award

  The Trust was established as a registered charity in 1985 to promote and encourage positive prison regimes. An independent annual award scheme was set up to recognise exceptionally dedicated and often creative work undertaken by any person working in the Prison Service. The Service's performance recognition arrangements encourage nominations for the award.

  Staff Ideas Scheme

  Staff are encouraged to contribute to the Ideas Scheme which has been extant for a number of years. The scheme exists on two tiers. Firstly, there is local consideration of ideas specific to the local working environment. Secondly, there is national consideration of service-wide ideas that would have implications for policy or regular working practice. The objective of the scheme is to improve policy developments and make practices and procedures more effective and cost-efficient. Ideas are recognised with monetary awards from £25 up to £3,000, or with a small encouragement gift such as a pen.

  Prisoner award schemes for prisoners consist of the following:

  Bricklaying Competition

  The Prisoners' Learning and Skills Unit (PLSU) based in the Department for Education and Skills contributes towards annual bricklaying competitions for prisoners. These competitions, which are recognised by UK Skills, are administered using National Skills Competition guidelines and judged independently by the Guild of Bricklayers. The winning team from the Scottish Prison Service Competition is invited to compete in the final for prisons in England and Wales.

  Koestler Award Trust

  PLSU also supports the Koestler Award Trust, which runs an annual competition in a wide range of creative arts for those in prisons, young offender institutions, high security psychiatric hospitals and secure units. 64 judges, working for free, send critical comments to the entrants which encourages communication between the artist, the Trust and the Education Co-ordinator and tutors in establishments. The work is judged in May and June and certificates sent to the award-winners in July. Award cheques are sent to Governors to be credited to the prisoner's private cash.

  Koestler's annual exhibition of award-winning work is held in September.

  Windlesham Trophy

  The Windlesham Trophy is awarded every year to the prison judged to have the best kept gardens. The scheme includes individual commendation awards. These recognise exceptional talent, or an outstanding contribution to a garden's success, or input into prisoner training or rehabilitation. The competition is open to all prison establishments in England and Wales. The results

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  are published throughout the Prison Service in the first week of August each year. The Royal Horticultural Society provides a panel of three experts to judge the final round. There is press interest local to the winning establishment, and occasional interest from national and specialist gardening press.

  Cap Le Hague Nuclear Reactor
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place for the protection of the Isle of Wight in the event of an attack on the Cap Le Hague nuclear reactor in France. [102839]

  Mr. Meacher
  I have been asked to reply.

  In the event of any overseas nuclear incident (arising from an accident or a deliberate act) the Government's National Response Plan for Overseas Nuclear Accidents and RIMNET would be activated. A copy of this plan is available in the Library.

  The UK Government would expect to receive notification of such an incident via the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), European Commission Urgent Radiological Information Exchange (ECURIE), bilateral agreements between Governments for exchange of information (France, Denmark, Holland, Norway and Russia are signatories) or an alert from one or more of the 93 gamma dose rate monitoring sites that comprise the UK's national radiation monitoring network (RIMNET).

  An assessment of the likely impact of any release of radioactivity on the UK would be made immediately using all available information together with dispersion prediction modelling provided by the Meteorological Office. Using global weather information the current and forecast meteorological scenario would provide early estimates of the trajectory and the time of impact in the UK. This information when combined with environmental monitoring will allow the Government to assess projected levels of contamination and likely coverage.

  A Technical Co-ordination Centre would be set up in the purpose-built Defra emergency room in London, from where a team of officials experienced in dealing with emergencies would co-ordinate the response to the incident. Public information and advice based on this information would be prepared and distributed from the Technical Co-ordination Centre to all the authorities and organisations with responsibilities for protecting the public and the environment including those on the Isle of Wight if the island was likely to be affected.

  Terrorism
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what emergency planning has been undertaken in preparation for a chemical or biological attack in the UK; and if he will make a statement about the state of preparedness of the(a) emergency services and (b) local authority services. [102518]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I refer the hon. Member to the Written Statement on Terrorism (Civil Contingency Planning) that I made on 3 March 2003,Official Report, column 72WS.
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  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evaluation has been made of the impact of the detonation of a dirty radiological bomb in a city centre; what assessment has been made of the ways in which decontamination needed can be carried out; and what calculation has been made of the likely consequential costs of such a dirty bomb being used. [101994]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The United Kingdom has well tried and tested contingency plans—developed over many years—for responding to a wide range of terrorist threats, including those which might involve the threatened or actual use of radiological materials.

  At a national level, existing contingency plans for dealing with the aftermath of radiological emergencies arising from nuclear and other incidents have been reviewed and adapted to cater for the deliberate release of radioactivity, or 'dirty bombs' into the environment. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) takes the lead in maintaining these plans.

  My right hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Itchen (John Denham), published the Strategic National Guidance for the Decontamination of People Exposed To Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Substances or Material on 3 February 2003 which contains ways in which the decontamination of people is carried out. This is an approach which provides simple but effective decontamination for chemical, biological or radiological contaminants.

  The consequential costs of such an incident would of course depend on a number of factors, including the size of the device, the weather conditions and the area affected.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are in place to prevent illegal immigrants being used by terrorists to introduce dangerous pathogens into the UK. [102301]

  Beverley Hughes
  Clandestine illegal entrants detected in Kent are transferred to the Dover Asylum Screening Centre and they and their baggage are searched thoroughly as part of the screening process.

  Clandestine illegal entrants detected elsewhere in the country, are normally taken to the nearest police station where they would be searched before being taken into the custody area.

  The terrorist threat remains real, and serious. As recent events have shown, no country is immune from attack, and it simply is not possible to guarantee against more attacks in the future. However, this Government are resolute in their determination to defeat terrorism regardless of its source.

  The average time between application and initial decision was six months for initial decisions made in 2002. This has been calculated using all cases for which data are available, including older cases decided as part of the reduction of the backlog, as well as new cases. This compares to 20 months in 1997.

  Applications for British citizenship are dealt with upon receipt and are not subdivided into straightforward and non-straightforward applications.
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  The most recently published data on average processing times for British citizenship relate to applications lodged prior to 31 March 2001, when the average waiting time was 11.6 months.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the pathogens which could be used in a terrorist attack against which there is vaccine available. [102302]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Our defence against bioterrorism takes account of the possibility of terrorists seeking to use a wide range of pathogens and toxins. Schedule 5 to the Anti-Terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001 lists 47 such agents for which security arrangements must be made.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the detection technologies available to each of the emergency services for use in incidents where terrorist threat surveillance may be appropriate. [102303]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Fire Service has access to radiological survey meters and, in appropriate circumstances, personal radiation dosimeters. In addition, all brigades have access to explosive atmosphere monitors and local scientific advice.

  The Police Service has access to chemical monitors and radiation dosimeters. They also have access to specialist national chemical, biological and radiological advice.

  The Ambulance Service use the detection technologies of Police and Fire Services. It would not be appropriate, on security grounds, to give more specific information.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to protect the parliamentary estate against potential terrorist attacks. [102455]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Operational responsibility for security within the parliamentary estate rests with the Serjeant-at-Arms. Outside the estate's boundaries, operational responsibility falls to the Metropolitan Police Service. For security reasons, I cannot comment on the detail of the measures in place to protect against potential terrorist or other forms of attack.

  Gregory Barker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the level of preparedness amongst voluntary organisations of the United Kingdom to respond to a major terrorist attack; and if he will make a statement. [96250]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The degree of preparedness of any voluntary organisation judged competent to work with the statutory agencies in handling the consequences of any civil emergency is a matter for assessment by the local authority and/or emergency service through which the voluntary organisation is registered and operates. The Government have published clear guidance on the use and training of volunteers and voluntary organisations in the following core guidance publications: 'Dealing With Disaster' (3rd edition), England and Wales (chapter 6); 'Dealing With Disaster Together', Scottish Executive (chapter 7); 'A Guide to Emergency Planning in Northern Ireland' (annex C).

  Contingent Liabilities
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which contingent liabilities for which his Department has responsibility have matured in each of the last five financial years; and if he will make a statement. [101767]

  Mr. Blunkett
  My Department carries out an exercise each year to identify the contingent and actual liabilities of the Home Department and reports the findings to Her Majesty's Treasury.

  Information relating to 1997–98 is not readily available.

  Between 1998–99 and 2001–02, payments were made against only one contingent liability. This arose from section 27 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. It related to the cost of re-funding charges for travel documents issued between January 1994 and February 1999. By the end of the year 2001–02, the liability had reduced to below the £100,000 reporting threshold.

  Correspondence
  Kate Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will reply to letters from the hon. Member for Vauxhall dated 25 March 2002, 19 June 2002, 21 October 2002 and 16 December 2002 about a constituent, reference number M61644. [101833]

  Beverley Hughes
  I wrote to my hon. Friend on 17 March 2003.

  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 3 January from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. B. Padya. [103746]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 14 March 2003.

  Court Judgment (Howard League)
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what meetings have been held between Home Office and Department of Health officials following the judgment in R (Howard League for Penal Reform) v Secretary of State for the Home Department. [103157]

  Hilary Benn
  Following the High Court judgement, Prison Service Officials have had a series of three meetings so far with Department of Health and Youth Justice Board officials to consider the implications of Justice Munby's judgement. The meetings are looking at the possible need for further guidance.

  Criminal Justice Bill
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of children and young people who will be sentenced annually under each of the new proposals in the Criminal Justice Bill to(a) detention for life, (b) detention for public protection and (c) extended sentences. [103077]
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  Hilary Benn
  The Criminal Justice Bill provides new mandatory sentences for offenders who commit a specified violent or sexual offence and who, in the opinion of the court, present a serious risk to members of the public of serious harm commissioned by the offender of further specified offences.

  Relevant juveniles convicted of an offence which carries a maximum penalty of detention for life under section 91 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, will receive detention for life under section 91.

  Those convicted of a serious specified offence which does not fall within this category, will receive either a sentence of detention for public protection or an extended sentence.

  Those convicted of a specified offence which is not a serious offence, will be given an extended sentence.

  The provisions aim to protect the public from the very small minority of juveniles who present a serious risk and to enable those offenders to be detained until their risk has been reduced. We anticipate their being used infrequently. We estimate that under them around 30 juveniles a year are likely to receive detention for life, around 10 the extended sentence and one or two detention for public protection.

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his statement of 27 February 2003,Official Report, columns 32–36WS, on the Criminal Records Bureau, under what circumstances individuals' fingerprints will be retained by the CRB; how long after they are taken will they be destroyed; and if he will make a statement. [101018]

  Hilary Benn
  There are already arrangements in place for fingerprints to be used in circumstances where the applicant's identity cannot be confirmed by any other means. Under the Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations 2002, fingerprints, and any copies, taken for this purpose must be destroyed as soon as is practicable after the identity of the applicant is established to the satisfaction of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). Any applicant who asks to be allowed to witness the destruction of his fingerprints or copies of them has the right to do so.

  As we have made clear, we shall undertake a further study, in consultation with interested parties, on the recommendation that fingerprints be taken to confirm the identity of applicants for particularly sensitive positions. If, in the light of this consultation, it is decided to proceed, the detailed arrangements for the retention and destruction of applicants' fingerprints will be drawn up.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what penalties will be applied if registered bodies fail to correctly identify individuals applying for disclosure by the Criminal Records Bureau; and if he will make a statement. [102524]

  Hilary Benn
  Under the Code of Practice, Registered Bodies are under an obligation to follow all Criminal 706W
  Records Bureau (CRB) published guidance. This includes literature ensuring that false or fraudulent applications are not submitted. If a Registered Body fails to comply with the Code of Practice, the Secretary of State has the option to refuse to issue it with further Criminal Record Certificates. It is a criminal offence to knowingly make a false statement for the purpose of enabling another person to obtain a Criminal Record Certificate.

  As part of the Independent Review Team's recommendations, the critical role of Registered Bodies in the CRB process is to be upgraded. To ensure that Registered Bodies discharge their responsibilities effectively, we will take powers to attach conditions to a registration and to revoke a registration where such conditions are breached.

  Experience Corps
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the purpose of the Experience Corps to recruit volunteers new to significant involvement with voluntary organisations; and what monitoring procedures are in place to assess whether recruits represent an additional resource for the voluntary sector. [101866]

  Beverley Hughes
  The establishment of The Experience Corps was informed by an Experts Group drawn together to advise on a blue print for a National Experience Corps following agreement from the Ad Hoc ministerial group. In developing their plans the Experts Group were informed by Ministers that:

  The scheme should not exclude existing volunteers in the target age group and must avoid double counting.

  The Experience Corps monitor all information on existing volunteers through their database and state that they aim to 'increase, widen and sustain their volunteering contribution'. The performance of the Experience Corps is currently being reviewed by the Home Office.

  Illegal Immigrants
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many employers in the UK were found to have employed illegal immigrants in the last year for which figures are available; how many have been successfully prosecuted; and if he will make a statement. [102526]

  Hilary Benn
  Information on the number of employers in the United Kingdom who are found to have employed illegal immigrants is not collected centrally and therefore not available.

  Information on persons proceeded against for employing a person subject to immigration control is contained in the attached table and published annually in the Command publication "Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom", which is available in the Library and from the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

  We recognised in our White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven" that section 8 of the Immigration and

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  Asylum Act 1996 had not proved to be an effective deterrent in the prevention of illegal migrant working. We also outlined in our White Paper a new and comprehensive strategy for tackling the damaging consequences of illegal working which addressed the root of the problem. Work is on-going in three areas: strengthening present enforcement arrangements; facilitating effective joint working across Government; and working with business and trade unions to improve compliance.

  Persons proceeded against for offences under Immigration Acts 1971 to 1999 in England and Wales, 1997–2001

  Number of persons

  Act and section

  Offence1 description

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  20012

  Proceeded against

  Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 section 8

  Employing a person subject to immigration control

  —

  1

  23

  32

  65

  Found guilt

  Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 section 8

  Employing a person subject to immigration control

  —

  1

  9

  23

  1

  1 Data are based on the principal immigration offence only. The exclude an persons proceeded against for section 8 offences where these were not that persons principle immigration offence.

  2 Provisional

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's budget for(a) staff and (b) IT in (i) 2000–01 and (ii) 2001–02; and what the planned budget is for (A) 2002–03 and (B) 2003–04. [102454]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Staff Pay budget is set out as follows:

  £ million

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  227

  267

  343

  The associated IT budget cannot be easily separated from other administrative costs.

  The budget for 2003–04 will be published in the Home Office's main estimates (in the usual way).

  Nurses (International Recruitment)
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of visa granted by Work Permits UK to overseas nurses seeking employment in the UK was in each of the last three years for which figures are available; whether it is possible for such a visa to be extended at the request of the applicant; and how many overseas nurses, having successfully been granted a working visa for the UK, have sought to extend this visa in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [103075]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: Figures for the average length of work permits granted to overseas nurses in each of the last three calendar years are unavailable due to the nature of the information recorded on the Work Permits (UK) Management Information system.

  A work permit for an overseas nurse can be extended at the request of the UK-based employer that originally recruited the nurse.
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  In November 2002, I established an Illegal Working Steering Group, which includes representatives from a range of business sectors, the Trades Union's Congress and Commission for Racial Equality. The group has the potential to become a key player in the prevention of illegal working, by ensuring that there is greater awareness of the problems that this form of illegality creates. The group will also be involved in ensuring that the guidance for complying with the amended legislation will be clear, concise and practical.

  The figures for the number of overseas nurses who have received an extension on their original work permit in each of the last three calendar years are given as follows:

  2002: 6,228

  2001: 3,036

  2000: 1,529

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications Work Permits UK received from overseas nurses wishing to work in the UK in each of the last five years, broken down by nationality. [103076]

  Beverley Hughes
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]: Applications for work permits are made by UK-based employers on behalf of overseas nationals.

  The figures for the number of applications received from UK-based employers to recruit overseas nurses in each of the last five calendar years, broken down by the top 10 nationalities are given in the following tables:

  2002

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Philippines

  11,921

  India

  4,957

  South Africa

  4,039

  Zimbabwe

  2,994

  Nigeria

  1,875

  Ghana

  700

  Australia

  691

  Pakistan

  606

  Zambia

  465

  Kenya

  444

  Others

  3,992

  2001

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Philippines

  10,887

  India

  3,416

  South Africa

  3,185

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  2001

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Zimbabwe

  2,068

  Nigeria

  1,289

  Australia

  760

  Ghana

  564

  Pakistan

  532

  Trinidad and Tobago

  410

  Zambia

  368

  Others

  3,559

  2000

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Philippines

  6,973

  South Africa

  1,997

  Zimbabwe

  1,223

  India

  1,195

  Nigeria

  1,027

  Australia

  571

  Trinidad and Tobago

  475

  Jamaica

  338

  Ghana

  334

  New Zealand

  278

  Others

  2,198

  1999

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Philippines

  1,103

  South Africa

  974

  Nigeria

  542

  Zimbabwe

  529

  Trinidad and Tobago

  394

  Australia

  371

  India

  219

  Mauritius

  184

  New Zealand

  158

  Jamaica

  157

  Others

  1,019

  1998

  Nationality

  Number of work permits approved

  Nigeria

  284

  South Africa

  221

  Mauritius

  216

  Trinidad and Tobago

  210

  Zimbabwe

  210

  Australia

  207

  New Zealand

  100

  Ghana

  66

  Malaysia

  58

  Canada

  46

  Others

  351

  Prison Healthcare
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of providing healthcare in each(a) publicly and (b) privately administered prison in each of the last four ears; and what the per prison costs were in each prison. [102667]

  Hilary Benn
  Information is not available in the form requested, as costs of health care have not been identified separately in the past. A report b the Joint Prison Service and National Health Service Executive Working Group "The Future Organisation of Prison Health Care" in 1999, estimated that that Prison Service establishments spent about £85 million on prisoners'710W
  health care in 1997–98. A questionnaire completed by establishments in 2002–03 estimated that the cost of healthcare in English prison establishments in 2002–03 was about £113 million, although these two figures are not directly comparable. The following is a breakdown of questionnaire returns by prison establishment. For private prisons, payments are made for the contracted service and the health care element is not separately identified.

  Prison health care costs for 2002–03 (six month actual and six months projected)

  Establishment

  £000

  Acklington

  461

  Albany

  *0

  Ashwell

  258

  Askham Grange

  285

  Alesbury

  583

  Bedford

  764

  Belmarsh

  2,963

  Birmingham

  1,761

  Blakenhurst

  1,372

  Blantyre House

  75

  Blundeston

  326

  Brinsford

  525

  Brinsford YJB

  522

  Bristol

  1,949

  Brixton

  4,153

  Brockhill

  612

  Brockhill YJB

  108

  Buckle Hall

  858

  Bullingdon

  1,380

  Bullwood Hall

  522

  Bulwood YJB

  126

  Camp Hill

  *0

  Canterbury

  573

  Castington

  207

  Castington YJB

  482

  Channings Wood

  434

  Chelmsford

  1,359

  Coldingley

  193

  Cookham Wood

  458

  Dartmoor

  859

  Deerbolt

  511

  Dorchester

  607

  Dover

  171

  Downview

  397

  Drake Hall

  334

  Durham

  1,972

  East Sutton Park

  99

  Eastwood Park

  1,260

  Eastwood Park YJB

  39

  Elmle

  1,249

  Erlestoke

  174

  Everthorpe

  284

  Exeter

  1,242

  Featherstone

  282

  Feltham

  1,928

  Feltham YJB

  1,779

  Ford

  308

  Foston Hall

  550

  Frankland

  1,339

  Full Sutton

  737

  Garth

  1,001

  Gartree

  649

  Glen Parva

  2,206

  Gloucester

  769

  Grendon

  519

  Guys Marsh

  432

  Haslar

  135

  711W

  Prison health care costs for 2002–03 (six month actual and six months projected)

  Establishment

  £000

  Hatfield

  **0

  Haverigg

  437

  Hewell Grange

  65

  Highdown

  1,905

  Highpoint

  466

  Highpoint—female estate

  1,198

  Hindley

  682

  Hindley YJB

  358

  Hollesle Bay Colony

  184

  Hollesle YJB

  211

  Holloway

  4,931

  Holme House

  1,449

  Hull

  1,408

  Huntercombe YJB

  319

  Kingston

  157

  Kirkham

  276

  Kirklevington Grange

  100

  Lancaster Castle

  192

  Lancaster Farms

  487

  Lanes Farm YJB

  265

  Latchmere House

  103

  Leeds

  2,221

  Leicester

  726

  Lewes

  1,049

  Leyhill

  267

  Lincoln

  1,138

  Lindholme

  610

  Littlehey

  679

  Liverpool

  2,559

  Long Lartin

  1,069

  Low Newton

  637

  Maidstone

  480

  Manchester

  1,850

  Moorland

  1,029

  Morton Hall

  422

  Mount, The

  549

  New Hall

  1,076

  New Hall YJB

  201

  North Sea Camp

  131

  Northallerton

  427

  .Norwich

  1,631

  Nottingham

  824

  Onley

  372

  Onley YJB

  407

  Parkhurst

  1,888

  Pentonville

  3,577

  Portland

  442

  Preston

  1,133

  Ranby

  528

  Reading

  452

  Risley

  1,058

  Rochester

  593

  Send

  342

  Shepton Mallet

  246

  Shrewsbury

  533

  Stafford

  508

  Standford Hill

  226

  Stocken

  307

  Stoke Heath

  388

  Stoke Heath YJB

  248

  Styal

  1,425

  Sudbury

  224

  Swaleside

  924

  Swinfen Hall

  267

  Thorn Cross

  106

  Thorn Cross YJB

  83

  Verne, The

  430

  Wakefield

  1,202

  712W

  Prison health care costs for 2002–03 (six month actual and six months projected)

  Establishment

  £000

  Wandsworth

  3,086

  Waland

  450

  Wealstun

  430

  Weare, The

  422

  Wellingborough

  319

  Werrington YJB

  362

  Wetherby YJB

  532

  Whatton

  153

  Whitemoor

  1,037

  Winchester

  1,280

  Woodhill

  2,895

  Wormwood Scrubs

  3,339

  Wmott

  590

  Total establishments

  112,715

  * included with Parkhurst prison

  ** included with Moorland prison

  YJB=Youth Justice Board

  Totals exclude security and bed watch costs within prisons and external escort costs

  Prisoners (Drug Treatment)
  Mr. Nick Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of criminal offenders required immediate detoxification on entering prison in each year since 1995. [98503]

  Hilary Benn
  This information is not available in the form requested. Prison Service establishments have reported that between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002 41,916 drug and alcohol detoxifications have been carried out.

  Private Sector Businesses (Forms)
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the forms that his Department requires private sector businesses to complete and return. [98087]

  Mr. Wills
  Those forms which private sector organisations are required to complete and return are listed. Forms are completed and returned as and when necessary, and therefore on an occasional basis, unless a specific frequency is mentioned.

  Forms concerned with the licensing of the production, trade or export of controlled drugs and associated substances.

  The following forms are required to be completed by private sector businesses:

  Category 1 Precursor chemicals licence application to trade within the EU.

  Category 1 Precursor chemicals licence application to export outside the EU

  Category 2 Precursor chemicals registration application for trading within the EU

  Category 2 Precursor chemicals registration application to export outside the EU

  Category 3 Precursor chemicals registration application to export outside the EU

  713W

  Application for Individual Export Authorisation to export precursor chemicals outside the EU

  Application for a Licence/Authority under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

  Application to renew a Licence/Authority under the Misuse of.Drugs Act 1971

  Remittance form to accompany payment for licences issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

  Application for Import Licence and corresponding import certificate under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

  Application for Export Licence

  Annual statistical return form for precursor chemicals

  Annual statistical return form for controlled psychotropics

  Annual statistical return form for controlled narcotics.

  Forms related to employment, either with the Home Office or in other places.

  Forms sent to private sector firms (in their capacity as previous employers) for completion for purposes of:

  obtaining references on staff applying for employment with the Home Office

  obtaining security clearance, in the case of successful applicants

  In the case of an organisation (private sector or otherwise) working with children or vulnerable adults there are three forms used by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB):

  Registration form to be completed and sent to (CRB) for purpose of registering the organisation. This form will include the nomination of a principal countersignatory (person within, the firm authorised to ask for disclosure of records pertaining to an prospective employee)

  Application form in respect of any additional countersignatories the firm might require.

  Prospective employees must complete and return (with countersignature) a form authorising CRB to release relevant information about him or her.

  Purchase order forms contain an attachment, which the Home Office asks the supplier to complete and return as acceptance of our terms and conditions.

  Annual statistical return from commercial firms who have licences to perform scientific procedures on animals.

  Monthly return form for collecting information on "tagged" offenders from contractors who supply and service electronic monitoring devices.

  Report form (shortly to be introduced) for private sector firms within the regulated financial sector to file with National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) if they suspect a transaction has involved criminal proceeds.

  Probation Service
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how well equipped the National Probation Agency is to provide a drug-rehabilitation service to offenders on leaving prison, with specific reference to those offenders whose sentence length prevents them from attending drug rehabilitation courses while in prison; how much money has been allocated to provide this service; and if he will make a statement. [102446]

  Hilary Benn
  When an offender with drugs problems leaves prison into supervision by the National Probation Service, the service will arrange with partner agencies for drugs rehabilitation treatment to be provided as part of a supervision plan. For offenders 714W
  serving short sentences in prison, Counselling, Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare (CARAT) services represent the main drug intervention and can include initial throughcare links into the community for up to eight weeks. The Government have made available £1 billion this year, rising to £1.483 billion by 2005–06, to meet the commitments to provide drug treatment and to tackle drug related offending outlined in the Updated Drugs Strategy.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the introduction of OASIS by probation services. [101174]

  Hilary Benn
  The National Probation Service is making good progress with the implementation of the Offenders Assessment System (OASys). By the beginning of April 2003 every probation area will either have completed implementation or be in the process of implementation.

  Public Services
  Angela Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce co-payments for the public services for which he is responsible. [102199]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Home Department aims to meet its public service responsibilities in the most cost effective and efficient manner. To achieve this, consideration is given to Private Finance Initiatives (PFI), and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to minimise financial risk and maximise benefit to the Public. The Home Department currently has a number of PFI Schemes in operation providing new Police Headquarters, Police Air Support Services, and Police Communications, and is negotiating a number of similar funding partnerships for public services in both the Police Service and the National Probation Service.

  Sex Offenders
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in trialing the vicious and sex offenders register. [100834]

  Hilary Benn
  The Violent and Sex Offenders Register (ViSOR) will enable the Police and Probations services to register offenders and maintain a national, up-to-date, shared store of information on offenders, their risk assessments and, critcally, their movements.

  The register will be piloted at two sites in November 2003. Subject to their successful completion, national implementation will start in January 2004.

  In the meantime, forces have had the capability since August 2002 to search a database for information on offenders within their force area. This will help forces to track offenders, rationalise their business processes and ease the implementation of the full national solution, particularly in putting past records onto the new database.

  UK Passport
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason UK passports specify identification details in French in addition to English; and whether he plans to replace French with an alternative language. [102737]

  Beverley Hughes
  The British Passport includes French on the personal details page to facilitate international travel and to comply with International Civil Aviational Organisation standards and European Union resolutions. All passports of European Union countries include English and French on the personal details page in addition to their own language. We have no plans to seek to change this.

  Women Prisoners (Babies)
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many babies(a) under nine months and (b) under 18 months are in British prisons. [102884]

  Hilary Benn
  On 10 March 2003 there were 31 babies under nine months and 19 babies under 18 months in prisons in England and Wales. Information about prisons in Scotland and Northern Ireland should be sought from the Scottish Executive and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Young Offender Institutions
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Young Offender Institutions operate a personal officer scheme. [103159]

  Hilary Benn
  All Young Offender Institutions operate a personal officer scheme.

  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what child protection procedures are in place in young offender institutions for juveniles considered to be at risk. [103166]

  Hilary Benn
  In line with Prison Service Order 4950, each young offender institution has a child protection policy. The policy is based upon well-established inter-agency arrangements for promoting the welfare of young people and safeguarding them from harm. Establishments are instructed to appoint a Child Protection Coordinator and establish a Child Protection Committee. Local Child Protection arrangements are approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and complement existing procedures for safeguarding young people such as the anti-bullying strategy and the pastoral care arrangements.

  Youth Justice
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many 17 year olds have been(a) questioned, (b) arrested and (c) charged in the past 12 months. [101728]

  Hilary Benn
  The available information relates to 17 year olds proceeded against, and of those, the number who were brought to court following arrest, and those given reprimands or final warnings. 54,590 were proceeded against in England and Wales in 2001, of 716W
  whom 40,057 had been arrested and charged. In addition, 15,203 were given reprimands or final warnings.

  Information on persons questioned is not collected centrally, and the information collected on total arrests is limited to those arrested for notifiable offences and then only by age group rather than individual age.

  Statistics on persons proceeded against and cautioned in 2002 will be published in the autumn.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Administrative Costs
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the administrative costs were of the(a) New Deal 50 Plus training grant, (b) job grant, (c) funeral payments grant, (d) Sure Start maternity grant, (e) community care grants and (f) access to work grants in the last financial year. [101648]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 29 January 2003,Official Report, column 945W.

  Child Care
  Caroline Flint
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of lone parents(a) are unable to work due to child care commitments and (b) have had to give up work because of a lack of available child care in the last six months. [101048]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The extent to which childcare commitments contribute directly to ability to work is a complex issue. Lone parents who work, as well as those who do not, report child care as a barrier to work. In a recent survey 52 per cent. of non-working lone parents reported a lack of child care in their area, compared to 45 per cent. of working lone parents; and 53 per cent. of non&-working lone parents did not want to leave their child with anyone else, compared to 44 per cent. of working lone parents.

  Information on the percentage of lone parents who have to give up work due to lack of available child care is not available. The most common reasons given for giving up work are health (27 per cent.), a personal decision to leave (15 per cent.) and being made redundant (12 per cent.). 6 per cent. of lone parents gave the breakdown of their child care arrangements as the reason for leaving work, but this does not mean necessarily that there was no child care available.

  The New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) is providing specialist advice and support, including help with child care, to help lone parents make the move into work. Recent evaluation has shown that participation in NDLP more than doubles lone parents chances of moving into work. We are making work possible for lone parents by providing available affordable childcare through initiatives such as the National Childcare Strategy and our new Tax Credits are making sure that that work pays.

  Correspondence
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the hon. Member for Broxbourne will receive a reply to her letters of 18 December 2002, 16 January, 14 February and 13 March relating to the adoption of the approved code of practice on passive smoking at work. [103688]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  I have written to the hon. Member today.

  Ethnic Minority Unemployment
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what organisations have been awarded the contract announced by the Department of Work and Pensions in July 2002 to narrow the 17 per cent. gap between the overall employment rate and that of ethnic minority people; and what timescale has been set for delivering the contracts. [98017]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Minority Ethnic Outreach initiative is part of our strategy to tackle the gap between the overall employment rate and the minority ethnic employment rate. Introduced in April 2002, the initiative aims to strengthen the support available to minority ethnic jobless people within five areas of the country with large minority ethnic populations. 45 organisations (through a total of 51 contracts) are contracted to deliver the service until the end of March 2004. The organisations are as follows:

  Greater London providers

  GoldenStool Communications

  The Training Network (Five different projects in different areas of London)

  Pro-Diverse (UK) Ltd.

  Talent

  Reed in Partnership

  Breakfree—RPS Rainer

  Employment Cafe

  Ergon Enosis (Two different projects in different areas of London)

  SELTO

  Shaw Trust

  In-volve

  New Beginnings

  London Action Trust (Crossroads project for Lewisham)

  London Action Trust (Asset for Lambeth)

  Tomorrow's People Trust

  East Midlands providers

  Age Concern Training

  Belgrave Development and Enterprise

  Business2Business

  Ex-DSS spend on external consultancy and professional services

  Tax year

  Benefits Agency

  Child Support Agency

  Contributions Agency

  Corporate and ISBs

  ITSA

  War pensions Agency

  Total (£ million)

  Present value (£ million 2002–03 prices)

  1995–96

  19.23

  1.71

  2.82

  3.77

  89.00

  0.22

  116.81

  139.92

  1996–97

  29.96

  0.91

  2.77

  4.67

  61.55

  0.42

  100.28

  116.43

  1997–98

  28.62

  0.82

  2.65

  4.91

  47.86

  0.38

  85.24

  96.00

  1998–99

  21.17

  0.51

  1.76

  11.38

  36.79

  0.73

  72.34

  79.30

  1999–2000

  26.05

  3.15

  —

  13.71

  39.66

  0.43

  83.00

  88.83

  2000–01

  11.44

  18.06

  —

  74.75

  —

  0.48

  104.73

  109.66

  Notes:

  1. Contributions Agency transferred to Inland Revenue from April 1999

  2. Information Technology Services Agency (ITSA) function moved to corporate centre from April 2000
  718W
  Greater Manchester providers

  Bolton Racial Equality Council

  Bolton Metro's Ethnic Minorities Business Service

  SITU Ltd.

  Early Years and Play (Manchester Education Department)

  North Area College

  Moss-side and Hulme Community Development Trust

  Family Housing Association (Manchester) Ltd.

  Rochdale Racial Equality Council

  The Oldham College

  West Yorkshire providers

  Bradford Cathedral Centre

  Talent Resourcing

  Kirklees Metropolitan Council

  Indian Muslim Welfare Society

  Halifax Opportunities Trust

  West Midlands providers

  Platinum Employment, Advice and Training

  Coventry Solihull Warwickshire Partnership Ltd.

  Steps to Work

  Colleges in the Black Country (Two different projects in different areas of the West Midlands)

  Birmingham Partnership for Change

  Windrush Employment and Training Consortium Ltd.

  SACDA

  H & 0 Training

  Lynton Marketing Ltd.

  TLC College

  UK Asian Women's Centre

  Workable Ltd. (Initiative Ltd.)

  Chinese Community Centre

  External Consultancy
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much(a) his Department and (b) each agency and non-departmental public body spent on external consultancy an each year from 1995–96 to 2002–03 (planned); and if he will make a statement. [92254]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.

  The total cost to DWP of the use of external consultants and professional services in the 2001–02 financial year was £ 169.494 million.

  Details of DWP external spend are recorded centrally for client group and corporate centre expenditure, and not by agency. Figures for the former DSS are available by agency, as follows.

  Housing Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will publish targets for the reduction of housing benefit fraud. [102915]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The Government have set a challenging target to reduce fraud and error in housing benefit for working age people. We are working with local authorities to achieve a 25 per cent. reduction by March 2006.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what action he is taking to review(a) the starting point and (b) the tapered relief for set-off of occupational pension income against incapacity benefit; [101722]

  (2) how many individuals who would otherwise qualify for incapacity benefit are affected by (a) whole and (b) partial withdrawal of benefit owing to their receipt of an occupational pension; and what the total annual benefit foregone from this clawback was in each of the last three years. [101723]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  Incapacity benefit (IB) is intended to provide a measure of income replacement for sick and disabled people of working age. We believe it is therefore right to take some account of their occupational or personal pensions as they provide income replacements.

  If a person claiming IB receives an occupational pension, personal pension or payments through a permanent health insurance scheme of £85 per week or more, their IB is reduced by half the amount which exceeds £85. These rules came into force for new claims after April 2001.

  While we have no plans at present to change the threshold at which income from an occupational and personal pension is taken into account in assessing IB, we keep all social security rules under review.

  We estimate that the reduction in expenditure on IB due to the rules on offsetting personal and occupational pensions was £10 million in the year to March 2002.

  Note:

  The estimate is rounded to the nearest £10 million and excludes the impact of offsetting reductions in the income-related benefits.

  Source:

  5 per cent, sample of the incapacity benefit computer system, which exclude a small number of cases held clerically.

  The available information is in the table.

  The number of new awards of IB since April 2001 which are reduced or stopped due to a personal or occupational pension

  New awards from 6 April 2001 to 31 March 2002

  New awards from 1 April 2002 to 31 August 2002

  Number

  Average amount of reduction1

  Number

  Average amount of reduction1

  Reduced

  13,300

  24.42

  4,400

  21.58

  Stopped

  4,400

  62.97

  1,500

  56.61

  Total

  17,600

  33.96

  5,800

  30.46

  1 Amount of reduction current at either the end of the spell or 31 August 2002 for spells continuing.

  720W
  Notes:

  1. Numbers are rounded to the nearest hundred.

  2. Figures are based on 5 per cent. samples and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling variation.

  3. Figures may not sum due to rounding.

  Source:

  5 per cent. samples of the incapacity benefit computer system, which excludes a small number of cases held clerically.

  Innovation Fund
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) when the review of the Innovation Fund is expected to be completed and published; [98018]

  (2) what organisations have received monies from the Innovation Fund; for what purposes they have received funding; and how much funding they have received. [98019]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The New Deal Innovation Fund was launched in 1999 to test innovative ideas for enhancing the New Deals and the way we help people move from benefit into sustained jobs. In 2001 we introduced the Lone Parent Innovation Fund to test new ways of helping people on the New Deal for Lone Parents find and remain in work. These two funds were merged last year.

  The Innovation Funds have supported 92 projects so far and a further 16 are in development. Information on the funding received by individual organisations is commercial in confidence and cannot be published. There have been four rounds of projects under the New Deal Innovation Fund, and two under the Lone Parents Fund. Total expenditure on the first two rounds of the New Deal Innovation Fund and round one of the Lone Parent Fund was £1.78 million. Expenditure figures for rounds three and four of the New Deal Fund and round two of the Loan Parent Fund are not available as the projects are ongoing or in their development phase.

  We have also allocated £1.4 million (for 2002–03) from the Innovation Fund to support the Ambition initiative which aims to help unemployed and disadvantaged people gain the right skills to meet the needs of employers in key sectors. Funds are also being used to co-sponsor the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion's (CESI) website, to facilitate the spread of innovation and good practice. Information on the funding received by CESI is commercial in confidence. In addition, innovation funding has been made available to Jobcentre Plus Districts to deliver a series of Innovation Laboratories' to stimulate innovation and creativity at a local level. One event has already been delivered at a cost of £45,000 and two more are planned for late March.

  Information on the organisations receiving support under each round of the Funds, the focus of each round and expenditure on each round, has been placed in the Library.

  The review of the Innovation Fund is scheduled for completion in May 2003. The results will then be published on the CESI website.

  New Deal
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many businesses were established under
  721W
  the new deal self-employment model for 50 plus in each year since its creation; and how many of those businesses were still trading after (a) one year, (b) two years, (c) three years, (d) four years and (e) five years and above. [93410]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The New Deal 50 Plus does not include specific assistance for people going into self-employment. However, through the New Deal 50 plus, the Employment Credit of £60 per week for up to a year is available to eligible customers whose estimated income is £15,000 or less, this includes people going in to self-employment. From the 6 April 2003, the Employment Credit will be replaced by an over 50s supplement to the Working Tax Credit.

  In addition, people going into self employment through New Deal 50 plus have access to a Training Grant, of up to £1,500, in the first two years of trading.

  Information on the number of people who have received the Employment Credit for self-employment is in the table.

  New Deal 50 Plus

  April to December 2000

  January to December 2001

  January to November 2002

  Total

  Employment Credit—Self Employment

  2,960

  4,250

  3,750

  10,960

  Training Grant—Self Employment

  270

  750

  750

  1,780

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 and ma not sum due to rounding.

  Source:

  New Deal Evaluation Database

  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many young people in the City of York council area have been helped into jobs under the New Deal. [102635]

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  From its launch in January 1998 to the end of December 2002 the New Deal had helped over 400,000 young people into work, including 820 people in the City of York Local Authority area.

  Pensioners (Essex)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners there are in(a) Essex and (b) the West Chelmsford constituency. [103123]

  Ruth Kelly
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Burns, dated 18 March 2003:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the number of pensioners living in Essex and the West Chelmsford constituency.
  The Office for National Statistics does not produce mid-year population estimates on parliamentary constituency boundaries. Results from the 2001 Census have not yet been published at this geographic level.
  722W
  The lowest geography mid-year population estimates are published at is local authority area. In view of this, the population of pensionable age (60 and over for females, 65 and over for males) in mid-2001 for Chelmsford borough council area was 26,900. The population of persons of pensionable age in Essex was 253,800 in mid-2001.

  Statutory Money Purchase Illustration Regulations
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will extend the scope of the Statutory Money Purchase Illustration Regulations that come into force on 6 April to include pensions sold to the public after that date. [103544]

  Mr. McCartney
  The regulations apply equally to any member of a money purchase pension scheme, regardless of when they became a member of the scheme. This includes anyone who joins such a scheme after the regulations come into force on 6 April.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Iraq
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the UK Government is in regular contact with the Iraqi opposition group known as SCIRI and the militia forces under its control. [103734]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials are in regular contact with Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), both in London and Tehran. SCIRI have also met FCO ministers as part of an Iraqi opposition delegation. We have no contact with the militia forces attached to SCIRI.

  Goa (Portuguese Passports)
  Mr. Malins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions with the Indian Government on applications to the Portuguese consulate in Goa for Portuguese passports from Indian residents, and the use of such passports subsequently to facilitate entry to the UK; and if he will make a statement. [102515]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have had no discussions with the Government of India on this issue. We have discussed the matter with the Portuguese Consulate in Goa. We understand that some residents of the former Portuguese enclaves in India (Goa, Daman and Diu) are eligible to apply for a Portuguese passport. Holders of Portuguese passports are entitled to enter the UK freely as citizens of an EU member state.

  Bahrain
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Lord Avebury 's recent visit to Bahrain, with particular reference to(a) his plea to King Hamed bin Isa Al Khalifa to pardon Richard Mechan, a British citizen and (b) the evidence of judicial irregularities presented to the King. [101203]
  723W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  On 10 January 2003 Lord Avebury wrote to my noble Friend Baroness Amos, informing her of his recent visit to Bahrain and his meeting with the Ruler, King Ha med. Lord Avebury handed the King a dossier compiled by Terry Mechan, about the case of his son, Richard Meehan, imprisoned for manslaughter. Lord Avebury has told us that the King agreed to review the case. In a further letter to Baroness Amos on 7 March, Lord Avebury asked if our Embassy in Bahrain could make inquiries with the King's Private Office as to what progress had been made. Our Embassy has been pursing this matter.

  Bangladesh
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of human rights in Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement. [103236]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Our High Commission in Dhaka monitors closely the regrettably frequent reports of human rights abuses in Bangladesh. We were concerned by reports of mistreatment of detainees, including deaths following detention, associated with the recent law and order drive, "Operation Clean Heart", and urged the Bangladesh Government to follow the due process of law in all cases. We regularly take up human rights issues with the Bangladesh Government, calling for all allegations of human rights abuses to be fully investigated and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.

  Burma
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ban new investment by UK companies in Burma. [103312]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As I made clear in the House of Commons on 10 December 2002,Official Report, column 154, the UK does not encourage trade or investment in Burma. Companies wishing to trade or invest in Burma receive no assistance at all from the UK Government. Companies inquiring about trade or investment are told of our policy and advised of the appalling human rights situation and the economic incompetence and corruption of the Burmese regime. A combination of international opinion and the regime's economic incompetence means that there is hardly any new investment in Burma and that established companies, such as Premier Oil, have pulled out.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Burmese military against the Karen, Karenni and Shan civilians in Burma. [103314]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We receive numerous reports of very serious cases of human rights abuse in Burma. However, war crimes and crimes against humanity are carefully defined under law and these are not phrases that have been used by the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Burma to describe the situation.
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  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about human rights abuses by the Government of Burma of the Karen, Karenni and Shan peoples. [103315]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We receive a regular flow of credible reports from non-governmental organisations and the United Nations—including the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights—that re-affirm our grave concern over the human rights situation in Burma, including abuses directed at the Shan, Karen and Karenni. The reports confirm that very little progress has been made by the Burmese regime to improve its human rights record.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he and his European Union partners have made to the Government of Burma about that government's treatment of the Karen, Karenni and Shan people. [103319]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A core aspect of UK and EU policy is action to press for an end to human rights abuses. Burmese ethnic minority groups, including the Shan, Karen and Karenni suffer the effects of this abuse disproportionately. The EU co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in November 2002 that condemned the regime's human rights record. We are currently preparing a further resolution for presentation at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in April. This is in addition to regular EU statements and demarches to the Burmese regime about the situation.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to help broker a ceasefire between the Burmese military government and Karen, Karenni and Shan resistance groups. [103321]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I have been encouraged by reports that some of the insurgent groups fighting the Burmese regime are prepared to consider negotiating a ceasefire. The EU has called for the peaceful end to the conflicts in Burma in resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly. We strongly support the idea in principle and stand ready to help assist the process in the most effective way.

  Family Visitor Visas
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the reasons are for the change in the overall rate of refusal of family visitor visa applications; and what the reasons are for the changes in rates of refusal of family visitor visa applications made at entry clearance posts(a) in the Middle East, (b) in South Asia, (c) in Western Europe and (d) in Central Europe since 1 August 2002. [103143]

  Mr. Rammell
  The number of refusals in Islamabad has increased with the resumption of interviews of family visit applicants on 2 December 2002. Previously these applications were being decided on the papers alone: many applications that would normally have resulted in an interview were therefore returned to the applicants unresolved.
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  These figures do not show any undue deviation from what would normally be expected for Islamabad. The very low pre-November 2002 figures were rather unusual, reflecting the limited service then being offered.

  Otherwise, the figures set out in the tables, which have been placed in the Library, show no significant increase in the refusal rate of family visit applications since August. The variations in the rate of refusal seen are not unusual. Each application is decided on the balance of probabilities and their individual merits in accordance with the Immigration Rules.

  Iran
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from interest groups in Britain regarding the abuse of human rights in Iran; and what discussions he has had with the Iranian authorities on the matter. [103350]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary regularly receives a wide range of representations about the human rights situation in Iran. My right hon. Friend and I make a point of raising human rights whenever we see our Iranian counterparts including at the recent meeting between my right hon. Friend and the Iranian Foreign Minister on 6 February.

  Iraq
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to ensure that resolution 57/232 of the United Nations General Assembly on human rights in Iraq is fully implemented. [103322]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  It is not possible to work with the current Iraqi regime to ensure that resolutions such as this one are fully implemented. As and when this situation changes we will work with the international community to ensure that the human rights situation in Iraq is properly addressed.

  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 6 March 2003,Official Report, column 1191W, on UN Resolution 57/232, whether the UK Government is supporting the deployment of human rights monitors throughout Iraq. [103377]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  UN Resolution 57/232 calls for the deployment of human rights monitors throughout Iraq. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, the UK supports this.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Iran about the possibility of a war between the US, UK and Iraq. [103532]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have a regular dialogue with the Iranian Government on this and other regional issues. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has discussed the situation in Iraq with the Iranian Foreign Minister on a number of occasions, most recently on 6 February.
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  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many interviews the inspectors appointed under UNSCR 1441 have conducted with Iraqi scientists in locations outside of Iraq in conditions assuring confidentiality and safety for the scientists and their families. [103546]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  There have been no interviews conducted outside Iraq.

  Ivory Coast
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the Liberian Government on instability in the Ivory Coast. [102940]

  Mr. Rammell
  Liberian involvement in Cote d'Ivoire has contributed significantly to instability in the west of the country. The nature of Liberian involvement is complex, with reports of Liberians fighting for both sides. Liberia is used as a base by rebels fighting in the West of Cote d'Ivoire, and there are large numbers of Liberian mercenaries fighting for both sides. We remain concerned at the ease with which armed groups move between the two countries. We are also concerned about the plight of over 40,000 Liberian refugees in the region.

  While we do not have a full picture of the role played by the Liberian Government in Cote d'Ivoire it is clear that it continues to ignore UN Security Council demands by sponsoring armed groups in the region. Our objective remains to contain these activities by maintaining effective UN sanctions against Liberia.

  Kosovo
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what figures his Department has on the volume of heroin trafficked through Kosovo which was received in the United Kingdom in(a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002; and how many arrests have been made in Kosovo in respect of such trafficking. [103460]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Analysis of drug movement in Europe suggests that about 80 per cent. of the heroin reaching the United Kingdom is trafficked through the Balkans from its source in Afghanistan. We do not have figures on the volume of heroin trafficked through Kosovo to the UK.

  United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Police set up its central Drugs Squad in 2002. Last year it made 434 arrests in Kosovo for possession and trafficking of drugs.

  Liberia
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of UN sanctions against Liberia in the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [102941]

  Mr. Rammell
  The UN imposed sanctions on Liberia as a result of the Liberian Government's complicity in fuelling the conflict in Sierra Leone. Liberia remains a serious threat to the stability of the sub-region. It has been involved in incursions into Guinea and is now
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  being used as a base by rebels in Cote d'Ivoire. The sanctions are focused specifically on President Taylor and his ministers. We believe that they should be maintained until Liberia ends its efforts to destabilise the region.

  Nuclear Disarmament
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps have been taken to implement the programme of action for nuclear disarmament that was signed up to in 2000; [103380]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to restate the Government's commitment to the programme of action for nuclear disarmament that was signed in 2000 at the Non-Proliferation Treaty PrepCom in April 2003. [103379]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The UK remains fully committed to the Final Document adopted at the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Review Conference in 2000.

  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence explained in answer to my hon. Friend's question of 5 March 2003, Official Report, column 1041W, the Government has taken substantial steps in fulfilment of its nuclear disarmament obligations under the NPT. Since 2000 we have continued to make significant progress, including dismantling the UK's last Chevaline warhead in April 2002. We have supported Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones in Central Asia, South East Asia, and the Middle East. We also continue to press for negotiations to begin on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty.

  The United Kingdom supports moves towards mutual, balanced and verifiable reductions in nuclear weapons. We have always made clear that when we were satisfied with verifiable progress towards the elimination of nuclear weapons, we would ensure that our nuclear weapons were included in any negotiations.

  Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government has taken to encourage(a) Israel, (b) India and (c) Pakistan to sign the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty; and if he will make a statement. [103381]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We have regular dialogue on non-proliferation issues with all three states. The issue of their non-signature of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) forms an integral part of that dialogue.

  The United Kingdom supports the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1172 which calls, among other things, for India and Pakistan to sign and ratify NPT.

  We also take all opportunities to urge Israel to resolve international concerns about its nuclear status by acceding to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapons state and have consistently supported resolutions in the United Nations calling for the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

  OPCW
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the US administration has paid its budgetary contributions to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on time. [103378]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The United States is the largest financial contributor to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). It usually pays its assessed contributions in two instalments, the first in April and the second in June. This amounts to a total of 14 million Euros, approximately 22 per cent. of the overall budget of the OPCW. Furthermore, towards the end of 2002 the US gave an additional voluntary contribution to the OPCW of US$2 million.

  Translation and Interpreting Services
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his Department's expenditure on(a) translation and (b) interpreting services was in 2002; and how many companies were asked to tender for such work. [103535]

  Mr. Rammell
  The FCO runs an in-house translation and interpreting service to meet the high level needs of the FCO, No. 10 and other Government Departments. It comprises a small number of in-house translators exercising quality control who supervise a large pool of experienced and trusted on-call translators and interpreters. For security reasons, this unit does not invite tenders for work in the open market. However, the pool translators and interpreters are self-employed, many operating as sole trader companies. Entry to the in-house team is via open competition, advertised periodically.

  The expenditure through the in-house service in 2002 was:

  translation—£497,311

  interpreting—£258,456

  Internal departments in the FCO and missions overseas are free to purchase all or any of their translation and interpreting requirements either from the in-house service or in the wider external market. No separate information is available regarding the expenditure on such services not purchased through the in-house service.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Accountancy Services
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the total cost to her Department was for accountancy services in 2002. [101856]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Department entered into a nine year PFI contract with Liberata UK Ltd. (formerly CSL Group Ltd.) in January 1998. This contract covers a wide range of services including providing accounting systems, making payments, receipting and accounts production. The cost of accountancy services provided to the Department by Liberata under the contract, and from other external firms of accountants or their
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  management consultancy arms where the assignment was connected with financial matters, in 2002–03 (to February 2003) was £5.7 million.

  Court Rooms (Chorley)
  Mr. Lindsay Hoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the wage rates were for court rooms in Chorley in each of the last three years. [100838]

  Yvette Cooper
  The costs of running Chorley Magistrates Courts are as follows:

  £

  Employee costs (Salaries)

  Other costs of running the court—eg accommodation, security, office equipment

  2000–01

  445,667

  159,588

  2001–02

  481,072

  176,180

  2002–031

  426,000

  177,155

  1 Projected

  Courts Administration Councils
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultation the Lord Chancellor's Department has conducted regarding the appointment of individuals to courts administration councils. [102654]

  Yvette Cooper
  The Government conducted a consultation exercise following publication of Sir Robin Auld's Review of the Criminal Courts. This informed the White Paper "Justice for All" published in July 2002 in which the Government said it wanted the unified courts administration to be developed by those closest to the business. As a result, the Central Council of Magistrates' Courts' Committees and the Association of Justices' Chief Executives both sit on the steering group overseeing the development of the new organisation.

  Local consultation is a key part of the overall consultation process. A series of one-day discussion groups across the country is being run by my Department. Court users, the local magistracy, the judiciary and court staff are represented on these groups. They are considering, amongst other things, include how the size and membership of court administration councils might vary across the country according to local circumstances, and how these members should be appointed. The results from these groups will be fed into the development of the court administration councils and will also be reported to Parliament during the parliamentary passage of the Courts Bill.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Advertising Expenditure (Scotland)
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much the Department 730W
  spent on advertising in Scotland in each year since 1999 on (a) television, (b) newspapers, (c) radio, (d) magazines, (e) billboards and (e) sporting events. [102391]

  Clare Short
  It is not possible for DFID to show the "Scottish" proportion of our advertising spend in UK national newspapers/magazines, to the level of detail requested, because these national newspapers/magazines do not publish separate editions for Scotland.

  However, details of available DFID expenditure for advertising in newspapers/magazines which are specifically Scottish, for the calendar years 2000 to 2002 inclusive, are as follows:

  Calendar year

  Advertising spend in Scottish Newspapers (£)

  2000

  16,816.95

  2001

  37,614.24

  2002

  18,430.02

  DFID has not incurred expenditure on television, radio, billboard or sporting event advertising.

  Antiretroviral Drugs
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of giving antiretroviral drugs to key workers in developing countries; and if she will make a statement. [103109]

  Clare Short
  The fight against the epidemic has to incorporate effective public health responses that engage in education, prevention, treatment, care, support, impact mitigation and related development concurrently. For any of these programmes to be successfully implemented, broad multi-sectoral approaches are crucial.

  We are supporting national governments, within the context of their national HIV/AIDS plans, to consider the priorities and practicalities of implementing and scaling-up treatment for HIV/AIDS. The choices facing poor countries, particularly around equity of access to treatment are difficult. In our view an open debate in countries, involving all sectors of society, will be critical in determining those priorities and responses. It is for each country to determine their own priorities within national HIV/AIDS plans.

  To assist countries in this process, we are funding research to support the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy in resource poor settings. This research will provide vital knowledge and evidence to better inform key policy decisions about access to treatment. We are carefully monitoring and sharing lessons on important issues including pro-poor impact, scaling-up, costs and systems to support HIV treatment.

  Democratic Republic of Congo
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the levels of food shortages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, broken down by
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  region; and what food aid her Department has provided to the Democratic Republic of Congo, broken down by region. [102745]

  Clare Short
  No specific assessment of the levels of food shortages broken down by region has been made. The economic devastation resulting from the conflict has led to high malnutrition rates among internally displaced persons, refugees, children and the elderly. It is estimated that some 1.4 million people require urgent food aid.

  My department is providing substantial help to efforts directed at reducing the suffering of civilians with urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC. This includes nutritional support to communities where high levels of malnutrition are being experienced. We have committed over £9 million in humanitarian support so far this financial year.

  DFID are also providing support to the World Food Programme through its core funding to an agreed work plan.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the number of internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, broken down by region; and what support she gives internally displaced people in the country, broken down by region. [102746]

  Clare Short
  According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), over 500,000 people have been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the beginning of 2002, due mainly to intensified violence in the north-eastern Ituri and eastern South Kivu regions Despite the ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops, over 2.5 million of about 50 million Congolese are now displaced. Main causes have been fighting between rebel groups, attacks on civilians and resource plundering. Current UN OCHA statistics as at August 2002 show the following breakdown of internally displaced people (IDPs): Equateur: 85,000 IDPs; Orientale: 250,000 IDPs; North Kivu: 760,000 IDPs; South Kivu: 435,000 IDPs; Katanga: 415,000 IDPs; Man iema: 160,000 IDPs; Eastern Kasai & Western Kasai: 130,000 IDPs; Kinshasa: 40,000 IDPs. This does not take into account the more recent displacements since then including those as a result of the recent fighting in Ituri and in Bunia.

  My department's humanitarian support is channelled through the UN agencies, Red Cross and international NGOs. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of assistance by region as we deliberately support agencies with national reach and perspective.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a result of the fighting. [102810]

  Clare Short
  UN and other relief agency reporting shows that there are very serious humanitarian consequences to the fighting in DRC. DFID is providing substantial help to efforts directed at reducing the suffering of civilians with urgent humanitarian needs 732W
  in the DRC. Assistance provided this financial year has been provided through the UN agencies and the ICRC in response to their emergency appeals and through international NGOs in the following areas: health, nutrition, refugees. We have committed over £9 million in humanitarian support so far this financial year.

  We stand ready to provide further humanitarian assistance to those in need.

  Great Lakes
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has for an integrated regional policy in the Great Lakes area; whether her Department will make a regional statement of intent to work on such a policy; and if she will make a statement. [103093]

  Clare Short
  My Department is actively engaged, in close collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in promoting an end to the conflict in the Great Lakes region and in preparing for regional post-conflict reconstruction and development. We are at present reviewing our strategies for post-conflict engagement in Rwanda, the DRC and Burundi in the light of recent regional developments. These documents will be made publicly available. Last week DFID hosted a roundtable discussion with a range of UK NGOs and academics to help define our approach to meeting development challenges in the DRC.

  Each of these country strategies aims to set out the regional perspective of our policies and demonstrate our objectives for the region as a whole: the ending of conflict and the laying of the foundations for sustained development across the whole Great Lakes region with a consequent significant reduction in poverty

  HIPC Initiative
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many countries have qualified for debt relief under the HIPC initiative; how much relief has been granted to those countries; and if she will make a statement on the prospects for qualification of other countries. [103022]

  Clare Short
  So far, 26 countries out of a total of 37 eligible countries have qualified for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, and will receive over US$62 billion in debt relief. Of these, seven countries (Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda) have reached Completion Point and have received irrevocable debt relief. The remaining 19 (Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Honduras, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Nicaragua, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Zambia) are receiving interim relief on their debt repayments. We expect the bulk of these countries to reach Completion Point within the next two years when they, too, will receive full debt relief. It is difficult to predict when the other 11 countries will qualify for HIPC relief, as many are still affected by conflict and governance problems. We expect the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reach its Decision Point in the coming months, and the Central African Republic, Comoros and Cote d'Ivoire
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  to do so later this year but, in some cases, this will depend on progress towards peace. The remaining countries (Burundi, Congo Republic, Liberia, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Togo) are a long way from qualifying, as they are affected by conflict or have serious governance concerns.

  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether social and environmental criteria are used in addition to economic data in determining whether countries qualify for debt relief under the HIPC initiative. [103024]

  Clare Short
  The enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative is based on a set of clear and transparent rules, which countries entering the Initiative must meet. The IMF and the World bank work jointly with the governments of eligible countries on a debt sustainability analysis to determine their levels of debt. To qualify for relief, a country must have a debt sustainability ratio above one or other of the following HIPC thresholds: a debt stock of more than 150 per cent. of exports or of more than 250 per cent. of government revenue. Relief is provided to bring debt ratios down to these levels. This analysis is based on actual data on average exports over the previous three years and on central government revenues over the most recent year. Debt ratios reflect the impact of HIV/AIDS, droughts, and external shocks, such as changes in commodity prices, on a country's economy. Under the HIPC Initiative, additional relief—so called 'topping up'—can, when appropriate, be provided at Completion Point to ensure that countries exit the HIPC process with sustainable levels of debt. The UK is pressing for greater flexibility to ensure that this is provided wherever it is needed.

  HIV/AIDS
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much her Department gave in 2002–03(a) to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and (b) to treat people with AIDS; and if she will make a statement. [103095]

  Clare Short
  My Department's HIV/AIDS effort is focused on several key areas. Bilaterally our funds are aimed primarily at supporting national policies and strategies through multisectoral HIV/AIDS plans. These strategies cover the continuum from prevention, treatment, care to impact mitigation. It is therefore not possible to aggregate the funding in the manner requested. The total of our spending on HIV/AIDS-related bilateral work for 2002–03 is not yet available. In 2001–02 our bilateral expenditure in this area was over £200 million.

  Since 1997, we have committed £1.5 billion to help developing countries put in place and strengthen effective health care systems which will enable the poor to benefit from lower priced and better drugs to treat HIV/AIDS.

  The Government's support for initiatives such as the Access to Medicines Working Group and Global Fund against AIDS, TB and Malaria is also facilitating increased access for poor people to HIV/AIDS treatment.
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  Mr. Robert Key
  : To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate her Department has made of the income support needed by HIV and AIDS households in(a) Zambia, (b) Lesotho, (c) Malawi, (d) Mozambique, (e) Swaziland and (f) Zimbabwe, and if she will make a statement. [103094]

  Clare Short
  Zambia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe have been deeply affected by a food security crisis brought about in part by an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region. This crisis has increased the number of people in poverty and deepened the poverty of those already poor. There are significant challenges in establishing and targeting households that are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, not least because of the stigma attached to the disease. There is also significant variation of need and general agreement that income support per se would therefore not be the most effective assistance.

  Vulnerability assessments for all six countries show that HIV/AIDS affected households suffer from depletion of assets, reduced income, and increased expenditure on health and funerals, and that the presence of orphans decreases food security and other resources in already stressed households. HIV/AIDS affected households need support to counteract these impacts. This could be provided through home-based care that included community support, basic health care, sufficient food, help with income generation and assistance with access to education. DFID is working with governments in the region to reduce the vulnerability of poor households by improving rural livelihoods, strengthening community safety nets and delivering more and better basic services, taking particular account of the needs of households affected by HIV/AIDS.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department is doing to meet the targets adopted in the Declaration of Commitment signed at the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV and AIDS in June 2001; what progress is being made in meeting the targets; and if she will make a statement. [103110]

  Clare Short
  My Department's entire HIV/AIDS programme is aimed at helping to achieve the targets agreed in the United Nations' Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS.

  UNAIDS is the agency tasked with measuring progress against the targets in the Declaration of Commitment. The United Nations Secretary-General will report annually based on national reports and other data collated by the United Nations. The Secretary-General's report for 2003 will be particularly important as many of the strategies for national action are due to be in place by the end of this year.

  In his report on progress towards implementation of the Declaration of Commitment presented to the 57th Session of the General Assembly in 2002, the Secretary-General noted that while political commitment had increased and additional resources were devoted to HIV/AIDS, the scale of country level activities did not yet match the epidemic. In addition, while most countries had developed national AIDS strategies,

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  implementation had been slow. Also, nearly one in two countries lacked a strategy for care and support of children orphaned or made vulnerable by the epidemic.

  Future reports are expected to highlight progress made, identify gaps in knowledge and action, and will emphasise strategies for tackling the epidemic in the future.

  Malnutrition (Eritrea and Malawi)
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on levels of malnutrition in(a) Eritrea and (b) Malawi. [102747]

  Clare Short
  The information is as follows:

  Eritrea

  In a joint UN/Eritrean Relief and Refugee Commission (ERREC) briefing on 20 February global acute malnutrition rates in children under five were quoted as between 15 and 28 per cent. in the later half of 2002. The prevalence rate of severe acute malnutrition among children in Northern and Southern Red Sea Zones was quoted as 4 per cent.

  Malawi

  The next round of nutritional surveys will be in April. Those conducted in November 2002 showed global acute malnutrition rates ranging from 1.5 per cent. to 4.8 per cent. These are relatively low and within the normal rates for developing countries. However, chronic malnutrition (a combination of the effect of food shortages, recurrent infections and poor care practices) remains serious. A comprehensive analysis of underlying causes is being conducted.

  New Partnership for Africa's Development
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the strength of the peer review mechanism of the New Partnership for Africa's Development. [102749]

  Clare Short
  At the Abuja meeting of the NEPAD implementation committee in November 2002, 13 countries signed up for peer review. There has been considerable debate since then clarifying the objectives of peer review; and on 9 March 2003 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed agreeing the mechanisms. The Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) will be launched in April 2003. A group of Eminent Persons will oversee reviews carried out by technical experts. The UNECA will be involved in the technical reviews of economic governance and has had a series of useful exchanges on the process of peer review with the OECD DAC. The APRM should develop into a good mechanism for long-term sharing of best practice; African ownership will be key to its success.

  Southern Africa
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of indigenous staple crops in Southern Africa; and what programmes there are for the re-introduction of such crops. [103082]
  736W
  Clare Short
  My Department has provided £12.5 million for research into indigenous staples (sorghum and millet) in Southern African countries over the last 10 years. We have supported the inclusion of sorghum and millet in seed packs distributed during the humanitarian crisis.

  While sorghum and millet are more drought resistant than maize there is a problem of sustainability due to a general preference for maize. This affects the marketability of sorghum and millet and the extent to which they can become a part of a country's longer-term food strategy. We are following closely a joint CARE/FAO study in Zambia, which is assessing future market opportunities for sorghum and millet.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the development of root and tuber assessments in Southern Africa on(a) a national scale and (b) a regional scale; and if she will make a statement. [103083]

  Clare Short
  My Department has provided £2.8 million for research into roots and tubers in Southern Africa countries in the last 10 years. We have not supported an assessment at the regional scale.

  The potential of roots and tubers to produce in poor soils is well recognised. As part of our response to the humanitarian situation in Southern Africa, my Department is supporting a number of food recovery programmes, some of which include cassava and sweet potato multiplication components that are aimed at increasing their availability in drought prone areas.

  Sudan
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what reports she has received from(a) the World bank and (b) the IMF with regard to their assessment of the impact on development of Sudan of the purchase of an air traffic control system; and if she will place copies in the Library. [102885]

  Clare Short
  We have received no reports from the World bank or the IMF about the purchase of an air traffic control system by Sudan.

  Ugandan Presidential Peace Team
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Ugandan Presidential Peace Team. [102983]

  Clare Short
  Although the Peace Commission was established late last year, it is only recently that it has become engaged in attempting to negotiate with the LRA. It is too early in that process to judge the effectiveness of their activities but my officials in Kampala continue to carefully monitor events.

  United Nations (Humanitarian Activities)
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what additional donations have been made by the United Kingdom to the
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  United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Activities Hypothecated in Support of' Iraqi Citizens. [103132]

  Clare Short
  We are providing OCHA with £150,000 to support their contingency planning for Iraq. We are also providing an information management specialist to OCHA's Humanitarian Information Centre, which is being established in Larnaca, Cprus.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Architects Registration Board
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how man architects have been referred to the disciplinary committee of the Architects Registration Board(a) before being taken to court and (b) after court proceedings in each of the last five ears. [103313]

  Mr. Leslie
  The number of architects referred to the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) of the Architects Registration Board (ARB) in each of the last five ears is as follows:

  Number of cases

  Remarks

  1999

  4

  —

  2000

  6

  —

  2001

  9

  —

  2002

  5

  —

  2003

  6

  To date

  Data are not held centrally, and may not have been disclosed to ARB, on whether legal proceedings have been taken after a finding of fault b the PCC. Data on whether legal proceedings material to the case have preceded a hearing b the PCC would be available only at disproportionate cost.

  Council Tax (Armed Forces)
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will instruct local authorities to exempt members of the armed forces from paying council tax while serving in the Gulf. [103126]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to change the primary or secondary legislation concerning council tax exemptions, discounts and disregards other than those set out in the Local Government Bill currently before Parliament.

  Departmental Energy Policy
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what capacity of electricity used in his Department's buildings is generated in a combined heat and power plant; and what plans he has to increase that capacity. [103228]

  Mr. Leslie
  Two of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 's HQ buildings have combined heat and power plant, the total capacity of this equipment is 960kWhe.

  The Office presently has no plans to install equipment to further extend this capacity, but reviews the situation on an annual basis.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on support for victims of domestic violence. [102541]

  Mrs. Roche
  Tackling domestic violence, and supporting those who are victims of domestic violence, is a priority for the Government.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, in partnership with Comic Relief, have each allocated £1 million funding to set up a national freephone helpline for victims of domestic violence, underpinned b a 'refuges on line' database. This will bring together the advice services currently provided b Refuge and the Women's Aid Federation of England and will offer instant access to information on refuge accommodation and specialist services. It is anticipated that the full system will be full operational towards the end of 2003.

  In Jul 2002, the main homelessness provisions of the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness (Priority Need for Accommodation) (England) Order 2002 were brought into force. These required local housing authorities to take a more strategic approach to preventing and tackling homelessness, placed stronger duties on authorities to help homeless people, and extended the groups of homeless applicants who have a priority need for accommodation, including, among others, people vulnerable as a result of fleeing their home because of violence. The Homelessness Directorate will be allocating £70 million in 2003–04 to local authorities to help them address homelessness. This will include some support for domestic violence schemes where local authorities have identified this as a priority.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also announced at the end of last ear a £7 million capital investment programme through the Housing Corporation to extend and renovate the national network of women's refuges in England. Initial allocations are being agreed with the Housing Corporation for 2003-04 and it is hoped that further schemes will be supported in the following two years.

  The Supporting People programme, which begins on 1 April, will put in place a new integrated policy and funding framework for housing-related support services, including those for people experiencing domestic violence. Current annual expenditure is £34 million for a total of 5,000 places. Local authorities have now submitted their shadow Supporting People strategies. These are currently being analysed and will provide valuable data on the supply of refuge and support services for people experiencing domestic violence, so helping to inform and direct future action.

  Supporting People guides have also been issued on addressing the accommodation and support needs of households experiencing domestic violence; and two dedicated co-ordinators are working with providers and local authorities to ensure that the sector is prepared for the new programme.

  E-Mail Addresses
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister b what e-mail address members of the public ma contact
  739W
  (a) him and (b) each of the Ministers in his Department; and for each e-mail address if he will state (i) the date it became active and (ii) the number of e-mails received in each month since activation. [97470]

  Contact

  Published e-mail address

  Activation date

  Deputy Prime Minister

  john.prescott@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  10 June 2002

  Departmental Minister

  nick.ransford@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  10 June 2002

  Departmental Minister

  jeff.rooker@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  10 June 2002

  Departmental Minister

  ton.mcnult@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  10 June 2002

  Departmental Minister

  chris.leslie@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  10 June 2002

  Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

  odpm.ministers@odpm.gsi.gov.uk

  11 September 2002

  EU Regional Policy
  Jane Griffiths
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to support the Declaration b Mayors and Leaders of Urban Areas for an ambitious European Union Regional Policy; and if he will make a statement. [103406]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Government's preferred approach to EU regional policy is set out in the consultation paper "A modern regional policy for the United Kingdom", which was published on 6 March.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister welcomes the recognition given b the mayors and leaders of urban areas, in their declaration, of the importance of urban areas, not least to the deliver of the Lisbon objectives.

  The launch of the Government's paper on 6 March marked the beginning of a period of consultation in the UK on the future of the European Structural Funds, which will conclude on 4 Jul. We are actively seeking the views of all stakeholders, including the mayors and leaders of urban areas, during this process.

  The Government is committed to an active regional policy that reduces regional disparities and helps all nations and regions.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress he has made in developing the role of the fire and rescue service in respect of(a) mass decontamination and (b) national search and rescue under the fire new dimension project. [103295]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The procurement of mass decontamination equipment (in England and Wales) under the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's £56 million New Dimension programme is nearing completion. It will deliver 80 new vehicles and 190 purpose built decontamination units each capable of decontaminating some 200 people an hour; a range of new fire service equipment for detection and monitoring of radiation and hazardous substances at incidents; and 4,000 new gas tight suits-a doubling of present capacity-to enable fire-fighters to operate safely.
  740W
  Mr. Leslie
  The information requested on e-mail addresses and they dates the became active are in the following table. The information on the number of e-mails received in each month since activation is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Training for this enhanced role is planned to start in April, with deployment of the equipment to follow soon thereafter.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also taking urgent steps to enhance the fire service's capability in urban search and rescue. We have made available £3 million for the training of trainers and responders in structural collapse techniques, the purchase of technical search and rescue and heavy rescue equipment, and the provision of training rigs at the Fire Service College. We have also made available some £2 million for the need of the capital. We are seeking to secure the funding for a major national investment next financial year to complete deliver of the investment.

  Local Authority Employees
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what statutory remedies are available to local authority staff who are victims of workplace bullying; [103536]

  (2) what statutory remedies there are to deal with unreasonable behaviour by local authority senior management against council employees. [103537]

  Mr. Leslie
  The main acts of parliament that are in place to deal with unreasonable behaviour or workplace bulling are as follows:

  Protection from Harassment Act 1997

  Disability Discrimination Act 1995

  Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994

  Race Relations Act 1976

  Sex Discrimination Act 1975

  Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what advice the Government have received from the Health and Safety Commission on options for action to make a significant impact on preventing assaults, verbal threats and abuse in the workplace for employees of local authorities. [103538]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) is committed to tackling the problem of work-related violence. In March 2000 the HSC agreed a three-ear programme to help employers tackle the problem of work-related violence. The programme builds on current and past initiatives and includes proposals for

  741W
  awareness raising, guidance and new research. It is particularly targeted at sectors that are most at risk of violence.

  HSE has published general guidance for employers to help them tackle work-related violence, and sector-specific guidance covering health services and education.

  Mr. Key
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish proposals under Section 3 of the Local Government Act 2000 for a code of conduct to protect employees of local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [103539]

  Mr. Leslie
  Part III of the Local Government Act 2000 provides for the Secretary of State to issue model codes of conduct as regards the members (section 50) and employees (section 82) of local authorities. Codes of conduct under section 50 were laid before Parliament in November 2002. These codes place obligations on members to treat others with respect and not to do anything which compromises the impartiality of those who work for the local authority.

  Local Authority Spending (Torbay)
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the standard spending assessments and formula spending share was for each year for Torbay Unitary Authority; what the percentage change in each ear from the previous ear has been; and what the aggregate external finance was for each year. [103284]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Since 1 April 1998, when Torbay Unitary Authority was first created, there have been man changes in the functions and funding of services to Local Government. To enable a like-for-like comparison between ears, we calculate adjusted Standard Spending Assessment's and grants. The percentage change figures have been calculated on the basis of these like-for-like comparisons.

  Until the introduction of Central Support Protection Grant in 1999–2000, there was no need to calculate grant on a like-for-like basis, and for this reason grant comparisons in the ears 1997–98 and 1998–99 are not available. There were no changes in funding and function between 1998–99 and 1999-2000 that needed reflecting in adjusted grants for 1998–99 to allow a like-for-like comparison; the actual 1998–99 values have therefore been used in this case.

  In 2003–04, SSAs were replaced with Formula Spending Shares (FSSs). The 2003–04 total FSS figure has been compared to the FSS comparitor for 2002–03 in order to give a like-for-like comparison. The FSS comparitor for 2002–03 is similar to the adjusted 2002–03 SSA but with the increased resource equalisation also applied.

  The adjusted 1997–98 total SSA figure for Torbay was calculated using the same formulae as for other education authorities, but assuming that the 1 April 1998 Local government reorganisations occurred a year earlier.
  742W

  Year

  Total SSA/FSS (£ million)

  Percentage increase in SSA/FSS ear-on-ear

  Formula Grant (ie RSG + NNDR)(£ million)

  Percentage increase in Formula Grant

  Adjusted

  1997–98

  96.653

  —

  —

  —

  1998–99

  100.804

  4.3

  74.576

  —

  1999–2000

  105.691

  4.8

  78.066

  4.7

  Adjusted

  1999–2000

  105.691

  —

  78.066

  —

  2000–01

  110.821

  4.9

  81.625

  4.6

  Adjusted

  2000–01

  110.385

  —

  81.198

  —

  2001–02

  114.470

  3.7

  83.796

  3.2

  Adjusted

  2001–02

  108.859

  —

  78.192

  —

  2002–03

  115.509

  6.1

  82.418

  5.4

  Adjusted

  2002–03

  125.005

  —

  85.210

  —

  2003–04

  134.760

  7.8

  90.139

  5.8

  Planning
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister under what conditions planning applications for housing development will be exempted from his policy that all new developments should have densities of 30 dwellings per hectare or above. [82458]

  Mr. McNulty
  Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 Housing (PPG3) sets out national policy for making the best use of land in housing developments. Local authorities are expected to avoid developments which make inefficient use of land (those of less than 30 dwellings per hectare net). Housing proposals will be considered within the framework provided b the development plan as well as tested against the policies in PPG3. If there were local circumstances which justified a departure from national policy these should be set out in the plan.

  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to allow councillors on planning committees to make public statements on planning applications. [82714]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Local Government Act 2000 introduced a comprehensive ethical framework to local government. The framework required all authorities to adopt a local code of conduct, based on a national Model Code of Conduct, which members must give a written undertaking to observe. Ultimately it is for individual members to decide how the conduct themselves in carrying out official duties, including whether to make public statements, but if it is alleged that their conduct breaches the local code then they will be open to investigation by the Standards Board of England.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Edward Dave
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how man properties were compulsorily purchased by regional development agencies in each year since 1999. [102684]

  Alan Johnson
  I have been asked to reply.

  The following table shows which Regional Development Agencies have purchased properties b compulsory purchase order, and how many in each of the relevant financial years.
  743W

  Regional development agencies

  1999–2001

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Advantage West Midlands

  0

  0

  16

  North West Development Agency

  0

  0

  24

  South East of England Development Agency

  0

  9

  0

  Regional Governance
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the reasons were for his Department's decision to publish the summary of the comments and enquiries received following the publication of the White Paper on Regional Governance. [103261]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government's White Paper `our Region, our Choice' included a formal consultation on the involvement of stakeholders in the work of elected regional assemblies. It also invited views on the proposals set out in the White Paper generally.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published on 24 February an analysis of the views received in response to the consultation on stakeholder involvement, as is our usual practice.

  Given the interest in our regional policy proposals both within and outside Parliament we concluded that it would be helpful and informative to publish a summary of the more general responses as well.

  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to propose legislation setting out the powers of the proposed elected regional assemblies. [103267]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill now before Parliament makes provision for referendums on elected regional assemblies and for the associated local government reviews. Once at least one region has voted for an elected assembly, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intend, when parliamentary time allows, to introduce a further Bill providing for the establishment of elected regional assemblies. This would make the necessary legislative provision for their constitutions, elections, powers and responsibilities. The Government's proposals on these matters are set out in the White Paper `our Region, our Choice' (Cm 5511). The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will also consider whether a Bill might be published in draft before the first referendum.

  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many responses were received by his Department to the consultation on the interest in holding a referendum on regional government in the north-east. [103142]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister asked for responses by 3 March on the level of regional interest in each English region in holding a referendum for an elected regional assembly. We have received over 4,500 responses to date, of which just over 3,000 have been logged. Of those logged so far, approximately 300 are from the north-east.
  744W
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is continuing to log responses and are beginning to evaluate them. We will announce our decisions after the Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill has received Royal Assent.

  Ring-fenced Grants
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list the Ring-Fenced grants available to local authorities in each year since 1997. [96909]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The information is as follows:

  List of Ring-Fenced and Special Grants available in each Financial year

  The definition of ring-fencing used was updated last year to reflect the types of grant we now have. Some grants previously classified as ring-fenced are no longer classified in this way. The key distinction we make is that ring-fenced grants restrict local authority spending. For completeness the following list includes all special grants inside Aggregate External Finance. Those marked with an asterisk are not ring-fenced. Further details of classifications are in an annex to the freedoms and flexibilities announcement of 26 November.

  1997–98

  Education

  Education Support and Training

  Travellers' Children

  Ethnic Minorities

  Specialist Schools

  PSS1

  Community Care special grants

  AIDS/HIV

  Social Services Training

  Mental Illness

  Drug and Alcohol Abuse

  Guardians ad Litem

  Ethnic Minorities

  Secure Accommodation

  Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

  EPCS2

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  Ethnic Minorities

  Civil Defence

  Sheltered Employment

  Magistrates Courts

  Probation

  Metropolitan Railways Passenger Services

  National Parks*

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  1 Personal and Social Services

  2 Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services

  1998–99

  Education

  Standards Fund

  Education of Travellers and Displaced Persons

  Ethnic Minorities

  Specialist Schools

  Under 5 Education

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  PSS

  Community Care special grants

  AIDS/HIV

  Social Services Training

  Mental Illness

  Drug and Alcohol Abuse

  Ethnic Minorities

  Secure Accommodation

  Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

  EPCS

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  London Organised Fraud Investigation Team

  Civil Defence

  Supported Employment

  Magistrates Courts

  Probation

  National Parks and Broads*

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  Metropolitan Railways Passenger Services

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative

  1999–2000

  Education

  Class Size Reductions

  Provision for under 5's

  3-year-olds

  Ethnic Minorities

  Standards Fund and Other

  PSS

  Promoting Independence

  Mental Health

  Children's Services

  Training Support Programme AIDS Support

  Drugs and Alcohol Misusers

  EPCS

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  Offender Programmes

  Magistrates Courts

  Rural Bus Services

  Employment Service Programmes

  Civil Defence

  National Parks and Broads*

  Housing Benefit Admin*

  Metropolitan Railways Passenger Services

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative*

  2000–01 Education

  Standards Fund

  Class Size Reductions

  Provision for under 5's

  3-year-olds

  Teachers' Green Paper Special Grant

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  PSS

  Partnership Grant

  Mental Health

  Children's Services

  Carers' Grant

  Social Services Training

  Prevention Grant

  HIV/AIDS

  Alcohol and Drugs Misuse

  Secure Accommodation

  EPCS

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  Offender Programmes

  Magistrates Courts

  Rural Bus Services

  Employment Service Programme

  Civil Defence

  National Parks and Broads*

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  Metropolitan Passenger Services

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative*

  2001–02 Education

  Class Size Reductions

  3-year-olds

  Standards Fund and Other

  Teacher's Green Paper

  Post Consultation Special

  PSS

  Training

  AIDS/HIV

  Drug and Alcohol Abuse

  Mental Health

  Secure Accommodation

  Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

  Children's Services Grant

  Carers Grant

  Police

  Rural Policing

  Airwaves Communication Project

  Crime Fighting Fund

  EPCS

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  Community Charge Benefit Administration*

  Rural Bus Services

  National Parks Grant*

  Civil Defence

  Magistrates Courts

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative*

  747W
  2002–03 Education

  Standards Fund

  School Standards Grant*

  Teachers' Pay Reform Grant

  Education Maintenance Allowance

  Childcare Grant

  Nursery Education Grant

  Post-16 Budget Support Grant

  PSS

  Carers Grant

  Training Support Programme

  Promoting Independence Grant

  Residential Allowance Grant

  Building Care Capacity Grant

  Performance Fund

  Children's Services Grant

  Care Direct

  Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services

  young People's Substance Misuse Planning Grant

  Teenage Pregnancy Local Implementation Grant

  Secure Accommodation

  Deferred Payment Grant

  Mental Health Grant

  AIDS Support Grant

  Police

  Rural Policing

  Airwaves Communication Project

  Crime Fighting Fund

  Metropolitan Police Special Payment

  Transitional Grant

  EPCS

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  Magistrates Courts

  Rural Bus Subsidy

  Rural Bus Challenge

  Urban Bus Challenge

  National Parks and Broads*

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative*

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund*

  2003–04 Education

  Standards Fund

  Excellence in Cities*

  School Standards Grant

  Teachers' Pay Reform

  Childcare

  Leadership Incentive

  Intervention in Failing LEAs

  748W
  PSS

  Carers

  Training Support

  National Training Strategy

  Preserved Rights*

  Performance

  Children's Services

  Human Resources Development Strategy

  Access and Systems Capacity

  Care Direct

  Children and Adolescent Mental Health

  young People's Substance Misuse Planning

  Teenage Pregnancy Local Implementation

  Deferred Payment

  Mental Health

  AIDS Support

  Police

  Crime Fighting Fund

  Outer London Pay Read

  Rural Policing Fund

  Police Negotiating Board

  DNA

  Basic Command Units

  London and South East Allowance

  London Travel

  Community Support Officers

  Officer Retention Over 30 ears

  Special Constables

  Occupational Health

  Street Crime Initiative

  Reform Deal

  Non Emergency Number

  National Intelligence Model

  Counter Terrorism

  Airwaves Communication Project

  EPS

  Council Tax Benefit Administration*

  Housing Benefit Administration*

  Civil Defence

  Fridges*

  Waste Re-Cycling Challenge

  Personalised Travel Pilot

  Travel Plan Bursaries

  Probation Loan Charges

  Neighbourhood Wardens

  Planning Development*

  Magistrates Courts

  Rural Bus Subsidy

  Rural Bus Challenge

  Urban Bus Challenge

  National Parks and Broads*

  Supporting People

  Other

  Private Finance Initiative*

  Neighbourhood Renewal Fund*

  GLA General Grant*

  LPSA Reward Grant*

  Shared Home Ownership Schemes
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what evaluation has taken place of the effectiveness of shared home ownership schemes. [102653]

  Mr. McNulty
  Independent research "The Evaluation of the Low Cost Home Ownership Programme" commissioned by the former Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (now the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister) and the Welsh Assembly Government was published in September 2002. Shared ownership was one of the components of the stud, and the main messages from the research were that consumer satisfaction with low cost home ownership schemes was high and that schemes represented good value for money.

  The issues will now be taken forward by the Home Ownership Task Force announced in "Sustainable communities: building for the future" on 5 February. The terms of reference for the task force will be announced shortly.

  Shire Counties (Government Grants)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much money per head of population has been given in

  Grant per head (£)

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Avon

  424

  427

  398

  —

  —

  Bedfordshire1

  513

  520

  479

  494

  461

  485

  Berkshire

  450

  454

  430

  439

  431

  —

  Buckinghamshire1

  477

  486

  436

  445

  410

  419

  Cambridgeshire3

  430

  440

  417

  438

  432

  401

  Cheshire3

  436

  448

  423

  443

  446

  438

  Cleveland

  585

  590

  549

  —

  —

  —

  Cornwall

  440

  455

  439

  461

  464

  481

  Cumbria

  466

  475

  441

  467

  465

  490

  Derbyshire1

  431

  444

  416

  443

  424

  441

  Devon3

  420

  430

  415

  440

  446

  432

  Dorset2

  378

  384

  370

  388

  372

  381

  Durham2

  477

  503

  469

  494

  494

  514

  East Sussex2

  419

  427

  410

  429

  427

  445

  Essex3

  454

  472

  435

  453

  452

  462

  Gloucestershire

  413

  414

  397

  414

  415

  430

  Hampshire2

  418

  428

  397

  413

  381

  392

  Hereford and Worcester

  395

  403

  375

  392

  401

  —

  Hertfordshire

  435

  453

  439

  456

  452

  476

  Humberside

  510

  512

  478

  —

  —

  —

  Isle of Wight

  454

  477

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent3

  474

  490

  464

  482

  486

  497

  Lancashire3

  486

  496

  464

  488

  489

  510

  Leicestershire2

  485

  481

  452

  473

  409

  421

  Lincolnshire

  460

  468

  437

  465

  467

  482

  Norfolk

  418

  430

  403

  421

  433

  440

  North yorkshire1

  393

  402

  391

  429

  429

  443

  Northamptonshire

  479

  474

  447

  470

  470

  493

  Northumberland

  447

  473

  482

  509

  513

  521

  Nottinghamshire3

  476

  477

  446

  472

  474

  459

  Oxfordshire

  389

  400

  378

  389

  389

  397

  Shropshire3

  441

  450

  430

  453

  453

  436

  Somerset

  414

  422

  392

  413

  411

  427

  Staffordshire2

  439

  448

  421

  442

  429

  454

  Suffolk

  417

  427

  409

  432

  434

  445

  Surrey

  342

  356

  334

  346

  347

  355

  Warwickshire

  398

  404

  377

  397

  394

  416

  West Sussex

  383

  404

  381

  394

  394

  402

  Wiltshire2

  410

  412

  382

  398

  394

  399

  750W
  government grant to each of the shire counties in each of the last 10 ears; and what the real terms changes were in each of those years. [103116]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The available information is in the following tables. The figures given are for formula grant, which comprises revenue support grant, redistributed business rates and Standard Service Assessment reduction grants (where appropriate).

  There have been many changes to the functions and funding of local government services over the last ten years, and like-for-like comparisons of grants between ears cannot be made for years when changes have taken place unless figures are adjusted to take account of the changes.

  For years from 1999–2000, adjusted figures for individual shire county councils exist because the were needed to allow like-for-like comparisons as part of the floors and ceilings calculations.

  For years before 1999–2000, adjusted grant figures for individual shire count councils do not exist. A like-for-like comparison between 1998–99 and 1999–2000 can, however, be made using unadjusted figures. This is because there were no changes in function or funding between 1998–99 and 1999–2000 that needed reflecting by adjusting the grant figures for 1998–99.
  751W

  Grant per head (£)

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  Worcestershire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  409

  Grant per head figures have been calculated by dividing the total grant by the resident

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Grant per head (£)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Avon

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bedfordshire1

  496

  545

  537

  522

  588

  Berkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Buckinghamshire1

  433

  478

  475

  456

  520

  Cambridgeshire3

  414

  440

  436

  438

  521

  Cheshire3

  460

  491

  492

  480

  542

  Cleveland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cornwall

  508

  546

  542

  542

  596

  Cumbria

  515

  554

  555

  549

  602

  Derbyshire1

  468

  511

  509

  510

  582

  Devon3

  453

  487

  483

  482

  529

  Dorset2

  399

  433

  431

  417

  463

  Durham2

  549

  587

  587

  593

  675

  East Sussex2

  458

  506

  501

  507

  560

  Essex3

  485

  536

  531

  530

  580

  Gloucestershire

  451

  492

  487

  482

  547

  Hampshire2

  405

  445

  441

  455

  506

  Hereford and Worcester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Hertfordshire

  490

  541

  536

  524

  577

  Humberside

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Isle of Wight

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kent3

  515

  567

  562

  551

  610

  Lancashire3

  530

  567

  567

  570

  627

  Leicestershire3

  441

  483

  477

  462

  521

  Lincolnshire

  506

  552

  548

  544

  595

  Norfolk

  463

  500

  496

  498

  559

  North Yorkshire1

  460

  500

  496

  486

  543

  Northamptonshire

  517

  550

  545

  535

  603

  Northumberland

  546

  586

  585

  567

  624

  Nottinghamshire3

  486

  529

  526

  524

  587

  Oxfordshire

  403

  447

  440

  439

  512

  Shropshire3

  461

  499

  495

  505

  560

  Somerset

  444

  485

  481

  492

  550

  Staffordshire2

  476

  504

  504

  496

  561

  Suffolk

  465

  502

  499

  488

  554

  Surrey

  366

  406

  400

  399

  454

  Warwickshire

  436

  465

  464

  459

  528

  West Sussex

  410

  451

  446

  450

  503

  Wiltshire2

  419

  456

  452

  445

  514

  Worcestershire

  427

  458

  457

  452

  503

  Grant per head figures have been calculated by dividing the total grant by the resident

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 The area covered by the county changed on 1 April 1996 due to local government re-organisation.

  2 The area covered by the county changed on 1 April 1997 due to local government re-organisation.

  3 The area covered by the county changed on 1 April 1998 due to local government re-organisation.

  The area covered by the county changed on 1 April 1996 due to local government re-organisation.

  Note:

  Grant per head figures have been calculated by dividing the total grant by the resident population in the ear for which figures were used in the local government finance settlement (e.g. mid-2001 populations were used when calculating figures for 2003–04).

  Real terms change in grant per head

  Percentage

  1998–99 to 1999–2000

  1999–2000 to 2000–01

  2000–01 to 2001–02

  2001–02 to 2002–03

  2002–03 to 2003–04

  Avon

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bedfordshire

  0

  7

  2

  4

  5

  Berkshire

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Buckinghamshire

  1

  8

  3

  4

  5

  Cambridgeshire

  1

  4

  1

  2

  10

  Cheshire

  3

  4

  1

  2

  5

  Cleveland

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Cornwall

  3

  5

  1

  2

  3

  752W 753W

  Real terms change in grant per head

  Percentage

  1998–99 to 1999–2000

  1999–2000 to 2000–01

  2000–01 to 2001–02

  2001–02 to 2002–03

  2002–03 to 2003–04

  Cumbria

  3

  5

  2

  3

  3

  Derbyshire

  3

  7

  2

  3

  6

  Devon

  2

  5

  1

  3

  2

  Dorset

  2

  6

  1

  3

  2

  Durham

  4

  5

  1

  3

  7

  East Sussex

  1

  8

  3

  3

  3

  Essex

  2

  8

  3

  3

  2

  Gloucestershire

  2

  7

  1

  4

  5

  Hampshire

  1

  7

  2

  2

  2

  Hereford and Worcester

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Hertfordshire

  1

  8

  3

  4

  3

  Humberside

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Isle of Wight

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Kent

  1

  8

  2

  3

  3

  Lancashire

  1

  5

  1

  1

  3

  Leicestershire

  2

  7

  1

  4

  4

  Lincolnshire

  3

  7

  2

  4

  2

  Norfolk

  3

  6

  1

  3

  5

  North Yorkshire

  1

  6

  2

  3

  4

  Northamptonshire

  2

  4

  0

  2

  5

  Northumberland

  2

  5

  2

  3

  4

  Nottinghamshire

  3

  6

  1

  3

  5

  Oxfordshire

  -1

  8

  2

  4

  8

  Shropshire

  3

  6

  2

  3

  4

  Somerset

  2

  7

  1

  3

  4

  Staffordshire

  2

  4

  1

  3

  5

  Suffolk

  2

  5

  1

  3

  5

  Surrey

  1

  9

  2

  3

  5

  Warwickshire

  2

  4

  1

  3

  7

  West Sussex

  0

  8

  3

  4

  3

  Wiltshire

  2

  6

  1

  3

  6

  Worcestershire

  2

  5

  1

  3

  4

  Note:

  Real terms figures have been calculated using the GDP deflator
  754W

  Convictions Subsequently Quashed
  Convictions Subsequently Quashed
  Child Protection on the Internet
  Child Protection on the Internet
  Internet Watch Foundation
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  Communications Data Retention
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  Forensic Pathology Services
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  Museum Funding
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  Northern Ireland: Burglary
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  Northern Ireland Railways: Freight
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  Northern Ireland Ambulance Service
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  Northern Ireland: Protestant and Roman Catholic Employment Data
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