Written Answers of 27 March 2003

DEFENCE

  Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
  Bob Russell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received within the last 12 months about changes to the criteria in the armed forces compensation scheme for service personnel claiming disability compensation; and if he will make a statement; [105299]

  (2) whether it is his intention to change the criteria of the armed forces compensation scheme for service personnel claiming disability compensation from the basis of reasonable doubt to the balance of probability; and if he will make a statement. [105300]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence currently provides compensation for death and disablement caused or aggravated by service under two schemes, the War Pension Scheme (WPS) and the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS). Each scheme operates under separate legislation and the standard of proof applied to claims under the two schemes is different.

  The War Pension Scheme was introduced in 1917 and its generous standard of proof reflects in particular the limits of medical understanding of the time. Claims may be made at any time after service release. Specifically, where a claim is made to a War Pension within seven years of termination of service, the onus is wholly on the Secretary of State to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the disablement was not due to service. Where a claim is made more than seven years after termination, the onus rests on the claimant to raise reasonable doubt by reliable evidence that the disablement is due to service, the claimant receiving the benefit of any reasonable doubt. The attributable benefits elements of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme introduced attributable pensions in 1973. This applies to disablements leading to medical discharge; it considers claims against the balance of probabilities standard of proof, in line with most other such schemes and the practice of civil courts. It places the onus of proof on the individual.

  It has not been considered appropriate so far to change these arrangements but the issue has been considered within the current review of armed forces compensation arrangements. In March 2001, we published proposals for a new armed forces compensation scheme based entirely on the balance of probabilities standard of proof A number of respondents have expressed their concern that this would not be appropriate to the special status of the armed forces and the demands placed on them. This view has been particularly strongly represented by ex-service organisations. We have been in close consultation with these and other interested groups and will continue
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  to work with the ex-service community in finalising the details of the new scheme. We expect to make a final decision on the broad design of a new scheme shortly.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to reply to the letter dated 28 January from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding his constituent Ms H. Forsyth of Banff. [105140]

  Dr. Moonie
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 13 February 2003, within our 15 working day target for answering ministerial correspondence.

  Gulf (US Contracts)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value is of contracts with the United States for(a) rations, (b) clothing, (c) footwear and (d) logistical services for UK forces in the Gulf. [103733]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 18 March 2003]The United Kingdom has a long-standing bilateral arrangement with the United States that enables our personnel to receive logistical services and food from US and local sources. This arrangement provides a framework of enabling contracts, some elements of which are calculated on anticipated daily consumption rates and others on term hire rates. These arrangements apply mainly to base camps and are likely to remain in place for the duration of operations in Iraq. We also contract for support services independently where this is more appropriate. In addition, a number of items of clothing and footwear have been acquired from the US at a cost of around £250,000.

  Iraq
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the funding allocated to his Ministry for humanitarian relief in Iraq. [105007]

  Mr. Ingram
  The ambit of Defence Votes does not ordinarily include funding for humanitarian aid, which is a Department for International Development responsibility. However, £30 million has been made available, so far, for the conflict in Iraq, to cover the United Kingdom's legal requirements under the 1949 Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians in Time of War.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the protocol for media access to(a) information and (b) field operations during the conflict in Iraq. [105373]

  Dr. Moonie
  Arrangements between the media and the Ministry of Defence during the conflict in Iraq are conducted in accordance with the details laid out in the Green Book—"Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". This covers the practical arrangements for enabling media representatives to report events both at home and abroad and includes our plans for representative numbers of correspondents to accompany British Forces in the frontline. It also outlines the policy that would facilitate or restrict the activities of journalists
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  during operations. A copy of the Green Book is available on the MOD website, at: www.mod.uk/news/green book/index, htm

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on arrangements he has made with the media to ensure that there is no release of information on casualties prior to the next of kin being informed. [105374]

  Dr. Moonie
  Arrangements between the media and the Ministry of Defence during the conflict in Iraq are conducted in accordance with the details laid out in the Green Book—"Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". The document has been made available to the media and has been placed on the MOD website at:

  www.mod.uk/news/green book/index.htm

  The MOD recognises that casualty information is of legitimate interest to the media and the general public. However, the Green Book explains that our casualty notification process has been developed to minimise the distress of the families concerned, and states that the names of casualties will not be released or confirmed until the next of kin have been told officially. We recognise that on occasions the media may become aware of the names of individual casualties before official announcements are made. Editors are urged not to publish such information, gained from whatever source—even if it comes directly from a next of kin—until it is released or confirmed by the MOD. Editors are also urged to exercise extreme discretion in approaching next of kin.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the advice he has given to the(a) print and (b) broadcast media to permit them to have access to the conflict in Iraq whilst maintaining personal safety. [105375]

  Dr. Moonie
  In relation to war correspondents embedded with United Kingdom forces in the Gulf, the arrangements for the print and broadcast media are conducted in accordance with the guidance set out in the Green Book, which is entitled "Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". A copy of this is available on the Ministry of Defence web-site (www.MOD.UK).

  The Green Book sets out the arrangements for the selection of, and regulations for, accredited war correspondents. In return for protection and support, and access to other facilities, correspondents agree to undergo the necessary training and to abide by the operational security and safety measures required by the unit to which they are attached.

  The Ministry of Defence has no responsibility for the activities of independent media personnel. The current FCO travel advice is not to travel to Iraq. This advice has been strongly emphasised to the media by the Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) print and (b) broadcast journalists are accredited to coalition forces in Iraq; and how many are accredited to British forces. [105376]
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  Dr. Moonie
  There are 128 print and broadcast journalists accredited to British forces in the Gulf. The Ministry of Defence does not hold the number of journalists that are currently in Iraq or the number of journalists accredited to coalition forces.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring his Department undertakes of reports from(a) print and (b) broadcast journalists operating in Iraq. [105377]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence does not exclusively monitor reports from print and broadcast journalists operating in Iraq. However, we do receive a daily press cutting service highlighting stories in the printed media with a defence interest and, during the present crisis, we have appointed a watchkeeper in our Press Office to monitor the broadcast output from the main channels. The Media Monitoring Unit of the Cabinet Office also provides the Department with a daily Iraq briefing.

  Separately, we have let a contract to provide a weekly evaluation of the printed media's coverage of the Iraq crisis.

  Munitions
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research his Department has(a) conducted and (b) funded into new types of munitions to be used by United Kingdom forces to replace (i) cluster weapons and (ii) weapons containing depleted uranium. [104684]

  Mr. Ingram
  Weapons in service with the United Kingdom armed forces that dispense sub-munitions systems remain both effective and legal. We continue nevertheless to conduct and fund research programmes investigating the means to provide precise and discriminating methods of attacking targets, including terminal guided sub-munition technologies.

  We have no current plans to replace the in-service CHARM 3 depleted uranium round used in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. Recent research on tank munitions has covered the penetration of armour process and support to commissioning new tank barrels for Challenger 2 tanks. Details of the Ministry of Defence's programme are available in the Library of the House.

  Theatre Missile Defence
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what consultations he has had with allies on the provision of theatre missile defence capabilities for UK troops when on joint operations; [104343]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the UK's theatre missile defence capabilities; and what plans he has to increase theatre missile defence capabilities; [104344]

  (3) what provisions he has made for theatre missile defence for troops on deployment if no capabilities have been provided by the UK's allies. [104342]

  Mr. Ingram
  The United Kingdom is continuing its work on the risks posed by ballistic missiles and on the technologies available to counter them. We remain in regular contact with allies about such matters and continue to co-operate with NATO in their feasibility
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  studies on how best to defend deployed NATO forces through active theatre missile defence. Decisions about the need to increase theatre missile defence capabilities will be taken in light of the outcome of these studies.

  Defence against ballistic missiles has several components. Arms control, preventing supply and deterring use all have a part to play alongside defence against use. Military planning therefore includes consideration of how actively to prevent the use of ballistic missiles through threat reduction operations. Passive defensive steps are also considered, including the dispersal of forces and the provision of equipment to protect against the use of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.

  United Kingdom armed forces operate with an appropriate range of capabilities and take into account what may be provided by coalition partners.

  Ulster Defence Regiment
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up a widows fund for families of soldiers killed in the Ulster Defence Regiment similar to that already in operation for widows of murdered police officers in Northern Ireland. [105134]

  Dr. Moonie
  The Ministry of Defence has received several representations on this matter and I accordingly met with representatives from the Ulster Defence Regiment widows and widowers on 5 March 2003. The issue is currently receiving careful consideration and further advice has been sought, but the Ministry of Defence is not yet in a position to make a decision on the way ahead.

PRIME MINISTER

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Spanish Government since 1 January on sovereignty over Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [104979]

  The Prime Minister
  I talk to the Spanish Prime Minister frequently on a range of EU and other foreign policy issues. Since 1 January, there has been no discussion of the issue of sovereignty.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how she intends to meet her commitment to support field trials designed to evaluate the benefits of Micro-CHP given on page 48 of the Energy White Paper (Cm 5761) beyond the commitment within the Government's fuel poverty strategy. [103439]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that The Carbon Trust will be working with the Energy Saving Trust and other stakeholders, including Defra, to undertake a major field trial for micro-CHP in order to evaluate the 310W
  potential benefits this innovative technology has to offer. The trial will aim to feature a range of technologies and end use applications.

  Agricultural Shows
  Mr. Curry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether the new interim rules for animal movements will continue the exemptions for cattle and sheep moving between shows within six days; and if she will make a statement; [103283]

  (2) what plans she has to permit farmers to exhibit livestock at country agricultural shows when these shows occur in the same area within a few days of each other and may offer multi-show championships. [103282]

  Mr. Morley
  We announced in a written statement on 23 January that the standstill would be reduced to 6 days for cattle, sheep and goats with effect from 4 March, but with far fewer exemptions.

  The removal of most of the exemptions is a counterbalance to the increased risk created by the reduction in the standstill period. The much shorter standstill should make it possible for show organisers to arrange events so that breeders and others wishing to exhibit at shows can plan their movements to comply with the rules.

  Animal Welfare (Snares)
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research she has commissioned into the percentage of animals caught in snares which were non-target species. [102482]

  Mr. Morley
  This Department has not undertaken any recent research into the percentage non-target species caught in snares. However, we are considering ways in which to improve the correct use and effectiveness of snares.

  Avian Influenza
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Government spent on preventing Avian Influenza being brought to the UK in each of the last five years. [102367]

  Mr. Morley
  To prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza (AI) into the UK, the Government picks up the entire bill for the veterinary inspection and laboratory testing of imports of live poultry and their hatching eggs from Third Countries. This includes four veterinary officer visits and three animal health officer visits to quarantine premises in respect of each consignment. These costs are as follows.

  £

  1998

  16,800

  1999

  50,649

  2000

  52,672

  2001

  59,646

  2002

  87,330

  In addition, the Government also provided consultancy and support to the Whole Animal Import

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  Programme. This support included carrying out tests for various diseases on various animal species and included work on AI. It is not possible to provide a breakdown only in respect of AI.

  Imports of live poultry and hatching eggs from EU member states are accompanied by an EU harmonised health certificate which includes assurances that live poultry is free from AI.

  Benzone
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the assessed volume of illegal use of benzone within the fishing industry; and what cooperation she has undertaken with the Secretary of State for Health in this matter. [103693]

  Mr. Morley
  Neither I nor the Food Standards Agency have knowledge of illegal use of benzone in the fishing industry. If the hon. Member has such information, I would be interested to know.

  Broiler Chickens
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many broiler chickens were dead on arrival at UK poultry slaughterhouses in 2002. [103293]

  Mr. Morley
  1,076,396 broiler chickens were dead on arrival at UK licensed poultry slaughterhouses in 2002. However, the total annual UK broiler throughput at these slaughterhouses is not available.

  In Northern Ireland, 88,165 broilers were dead on arrival at licensed poultry slaughterhouses. The total throughput of broilers at these slaughterhouses was 66,938,166.

  In Great Britain, 988,231 broilers were dead on arrival at licensed poultry slaughterhouses. The total throughput of all broilers, all cast hens and other poultry weighing less than 2kgs was 736,966,659.

  Climate Change Agreements
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 6 February 2003,Official Report, column 373W, on climate change agreements, if she will place in the Library a summary of the information given to her Department by each sector with a climate change agreement. [103781]

  Margaret Beckett
  [holding answer 18 March 2003]The Department is analysing the information supplied by sector associations with the aim of re-certifying eligible facilities by 31 March. I will place summaries of the performance of each sector in the Library of the House at that time.

  Departmental Energy Policy
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she 312W
  has to increase expenditure in support of energy efficiency in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004; and if she will make a statement. [103309]

  Mr. Morley
  No final decisions have yet been made on the level of expenditure in support of energy efficiency in 2003 and 2004.

  Dolphins
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her European colleagues concerning conservation of the dolphin population around UK shores; and if she will make a statement. [103841]

  Mr. Morley
  I have raised the issue of small cetacean bycatch and its impact on dolphin populations several times with Commissioner Fischler, both in person and in writing. Most recently, I wrote to him on 4 February, reinforcing the intervention made by the UK at the January meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council and pressing in particular for wider observer coverage off the South West coast where a number of other member states' vessels pursue the pelagic fishery. I have also written to the French Minister and spoken individually to ministerial colleagues from Spain, Germany and Denmark.

  The outcome has been, progressively, the inclusion of action on cetacean bycatch firstly in the Commission's roadmap on CFP reform and secondly in the action plan on environmental matters under the CFP, and publication of the Commission's discussion paper on the reduction of cetacean bycatch in December 2002. I shall continue to fund our scientific work and to press for action, with a view to securing concrete proposals from the Commission and their adoption by the Council.

  E-mail Addresses
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by what e-mail address members of the public may contact(a) her and (b) each of the Ministers in her Department; and for each e-mail address if she will state (i) the date it became active, and (ii) the number of e-mails received in each month since activation. [97456]

  Margaret Beckett
  Members of the public can contact my office and those of my Department's other Ministers at the following e-mail addresses:

  Secretaryofstate@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  mos.environment@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  mos.ruralaffairs@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  pus.commons@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  pus.lordsgdefra.gsi.gov.uk

  correspondence.section@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

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

  Emergency Discharges (Avon Catchment)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which members of the Strategic Water Partnership are considering
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  emergency discharges into the Hampshire Avon Catchment; and if he will make a statement on the progress of their work. [103531]

  Mr. Morley
  I understand that Wessex Water plans to establish a series of Strategic Water Partnerships involving Wessex Water, District Councils, County Councils, Highways Authority, and Environment Agency. These partnerships will provide a framework for managing issues where there are shared responsibilities including planning, development, flooding, pollution, and bathing beaches.

  The Environment Agency has welcomed Strategic Water Partnerships as a means of promoting action on matters of shared responsibility including flooding and sewer flooding. To date, however, no such partnerships have been established in the Hampshire Avon Catchment.

  Warm Front Programme
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent changes have been made to leasing arrangements in the provision of central heating systems through the Warm Front programme; and what provision is made for service and maintenance work to these installations. [99618]

  Mr. Morley
  New central heating systems installed under Warm Front until November 2002 were provided via a seven year lease arrangement. A decision was taken to move away from using the leasing arrangements from December 2002 and new systems are now purchased outright.

  The responsibility for maintenance and service of central heating systems bought under a lease agreement lies with the scheme managers for Warm Front, TXU Warm Front Ltd. and Eaga Partnership. The responsibility for the systems that are bought outright lies with the scheme managers for the first year.

  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what further measures are planned to raise public awareness of the Warm Front Programme; [103563]

  (2) what measures have been introduced to ensure the Warm Front Programme helps the people most vulnerable to cold-related ill heath; [103564]

  (3) what other measures are being taken besides the Warm Front Programme to tackle fuel poverty. [103562]

  Mr. Morley
  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 energy advice, insulation and heating measures depending upon the needs of the householder and the property type, to some of the most vulnerable members of society.

  The two scheme managers, TXU Warm Front Ltd and Eaga Partnership, carry out extensive marketing to promote the scheme. As well as the more traditional forms of advertising they work with organisations including local authorities, health visitors and local
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  charities. The scheme managers work to co-ordinate these efforts to ensure maximum awareness of the scheme.

  A number of other Government policies will help tackle fuel poverty. The First Annual Progress Report on the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, published on 4 March, provides an update on those policies. A copy is available in the Library.

  Fallen Stock
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what risk assessment has been undertaken on the disposal of fallen stock after the Animal By-products Regulation comes into effect; [103517]

  (2) what plans she has to meet all parties involved in the disposal of fallen stock before the ban on farm burial comes into force; [103516]

  (3) what estimate she has made of the level of fallen stock which will need to be collected annually after the introduction of the Animal By-products Regulation. [103518]

  Mr. Morley
  No formal risk assessment has been undertaken on the disposal of fallen stock after the Animal By-products Regulation comes into effect.

  However, animal by-products legislation already controls the collection, storage and transportation of animal by-products, including fallen stock, it also requires records to be kept of any consignment of animal by-products to assist in the auditing and traceability of this material.

  The Department regulates outlets which deal with fallen stock, such as knackers yards, hunt kennels, rendering and incineration plants. Officials are, therefore, involved in regular discussions with those industries and other interested parties. Since April 2002, we have been involved in discussions with livestock and disposal industry stakeholders over future arrangements and funding options for disposal of fallen stock.

  Although progress has been made on operation of a National Scheme we have not been able to reach an agreement on funding. Nevertheless, we are continuing our dialogue with the industry and plan to write shortly to individual farmers about the new rules.

  The industry estimate that the following will need to be collected annually:

  1,316,000 adult animal carcasses (bovine, ovine, swine and equine)

  2,262,000 immature animal carcasses (bovine, ovine, swine and equine)

  36,000,000 poultry carcasses (avians)

  In arriving at this figure, assumptions have been made about mortality rates for adult and immature animals and their average weight.

  Fisheries
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many industrial fish farms are in operation in the United
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  Kingdom; what types of fish are farmed at these locations; and how much of each respective fish species was farmed in each of the past five years. [103945]

  Mr. Morley
  There are some 1,067 finfish and 428 shellfish (including crayfish) active farm sites in the United Kingdom. (A commercial fish farm business may own more than one site.)

  Finfish species1 (primarily for human consumption)

  Atlantic salmon2

  Rainbow trout2

  Brown trout2

  Halibut

  Cod

  Arctic char

  1997

  99,197

  16,268

  478

  No data

  No data

  No data

  1998

  110,784

  16,656

  450

  No data

  No data

  No data

  1999

  126,686

  17,288

  403

  4

  0

  3

  2000

  128,959

  15,353

  551

  5

  16

  7

  2001

  138,519

  16,403

  621

  80

  15

  4

  1 Figures in tonnes to nearest whole number

  2 Figures include some production for restocking

  Shellfish species (primarily for human consumption0

  Pacific oyster (000s)

  Native oyster (000s)

  Scallops (000s)

  Queens (000s)

  Mussels (tonnes)

  Cockles (tonnes)

  Clams (tonnes)

  1997

  4,424

  154

  870

  4,257

  13,000

  20

  36

  1998

  4,252

  391

  392

  3,676

  11,000

  53

  22

  1999

  4,136

  314

  214

  2,855

  10,000

  52

  19

  2000

  4,742

  169

  313

  2,084

  14,000

  150

  25

  2001

  4,911

  250

  733

  1,882

  17,000

  105

  34

  Course fish species (England and Wales only) Ornamental species for trade (mainly Koi, Ghost Koi, Orfe, Goldfish, other carp species, and Bream, Gudgeon, Roach, Rudd, Tench and Perch;

  (000s of fish)

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  3,519

  1,533

  1,669

  5,142

  7,348

  There is also significant production of coarse species for restocking fisheries. The main fish produced for the angling trade are Common and Mirror Carp which, between them, account for some 75 per cent. of total coarse fish production.

  Flood Defence
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidelines her Department has issued to the Association of British Insurers with regard to indicative minimum standards of flood defence; when it was issued; if she will make a statement on the relationship of these guidelines with the Department's Priority Score Scheme for flood defence; and if she will place a copy of the guidelines in the Library. [103687]

  Mr. Morley
  No specific guidelines on indicative minimum standards of flood defence have been issued to the Association of British Insurers. The published guidelines are however, freely available on the Defra website under the Project Appraisal Guidance Series (FCDPAG3, Section 6). There is no direct relationship between these guidelines and the Priority Score Scheme. However, the indicative standards feature in the economic analysis of proposals which is a major element of the Priority Score System.
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  Production figures for the five year period up to 2001 (the latest year for which complete data are available) are as follows:

  Imported Meat
  Clive Efford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to impose penalties on airlines and ferry companies whose passengers are found to have brought illegal meat imports and animal products into the United Kingdom. [103757]

  Mr. Morley
  We are working closely with the airlines to get our message across to passengers arriving in the UK from non-EU countries through announcements, in-flight videos and printed information. We have no immediate plans to impose penalties on airlines and ferry companies whose passengers are found to have brought illegal meat imports and animal products into the UK.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she will take to ensure that all imported meat complies with United Kingdom animal welfare standards before being slaughtered. [103876]

  Mr. Morley
  WTO rules currently only permit the prohibition of goods on grounds of threat to human, animal or plant health. Restrictions based on the method of production are not permitted and could put us in breach of WTO rules. The ED is committed to animal welfare and negotiated to have non-trade concerns included in the Doha mandate, thereby ensuring that the issue of farm animal welfare is taken into account as part of the current Agreement on Agriculture negotiations. We will also support the Commission on developments following their recently published report on animal welfare standards in third countries.

  Milk Tokens
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely impact on national milk production of the proposed removal of the daily 1 pint milk token for low income families with children under five. [102431]

  Mr. Morley
  [holding answer 11 March 2003]The milk tokens represent some 130 million litres of milk per year, or 1 per cent. of the total production of milk in Great Britain. It is difficult to assess to what extent milk consumption might fall as a result of the proposals, as milk would still be available under the fixed value voucher system proposed by the Department of Health, albeit along with other foods.

  The dairy industry has expressed concern that the removal of the milk token system would have an adverse effect on milk rounds, given that milk delivered under the Welfare Food Scheme represents about 5 per cent. of all doorstep deliveries. The Department of Health has conducted a major consultation exercise on its proposals, the results of which have now been published.

  The reforms were proposed following medical advice that mothers and children required access to a broader range of foods than had been available under the scheme.

  Total Allowable Catches
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on proposed changes to total allowable catches within the 200 mile limit to incorporate vessels from EU accession countries. [103694]

  Mr. Morley
  The level of total allowable catches will continue to be based on scientific advice from ICES on the state of the fish stocks and on historical track record in accordance with the principle of relative stability.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Advertising in Scotland
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Department spent on advertising in Scotland in each year since 1999 on(a) television, (1) newspapers, (c) radio, (d) magazines, (e) billboards and (f) sporting events. [102334]

  SCS Staff

  Staff in bands A-C

  Flight duration

  Flight duration

  Airline Fare Class

  Up to 2½ hrs

  Over 2½ hrs

  Up to 2½ hrs

  Over 2½ hrs

  First/Economy

  Economy

  First

  Economy

  Economy

  Business/Economy or Equivalent

  Business

  Business

  Economy

  Business

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  Ms Hewitt
  Information at the level of detail requested is not available, and where it is possible to disaggregate figures for advertising in Scotland, the information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Civil Contingency Planning
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her Department's(a) responsibilities and (b) assets with regard to civil contingency planning; what funds are committed; what action she is taking within her Department to improve such planning; and what action she is taking in collaboration with other Departments. [102628]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information is as follows:

  (a) I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 21 March 2003, Official Report, columns 957–58W.

  (b) DTI is fully committed to the Government's programme to increase UK resilience to disruptive events.

  It is active in a number of areas with colleagues from other Government Departments and Agencies and works closely with key sectors of the economy to increase resilience and robustness in contingency planning.

  Measures include a new crisis management suite, greater integration of contingency and continuity plans, and the strengthening of dedicated teams across the Department. The Department is contributing to central Government initiatives and has forged close links with the wider contingency planning community and stakeholders.

  Departmental resources are committed to this task in line with Departmental business planning and to reflect emerging priorities.

  Civil Service Travel
  Mr. Maples
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grades in the Civil Service in her Department are allowed to travel by air(a) first class and (b) business class at public expense when on official duties. [104975]

  Ms Hewitt
  Our approach to travel costs is to ensure that staff use the most efficient and economic means of travel, commensurate with operational needs. The key criteria in booking flights is value for money although there are guidelines on staff entitlement. Generally, for DTI staff, entitlement to class of air travel when on official duties is governed by the duration of flight, the fare structure on the route and by pay band (grade). The following table sets out the entitlements for air travel:

  Correspondence
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she intends to reply to the letter dated 16 October 2002 from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding car imports. [105141]

  Ms Hewitt
  As the hon. Member is aware his original letter was not received by my Department. A copy was faxed to my office on 24 March 2003 and will be dealt with as soon as possible.

  Departmental Invoices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the occasions on which her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period within financial year 2001–02. [104312]

  Ms Hewitt
  Information on the occasions where my Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However I am able to say that the percentage of bills which were paid by my Department within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice was 98 per cent. for the financial year 2001–02. The average percentage of bills paid by my Department's agencies was 99 per cent. over the same period. The average percentage of bills paid by my Department's executive non- departmental public bodies was 89 per cent. over the same period.

  Discrimination Legislation
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government has to deliver advice to citizens at a local level about the forthcoming age discrimination legislation. [104593]

  Ms Hewitt
  [holding answer 24 March 2003]Age legislation will be in force by December 2006, once extensive consultations planned for 2003 and 2004 have been completed. At this stage the strategy for delivering advice and guidance has not yet been formulated.

  East of England Development Agency
  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees work in the East of England Development Agency; and what the employment costs including national insurance were in the last year for which figures are available. [104888]

  Alan Johnson
  Information on the income and expenditure of each of the Regional Development Agencies, including the average numbers of staff employed during the relevant year and details of salaries and wages, are set out in an annual report. Copies are placed in the Libraries of House and are available on the internet.

  According to the most recent annual report and accounts of the East of England Development Agency, which is available on the internet at http://www.eeda.org.uk, the average number of staff
  320W
  employed by the Agency during the year ending 31 March 2002 (including all agency and seconded staff) was 103.

  For the same period the cost of staff salaries and wages was £3,992.000.

  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the administrative cost for the East of England Development Agency was in the year ending(a) April 2001, (b) April 2002 and (c) April 2003. [104889]

  Alan Johnson
  Information on the income and expenditure of each of the Regional Development Agencies, including administrative costs, are set out in annual report. Copies are placed in the Library and are available on the internet.

  According to the most recent annual account, which is available at http://www.eeda.org.uk, salaries and wages and other administrative costs of the East of England Development Agency were £5.5 million in the year ending 31 March 2001 and £7.0 million in the year ending 31 March 2002. I understand that the total is forecast to be £7.6 million in the year ending 31 March 2003.

  Mr. Prisk
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many board members of the East of England Development Agency previously worked for(a) Peterborough City Council and (b) local authorities in Hertfordshire. [104891]

  Alan Johnson
  Of the current board of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) one board member, Dr Roger Ali, previously worked for Peterborough City Council. I understand that, in 1999–2000, Mr Ali was employed by the Council for one day per week in the Community Development Section to help establish a new African and Caribbean Community Centre/New Millennium Centre.

  No other members of the current board of EEDA have previously worked for any Hertfordshire local authority.

  Electricity
  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how she intends to attract long term investment for the construction of new electricity generating equipment. [104830]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Energy White Paper has set a long term framework for energy markets including electricity generation, with energy markets a cornerstone of energy policy. Such a framework is necessary to give companies the confidence to invest.

  Given current levels of capacity, including mothballed plant, and our expectations of growing renewables generation and energy efficiency improvements over the coming years, we are unlikely to need significant new investment in non-renewable power stations over the next five years or possibly longer. The UK market provides strong financial incentives for suppliers to contract for sufficient power. Incentives for investment in renewables will come mainly through the Renewables Obligation.
  321W
  At the same time, DTI and OFGEM will continue and expand our monitoring of energy security and we will look to OFGEM vigorously to apply and enforce licence conditions on industry participants relating to security.

  Employers' Liability Insurance
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2002,Official Report, column 362W, on employers' liability insurance, if she will make a statement on the income of workplace contacts; what estimate she makes of the number of construction and allied trade companies there are in the UK; and how many health and safety inspectors there are; and what priorities she has set for these duties. [104913]

  Mr. Wilson
  The Department does not have specific remit for health and safety matters. The Health and Safety Executive comes under the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions. HSE advises that it employs staff at pay band 5 to act as Workplace Contact Officers, their average salary cost is £19,883 (outside of London).

  The latest Construction Statistics Annual shows that, as of September 2002, there were approximately 166,000 construction and allied trade companies in the UK.

  HSE has increased the number of inspectors working in the construction industry from 118 to 150 over the last year as a result of its redirection of resources to HSE's Priority Programmes and the setting up of a new national HSE Construction Division. HSE's Construction Division has published an intervention strategy which identifies its key priorities for the medium term. This is available at www.hse.gov.uk/press/2002/construct.htm. It aims to:
  encourage greater commitment to achieving improved health and safety performance targets from all those in the construction procurement and supply chain;
  encourage better communication and co-operation between all those involved in delivering a safe and healthy work environment; and
  promote the development of a competent workforce at all levels.

  Their priorities for the year are:
  Reducing the incidence of cement dermatitis
  Reversing the increased incidence of hand arm vibration syndrome
  Reducing exposure to noise
  Reducing worker exposure to the risk of musculo-skeletal injury
  Workplace transport
  Work at height
  Slips, trips and falls

  In addition HSE investigates complaints and accidents, which meet published selection criteria.

  Employment Tribunal Service
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will require the Employment Tribunal Service to include size of company by work force in the statistics on applications to employment tribunals. [104899]
  322W
  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 25 March 2003]The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) does not currently receive details of company size from respondents submitting their notice of appearance to an employment tribunal.

  A requirement to provide such information is currently being considered as part of plans to revise the present notice of appearance form and will be included in a public consultation exercise in due course.

  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ask the Employment Tribunal Service to add data on the size of companies to statistics they collect on applications to employment tribunals. [104139]

  Alan Johnson
  [holding answer 26 March 2003]The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) does not currently receive details of company size from respondents submitting their notice of appearance to an Employment Tribunal.

  A requirement to provide such information is currently being considered as part of plans to revise the present notice of appearance form and will be included in a public consultation exercise in due course.

  LPG
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on the future growth of the market for automotive liquid petroleum gas. [98643]

  Alan Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 26 February 2003,Official Report, column 560W.

  Lucky Goldstar
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the(a) dates and (b) amounts of payments of regional selective assistance to Lucky Goldstar since 1 May 1997. [105183]

  Alan Johnson
  No payments of regional selective assistance have been made to Lucky Goldstar by the Department of Trade and Industry since 1 May 1997. However, I understand that in Wales Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) has been paid to LG Electronics in relation to the company's investment at Newport. Responsibility for the RSA scheme in Wales now rests with the Welsh Assembly Government.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list internal flights made by Ministers in her Department in 2002, including in each case the(a) cost, (b) departure location and (c) destination; and of these how many were (i) first class, (ii) business class and (iii) economy class. [103592]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003,Official Report, column 334W.

  Nuclear Power Stations (Terrorist Attacks)
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department has taken to protect nuclear power stations from terrorist attack; and if she will make a statement. [105096]

  Mr. Wilson
  The UK's civil nuclear sites apply stringent security measures regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the security regulator. The security regulator works closely with the Health and Safety Executive, the safety regulator, which provides advice on the safety implications of events, including external hazards such as plane crashes, at nuclear installations. Security at nuclear sites is kept under regular review in the light of the prevailing threat and has been significantly enhanced since the terrorist attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001. It is not Government policy to disclose details of these measures, which could potentially be of use to terrorist under Exemption 1—Defence, Security and International Relation, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Postal Services
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's response to recommendation 18 of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report-Counter Revolution. [105347]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government contributed £25 million to the Your Guide pilot to test the concept of the Government general practitioner role for post offices in line with the Performance and Innovation Unit's recommendations 18 and 19. The evaluation of the pilot showed that a publicly funded national Your Guide scheme would not represent value for money. The pilot highlighted areas in which Government services might be delivered through post offices in the future and these are being further explored, together with alternative commercial options.

  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to develop sub-post offices as Government general practitioner outlets. [105348]

  Mr. Timms
  The Your Guide pilot showed that it would neither significantly improve Government Departments' ability to meet their delivery of financial objectives nor raise sufficient revenue for post offices. A publicly funded national Your Guide would not therefore represent value for money but the pilot highlighted a number of areas in which Government Departments might deliver services through post offices in the future and we are exploring these, and potential alternative commercial options, further.

  Renewables Obligation
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason electricity from combined heat and power sources fed into the National Grid is subject to the Renewables Obligation. [104554]

  Mr. Wilson
  The purpose of the Renewables Obligation is to secure a target level of our electricity supply from renewable energy. The obligation for each 324W
  electricity supplier is calculated by applying a percentage to that electricity supplier's total electricity sales to customers in England and Wales during each Obligation period. The same arrangement applies in Scotland under their corresponding Obligation. Total electricity sales includes electricity from all sources, including both CHP and renewables, so as to avoid market distortions. However, electricity sold under licence exempt arrangements, including CHP, is not subject to the Obligation.

  Rogue Traders
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to protect consumers from the activities of rogue traders. [105092]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  In June 2001 the Government introduced Stop Now Orders, giving Trading Standards departments and other named bodies the power to seek injunctions against traders who do not comply with a range of legislation intended to safeguard the interests of consumers.

  Through the Enterprise Act 2002, the Government will enable the OFT, Trading Standards and other designated enforcers to obtain 'Stop Now Orders' against a wider range of illegal activities which harm the interests of consumers. It is our intention to commence these and other key provisions of the Act in the summer.

  In addition, we launched an awareness campaign last year to highlight the risks and warning signs associated with postal scams and explain how consumers can avoid becoming scam victims. Consumers were encouraged to send suspect mailings to the Office of Fair Trading for investigation.

  Scotland
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times she has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103612]

  Ms Hewitt
  Since my appointment in June 2001, I have visited Scotland on one occasion in 2001 and one occasion in 2002.

  In line with exemptions 2 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it is not normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings or their content, as some of these discussions may have taken place on a confidential basis.

  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans Ministers in the Department have to(a) visit Scotland on official business, (b) announce public appointments and (c) make Ministerial announcements in April. [103656]

  Ms Hewitt
  Departmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament will be conducted in Accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales, published by Cabinet Office on 10 March.

  Small Coal Mines
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2003,Official Report, column 361, on small coal mines, if she will set out the results of her meeting on 19 March 2003; and if she will make a statement. [105048]

  Ms Hewitt
  At the meeting between the Department, the small mines representatives and the claimants' solicitors on 19 March, the small mines representatives confirmed their agreement in principle to sign up to the Claims Handling Agreement for respiratory disease as soon as detailed terms could be agreed between the parties. This was confirmed by Counsel for the small mines at the court hearing on 20 March. However, before this can be achieved, all parties await sight of the expert's report commissioned by the claimants' solicitors, covering issues such as dust levels, dust suppression and respirator usage in small mines. This report responds to the expert's report produced by the small mines representatives and is expected to be available at the end of April. It will help to inform the final negotiations on the terms under which the small mines will accede to the Claims Handling Agreement.

  UK Steel
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the steel tariffs imposed by the US Government; and what discussions she has had with the US Government in relation to removing the tariffs on steel. [103858]

  Ms Hewitt
  I have taken every opportunity to press our concern about the continued imposition of these unjustified tariffs and to express support for the UK product exclusion requests, including a telephone conversation with Donald Evans, US Commerce Secretary on 26 March.

  On 21 March the US Administration announced the outcome of the second round of product exclusion requests which was launched in September last year. Of the 72 requests submitted by 10 companies, 62 were approved. As in the first exclusion round, the Government actively supported all UK requests liaising closely with UK companies and the US Administration.

  In April, the WTO Dispute Settlement Panel is expected to rule on the challenge to the US steel safeguard action by the EU (together with Brazil. China, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea and Switzerland). We expect the panel to rule against the US measures. We will urge the US administration to take account of its WTO obligations and the wider trade liberalisation agenda and come into full and prompt compliance with the ruling and immediately withdraw the tariffs.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Overseas Trips
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Advocate General if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself in 2002; and what the(a) purpose and (b) cost of each trip was. [101844]
  326W
  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 22 January,Official Report, column 334W.

SCOTLAND

  Award Schemes
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she 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. [102060]

  Mrs. Liddell
  No award schemes have been promoted by my Department.

  Civil Contingency Planning
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on her Department's responsibilities with regard to civil contingency planning; what action she is taking within her Department to improve such planning; and what action she is taking in collaboration with other Departments. [102629]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 21 March 2003,Official Report, column 957W.

  Departmental Expenditure
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what her estimate is of her Department's spending on(a) consultants, (b) advertising and publicity, (c) travel and (d) conferences in each year from 1999–2000 to 2002–03; and if she will make a statement. [90382]

  Mrs. Liddell
  The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.

  The information requested is as follows:

  £

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  12002–03

  Consultants

  0

  5,465

  17,864

  10,720

  Advertising

  0

  0

  0

  10,390

  Publicity

  21,000

  270,494

  186,564

  0

  Travel

  225,912

  388,194

  382,618

  370,000

  Conferences

  0

  0

  0

  3,296

  1 Estimate

  E-Mail Addresses
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what e-mail address members of the public may contact(a) her and (b) each of the Ministers in her Department; and for each e-mail address if she will state (i) the date it became active and (ii) the number of e-mails received in each month since activation. [97454]
  327W
  Mrs. Liddell
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) and (b)—scottish.secretary@Scotland.gov.uk

  (i) June 19991

  (ii) The number of e-mails are shown in the table

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  January

  —

  30

  50

  137

  February

  —

  42

  56

  159

  March

  —

  45

  66

  —

  April

  —

  37

  55

  —

  May

  19

  28

  52

  —

  June

  13

  39

  60

  —

  July

  17

  39

  77

  —

  August

  19

  35

  59

  —

  September

  20

  39

  54

  —

  October

  25

  42

  48

  —

  November

  18

  67

  95

  —

  December

  16

  53

  101

  —

  1 Reliable/accurate records have only been kept since May 2000

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since Quarter 2 of 1997 the percentage growth of GDP in Scotland has exceeded that of the UK as a whole. [101972]

  Mrs. Liddell
  On eight occasions since Quarter 2 of 1997 quarterly figures for GDP at constant basic prices have shown quarterly rates of growth for Scotland exceeding those for the UK as a whole.

  Minimum Wage
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will estimate the impact of increasing the minimum wage(a) in line with average earnings, (b) to £4.17 per hour, (c) to £4.87 per hour, (d) to £5.00 per hour and (e) to £5.30 per hour, on the cost of salaries of departmental employees (i) in total and (ii) for each nation of the United Kingdom in the next financial year. [90606]

  Mrs. Liddell
  In the current financial year, the lowest salary level in my department is £10,300, which equates to an hourly rate of £4.71. The effect of a minimum wage of £4.17 would therefore be nil.

  If the minimum wage was raised to higher levels there would be an effect on the cost of salaries but, given the very small numbers of staff involved, this would not be significant.

  Overseas Trips
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself and other members of her ministerial team in 2002; and what the(a) purpose and (b) cost of each trip was. [101845]

  Mrs. Liddell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003,Official Report, column 334W.

TRANSPORT

  Aggregates Levy
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds his Department has received from the aggregates levy sustainability fund: and on which dates funds were received in each case. [105341]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. My Department did not consider it could properly allocate funds within the criteria laid down by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  Rail Franchises
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the price of the bond for each rail franchise which would be returned to the Strategic Rail Authority should a franchisee default on its franchise agreement. [105343]

  Mr. Jamieson
  None. The amounts of performance bonds are included in franchise agreements between the Strategic Rail Authority and train operating companies. These agreements are available for inspection on the Authority's public register.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Hospitality
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 by(a) restaurant, (b) recipient and (c) cost in each case. [99575]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  On 23 February, as part of a continuing programme of briefing backbench MPs on NI issues, the Secretary of State provided dinner at the Hilton Hotel for a party of backbench Labour MPs at a total cost of £639.35.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how often Ministers in his Department have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups in the last 12 months. [99498]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Since 1 April 2002, Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups on 27 occasions.

  Libraries Investment
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to his answer of 5 March,Official Report, column 194W, when a decision will be made on which library facilities will benefit from the recently announced investment. [104729]

  Angela Smith
  A decision should be taken before the end of 2003 on which library projects are suitable for inclusion in the Strategic Investment Programme. The facilities that actually benefit will then depend on a number of factors including the outcome of the public private partnership procurement methodology that can take a year to 18 months to complete.
  329W
  The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure has commissioned PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to carry out a feasibility study to evaluate the potential for various forms of Public Private Partnership (PPP) to deliver improved value for money in library facilities when compared with more conventional procurement and to identify the forms of PPP that offer the greatest potential for improved value for money. The report is expected within a month and will help me to identify the high priority library projects that are most likely to attract private sector interest and therefore benefit from the Strategic Investment Programme. Within this programme £20 million has been identified for potential library and other information resources projects.

  Organic Management
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what area of land is under organic management in Northern Ireland. [104557]

  Mr. Pearson
  The following is the response from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:

  The total area of land in Northern Ireland under organic management is 5,200 hectares.

  Band members

  Pay costs1 (£)

  Transport costs2 (£)

  Band uniform costs (£)

  Miscellaneous costs (£)

  Total (£)

  2000–01

  34

  1,213,061

  80,000

  5,772

  13,709

  1,312,542

  2001–02

  32

  1,214,444

  85,000

  0

  12,951

  1,312,395

  2002–03

  32

  1,252,990

  90,000

  0

  3,634

  1,346,624

  1 Pay costs based on average cost per rank.

  2 Estimated transport costs

  Programme for International Student Assessment
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the results of the(a) 2003 and (b) previous programme for international student assessment will be considered by the review into the future of post primary education in Northern Ireland. [104514]

  Jane Kennedy
  The review of post-primary education will consider the results of PISA 2000, PISA 2003 when available, and other relevant statistical data, along with the views expressed in meetings with political parties, the education sector and parents and the responses to all strands of the consultation.

  Financial years

  Constituency

  2000–01 (£000s)

  2001–02 (£000s)

  2002–03 (£000s)

  North Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  511

  623

  552

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  1,040

  1,267

  673

  South Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  542

  412

  294

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  574

  271

  321

  East Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  415

  1,151

  274

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  416

  1,300

  342

  West Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  1,222

  250

  279

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  406

  978

  35

  Police Band
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether outside funding has been used to finance the police band; [105078]

  (2) how much the police band has cost in each of the last five years; [105133]

  (3) how many band members there were of the RUC/PSNI band in each of the last five years. [105135]

  Jane Kennedy
  Despite attempts to source private sector funding and a National Lottery grant, no outside funding has ever been secured to finance the police band.

  The established strength of the PSNI band is a complement of 40 members. The actual strength has varied slightly from time to time as members left and others joined the band. When the decision was taken to stand down the band there were 32 members.

  Cost figures for the band for the last three years are shown in the table. The PSNI advise that figures for years 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are not readily available in the timescale requested as they are in archive, however I shall write to the hon. Member when the information is provided and place a copy in the Library of the House.

  School Buildings
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been allocated for(a) capital repairs and (b) new building in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in each Belfast constituency in each year since 1999. [103243]

  Jane Kennedy
  The money allocated for capital repairs, excluding maintenance work, is only available in the form requested from the 2000–01 financial year. The information is as follows:
  331W
  The money allocated for new building in my Department's capital programmes is as follows:

  Capital programmes

  Constituency

  1999(£m)

  2000(£m)

  2001(£m)

  2002(£m)

  2003(£m)

  North Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  -

  -

  3.80

  -

  -

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  0.03

  13.45

  1.00

  0.03

  33.20

  South Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  -

  1.40

  2.30

  -

  -

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  -

  1.05

  16.80

  -

  0.30

  East Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  -

  2.00

  -

  -

  6.10

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  -

  0.48

  0.27

  0.32

  47.00

  West Belfast:

  Primary Schools

  2.40

  5.10

  4.00

  1.40

  4.30

  Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)

  0.90

  0.95

  0.54

  21.20

  16.70

TREASURY

  Business Investment
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of business investment as a proportion of GDP since 1997 in(a) current and (b) constant prices; and if he will make a statement. [105165]

  John Healey
  In 2002, business investment stood at 12.4 per cent. of constant price GDP and 10.1 per cent. of current price GDP. Clearly the challenging global economic environment of recent years has had an adverse impact on investment in the UK as in all the other major economies. Nonetheless, even amidst the difficulties of the world economy in 2001 and 2002, business investment still stood 26 per cent. higher last year, in real terms, than it did in the year before this Government took office.

  Government Finance
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's PPP and PFI liabilities. [105166]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government accounts for their PPP and PFI liabilities in accordance with independently established accounting standards. Our treatment of PFI is audited by the National Audit Office and other independent audit bodies. We publish a full record of future payments under PFI contracts in the Budget.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Cameron
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers paid income tax at the higher rate in(a) 2002 and (b) 1997; and if he will make a statement. [105167]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to table T2.1 of Inland Revenue Statistics which can be found on their website on www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/ income_tax/it_t01_1.htm

  Education (Developing Countries)
  Jim Dobbin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed International Finance Facility on education in developing countries. [105168]

  John Healey
  The proposed International Finance Facility would seek to double aid for the world's poorest countries from $50 billion a year today to $100 billion a year up to 2015. It is designed specifically to help provide the additional finance needed to meet the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

  This includes the goal of achieving universal primary education for all by 2015. Best available estimates suggest that achieving this would require around $10 billion more each year to be spent on education. The IFF would seek to provide this and the further finance needed to meet all the MDGs.

  Manufacturing
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new plans he has to stimulate investment in manufacturing. [105169]

  John Healey
  The most important contribution Government can make is to create a stable macroeconomic environment in which manufacturers can invest, grow and prosper. The Government have also introduced measures to help UK manufacturers improve their investment, productivity and competitiveness. Cuts in corporation tax and the R&D tax credit will substantially benefit manufacturers, while new venture capital funds, increased RDA budgets, strong spending on science and innovation, and our initiatives to boost skills are all stimulating investment.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about increases in national insurance contributions. [105171]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have received a number of representations about the increases in national insurance contributions.

  World Trade
  Mr. Tom Harris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had on progress on world trade liberalisation. [105172]

  John Healey
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Chancellor's reply to the hon. Member for South Dorset (Jim Knight) earlier today on plans to discuss progress at the IMF and World bank.

  International trade is a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Treasury contributes to the Government's policy discussion on trade issues, as well as in meetings of finance ministers touching on trade and the dialogue with international financial institutions.

  Business Incentives
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what pre-Budget submissions he has received on business incentives. [105173]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have received a number of representations from businesses in all sectors of the economy. Ministers and officials have also met with business leaders to discuss representations, and to consider the role the Government can continue to play in fostering enterprise, improving productivity, and ensuring a competitive economy.

  Mapeley Contract
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Mapeley STEPS PFI contract with the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise. [105174]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Chancellor made it clear to the House on 12 February 2003 that the Treasury would be studying the Treasury Select Committee Report into the STEPS deal. The Government will be responding to the committee's report in due course.

  Air Travel Insurance Cover
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on insurance cover for those travelling by air in the event of a war or terrorist attack. [105291]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Chancellor has received no recent representations on insurance cover for those travelling by air in the event of war or terrorist attack.

  Allowances Indexation
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate of the rate of inflation in September 2002 was used for the purposes of calculation of the revenue raised by non-indexation of allowances in financial year 2003–04 as set out in line 1 of table 1.2 of Budget 2002 (HC 592); and if he will make a statement. [104756]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Budget 2002 forecast of Retail Price Index in September 2002 used for the purposes of 334W
  calculating the revenue raised by non-indexation of allowances in financial year 2003–04 is given in table C3 of the 2002 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  Average Earnings
  David Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the gap between the average earnings of men and women was in(a) the East Riding of Yorkshire and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in the last year for which figures are available. [105194]

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

  Letter from Len. Cook to Mr David Davis, dated 27 March 2003 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the gap in average earnings between men and women in the East Riding of Yorkshire and in Yorkshire and the Humber. (105194)
  The table below shows the average hourly earnings excluding overtime for male and Female full-time employees in April 2002, the most recent date for which information is available. The data are from the New Earnings Survey and apply to people on adult rates whose pay was not affected by absence.

  Average hourly earning—April 2002

  £

  Men

  Women

  difference

  East Riding of Yorkshire UA

  10.47

  8.56

  1,91

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  10.72

  9.20

  1.52

  David Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average earnings were, broken down by(a) gender and (b) 10-year age band for each year since 1997. [105283]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Davis, dated 27 March 2003:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question about the average earnings of people by gender and age band for each year since 1997. (105283)
  The table below shows the average hourly earnings excluding overtime for males and females, in ten year age bands, in April for each of the years specified. The data are from the New Earnings Survey and apply to people on adult rates working full-time whose pay was not affected by absence.

  Average hourly earnings—Great Britain

  £

  Age

  16–25

  26–53

  36–45

  46–55

  56–65

  Males

  April 1997

  6.32

  9.00

  10.93

  11.16

  9.26

  April 1998

  6.59

  9.42

  11.39

  11.82

  9.62

  April 1999

  7.01

  9.89

  11.83

  12.21

  10.23

  April 2000

  7.09

  10.36

  12.39

  12.68

  10.55

  April 2001

  7.49

  11.19

  13.16

  13.37

  11.18

  April 2002

  8.22

  12.06

  14.02

  13.86

  11.45

  335W

  Average hourly earnings—Great Britain

  £

  Age

  16–25

  26–53

  36–45

  46–55

  56–65

  Females

  April 1997

  5.67

  8.21

  8.75

  8.17

  7.06

  April 1998

  5.93

  8.60

  9.13

  8.50

  7.41

  April 1999

  6.29

  9.06

  9.59

  9.05

  7.87

  April 2000

  6.54

  9.43

  10.09

  9.41

  8.40

  April 2001

  6.97

  10.25

  10.72

  9.96

  8.96

  April 2002

  7.55

  10.95

  11.11

  10.43

  9.21

  Black Economy
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his most recent estimate is of the level of turnover of the black economy as it pertains to the construction industry. [104852]

  Dawn Primarolo
  It is not possible to provide reliable estimates about the level of turnover of the black economy as it pertains to the construction industry.

  Child Tax Credit
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many applicants for the Child Tax Credit from Staffordshire are waiting to hear(a) if they have qualified, (b) how much they will receive and (c) when they will be paid; and if he will make a statement. [105384]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Information about how many people have qualified for tax credits in Staffordshire, how much they will receive and when they will be paid is not available.

  The Inland Revenue will publish statistics on the Child and Working Tax Credit quarterly, beginning in August 2003. The first set of statistics will cover awards at early July 2003.

  Council Tax
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) pursuant to his answer of 18 March 2003,Official Report, column 674, on council tax, whether the definition of gross council tax for Great Britain used is the same as that used for the local taxes line of the average income tax tables contained within the document "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01"; [104751]

  (2) to which parts of the UK the (a) domestic rates and (b) water charges element of the local taxes line of the average income tax tables contained within the document "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01" are applicable. [104753]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
  336W
  Letter from Len Cook to Matthew Taylor, dated 27 March 2003:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on whether the definition of gross council tax for Great Britain, used in the answer to your question of 18th March in the Official Report, column 674, is the same as that used for the local taxes line contained within the document 'The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01'. In addition you asked to which parts of the UK the (a) domestic rates and (b) water charges elements of the local taxes line in the same document were applicable. (104751, 104753)
  The definition of gross council tax for Great Britain, used in the answer was the same as that used within the local taxes line of the tables contained within the document 'The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01.' However, the local taxes category used in the published tables for the United Kingdom includes council taxes, water and sewerage charges for England, Scotland and Wales and domestic rates in Northern Ireland.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will break down the figures for council tax as a percentage of gross income in his answer of 18 March 2003,Official Report, column 674, on council tax, into figures for (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland. [104752]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Matthew Taylor, dated 27 March 2003:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking for a break down of the figures for council tax as a percentage of gross income for (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland, as given for Great Britain in the answer to your earlier question on 18th March in the Official Report, column 674. (104752)
  Estimates for council taxes and income are based on the analysis "The effects of taxes and benefits on household income 2000–01" 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. Sample sizes for each country are only sufficient to allow a break down to be given by quintiles of income distribution and not by decile as given for Great Britain in the answer to your previous question.
  The following table shows the estimated gross and net council tax for all households in Great Britain and (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales, for each income quintile where households are ranked by equivalised disposable income. The net council tax figures are gross council tax less benefits and discounts. The table also shows the equivalised disposable income quintile point boundaries, which have been calculated separately for Great Britain and each country. For example, the 1st quintile point for each country is the income below which one fifth of households in that country lie.
  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 by 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.

  337W

  Council tax as a percentage of gross income 2000–01

  Great Britain

  Percentage

  Quintile groups of all households ranked by equivalised disposable income

  Bottom

  2nd

  3rd

  4th

  Top

  All households

  Quintile points (equivalised disposable income £ per year)

  Great Britain

  9,821

  13,890

  19,122

  27,253

  England

  9,903

  14,102

  19,591

  27,916

  Scotland

  9,468

  12,842

  17,051

  23,892

  Wales

  9,182

  12,191

  16,316

  21,067

  Gross council tax

  Great Britain

  7.0

  4.3

  3.0

  2.3

  1.5

  2.6

  England

  7.1

  4.3

  2.9

  2.2

  1.5

  2.5

  Scotland

  7.0

  4.8

  3.5

  2.8

  2.0

  3.1

  Wales

  6.0

  3.8

  3.0

  2.2

  1.7

  2.6

  Net council tax1

  Great Britain

  4.2

  3.3

  2.7

  2.2

  1.5

  2.2

  England

  4.3

  3.3

  2.7

  2.1

  1.4

  2.2

  Scotland

  4.0

  3.6

  3.3

  2.7

  2.0

  2.7

  Wales

  3.0

  2.7

  2.7

  2.0

  1.7

  2.2

  1 Net council taxes rates after deducting discounts

  Source:

  Office for National Statistics, based on the analysis 'The effects of taxes and in Economic Trends No. 582 May 2002.

  Dormant Accounts
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what critieria are used to identify National Savings and Investments which are dormant savings and investment accounts; how much remains in such accounts; and how many such accounts there are. [104982]

  Ruth Kelly
  In common with other financial institutions, National Savings and Investments (NS&I) identifies a holding as dormant when it knows that it has lost touch with its customer—e.g. mail returned as undelivered. Given current IT capability, it is not yet possible to define and precisely quantify dormant holdings because the nature of some NS&I products means there may not be any contact with the holder for many years but the holding is still live.

  "Unclaimed monies" in the NS&I Product Accounts relate to products which have been redeemed by the Treasury, or where monthly interest or prizes are due. These monies are regarded as unclaimed when NS&I have been unable to make the payment and where the sums involved have been transferred to the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt. The total at 31 March 2002 was 30.1m. But it is not possible to say how many such holdings exist.

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Hammond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to ensure that the Penrose Inquiry into Equitable Life will report as soon as possible. [105239]

  Ruth Kelly
  Lord Penrose is independent of the Treasury. It is, therefore, for Lord Penrose to determine the procedures for his Inquiry, including the timetable for reporting to Ministers. Lord Penrose has said that his aim is to report to Ministers in June.

  The Treasury has co-operated fully with Lord Penrose's Inquiry and has provided him with all the resources which he has asked for.

  Equity Prices
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assumptions were used in forming the assumption in paragraph 2.44 of the pre-Budget Report 2002, that equity prices will rise in line with money GDP. [105320]

  Ruth Kelly
  I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 11 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's report "Audit of Assumptions for the Pre-Budget 2000 Report" (HC 959, Session 1999–2000).

  Fiscal Projections
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether National Audit Office audits of the key assumptions used for the fiscal projections made in the 2002 pre-Budget report audit(a) the process used in making these assumptions and (b) the assumptions themselves. [105333]

  Ruth Kelly
  In accordance with Sections 156 and 157 of the 1998 Finance Act, the National Audit Office has been invited to audit any changes to the key assumptions and conventions underlying the fiscal projections; these are set out in Box B1 of the 2002 pre-Budget report (Cm 5664). In addition, prior to the March 2000 Budget my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer invited the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out a three-year 'rolling review' of these assumptions.

  The remit for this exercise is set out in paragraph 6 of the Comptroller's report on the Audit of Assumptions for the 2002 Pre-Budget Report (HC 109, Session 2002–03):
  To ensure that the key audited assumptions underpinning projections of the public finances remain valid, the Comptroller and Auditor General shall examine each audited assumption three years after its most recent audit (a) to review whether the assumption has resulted in reasonable and cautious projections of the elements of the public finances projections it relates to since it was first audited; and (b) to check that it remains a reasonable and cautious assumption to use in future projections of the public finance;.

  Fiscal Rules
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with reference to paragraph 2.10 of the pre-Budget report, Cm 5664, whether the Government are on target to meet their fiscal rules. [105334]

  Ruth Kelly
  Consistent with the "Code for Fiscal Stability", updated projections for the public finances will be set out in the Budget on 9 April 2003.

  Food Imports
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on steps he is taking to enhance the ability of HM Customs and Excise to check food imports. [104892]

  John Healey
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made clear in her written ministerial statement on 25 March 2003,Official Report, column 5WS, HM Customs and Excise will take on responsibility for anti-smuggling controls on meat and other products of animal origin arriving from third countries with effect from 11 April 2003.

  Appropriate powers covering England, Wales and Scotland will come into force then, with equivalent powers in Northern Ireland following later. Commensurate with these new responsibilities, the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) will make a transfer 1 o Customs from the funds that the Government have made available to tackle these illegal imports. Customs will use these funds to increase front-line detection resources and provide support for this with improved intelligence, publicity and appropriate follow-up to detections.

  FTSE 100
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research was commissioned by his Department prior to the publication of the pre-budget report into the level of the FTSE 100 index between March and October 2002. [105340]

  Ruth Kelly
  The 2002 pre-Budget report included an extensive discussion of global equity market developments during 2002, including analysis of the FTSE 100 index. This discussion is set out in Box A1 on page 153 of the pre-Budget report. The audited equity price assumption for the public finance projections relates to the FTSE All-Share index and is set out in Box B1 on page 188 of the pre-Budget report.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's assessment is of how the current conflict in the middle east will affect GDP growth in(a) the UK and (b) the other G7 countries. [105335]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government will publish updated forecasts for UK and G7 GDP growth in the Budget on 9 April taking into account all relevant factors, including the situation in the middle east.

  David Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the GDP was in each region in each year since 1997. [105287]
  340W
  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Davis dated 27 March 2003:
  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on estimates of regional gross domestic product (GDP). (105287)
  The term gross value added (GVA) is now used. Although these economic estimates have been historically referred to as GDP, under the European System of Accounts 95 (ESA95), they should be referred to as GVA at basic prices rather than GDP. This is because they are produced at basic prices, which includes the effects of taxes less subsidies on production. ONS has effected the change from GDP at factor cost to GVA at basic prices as part of implementation of ESA95, along with all other EU countries.
  Latest estimates of regional GDP were published in February 2001 for the period 1989 to 1999. The following table shows GVA by Government Office Region (GOR) for the calendar years 1997 to 1999.

  Total gross value added

  £ million

  Government office region

  1997

  1998

  1999

  North East

  24,202

  25,294

  25,875

  North West

  72,414

  75,275

  77,562

  Yorkshire and The Humber

  53,182

  55,457

  57,554

  East Midlands

  47,261

  49,413

  50,906

  West Midlands

  57,783

  61,130

  63,495

  East of England

  72,698

  77,962

  81,793

  London

  108,559

  118,499

  122,816

  South East

  108,276

  116,024

  121,956

  South West

  53,580

  56,064

  58,151

  Wales

  28,010

  29,541

  30,689

  Scotland

  58,650

  62,153

  64,050

  Northern Ireland

  15,952

  16,501

  17,003

  Extra-Regio1

  14,560

  11,983

  14,350

  United Kingdom2

  715,127

  755,297

  3787,386

  1 Extra Regio is that part of the UK's economic territory which cannot be allocated to any specific region. The contribution to UK GDP of UK embassies abroad and UK forces stationed overseas is included in Extra-Regio, along with the element of GDP relating to activities taking place on the continental shelf.

  2 Figures for all years may not sum due to rounding.

  3 Regional figures for the latest year do not sum to the UK total due to the statistical discrepancy in the National Accounts. For years up to 1998 figures are based on fully reconciled national estimates of income and expenditure. At the time of this publication the 1999 data had not been completely reconciled and a statistical discrepancy exists, which is not broken down by region. For 1999 this discrepancy is £1,188 million.

  Government Spending
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) total Government spending, (b) the change in Government spending and (c) the proportion of total Government spending used for long-term capital investment in each year since 1999. [105325]

  Mr. Boateng
  Table B27 in the pre-Budget report 2002 sets out total managed expenditure and public sector investment in real terms from 1970–71.

  Insurance and Corporation Taxes Act
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons the recent changes were made by the Inland Revenue to their interpretation of section 660 of
  341W
  the Insurance and Corporation Taxes Act 1988; and what additional revenue he expects the Exchequer to receive as a result. [104794]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has not changed its interpretation of sections 660A to 669 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

  Private Investment
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research was conducted to reach his prediction in paragraph 2.26 of the pre-Budget report that private investment is expected to increase during 2003. [105336]

  Ruth Kelly
  Full details of the private investment forecast are set out in Annex A of the pre-Budget report.

  Public Sector Finances
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the assessment made by the Treasury Public Sector Finances Team and the Inland Revenue which was presented at the Treasury Management Board meeting on 4 November 2002. [104763]

  Mr. Boateng
  The presentation made to the Treasury Management Board constitutes internal advice and is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Registration Officers
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he is making to introduce a right for registration officers to be heard at employment tribunals when they are unfairly dismissed. [105346]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Dr. Iddon, dated 27 March 2003:
  As National Statistician and Registrar General, I have been asked to reply to your recent parliamentary question concerning the progress to introduce a right for registration officers to be heard at employment tribunals when they are unfairly dismissed. (105346)
  In July 2002 the Department of Trade and Industry issued a Discussion Document of Employment Rights in Relation to Statutory Employment Rights. Currently they are analysing the responses to this wide-ranging discussion document, including those held by registration officers.
  The White Paper, Civil Registration: Vital Change [CM5355], proposes that registration officers will be transferred to local authority employment and receive the employment protection currently held by local government officers, including the right to be heard at an employment tribunal. This will require legislative change.

  RPIX Inflation
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assumptions were behind his assessment made in paragraph 2.28 of the pre-Budget report that RPIX inflation would fall below the Government's 25 per cent. target. [105337]
  342W
  Ruth Kelly
  A discussion of the RPIX inflation forecast can be found in paragraphs A55-A59 of Annex A of the pre-Budget report.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will conduct a public consultation on modernising stamp duty, with particular reference to(a) lease duty, (b) anti-avoidance measures and (c) tax reliefs. [105600]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Chancellor announced a wide-ranging reform of stamp duty on land and buildings in the UK in his 2002 Budget. Consultation on this reform was launched with the publication of a consultative document on 17 April 2002 entitled "Modernising Stamp Duty on Land and Buildings in the UK", seeking views on the detail of the modernised regime. This document included the three particular aspects to which the question refers. In addition, a number of discussions were held last year with representative bodies.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Active Community Unit
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives are planned for the constituency of Buckingham funded by the Active Community Unit; and what target he has for involvement in volunteering of residents in the constituency. [104689]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Active Community Unit funds a wide range of national voluntary and community sector organisations which benefit every area of England although no separate projects for Buckingham alone. The Government are committed to increasing community participation, including volunteering, by 5 per cent. by 2006; there is not a separate target for Buckingham alone.

  Aldershot Barracks (Bomb)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in securing convictions against those responsible for the bomb at the Aldershot military barracks on 22 February 1972. [104131]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The case remains open. Should any new evidence or intelligence come, to the attention of the police service, in this or any other similar cases, it will, of course, be investigated fully.

  Civil Contingency Planning
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place to establish a national network of observers to monitor and report evidence of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attacks on the UK population. [103430]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The Government have taken several approaches to monitor for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear releases, accidental or deliberate. These approaches include the well-established Radiological Incident Monitoring Network
  343W
  (RIMNET), air pollution monitors, the Department of Health's surveillance system and also the experience of the health and emergency services.

  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units in the civil Departments are trained to respond to a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorist attack. [103431]

  Mr. Blunkett
  The emergency services are trained to provide the immediate response to a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incident, whether it is accidental or deliberate. There are also specialist bodies within the health service, such as the Chemical Incident Response Service; specialist agencies within Departments, such as the Environment Agency; and public bodies such as the National Radiological Protection Board or the Food Standards Agency.

  These organisations, and others like them, are trained in the short, medium and long-term responses required to any incident involving CBRN material. They have assisted and continue to work with the Government in reviewing and maintaining contingency plans to make sure we maintain an effective response to potential CBRN incidents.

  Community Support Officers
  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what security policing community support officers have provided in central London in the last month. [104012]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  There are currently 196 community support officers fulfilling an important security role in the City of Westminster.

  The precise deployment of police and community support officers involved in security roles is regularly reviewed and varied in line with the latest intelligence. It is not the Metropolitan Police Service's policy to disclose this information for security reasons.

  Connexions Service
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken to process a Criminal Records Bureau check on an employee or consultant of the Connexions service has been. [103682]

  Hilary Benn
  There are no IT procedures at present to extract the information requested from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) database. The estimated average turnaround of checks processed by the CRB remains at approximately five weeks. This is measured from the point at which a correctly completed form is received by the CRB, accompanied by all relevant supporting details.

  Data Protection
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what items of personal data which the Security Service has released to data subjects following requests under the Data Protection Act 1998; and if he will make a statement. [104409]
  344W
  Mr. Blunkett
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 24 February 2003,Official Report, column 328W.

  Drug Testing
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which EU countries have compulsory drug-testing on arrest; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of adopting this policy. [104589]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  We are not aware of any European Union countries which have, on arrest, compulsory drug testing on a comparable basis with the provision for testing persons in police detention after charge, introduced in England and Wales under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

  That provision, with other provisions introduced under the Act for testing persons under probation supervision, is being fully evaluated as part of the drug testing pilot programme operating in nine sites in England and Wales. A preliminary findings report was published as HO Findings 176 in May 2002. A further interim report on the emerging findings from the pilot programme is being published very shortly as HO Findings 180 and will be placed in the Library. A full final evaluation report is due in spring 2004.

  Experience Corps
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives are being undertaken by the Experience Corps for volunteering in the constituency of Buckingham. [104686]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Experience Corps is a national initiative. Its aim is to encourage more people aged 50 and over to become or to remain active in their local communities. It encourages participation by people who have not volunteered before and provides mechanisms to assist the sector to ensure that new volunteers are invited to participate in the full range of volunteering opportunities. It has no initiatives specific to Buckingham but its services are likely to benefit people nationwide, including residents of Buckingham.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the Experience Corps that have been set up in the constituency of Buckingham; and how much funding each corps has received. [104687]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Experience Corps is a national initiative. Funding for the Experience Corps amounts to a total of £19.9 million over three years to March 2004. To date they have received £11.67 million. Funding has not been allocated by constituency.

  Illegal Drugs (Afghanistan)
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate he has made of the proportion of(a) heroin, (b) cannabis and (c) other illegal drugs used within the United Kingdom which come from Afghanistan. [104685]
  345W
  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise estimates that up to 95 per cent. of the heroin consumed in the United Kingdom each year originates from opium produced in Afghanistan. There are no indications that cannabis or any other illegal drugs originating from Afghanistan are being smuggled into the UK.

  Immigration Rules
  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes will be made to the definition of public funds in Rule 6 of the Immigration Rules to reflect(a) the forthcoming abolition of certain benefits and (b) the introduction of new tax credits. [104440]

  Beverley Hughes
  From April the Inland Revenue is introducing two new tax credits, child tax credit (CTC) and working tax credit (WTC). These will replace working families tax credit (WFTC) and disabled person's tax credit (DPTC). WFTC and DPTC will be removed from the list of public funds given at paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules, and WTC and CTC will be added in their place, by means of a rules change later this year.

  Mr. Simon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a claim under the terms of Regulation 3(2) of The Tax Credits (Immigration) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003, No. 653, by a couple including a person who is subject to immigration control will not be considered to be a breach of any restriction contained in a visa. [104441]

  Beverley Hughes
  The provisions of Regulation 3(2) of The Tax Credits (Immigration) Regulations 2003 will be fully taken into account when any changes are made to the list of public funds given at paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules. In line with this regulation, receipt of tax credits by a couple, including one member who is a person subject to immigration control, will not be regarded as a breach of any condition of leave to enter or remain.

  Indonesia
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to release Home Office papers from 1975–76 concerning Indonesia, East Timor and the Balebo killings. [103921]

  Mr. Blunkett
  A check has been made through various sources but we have been unable to establish any Home Office documents relating to the events specified in the question and therefore there are no relevant papers to release.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the funding arrangements will be for mental health provision within prisons after April. [105005]

  Hilary Benn
  Budgetary responsibility for prison health is being transferred from the Prison Service to the Department of Health from 1 April 2003. However, for the first three years the majority of resourcing for prison health, including most primary care mental health 346W
  provision, will be transferred back to the Prison Service, which will continue to deliver or commission most services through individual prisons as before.

  Funding for those NHS prison mental health in-reach services established before the end of 2002–03 was included in the baseline resource level allocations issued to the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) concerned in December 2002. Further allocations, in respect of new in-reach services to be developed in 2003–04 and additional support For some existing services, will be made to the relevant PCTs shortly.

  Miscarriages of Justice
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent guidelines he has issued to the police on the reinvestigation of miscarriages of justice. [104353]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  There is no national guidance on this issue. It is for individual police forces to decide how to respond on the basis of the Court of Appeal's ruling and the circumstances of the individual case. The police will review the evidence available and any comments or findings made by the Court in cases where convictions are overturned.

  New Hall Prison
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) male and (b) female officers are employed with juvenile girls at New Hall prison; [104068]

  (2) how many staff at the New Hall prison have had training in child protection; and what this comprised; [104064]

  (3) how many times control and restraint have been applied by male staff on juvenile girls in New Hall prison. [104067]

  Hilary Benn
  14 members of the staff at New Hall prison and young offender institution have been trained in child protection. This includes four who have been trained as trainers so that further training can be rolled out within the establishment from April.

  Training of trainers involves a two day course and trainers deliver a three hour module to staff. The module provides background on the legislation and goes on to concentrate on recognition of and response to problems; for example, signs and symptoms of abuse and how to deal with them.

  Between 1 April 2002 and 17 March 2003 there were 71 incidents at New Hall involving the use of control and restraint on juveniles. About 46 of those involved male staff. In all, 231 staff were involved in the incidents and of those about '73 were male.

  There are 18 male officers and 29 female officers on the Juvenile and Young Offender Unit at New Hall.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Sutton
  347W
  and Cheam will receive replies to his questions (a) 102841, (b) 101017, (c) 101032, (d) 89980, (e) 89990 and (f) 89993. [105293]

  Hilary Benn
  Question 101032 was answered on 12 March 2003,Official Report, column 307W. Questions 89980, 89990 and 89993 were all withdrawn. I will reply as soon as possible to questions 102841 and 101017.

  Police Numbers
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the population per police officer was in each year since 1997 in(a) England and (b) Surrey. [104844]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  [holding answer on 25 March 2003]The tables give population per police officer in England and Surrey in each year from 1997 to 2002.

  England

  Population (mid year estimates for previous year)

  Police strength

  Population per police officer

  March 1997

  48,903,440

  118,459

  413

  March 1998

  49,089,085

  118,139

  416

  March 1999

  49,284,242

  117,195

  421

  March 2000

  49,494,582

  115,324

  429

  March 2001

  49,752,864

  116,548

  427

  March 2002

  49,997,089

  120,073

  416

  Surrey

  Population (mid year estimates for previous year)

  Police strength

  Population per police officer

  March 1997

  775,226

  1,620

  479

  March 1998

  776,643

  1,608

  483

  March 1999

  784,360

  1,662

  472

  March 2000

  786,729

  1,785

  441

  March 2001

  1,078,067

  2,066

  522

  March 2002

  1,080,647

  1,992

  543

  Note:

  The figures for Surrey were affected by the boundary changes in April 2000

  Police Officers (Portsmouth)
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time police officers there were in the Portsmouth City area in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [104946]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  Information is not collected on a regular basis about the number of officers deployed to Basic Command Units within force areas. I would however refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) on 2 December 2002,Official Report, column 589W, setting out police strength for each Basic Command Unit for each force in England and Wales as at 31 March 2002.

  The deployment of resources between the 12 territorial divisions and other specialist operational and support units of the Hampshire Constabulary is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.

  Prisoners (Drug Treatment)
  Mr. Nick Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 18 March,Official Report, column 710W, on drug treatment of prisoners, how many offenders did not require drug and alcohol detoxification on entering prison between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2002. [105071]

  Hilary Benn
  The information sought is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. As my previous answer explained, the Prison Service and the Department of Health are only able to report the number of detoxifications carried out. This figure does not necessarily reflect the actual detoxification need, nor—by extension—the number of prisoners who do not require the intervention.

  Prisons (Juvenile Girls)
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether juvenile girls are held with adult women prisoners. [104065]

  Hilary Benn
  In two establishments, Brockhill and Eastwood Park, prisoners under 21 are housed together in wings. The juveniles are in a dedicated part of the wing in their own single rooms. All offenders have meals, fresh air and recreation together under close supervision. Juveniles receive special education and physical education provision. Some mixing with young offenders occurs under close supervision during education.

  At Bullwood Hall juveniles are in a dedicated wing and are accommodated separately within education. Some mixing with older girls under supervision occurs with common events such as chapel.

  New Hall has a separate unit for juveniles but also has additional accommodation that has recently been established to cater for increased numbers of young women. Juvenile girls are accommodated in that facility when operationally necessary. All juveniles have their own dedicated education but mixing does occur at times and is closely supervised.

  The arrangements outlined apply to remand and sentenced girls at those establishments. Additional remand facilities for juvenile girls exist at Low Newton, Styal and Holloway. These require juveniles to share with young offenders. Finance has recently been obtained to provide special facilities for juveniles at Holloway.

  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many juvenile girls in prison are pregnant. [104066]

  Hilary Benn
  The information requested is not available.

  Probation Officers (Suffolk)
  Mr. Ruffiey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many probation officers were in post in Suffolk in each year since 1997; and how many(a) offences and (b) offenders the Probation Service in Suffolk dealt with in each year since 1997. [104800]
  349W
  Hilary Benn
  The information requested is as follows:

  Numbers of probation officers1,2

  Suffolk

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  Probation officers

  89

  94

  95.4

  97

  97.5

  Probation Service officers

  12

  9

  16

  18

  25

  Total

  101

  103

  111.4

  115

  122.5

  1 Numbers shown as whole time equivalents.

  2 Information shown taken at 31 December.

  Although the question specifically asks for the number of probation officers, the information on Probation Service officers has also been provided. There has been an increasing growth in the use of Probation Service officers to support the work undertaken by probation officers. In particular, the use of accredited programme has seen a number low/medium risk offenders supervised as part of a group rather than on an individual basis as has occurred in the past. Probation Service officers, who receive specific training to enable them to manage these programmes and supervise the offenders participating, run these accredited programmes.

  (a) Probation figures are reported by person and therefore information pertaining to the number of offences dealt with by the probation service are not available.

  (b) Suffolk:

  Persons starting supervision by the Probation Service

  Number of offenders

  1997

  1,346

  1998

  1,467

  1999

  1,420

  2000

  1,418

  2001

  1,373

  Source:

  Figures obtained from RDS Probation Statistics 2001.

  Scotland
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times he has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103604]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Since becoming Home Secretary, I have visited Scotland once on official business. I have also visited several times on party business. In line with exemptions 2 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it is not normal practice to release details of specific meetings or their content, as some of these discussions may have taken place on a confidential basis.

  Special Constabulary (Suffolk)
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the strength was of the special constabulary in Suffolk in each year since 1997. [104815]

  Mr. Bob Ainsworth
  The information requested is set out in the table. The latest available figures are for March 2002, when there were 308 special constables in Suffolk constabulary. Figures for 31 March 2003 will be published in due course with other police personnel statistical data.
  350W

  Year (as at 31 March)

  Special constable strength in Suffolk

  1997

  379

  1998

  397

  1999

  420

  2000

  391

  2001

  349

  2002

  308

  Source:

  Home Office Research, Development and Statistical Group.

  The National Policing Plan 2003–06 reaffirms our commitment to introducing measures to increase the numbers and effectiveness of the special constabulary. The National Specials Weekend which was held on 21–23 February provided an opportunity for forces to
  "encourage more recruits by raising the profile of the Special Constabulary and recognising the enormous contribution made by its members to local policing".
  The new specials website, which can be found at www.specialconstables.gov.uk, has been designed so that specials and their managers can keep abreast of developments and share good practice. Guidance on good practice in all aspects of specials' local recruitment, management and deployment is being produced by the Home Office with the Association of Chief Police Officers, and will be published on this site.

  Additionally, we have introduced amendments to the Special Constabulary Regulations to allow police authorities to submit schemes, which they have agreed with the chief constable, for the payment of special constables. Such schemes will require the approval of the Secretary of State. Running a number of trial schemes will help establish to what extent payments to specials have a positive effect on their recruitment and retention and the number of hours they are able to offer their force. As announced by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 24 March, the first such scheme to be authorised is in Workington in Cumbria.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Burundi
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department has had with the World Food Programme regarding the humanitarian situation in Burundi. [105117]

  Clare Short
  The DFID representative in Bujumbura is in regular contact with WFP and the UN co-ordination team and regularly attends the weekly contact group for UN and other agencies which is co-ordinated by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

  In early March WFP distributed 7,744 tons of food to over 750,000 beneficiaries. They currently have just under 3,500 tons of stock available. They are appealing for further contributions in order to maintain deliveries. We are considering this request in the context of our overall humanitarian response.

  Departmental Invoices
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the occasions
  351W
  on which her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period within financial year 2001–02. [104311]

  Clare Short
  In the 2001–2002 financial year my department received 34,435 invoices. 96.62 per cent. of valid invoices were paid within the prompt payment deadline.

  Emergency Preparedness
  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on a Joint NGO Emergency Preparedness Initiative. [105024]

  Clare Short
  The Joint NGO Emergency Preparedness Initiative (JNEPI) is a consortium of non-governmental organisations consisting of the International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, Save the Children U.S. and World Vision U.S. It aims to serve as a clearing house for information gathered by its members and other agencies on the Iraq situation. It is currently based in Amman, Jordan. My Department is in regular contact with JNEPI on humanitarian preparedness planning.

  Iraq
  Mr. Lyons
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much UK will invest in reconstruction and aid to Iraq in 2003–04. [104728]

  Clare Short
  My Department has an ongoing programme of humanitarian support to the people of Iraq which is delivered through NGOs and international organisations. This programme is allocated £6 million in 2003–04.

  In addition, I have committed £50 million to support preparations and work by humanitarian agencies in the current crisis. This includes £32 million for the Red Cross/Red Crescent and £8 million for the World Food Programme. My Department has a further £40 million set aside for the immediate humanitarian response and is considering further assistance in line with emerging needs.

  DFID also provides 19 per cent. of European Community (EC) funding for Iraq. On 21 March the College of European Commissioners proposed to release an additional € 79 million from their Emergency Aid Reserve, increasing their total commitment to €100 million. This funding is still to be approved by the European Council.

  It is too soon to allocate funds for the post-war reconstruction of Iraq.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria will be used to determine whether Iraq is too insecure for civilian humanitarian agencies to operate within its borders. [104873]

  Clare Short
  Humanitarian agencies cannot operate until a permissive security environment has been established. Until such time as alternative arrangements are made, the military will discharge their humanitarian obligations under the Geneva and The Hague 352W
  conventions in order to provide relief in the interim in the territory they occupy. The Office of the UN Security Co-ordinator (UNSECOORD) provides security advice to the UN humanitarian agencies. Once the situation allows, NGOs will need to undertake their own security assessments before engaging. Security updates are being provided through the Humanitarian Operations Centre in Kuwait.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much pre-positioned stocks of humanitarian aid is held by USAID for the people of Iraq. [105020]

  Clare Short
  So far, USAID has announced $154 million for humanitarian relief, food distribution, reconstruction and transition initiatives. The State Department's Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration has also contributed over $15 million to agency pre-positioning efforts.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is being done to(a) ensure the safety of pre-positioned stocks of humanitarian aid for Iraqi people and (b) open access to them. [105021]

  Clare Short
  DFID has been in close discussion with the Ministry of Defence over many months working to minimise the humanitarian impact of any conflict; both to limit the risks to the Iraqi population and the infrastructure on which they depend, and to ensure that UK forces meet their obligations under The Hague and Geneva conventions governing armed conflict.

  DFID has provided funding to humanitarian agencies to enable them to pre-position stocks for the Iraqi people. Agencies use their standard operating procedures to monitor these stocks. The armed forces provide security advice on access issues. Distribution of humanitarian supplies is based on assessments of need and giving priority to the most urgent cases of distress, rather than open access to all.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money her Department has given to(a) USAID, (b) the UN and (c) non-governmental organisations for humanitarian contingency plans for Iraq. [105022]

  Clare Short
  USAID is the development arm of the US government. DFID obviously does not fund it.

  To date, DFID has committed £50 million to support preparations and work by humanitarian agencies in the current crisis. Of this, £13 million has been committed to UN agencies and £32 million to the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement. £5 million has been committed to NGOs, of which specific agreements have been reached to date for £1 million. My Department has a further £40 million set aside for the immediate humanitarian response and is considering further assistance in line with emerging needs. We anticipate a further appeal from the UN and are continuing to assess proposals from NGOs.

  DFID also provide 19 per cent. of European Community (EC) funding for Iraq. On 21 March the College of European Commissioners proposed to release an additional €79 million from the Emergency

  353W
  Aid Reserve, increasing their total commitment to €100 million. This funding is still to be approved by the Council.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which international non-governmental organisations and local Iraqi non-governmental organisations she is in discussions with concerning the situation in Iraq; and when these discussions commenced. [105023]

  Clare Short
  My officials have been meeting with NGOs in London for several weeks and are liasing with them in the region. Until now we have not been in a position to meet with local Iraqi non-governmental organisations.

  DFID has received and is urgently assessing a substantial number of proposals from NGOs.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the likelihood of using frozen Iraqi Government assets for humanitarian relief and post-conflict reconstruction; and how much this money is estimated to be. [105025]

  Clare Short
  In accordance with UN Security Council resolutions 661, 687 and 778, the UK Government have the power to freeze the accounts of the Government of Iraq, bodies incorporated in Iraq and residents of Iraq. UK banks hold US$648 million in frozen Iraqi assets.

  The UK Government do not have the power to appropriate the assets in these accounts, and we are considering how best to deal with them. Subject to protecting the legitimate interests of private asset holders, we are keen that those assets held in the UK, as well as those held worldwide, should be used for the future benefit of the people of Iraq.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans are in place to deal with water and sanitation contaminated by biological weapons in Iraq. [105026]

  Clare Short
  Use of biological weapons is a risk which no humanitarian agency is properly prepared to respond to. UK and US military strategy aims to minimise this risk. The Ministry of Defence are considering what limited response they could provide in the event of an attack on Iraqi civilians.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what recent discussions and representations she has had with the(a) United States, (b) United Nations, (c) European Union, (d) other states and (e) organisations and individuals regarding the reconstruction and development of (i) broadcasting and (ii) cultural services in Iraq; and if she will make a statement; [105039]

  (2) how much her Department has committed to the reconstruction of broadcasting and cultural services in Iraq, broken down by type; and what proportion this constitutes of the total post-conflict funds for such measures. [105040]

  Clare Short
  It is too soon to allocate funds for the post-war reconstruction of Iraqi broadcasting and cultural services. We are having some discussions on these and other reconstruction issues, but our first 354W
  priority is to secure a UN mandate to provide legal authority for the overall reconstruction effort. This would make possible the engagement of the International Financial Institutions and the wider international community. The Government are holding on-going discussions with key partners to ensure such a mandate is put in place.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Council Tax (Park Homes)
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent representations he has received regarding the setting of lower council tax bands for residents of park homes. [104435]

  Mr. Leslie
  In the past 12 months, the Office of Deputy Prime Minister has received one letter from the British Holiday and Home Parks Association and a further nine letters from residents of park and mobile homes requesting a lower council tax band for such homes.

  The Association also sent in a response to last summer's consultation exercise on the draft Local Government Bill. Hon. Members also expressed views during recent stages of the Local Government Bill.

  Housing Standards
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether housing associations are obliged to stipulate that the sub-contractors are fully accredited and work to national standards; [104739]

  (2) whether local government may ensure that housing association clients participate in the selection of building contractors chosen to perform work in their homes; [104740]

  (3) what action (a) councils and (b) residents are able to take against sub-contractors of housing associations if their work is deemed substandard or unsafe. [104741]

  Mr. McNulty
  Housing associations, like any independent businesses, are responsible for selecting building contractors to carry out work on their stock.

  The Housing Corporation's 'regulatory code' requires all housing associations to comply with statutory regulations and sets out probity and procurement policies relating to the selection of contractors and consultants by housing associations. The code also requires housing associations to take account of feedback from tenants on any aspect of the service they receive. In addition housing associations must aim to deliver continuous improvements and value for money in their services, using best value techniques.

  As with any services provided by housing associations, tenants may pursue complaints about work by sub-contractors through individual associations' formal complaints procedure, with recourse to the Independent Housing Ombudsman Service if they remain dissatisfied.

  Local Authorities (Uncollected Debt)
  Mr. Michael Foster
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what estimate he has made of the level of uncollected debt of each district council in England; [104770]

  (2) what the average level of uncollected debt is for local authorities in England. [104769]

  Mr. Leslie
  Central Government do not collect comprehensive information on levels of uncollected local authority debt. It does, however, collect information on local authority rentarrears and business rate arrears.

  Local authority rent arrears in England are reported to have totalled about £560 million as at 31 March 2002. Of this, about £350 million were in respect of current tenants, with the remaining £210 million being owed by former tenants. Figures for individual local authorities, and totals for each class of authority, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Arrears of business rates owed to local authorities in England are estimated to have totalled almost £800 million as at 31 March 2002. Figures for individual local authorities, and totals for each class of authority, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Central government does not currently collect information on the level of community charge or council tax arrears owed to English local authorities. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister estimates, however, that arrears in England at 1 April 2001 totalled £185 million for community charge and £1,435 million for council tax. These estimates are based on information supplied to CIPFA on its revenue collection statistics return, and on information on amounts of community charge and council tax received, which central government collects from billing authorities on the QRC4 return.

  After discussions with local government we will, however, be collecting information from English billing authorities on the level of community charge and council tax arrears as at 31 March 2003 on the QRC4 return for 2002–03.

  In addition, local authorities have some other types of uncollected debt, such as uncollected fees and charges for services. Information on these is not collected by central government.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the arrangements are for the review of the balance of funding for local government. [105372]

  Mr. Raynsford
  As announced to the House on 20 January, the balance of funding review would begin in April and the terms of reference for the review were published. These set out the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's approach to the review, the sort of people we envisaged as being on the review's steering group and the proposed working methods, timing and outputs. A copy of the terms of reference of the review has been placed in the Library of the House and can also be found on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister web-site at http://www.local.dtlr.gov.uk/finance/balance.htm. The 356W
  Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be announcing very shortly the members of the steering group for the review and the date of the first meeting.

  Millennium Dome
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the monthly running costs of the Millennium Dome were in the last six months. [104424]

  Mr. McNulty
  Final cost figures are not yet available for the first two months of 2003, as English Partnerships are awaiting a number of outstanding invoices. However, the Dome costs* incurred for the six months up to December 2002 was £1.493 million. This is made up according to the following monthly breakdown:
  * Monthly costs include rates, utilities, security and maintenance, and English Partnerships' staff costs on management and maintenance of the Dome. Costs are calculated on an accruals basis and may be subject to reassessments, by the relevant authorities, of rates or other charges included in the cost of managing and maintaining the Dome.

  £

  Month

  Cost

  July

  250,000

  August

  245,000

  September

  242,000

  October

  241,000

  November

  262,000

  December

  253,000

  Total:

  1,493,000

  These costs, and other costs incurred by English Partnerships since they took ownership of the Dome on 1 July 2001, will be recovered from sale proceeds.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of progress in handing over the Millennium Dome to Anschutz Entertainment Group; when he expects the handover to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [104425]

  Mr. McNulty
  The deal to hand over the Dome to Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) is primarily conditional upon the granting of planning permission. On 23 December 2002 Meridian Delta Ltd., jointly with English Partnership, AEG and Quintain Estates and Development, submitted a planning application to the London borough of Greenwich.

  The London borough of Greenwich is currently considering the application and will have to decide in due course whether to grant planning permission. If it is minded to do so, the application will be referred to the Mayor of London and the First Secretary of State under the normal planning procedures.

  As the application is going through the planning process I am unable to speculate on the likely timing of completing the deal and handing over the Dome to AEG.

  Pay Costs
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total pay costs incurred by(a) the Social Exclusion Unit, (b) the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and (c) the Homelessness Directorate have been in each year since their creation. [103067]
  357W
  Mrs. Roche
  Tabled is the total pay costs for the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU) for each year since its creation in 1997; the Homelessness Directorate since its creation in 2000 and the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit (NRU) since its creation in 2001. The figures for the years prior to 2001–02 are in cash terms. The figures for the year 2001–02 are on a resource basis.

  £000

  Year

  SEU

  Homelessness

  NRU

  1997–98

  46

  —

  —

  1998–99

  419

  —

  —

  1999–2000

  810

  —

  —

  2000–01

  1,146

  1,055

  —

  2001–02

  1,367

  984

  2,395

  Social Housing Grant
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what notice he gave to(a) housing associations and (b) local councils of his intentions to end the local authority housing grant; what consultations he held in each case; how many homes have been built by (i) housing associations and (ii) local councils using the grant since 1996; what estimate he has made of the effect of ending the grant on the provision of affordable homes for (a) key workers and (b) people on low incomes; and how many homes planned to be built will not now be built because of the ending of the grant. [102616]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister consulted local authorities, the housing corporation, the national housing federation and other key figures in the housing world on the principle of abolishing local authority social housing grant (LASHG) last autumn. In the light of work on the "Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future", we decided to make this reform quickly—provided transitional funding arrangements were in place to ensure that well-advanced, good quality schemes were able to go ahead.

  Local authorities use registered social landlords (RSLs) as the vehicle for building homes with LASHG. They do not use this grant to develop units themselves. The following table shows the dwellings completed in each year by RSLs using the grant:
  Dwellings completed:

  1996–97: 9,609

  1997–98: 10,152

  1998–99: 9,929

  1999–2000: 8,678

  2000–01: 8,419

  2001–02: 6,971

  In my statement of 5 March I announced increased provision for transitional arrangements for LASHG. Transitional funding will now support investment in social housing of up to £550 million to £50 million more than we provided in 2002–03 from LASHG, and higher than in any previous year. The number of affordable homes to be built in 2003–04 using this funding will not
  358W
  be known until after 30 June 2003, which is the deadline for both with-debt and debt-free authorities to submit new schemes for 2003–04 to the housing corporation.

  As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 5 February, the measures set out in the "Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future" will provide £5 billion for more affordable homes over the next three years, including at least £1 billion for key worker housing, much of which will be distributed following advice from the regional housing boards, in line with regional housing strategies.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Cuba
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's relations with Cuba. [104583]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The UK's bilateral relationship with Cuba is one of constructive engagement. HMG co-operates with Cuba in a number of areas including the fight against drug trafficking, HIV/AIDS, child protection and in science and sport. We share the EU goal of encouraging a process of transition to a pluralist democracy with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. With our EU partners, we take every opportunity to make clear our concerns about human rights and the one-party system in Cuba. We have raised the recent arrests of dissidents with the Cuban authorities.

  Departmental Creche Facilities
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what creche facilities are provided by his Department; and at what cost. [104302]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The FCO nursery has now been open for 18 months and can take up to 36 children. Parents pay between £110–£130 per week, depending on their grade and the age of the child. The subsidy is approximately £90,000 per annum, depending on the take-up of places and age of the children.

  The FCO is also an employer partner in the Buffer Bear network of nurseries, with access to 10 priority places on the waiting list. The cost of a place varies depending on, among other things, the location of the nursery. Staff are offered a subsidy of £20–£40 per week depending on their grade. These nurseries are based at key commuter points and offer choice for parents who do not wish to bring their children into London.

  Staff are also eligible to use the Westminster holiday playscheme, which caters for 4 to12-year-olds during school holidays, at three sites in central London. The cost is £30 per day, which is split equally between the FCO and the parent. The subsidy for financial year

  359W
  2002–03 will be in the region of £4,100. Places are offered on a first come, first served basis, which means the number of users varies each year.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Spanish Government since 1 January on sovereignty over Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [104980]

  Mr. Straw
  I have had several discussions with my Spanish counterpart on a range of issues since 1 January 2003. None of these concentrated on Gibraltar.

  Iran
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of women's rights in Iran; what recent representations he has made to the Iranian Government on women's rights; and if he will make a statement. [104937]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In Iran women make up over half the university intake, and are able to work, drive, and vote. There are 13 women MPs, a female Vice-President and many representatives on town and city councils. Nevertheless, we share the concerns expressed in the EU Council Conclusions of 19 March at the discrimination, in law and in practice, against women and girls in Iran. The head of the Iranian Judiciary has said there is a need to review the laws which deny women their rights. We encourage the efforts being made in Iran to have legislation passed which will permit Iran to ratify without reservations the UN Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the decision by the Iranian Government not to remove stoning from the Islamic Punishment Act; and if he will make a statement. [104940]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Although the Iranian Government have not removed stoning from the Iranian penal code we welcome their recent de facto moratorium on death sentences by stoning and hope that it is the first step towards the abolition of this practice. The British Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and urges all states to abolish the death penalty. Debate on such issues is growing in Iran and we and our EU partners continue to make clear our views to the Iranian Government at every suitable opportunity.

  Nigeria
  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning attacks upon Christians and animists by militant Muslims in the central and northern states of Nigeria, with particular reference to Plateau state; and what representations he will make to the Nigerian authorities concerning these attacks. [104735]
  360W
  Mr. Rammell
  The British High Commission in Abuja systematically reports the violent clashes between Christian and Muslim communities in northern Nigeria, although we are not aware of attacks on animists.

  In July last year, a British Government team specialising in conflict prevention visited Plateau state to see what help the UK could offer. The team convened a round-table discussion for Christians and Muslims. We also support the efforts of Coventry Cathedral's Centre for Reconciliation, who have been trying to build trust between the religious communities in Kaduna over the last year. They plan to extend their work to Plateau State.

  As I told my hon. Friend, the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 357W, we remain in close touch with the Nigerian authorities on the issue of violence in northern Nigeria. Officials from the British High Commission in Abuja regularly visit the northern states, where the majority of religious violence takes place, and raise the matter of violence with the governors of the states concerned.

  Alistair Burt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the declared aim of militant Muslims in Nigeria to have Sharia law imposed on a majority of the states, in order to mount a challenge to the country's constitution. [104736]

  Mr. Rammell
  Some political commentators in Nigeria have claimed that militant Moslems in the north are working towards the adoption of Sharia law by a majority of states in the Federation, with the aim of eventually altering the constitution to make Nigeria an Islamic state. But there is no indication that the majority of Moslems in the country support these moves.

  Plane Spotters
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the British plane spotters charged with espionage and associated charges have not received their bail money since they were acquitted in November 2002; what action the Foreign Office has taken to assist them in the return of this money; and what further action the Foreign Office plans to take. [101199]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The 12 British plane spotters have not yet received their bail money but Greek legal procedures can be lengthy. We advised the plane spotters to instruct a lawyer to apply for the return of the bail money on their behalf. Our ambassador in Athens wrote to the Minister of Justice on 28 January 2003, asking for this procedure to be expedited, and is actively pursuing this. We will continue to offer the plane spotters all the consular assistance we properly can.

  Rachel Corrie
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with(a) The US Government and (b) the Government of Israel about the death of Rachel Corrie; and if he will make representations to the Israeli Government about its treatment of foreign nationals attempting to prevent the destruction of Palestinian homes by Israeli forces. [104771]
  361W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We continue to make clear our deep concerns about the treatment of all civilians in the Occupied Territories by the Israeli authorities. I raised my concerns about civilian deaths in the Occupied Territories, including that of Rachel Corrie, in a meeting with the Israeli Ambassador on 19 March. The indiscriminate use of force by the Israel Defence Forces only fuels the cycle of violence and makes a comprehensive settlement harder to reach. We have always recognised Israel's right to take steps to provide security for its citizens, but these actions must fall within the parameters of international law.

  Officials at the Consulate General in Jerusalem have discussed Rachel Corrie's death with their US counterparts.

  Title

  Purpose

  Date

  Cost (£000)

  (a) Conferences

  Building a sustainable heritage held at the Science Museum

  To raise awareness of the principles of sustainable development to the public through DCMS sectors

  30April 2002

  7

  People and places launch

  To launch social inclusion policy for the built environment—held at the Dulwich picture Gallery held at the Dulwich picture Gallery.

  June 2002

  1.1

  Golden Jubilee Faith Forum, St. James Palace

  To bring together young people of faith from across the UK to explore the practical dimension of faith and service to the community

  9–10 June 2002

  59

  DCMS Finance Conference at the British Museum

  To bring finance directors from the Departments non-departmental public bodies up to date on recent developments, share best practice and assist in networking.

  28 January 2003

  2

  Building Tomorrow: Culture in Regeneration Conference at The Lowry

  A discussion between Ministers and key players at out the role played by culture in the regeneration of urban and rural areas

  25 February 2003

  31.2

  (b) Seminars

  Golden Jubilee seminars

  To brief local community and voluntary groups of events planned in Plymouth and Bristol

  27 March 2002

  0.8

  Accounting Officers Seminar, Tower of London

  To address a range of common strategic issues

  13 May 2002

  1.8

  Public libraries seminar

  To consult professionals on the Government's strategic framework for the public library service

  18 June 2002

  3.7

  Visual Arts seminar, London

  To discuss the structures and support required to assist the visual arts over the next 10 years

  10 July 2002

  0.3

  Exploiting the scientific research programmes

  To raise awareness within Government of the scientific, of national museums seminar research and educational work of the national museums

  22 July 2002

  0.3

  Creativity for wealth and welfare seminar

  To discuss the contribution creativity can make to wealth and welfare by participants from government, the academic world and others

  26 September 2002

  0.3

  Cultural leadership seminar at the Globe Theatre

  To discuss leadership and management issues with the cultural sector

  16 October 2002

  1.5

  Fresh Perspectives Seminar

  To raise awareness of core principles for involving children and young people among DCMS sectors

  21 November 2002

  4.2

  PE school sport and club links; open morning

  To update key stakeholders on the content and delivery of the Government's strategy for PE, school sport and club links

  5 December 2002

  1.6

  NDPB Chief Executives' Spring Seminar, London

  To address a range of common strategic issues

  3 March 2003

  7.2

  Implementing recommendations of the Coaching Task Force

  To consult with key stakeholders on the Government's proposals

  10 March 2003

  2.4

  Capital of Culture Event

  To acknowledge and celebrate the 12 cities short listed for the event

  14 October 2002

  7.6

  (c) Workshops

  Creative Industries Networking Event, London

  To bring together a range of organisations from the creative industries to share best practice

  July 2002

  6

  Informal Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting

  To discuss a range of relevant sports policy issues, including anti-doping, women in sport and sport and social cohesion

  24 July 2002

  35.5

  Developing a closer working relationship between the DCMS and local government

  Workshop to explore and develop opportunities for DCMS to engage more systematically with local government

  7 October 2002

  0.4

  (d) Exhibitions1

  (e) Press conferences

  Treasure Annual Report 2000

  Launch at British Museum

  14 August 2002

  0

  1 None

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Departmental Events
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the(a) conferences, (b) seminars, (c) workshops, (d) exhibitions and (e) press conferences which have been sponsored by her Department and which took place on non-departmental premises in the last 12 months, broken down by title, purpose, date and cost. [104282]

  Dr. Howells
  Details of the events sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that took place on non-departmental premises in the last 12 months are listed in the following table.

  Noise Pollution
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what work her Department is undertaking to monitor and act against noise pollution from public houses; [105041]

  (2) if she will list those organisations and individuals contracted to undertake research and analysis of noise pollution from public houses on her behalf; and when those contracts were agreed. [105042]

  Dr. Howells
  DCMS does not monitor noise from public houses and has not contracted any organisations or individuals to undertake research and analysis of noise pollution from public houses. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is the lead Department for policy relating to the control of noise pollution and nuisance and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Rural Affairs and Urban Quality of Life answered questions on this subject on 13 January 2003,Official Report, column 375W, and 20 January 2003, Official Report, column 104–5W.

  The Licensing Bill currently before the House of Commons will allow licensing authorities to attach conditions to premises licences and club premises certificates if they are necessary to address noise nuisance. Local residents and others will be able to make representations about applications for licences and certificates which they believe will lead to noise problems and to request reviews of licences and certificates where noise problems exist.

  Regional Cultural Consortiums
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 429W, on regional cultural consortiums, if she will estimate the administrative costs for each consortium for (a) January to April 2003 and (b) financial year 2003–04. [104701]

  Mr. Caborn
  (a) Each consortium has the following funds available for the period January to April 2003.

  Regional cultural consortium

  £

  Eastern

  87.116

  East Midlands

  106,936

  North East

  88,386

  North West

  88,497

  South East

  84,084

  South West

  96,185

  West Midlands

  95,543

  Yorkshire

  86,656

  It is not possible to detail the exact expenditure by each consortium for the period in question until the end of the period.

  (b) For the financial year 2003–04, each Consortium has a budget of £125,000 and will continue to receive support from staff based within the Government Offices in the regions. As stated in my answer of 14 March, the Regional Development Agencies and the various regional cultural agencies have all been encouraged to help with funding and other means of support.

  Sports
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action she is taking to encourage the(a) Football Association, (b) Rugby Football Union, (c) Lawn Tennis Association and (d) England and Wales Cricket Board to (i) increase participation in their sports, (ii) increase participation in their sports by those of Asian origin and (iii) increase participation in their sports by those living in inner city areas; and if she will make a statement. [104750]

  Mr. Caborn
  Sport's governing bodies are essential to the Government's plans to increase levels of sporting participation.

  (i) £40 million in new Lottery funding has recently been made available to national governing bodies to improve their mechanisms for delivering improvements in participation levels. In addition, the Government has taken steps to assist governing-body affiliated, and other, Community Amateur Sports Clubs in offering opportunities for people of all ages to participate in healthy recreation. DCMS worked closely with the Charity Commission on the revised guidance issued in March 2002, which will make many more local clubs are eligible for the financial benefits of charitable status;

  (ii) The Government have worked closely with the Football Association, the Rugby Football Union, the Lawn Tennis Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board increase participation among Asian people. I fully support the efforts of these governing bodies in this area, which include FA projects in Leicester and elsewhere, the RFU's social inclusion programmes including its work at the Islamic High School for Girls in Central Manchester, the LTA's inner city tennis projects and the ECB's Racial Equality Intermediate Level Award-approved coaching projects;

  (iii) all four of these governing bodies run sporting access schemes for children in inner urban areas, which complement Sport England's Sport Action Zones initiative in some of the most socially and economically deprived areas of the country. The Government will be investing £60 million over the three years from 2003–04 through the Community Clubs Investment Programme, the focus of which will be on increasing participation levels in deprived areas and among disadvantaged groups. The Government have funded additional and complementary sporting initiatives in deprived areas through the Positive Futures and Splash projects.

  Sports Facilities (Refurbishment)
  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many public sports facilities in(a) Harrow, (b) London and (c) England are in need of refurbishment; and if she will make a statement. [104831]

  Mr. Caborn
  Figures on the number of public sports facilities in Harrow, London and England, which are in need of refurbishment are not available. Local authorities are the key providers of sport and recreation facilities in their areas and significant investment from the National Lottery has helped to create new state of the art community facilities. DCMS, in partnership with Sport England is developing an England-wide database
  365W
  of sports facilities, which will enable more strategic Government investment in those areas and facilities that are most important.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  International Law
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps the Government is taking to encourage states who have acceded to the Hague conventions also to become members of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. [102502]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I apologise for my late reply, which is due to an administrative error. As part of its consistent support for the Hague Conference, the Government has encouraged the rapid and recent world-wide expansion of the Conference's membership; in particular, it routinely endorses applications to join from individual countries. In 2000 my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor wrote to the Ministers of Justice in South Africa, New Zealand and India to advocate membership of the conference; the first two of these countries have subsequently joined. He will continue to promote the advantages of membership on his visits to countries which have yet to join.

  Judgment Debtors
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make it the policy of the Government to allow postal service of form N39 requiring a judgment debtor to attend an oral examination at the county court. [104773]

  Yvette Cooper
  No. The order must be served on the debtor personally and the creditor must file an affidavit by the person who served the order giving details of how and when it was served. This is because non-attendance at court by the debtor may be treated as contempt of court and result in his imprisonment.

  Not-for-profit Agencies
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Lord Chancellor will ensure that Legal Services Commission funding for not-for-profit agencies continues to guarantee RPI increases in salary scales; and if he will make a statement. [104505]

  Paddy Tipping
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what inflation increase has been awarded to not-for-profit agencies providing general civil contracts from 1 April 2003; and if she will make a statement. [104738]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  From April 2003, not for profit organisations offering legal services as part of the community legal service will be issued with a replacement contract by the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The new 'Not for Profit Contract', in common with the contract for solicitors, contains no guarantee of annual remuneration increases. However, my Department and the LSC are monitoring actively the provider base in all areas of law and will consider as 366W
  matters develop whether measures to enhance remuneration rates are possible within available resources.

  My right hon. and Learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and I recognise that people working in not for profit organisations are dedicated, efficient and caring individuals, providing important services to the socially excluded and disadvantaged, for rates of remuneration that will inevitably fall short of what they can earn in the private sector. However, our scope for improving the position with regard to remuneration is limited by resource constraints.

PRIVY COUNCIL

  External Reports
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the President of the Council if he will list(a) the title and subject, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the commissioned author or organisation of each external report commissioned by his Department in each year since 1997. [103722]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  My Department has not commissioned any external reports from 2000 to date. The additional information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Benefit Payment Methods
  Mr. David Stewart:
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the use of the(a) post office card account, (b) basic bank account and (c) direct payment into personal bank account of pensions and benefits in (i) 2003–04, (ii) 2004–05 and (iii) 2005–06. [104574]

  Malcolm Wicks
  At the start of the main move to direct payment in April 2003, there will be some 13 million benefit recipients paid by order book or giro.

  At present 85 per cent. of our customers (including 90 per cent. of pensioners) already have access to a suitable account for direct payment and we expect the majority of our customers will choose to use that account. For this reason our operating assumption is that about three million customers will open a post office card account.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners draw their benefits at(a) post offices and (b) banks or building societies in the Havant constituency. [104578]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Some customers who are paid direct into an account can also collect their benefit in cash at post offices through network banking arrangements at the post office. There is no data available on the number of benefit claims collected in this way. Girocheques can be cashed either over-the-counter at a post office or through a bank account. For the purposes of this answer, girocheques have been treated as an over-the-counter method of payment.
  367W
  Figures have been compiled from those living in the Havant constituency from the data available on the 25 January 2003, and will include an overlap where some pensioners are receiving some benefits at the post office and some into a bank or building society. The number of pensioners in the Havant constituency are shown in the following table:

  Number of pensioners

  Total pensioners receiving benefit

  20,032

  Drawing benefits solely at a post office

  8,410

  Benefits solely paid direct into a bank or building society

  10,832

  Pensioners on more than one benefit, paid by combination of post office and direct into a bank or building society

  790

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in the Northavon constituency collect benefits from post offices; and how many have migrated from over-the-counter payments to direct bank transfers in the last 12 weeks. [105297]

  Malcolm Wicks
  From data available at 25 January 2003 the number of pensioners in the Northavon constituency that collect benefits from post offices is approximately 8,300.

  The information is not available in the format requested for the second part of the question.

  A comparison of the data available at 25 January 2003 with the same records available at 2 November 2002 indicates that just over 50 pensioners have

  Number of occupational pension schemes recorded by the Pensions Scheme Registry1

  Closed2

  Frozen3

  Winding up4

  Wound up5

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  243

  297

  154

  7,427

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000

  286

  425

  4,521

  8,185

  1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001

  341

  555

  1,702

  6,119

  1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002

  525

  558

  2,206

  4,731

  1 April 2002 to 19 March 2003

  414

  658

  1,471

  3,599

  1 The Pension Schemes Registry (PSR) is not designed or intended to provide a comprehensive or continuous statistical record of the status of schemes. The PSR registers schemes for tracing purposes and collects the levy from pension schemes, including those in the process of winding up. New scheme data is being reported to the PSR on a continuous basis. Therefore, the figures are subject to continuous revision. When a scheme has changed status, the previous status of the scheme is not recorded on the registry. Schemes have up to 12 months to notify OPRA of any status change so the data for the current year are particularly provisional. The data in the table do not include any schemes that may have changed their benefit type (money purchase, salary related or hybrid) but not their status code (open, closed, frozen, winding up, or wound up).

  2 A closed scheme is a registerable scheme to which no new members may be admitted, but existing members can continue to make contributions and accrue benefits.

  3 A frozen scheme is a registerable scheme under which benefits continue to be payable to existing members, and to which no new members may be admitted, no further contributions can be made by existing members, and no further benefits accrue to existing members (although benefits which have already accrued to them may be increased).

  4 A winding up scheme is one which has notified OPRA that it has commenced winding up procedures.

  5 A wound up scheme is one which has notified OPRA that it has completed winding up procedures.

  Note:

  The data in the table relate to private sector occupational pension schemes. In addition to data on occupational schemes, the registry also collects data on personal pension and public sector schemes. These schemes are not included in the table.

  Source:

  OPRA.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam will receive replies to his questions(a) 101909 and (b) 97567. [105294]

  Maria Eagle
  Replies were giver to the hon. Member on 25 March 2003.
  368W
  migrated at least one benefit from payments at a post office to payments directly into a bank or building society account. These figures will be influenced by people who may have moved away from, or into the area during the period of the comparison.

  Benefit-based Statistics
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what impact he expects the move from benefit-based statistics to ones focused on client groups will have on the information available via written parliamentary questions. [100791]

  Mr. Andrew Smith
  The move away from publishing individual benefit statistics towards a greater focus on client group based releases will have no effect on the information available via written parliamentary questions.

  Company Pension Funds
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many company pension funds have been(a) closed and (b) closed to new entrants in each of the last five years. [103911]

  Mr. McCartney
  Information on pension schemes is held by the Pension Schemes Registry that is maintained by the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority. Some data on the number of occupational pension schemes recorded by the Registry are provided in the table. The figures relate to the position as at 19 March 2003.

  Construction Industry
  Mrs. Roe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will require statutory bodies that place orders with the construction industry for the improvement of public services to be required to ensure through main contractors that all sub- and specialist-contractors hold employers' liability compulsory insurance. [104851]
  369W
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  The Department for Work and Pensions maintains standard clauses in contracts with its direct contractors to ensure that required insurance policies, including employers' liability compulsory insurance, are taken out and maintained.

  The Department does not have any specific procedures to ensure that main contractors in the construction industry working for statutory bodies also ensure that all their specialist and sub-contractors have the required insurance policies in place. However there is a general requirement on all suppliers specified within the contracting arrangements to ensure that they meet all their legal obligations in this area.

  Department of Social Security

  Employment Service

  Department for Work and Pensions

  Date

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  31 December 1997

  0

  746

  0

  62

  —

  —

  31 December 1998

  0

  654

  1

  81

  —

  —

  31 December 1999

  1

  431

  0

  84

  —

  —

  31 December 2000

  1

  426

  0

  121

  —

  —

  31 December 2001

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  700

  31 December 2002

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  1,214

  20 March 2003

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  1,132

  Notes:

  1. Figures reflect the numbers of staff in post at the specified dates and include staff who have been over state pension age during the year.

  2. Figures from 31 December 2001 reflect the position in the Department for Work and Pensions following the Machinery of Government changes effective from June 2001.

  Older People
  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many older people live in fuel poverty. 1104455].

  Mr. McCartney
  The English House Condition Survey of 2001 shows that between 1996 and 2001 the number of households with at least one person over age 60 in fuel poverty, after taking all income into account, fell by over 50 per cent. The figures fell from just over two million to around 940,000.

  This change is due to a number of measures introduced by this Government including changes in income, lower fuel prices and installation of energy efficiency measures.

  The minimum income guarantee, introduced in April 1999, has boosted the income of the poorest pensioners and means that, from April, no single pensioner will need to live on less than £102.10 a week (£155.80 for couples). In 2003–04, the Government will spend an extra £7.5 billion a year on pensioners as a result of policies introduced since 1997. This includes £3.5 billion more on the poorest third of pensioners—almost six times more than an earnings-link in the basic state pension since 1998 would have given them.

  Most people aged 60 and over are entitled to a winter fuel payment of up to £200. More than 11 million people aged 60 and over receive payments, totalling £1.7 billion.

  Overall, prices for all fuel and light for domestic customers fell by 13 per cent in real terms between 1997 and 2002.

  VAT on fuel was reduced shortly after we came to office.
  370W
  We will consider the introduction of specific procedures within the context of the review of employers' liability compulsory insurance.

  Departmental Staff (Pension Age)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many(a) male and (b) female employees of his Department, its predecessor and its executive agencies have been over state pension age in each year since 1997. [104580]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information for men aged 65 and over and women aged 60 and over working in the Department is in the following table.

  500,000 private sector households—many of them pensioners—have been assisted with energy efficiency measures through the home energy efficiency scheme, which is marketed as Warm Front.

  Parents with Care (Child Support)
  Andrew Selous
  TO ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many parents with care entitled to child support received(a) no child support and (b) less than they should be receiving in the last year for which figures are available; and what the total of unpaid child support arrears was. [102287]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The administration for the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. Andrew Selous, dated 27 March, 2003:
  The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in replying to your recent parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
  You ask how many parents with care entitled to child support received (a) no child support and (b) less than they should be receiving in the last year for which figures are available; and what the total of unpaid child support arrears was.
  In the year to 30 November 20021 estimate that 384,000 parents with care were entitled to receive child maintenance following an assessment made by this Agency. Of those 79,000 received no payment and 193,000 received less than they were entitled to.
  In the same period I estimate that £790 million in child support was charged in relation to full maintenance assessments. Of this around £250 million was not paid.
  We have now started to implement the new child support arrangements legislated in the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000. These will facilitate an improvement in the number of parents with care who receive their maintenance entitlement on a regular basis.

  Pension (Part-time Workers)
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what timescale he has proposed to settle the outstanding public sector part-time workers' pension cases. [104568]

  Mr. McCartney
  No general time-scale has been proposed for such a settlement. That is a matter for the individual schemes and employers concerned.

  A number of outstanding issues remain in respect of public sector schemes. Practical arrangements for a settlement in relation to public sector schemes are to be the subject of a case management hearing before the London Employment Tribunal at the end of March.

  Pension Provision
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many working age people are in work; how many employees there are; how many people are self-employed; how many are covered by a state second pension; how many have a private pension; and how many have no private pension in 2002–03. [104564]

  Mr. McCartney
  The working age population is 34.2 million. There are 25.5 million people in work, of which 22.6 million are employees and 2.9 million are self-employed.

  Of the total working age population of 34.2 million, approximately 25.6 million people are accruing rights to the state second pension or a contracted-out equivalent. This includes people receiving credits due to caring responsibilities or disability.

  There are 14.7 million people of working age currently making contributions to a private pension, and 19.5 million people of working age not making contributions to a private pension.

  These estimates are based on the Family Resources Survey 2001–02.

  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people who are accruing entitlement to the basic state pension, including effective accrual through home responsibilities protection, are not accruing entitlement to the state second pension or a funded pension through contracting-out arrangements. [104576]
  372W
  Mr. McCartney
  We estimate that approximately 5 million people of working age are accruing rights to the basic state pension but not accruing rights to the state second pension or a contracted-out equivalent.

  All sources of credits for both the basic state pension and state second pension have been included to determine which people are accruing future pension rights.

  Source:

  The figure of 5 million was calculated using information on individual characteristics from the Family Resources Survey 2001–02.

  Pensioner Households
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioner households in which the benefit recipient or their partner is(a) over 60 and (b) over 75 are in receipt of (i) an amount of council tax benefit and (ii) full council tax benefit. [103992]

  Mr. McCartney
  The information is shown in the following table:

  CTB claimant and/or partner over 60 and over 75 with full/partial benefit, Great Britain—May 2001

  Over 601

  Over 752

  All CTB recipients

  2,345,000

  1,170,000

  Partial CTB

  685,000

  304,000

  Full CTB

  1,660,000

  867,000

  1 'Over 60' refers to benefit units where the claimant and/or partner are aged over 60 (ie aged 61 and over).

  2 'Over 75' refers to benefit units where the claimant and/or partner are aged over 75 (ie aged 76 and over).

  Source:

  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, Annual one per cent. sample, taken in May 2001.

  Pension Credit
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place a copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Pension Credit in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [105177]

  Mr. McCartney
  A summary of the Pension Credit Regulatory Impact Assessment can be found at paragraphs 183–84 of the Explanatory Notes to the State Pension Credit Bill as brought from the House of Lords on 25 February 2002, a copy of which is in the Library. The proposals are expected to have a minimal impact on business.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  ADHD
  Mr. Hepburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many schoolchildren there are with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in(a) the Jarrow constituency, (b) south Tyneside, (c) north-east and (d) England; [104584]

  (2) what procedures are in place to identify schoolchildren with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; [104585]

  (3) what measures have been introduced to help schoolchildren with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [104586]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Information on the number of schoolchildren with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not collected centrally. From January 2004 the Department will be collecting data on SEN by type of need. This will include children with Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties, but will not contain a separate category for ADHD.

  All schools and local education authorities have statutory duties to identify, assess and make suitable provision for children with SEN, which includes those pupils with behavioural difficulties and ADHD. The SEN Code of Practice provides practical advice to schools and Early Years settings to help them carry out these duties. It recommends a graduated, school-based approach to meet the needs of children with SEN, and specifically offers a range of interventions for schools to use in supporting pupils who are hyperactive and lack concentration.

  Children with ADHD normally receive help and support from within the spectrum of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) which range from primary care, including school and social services interventions, to specialist and inpatient services. Child and adolescent psychiatrists, and increasingly paediatricians, provide specialist diagnostic and treatment services for children with ADHD, supported by members of multidisciplinary teams. The joint DfES/DH good practice guidance for schools "Supporting Pupils With Medical Needs" gives advice to schools and LEAs on supporting pupils with medical needs, including those who may be prescribed medication for ADHD.

  Educational Psychologists
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many educational psychologist training scheme places were available in each of the last five years; and how many were taken up; [104420]

  (2) how many qualified educational psychologists there were in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the extent to which the need for qualified educational psychologists has been met in each of the last five years. [104421]
  374W
  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  In formation on the number of places available under the grant scheme for the training of educational psychologists, and the take-up of such places, is not collected centrally.

  The latest available information on the number of qualified educational psychologists employed by local education authorities in England is given in the following table:

  EPs (full-time equivalent)

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  In Post

  1,729.1

  1,817.5

  1,866.2

  1,883.9

  1,944.8

  On secondment

  59.0

  49.0

  62.5

  70.5

  74.9

  Total

  1,788.1

  1,866.5

  1,928.7

  1,954.4

  2,019.7

  Decisions on the recruitment, retention and deployment of educational psychologists are matters for LEAs, as employers, to determine in light of local circumstances and available resources.

  The Department is facilitating on-going discussions involving a range of partners, including representatives of the Local Government Association, on developing a new shorter entry training route for educational psychologists. It has been agreed that, subject to the outcome of an implementation study, and the necessary funding being secured, the partners will work towards an implementation date for the new arrangements of September 2005.

  External Reports
  Mr. Maude
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list(a) the title and subject, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the commissioned author or organisation of each external report commissioned by his Department in each year since 1997. [103715]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Full details of the external research commissioned by the Department between 1997 and 2001 are presented in the Department's Annual Report on Research (1997, 1998 and 1999) and Report of the DIES Research Conference 2001. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library. Details for 2002–2003 have also been placed in the Library.

  Information for 2002–2003 includes ongoing projects. Results from these projects will not yet be publicly available. Results of the Department's externally commissioned work are routinely published in line with the requirements of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  In addition to its research programme, the Department commissions a wide variety of external experts and independent bodies to help officials and

  375W
  others deliver its objectives. These include study materials for teachers, good practice guides and discussion papers. Information on these is not held centrally and therefore cannot be supplied on the grounds of disproportionate cost.

  Investors in People
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will encourage companies with Investors in People status to develop links with schools; and if he will make a statement. [104960]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  We welcome the involvement of business in education. We are therefore keen to encourage companies with Investors in People status to develop links with schools. We want schools and businesses to work together to help us in our drive to raise standards of achievement for all children; develop an understanding of the world of work and improve

  Group: Aged 5–10; as at 25 March 2003; Funds: Total funding; Price base: Real terms 2001–02; Actual/Rounded: Rounded

  £million/£pp:£ per pupil

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  201 City of London

  3,390

  3,390

  3,730

  3,950

  4,050

  4,490

  202 Camden

  3,330

  3,420

  3,660

  4,050

  4,450

  4,650

  203 Greenwich

  3,140

  3,240

  3,450

  3,830

  4,110

  4,230

  204 Hackney

  3,550

  3,620

  3,840

  4,160

  4,430

  4,630

  205 Hammersmith and Fulham

  3,300

  3,400

  3,610

  3,970

  4,340

  4,630

  206 Islington

  3,350

  3,450

  3,650

  4,050

  4,430

  4,570

  207 Kensington and Chelsea

  3,030

  3,300

  3,590

  3,970

  4,420

  4,820

  208 Lambeth

  3,450

  3,600

  3,840

  4,130

  4,390

  4,590

  209 Lewisham

  3,280

  3,380

  3,550

  3,860

  4,170

  4,330

  210 Southwark

  3,380

  3,480

  3,700

  3,980

  4,270

  4,460

  211 Tower Hamlets

  3,590

  3,670

  3,890

  4,250

  4,640

  4,870

  212 Wandsworth

  3,110

  3,160

  3,380

  3,660

  3,980

  4,050

  213 Westminster

  3,120

  3,270

  3,520

  3,900

  4,210

  4,480

  301 Barking and Dagenham

  2,740

  2,810

  2,920

  3,150

  3,420

  3,580

  302 Barnet

  2,560

  2,640

  2,770

  2,920

  3,230

  3,350

  303 Bexley

  2,460

  2,540

  2,650

  2,810

  3,040

  3,150

  304 Brent

  2,950

  3,040

  3,170

  3,350

  3,690

  3,850

  305 Bromley

  2,420

  2,490

  2,640

  2,830

  3,050

  3,140

  306 Croydon

  2,630

  2,720

  2,850

  3,030

  3,250

  3,370

  307 Ealing

  2,770

  2,850

  2,990

  3,220

  3,530

  3,620

  308 Enfield

  2,680

  2,740

  2,870

  3,070

  3,380

  3,540

  309 Haringey

  3,090

  3,160

  3,330

  3,610

  3,950

  4,110

  310 Harrow

  2,520

  2,590

  2,690

  2,890

  3,110

  3,250

  311 Havering

  2,430

  2,490

  2,580

  2,760

  3,000

  3,100

  312 Hillingdon

  2,510

  2,610

  2,770

  2,920

  3,140

  3,270

  313 Hounslow

  2,730

  2,800

  2,950

  3,160

  3,450

  3,660

  314 Kingston upon Thames

  2,420

  2,490

  2,620

  2,850

  3,110

  3,210

  315 Merton

  2,590

  2,660

  2,780

  3,010

  3,320

  3,370

  316 Newham

  3,070

  3,200

  3,370

  3,640

  3,960

  4,080

  317 Redbridge

  2,600

  2,670

  2,770

  2,970

  3,210

  3,310

  318 Richmond upon Thames

  2,370

  2,450

  2,570

  2,770

  2,990

  3,070

  319 Sutton

  2,470

  2,550

  2,680

  2,850

  3,080

  3,180

  320 Waltham Forest

  2,860

  2,940

  3,090

  3,340

  3,660

  3,790

  330 Birmingham

  2,500

  2,580

  2,750

  3,040

  3,320

  3,410

  331 Coventry

  2,390

  2,470

  2,590

  2,850

  3,030

  3,120

  332 Dudley

  2,180

  2,240

  2,360

  2,550

  2,720

  2,820

  333 Sandwell

  2,390

  2,490

  2,660

  2,850

  3,080

  3,210

  334 Solihull

  2,200

  2,270

  2,390

  2,590

  2,770

  2,850

  335 Walsall

  2,320

  2,380

  2,520

  2,750

  2,940

  3,040

  336 Wolverhampton

  2,410

  2,480

  2,650

  2,870

  3,100

  3,300

  340 Knowsley

  2,660

  2,710

  2,880

  3,230

  3,550

  3,640

  341 Liverpool

  2,570

  2,660

  2,830

  3,220

  3,500

  3,610

  342 St. Helens

  2,290

  2,350

  2,480

  2,720

  3,010

  3,100

  343 Sefton

  2,280

  2,350

  2,490

  2,740

  2,990

  3,100

  376W
  employability; acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes about enterprise capability; financial literary and economic and business understanding.

  Education business links activities help increase motivation and attendance, and underpins, and put in context what is taught in the classroom; and prepare young people more effectively for adulthood and their working life.

  Local Education Authority Finance
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the funding per pupil was for(a) 5–10 year olds and (b) 11–15 year olds for each local education authority in England in each year since 1997.[105284]

  Mr. Miliband
  The following table contains the information required. The figures include funding through the Education Standard Spending Assessment and grants and are expressed in real terms.

  Comparable figures for 2003–04 are not yet available.
  377W

  Group: Aged 5–10; as at 25 March 2003; Funds: Total funding; Price base: Real terms 2001–02; Actual/Rounded: Rounded

  £million/£pp: £ per pupil

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  344 Wirral

  2,350

  2,420

  2,550

  2,810

  3,070

  3,190

  350 Bolton

  2,280

  2,350

  2,510

  2,760

  2,920

  3,030

  351 Bury

  2,200

  2,290

  2,440

  2,630

  2,810

  2,910

  352 Manchester

  2,640

  2,740

  2,940

  3,320

  3,610

  3,710

  353 Oldham

  2,350

  2,420

  2,560

  2,800

  3,010

  3,190

  354 Rochdale

  2,370

  2,440

  2,580

  2,850

  3,070

  3,240

  355 Salford

  2,390

  2,470

  2,650

  2,970

  3,260

  3,330

  356 Stockport

  2,180

  2,240

  2,380

  2,590

  2,760

  2,840

  357 Tameside

  2,260

  2,340

  2,470

  2,680

  2,920

  3,020

  358 Trafford

  2,230

  2,300

  2,440

  2,650

  2,860

  2,910

  359 Wigan

  2,220

  2,290

  2,440

  2,650

  2,850

  2,920

  370 Barnsley

  2,290

  2,370

  2,530

  2,740

  2,960

  3,060

  371 Doncaster

  2,360

  2,430

  2,580

  2,800

  3,000

  3,110

  372 Rotherham

  2,280

  2,360

  2,530

  2,830

  3,080

  3,150

  373 Sheffield

  2,310

  2,390

  2,570

  2,870

  3,100

  3,200

  380 Bradford

  2,410

  2,480

  2,660

  2,960

  3,240

  3,290

  381 Calderdale

  2,290

  2,370

  2,530

  2,750

  2,950

  3,040

  382 Kirklees

  2,320

  2,400

  2,550

  2,750

  2,970

  3,070

  383 Leeds

  2,290

  2,360

  2,510

  2,790

  3,040

  3,150

  384 Wakefield

  2,230

  2,290

  2,440

  2,680

  2,870

  2,960

  390 Gateshead

  2,330

  2,390

  2,550

  2,830

  3,100

  3,180

  391 Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,450

  2,560

  2,710

  3,000

  3,280

  3,370

  392 North Tyneside

  2,270

  2,330

  2,460

  2,710

  2,940

  3,070

  393 South Tyneside

  2,380

  2,470

  2,620

  2,900

  3,190

  3,270

  394 Sunderland

  2,330

  2,400

  2,530

  2,790

  3,060

  3,150

  420 Isles of Scilly

  4,110

  4,320

  4,760

  5,140

  5,700

  7,230

  800 Bath and North East Somerset

  2,150

  2,230

  2,400

  2,600

  2,760

  2,820

  801 Bristol, City of

  2,340

  2,410

  2,540

  2,790

  3,000

  3,120

  802 North Somerset

  2,180

  2,270

  2,430

  2,630

  2,770

  2,860

  803 South Gloucestershire

  2,140

  2,210

  2,360

  2,520

  2,660

  2,720

  805 Hartlepool

  2,350

  2,420

  2,570

  2,810

  3,050

  3,150

  806 Middlesbrough

  2,450

  2,560

  2,720

  2,960

  3,250

  3,380

  807 Redcar and Cleveland

  2,360

  2,430

  2,560

  2,840

  3,110

  3,200

  808 Stockton-on-Tees

  2,310

  2,370

  2,530

  2,820

  3,100

  3,210

  810 Kingston Upon Hull, City of

  2,410

  2,490

  2,650

  2,920

  3,150

  3,260

  811 East Riding of Yorkshire

  2,200

  2,270

  2,420

  2,650

  2,820

  2,890

  812 North East Lincolnshire

  2,320

  2,410

  2,570

  2,810

  3,010

  3,110

  813 North Lincolnshire

  2,280

  2,390

  2,560

  2,780

  2,930

  3,000

  815 North Yorkshire

  2,250

  2,320

  2,470

  2,700

  2,880

  2,960

  816 York

  2,190

  2,270

  2,420

  2,650

  2,800

  2,850

  820 Bedfordshire

  2,300

  2,370

  2,500

  2,730

  2,930

  3,030

  821 Luton

  2,500

  2,580

  2,710

  2,930

  3,150

  3,310

  825 Buckinghamshire

  2,310

  2,380

  2,540

  2,730

  2,930

  3,040

  826 Milton Keynes

  2,380

  2,450

  2,590

  2,790

  2,990

  3,120

  830 Derbyshire

  2,190

  2,260

  2,410

  2,620

  2,800

  2,890

  831 Derby

  2,320

  2,420

  2,600

  2,790

  2,970

  3,100

  835 Dorset

  2,200

  2,270

  2,420

  2,620

  2,780

  2,860

  836 Poole

  2,170

  2,230

  2,350

  2,530

  2,690

  2,770

  837 Bournemouth

  2,280

  2,340

  2,460

  2,690

  2,840

  2,900

  840 Durham

  2,290

  2,370

  2,530

  2,780

  3,050

  3,110

  841 Darlington

  2,290

  2,350

  2,500

  2,740

  2,930

  3,000

  845 East Sussex

  2,340

  2,430

  2,570

  2,810

  2,990

  3,080

  846 Brighton and Hove

  2,430

  2,520

  2,670

  2,930

  3,140

  3,220

  850 Hampshire

  2,240

  2,310

  2,420

  2,610

  2,810

  2,900

  851 Portsmouth

  2,410

  2,490

  2,600

  2,790

  3,050

  3,150

  852 Southampton

  2,430

  2,510

  2,620

  2,820

  3,070

  3,150

  855 Leicestershire

  2,140

  2,200

  2,330

  2,510

  2,660

  2,730

  856 Leicester

  2,460

  2,560

  2,720

  2,950

  3,170

  3,310

  857 Rutland

  2,170

  2,250

  2,450

  2,660

  2,900

  2,980

  860 Staffordshire

  2,170

  2,220

  2,350

  2,550

  2,710

  2,790

  861 Stoke-on-Trent

  2,290

  2,350

  2,490

  2,780

  3,050

  3,200

  865 Wiltshire

  2,220

  2,290

  2,440

  2,630

  2,780

  2,860

  866 Swindon

  2,210

  2,270

  2,410

  2,600

  2,760

  2,840

  867 Bracknell Forest

  2,340

  2,430

  2,530

  2,720

  2,910

  3,030

  868 Windsor and Maidenhead

  2,340

  2,430

  2,560

  2,780

  3,000

  3,110

  869 West Berkshire

  2,230

  2,330

  2,460

  2,710

  2,910

  2,990

  870 Reading

  2,400

  2,480

  2,610

  2,860

  3,060

  3,230

  871 Slough

  2,720

  2,850

  3,010

  3,200

  3,450

  3,640

  872 Wokingham

  2,140

  2,210

  2,310

  2,510

  2,710

  2,790

  378W 379W

  Group: Aged 5–10; as at 25 March 2003; Funds: Total funding; Price base: Real terms 2001–02; Actual/Rounded: Rounded

  £ million/£pp: £per pupil

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  873 Cambridgeshire

  2,220

  2,290

  2,450

  2,640

  2,790

  2,860

  874 Peterborough

  2,350

  2,430

  2,600

  2,800

  2,970

  3,090

  875 Cheshire

  2,190

  2,250

  2,380

  2,590

  2,760

  2,830

  876 Halton

  2,380

  2,440

  2,590

  2,880

  3,160

  3,260

  877 Warrington

  2,180

  2,240

  2,340

  2,540

  2,730

  2,800

  878 Devon

  2,270

  2,360

  2,490

  2,680

  2,840

  2,930

  879 Plymouth

  2,290

  2,380

  2,540

  2,750

  2,900

  3,000

  880 Torbay

  2,310

  2,350

  2,500

  2,710

  2,880

  2,950

  881 Essex

  2,340

  2,420

  2,550

  2,760

  2,960

  3,050

  882 Southend-on-Sea

  2,380

  2,450

  2,600

  2,830

  3,060

  3,160

  883 Thurrock

  2,490

  2,570

  2,700

  2,890

  3,100

  3,240

  884 Herefordshire

  2,290

  2,390

  2,550

  2,750

  2,900

  3,000

  885 Worcestershire

  2,190

  2,240

  2,370

  2,560

  2,740

  2,820

  886 Kent

  2,350

  2,420

  2,540

  2,750

  2,950

  3,040

  887 Medway

  2,330

  2,400

  2,530

  2,730

  2,930

  3,020

  888 Lancashire

  2,270

  2,340

  2,480

  2,700

  2,890

  2,970

  889 Blackburn with Darwin

  2,430

  2,540

  2,740

  2,980

  3,230

  3,310

  890 Blackpool

  2,280

  2,370

  2,510

  2,740

  2,900

  3,040

  891 Nottinghamshire

  2,200

  2,260

  2,400

  2,630

  2,790

  2,870

  892 Nottingham

  2,520

  2,610

  2,780

  3,030

  3,290

  3,440

  893 Shropshire

  2,240

  2,290

  2,440

  2,650

  2,830

  2,930

  894 Telford and Wrekin

  2,310

  2,370

  2,530

  2,760

  2,960

  3,000

  908 Cornwall

  2,310

  2,370

  2,520

  2,730

  2,920

  3,000

  909 Cumbria

  2,270

  2,330

  2,490

  2,730

  2,930

  3,010

  916 Gloucestershire

  2,210

  2,270

  2,420

  2,650

  2,810

  2,880

  919 Hertfordshire

  2,390

  2,460

  2,580

  2,790

  2,990

  3,080

  921 Isle of Wight

  2,440

  2,520

  2,650

  2,890

  3,070

  3,170

  925 Lincolnshire

  2,280

  2,340

  2,480

  2,680

  2,870

  2,970

  926 Norfolk

  2,290

  2,360

  2,510

  2,740

  2,940

  3,040

  928 Northamptonshire

  2,240

  2,300

  2,430

  2,630

  2,790

  2,870

  929 Northumberland

  2,270

  2,340

  2,480

  2,690

  2,920

  2,970

  931 Oxfordshire

  2,300

  2,390

  2,530

  2,730

  2,900

  3,010

  933 Somerset

  2,240

  2,300

  2,440

  2,650

  2,810

  2,900

  935 Suffolk

  2,220

  2,290

  2,410

  2,600

  2,760

  2,850

  936 Surrey

  2,350

  2,420

  2,540

  2,730

  2,920

  3,010

  937 Warwickshire

  2,190

  2,260

  2,400

  2,590

  2,770

  2,860

  938 West Sussex

  2,290

  2,360

  2,470

  2,660

  2,850

  2,950

  Notes:

  Coverage:

  Figures reflect education SSA settlement figures (primary sub-block), plus all revenue grants in DfES's Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to pupils aged 5–10 (excluding EMA and a handful of others where it is not possible to get figures on a comparable basis over time).

  The pupil numbers used to convert £ million figures to £ per pupil are the maintained pupils underlying the SSA settlement calculations. 1997–98 figures for LEAs subject to Local Government Reorganisation in that year have been estimated, pro-rata to their post LGR figures.

  Status:

  2002–03 figures are provisional.

  Price Base:

  Real terms, 2001–02 prices, based on GDP deflators as at December 2002

  Rounding:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Ministerial Visits (Scotland)
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many times he has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103610]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  Since I became Secretary of State on 24 October 2002, I have visited Scotland once on 14 February 2003. While I was there I conducted a range of visits including a meeting with Cathy Jamieson MSP, Minister for Education and Young People, a tour of the Student Loan Company's offices and a meeting with Colin Ward, Chief Executive of the Student Loan Company.

  Pension Schemes
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the(a) funded and (b) unfunded public sector pension schemes for which his Department, its agencies and its non-departmental public bodies are responsible; when the last actuarial valuation was of each scheme; what the value was of the assets at the last actuarial valuation of each scheme; what deficit is disclosed by the last actuarial valuation of each scheme; and if he will make a statement. [104920]

  Mr. Miliband
  The only public service pension scheme for which this Department has responsibility is the unfunded Teachers' Pension Scheme. The Government Actuary has recently produced his report on the
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  valuation of the scheme as at 31 March 2001. As part of changes made to the long term funding arrangements of the scheme, the values of both the assets and liabilities were determined at that date to be £142,880 million. As a result, the scheme has no deficit. A copy of the Government Actuary's report is available from the Library.

  School Buildings
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much money has been allocated for(a) capital repairs and (b) new buildings in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in the Portsmouth area in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. 1104945]

  Mr. Miliband
  We do not hold complete information in the form requested. However, in 1997–98 the Government introduced New Deal for Schools (NDS) as a new additional programme targeted specifically at addressing the backlog of urgent repairs in school buildings that had built up after eighteen years of under-funding under the previous administration. This programme was bid based and was in addition to other capital funds made available to Portsmouth local

  Table A: New Deal for Schools

  Allocations to schools in Portsmouth local education authority

  £

  NDS 1 (1997–98)

  Cliffdale Primary

  Replacement of swimming pool

  1210,000

  Mayfield

  Boiler replacements

  Isambard Brunel Junior

  Upgrade of toilets

  NDS 2 (1998–99)

  Copnor Infant School

  Installation of additional fire exit

  2,000

  Craneswater Junior School

  Replacement of inadequate fire doors

  4,000

  Saxon Shore Infant

  Repairs to unsafe fire doors

  6,600

  Waterside School

  Sealing of door (fire precaution)

  500

  Springfield School

  Installation of additional balustrade rail (safety precaution)

  1,200

  Arundel Court Junior School

  Replacement of unreliable boiler

  15,000

  Corpus Christi RC Primary

  Replacement of unreliable boiler

  7,000

  College Park Infant School

  Replacement of unreliable boiler

  4,000

  Milton Park Infants School

  Replacement of leaking flat roof

  18,000

  Court Lane Junior

  Replacement of dilapidated Horsa kitchen- dining block

  170,000

  Devonshire Infant School

  Renewal of leaking valley gutters

  3,600

  Prior Secondary

  Replacement of rotting windows

  18,000

  College Park Infant

  Replacement of dilapidated 50-year-old Horsa buildings

  250,000

  Craneswater Junior

  Repairs to leaking walls

  13,500

  Arundel Court Infants School and Nursery Unit

  Safety improvements to boiler

  1,700

  Cliffdale Primary

  Replacement of unsafe electrical wiring

  55,000

  Springfield School

  Installation of pool dosing controls

  5,000

  Springfield School

  Repairs to fire alarm

  15,000

  Craneswater Junior

  Replacement of inefficient boiler

  40,000

  St George's Beneficial

  Replacement of unreliable boiler

  45,000

  St George's Beneficial

  Replacement of deteriorating tank room floor

  500

  Springfield School

  Securing of windows

  10,000

  Priory Secondary

  Installation of safety barriers on footpath

  10,000

  Paulsgrove Primary School

  Replacement of unreliable boiler

  40,000

  NDS 3 (1999–2000)

  Court Lane Infant School

  Replacement of temporary accommodation

  1,052,828

  Package (various schools)

  Flat roofing and insulation

  11,456,978

  Mayfield School

  Windows and doors framing

  606,604

  1 Denotes allocations made for multiple school or 'package' projects. We do not hold details of the individual schools included in these projects. Local education authorities hold details of the schools that benefited and of the value of each school's allocation.

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  education authority. NDS ran through four phases from 1997–98 to 2000–01. Table A shows the schools in the Portsmouth area which benefited from investment through the original NDS programme. From 2001–02 most capital funding available for building improvements in schools has been allocated to local authorities and schools by needs-related formulae. It is for local authorities and schools to decide how their capital allocations are invested and prioritised between projects, in line with their local asset management planning. Also, from 2000–01 every school has received direct capital allocations to address their highest priorities. In addition, each year authorities have been able to bid for Basic Need funding for the provision of new pupil places. Table B shows all capital funding for school buildings allocated to Portsmouth LEA (including voluntary aided schools) since 1998–99. Looking to the future, I announced on 26 February proposals for a new approach to capital investment in a paper, "Building schools for the future". This will be a programme of rebuilding and renewal to ensure that secondary education in every part of England has facilities of 21st century standard within 10 to 15 years from 2005–06, subject to future public spending decisions. We will also aim to provide substantial investment in primary school buildings.
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  Table B: Portsmouth LEA capital allocations

  £ million

  Total

  1997–98

  3.1

  1998–99

  115.9

  1999–2000

  3.1

  2000–01

  5.2

  2001–02

  3.8

  2002–03

  4.3

  2003–04

  5.9

  1 Includes £12.4 million of Private Finance Initiative credits for Miltoncross Secondary, a newly built school.

  Special Advisers
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 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. [103611]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  The rules relating to Special Advisers' political activities are set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Further guidance in respect of elections for the Scottish Parliament is set out at paragraph 13 of the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.

  The reasons for a Special Adviser's resignation are a private matter between the Department and Adviser, and are therefore exempt from disclosure under paragraph 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Information.

  Standards Fund
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was made available to Stoke-on-Trent LEA under the Standards Fund in each year since 1999. [104999]

  Mr. Miliband
  The following table shows allocations for the Standards Fund for Stoke-on-Trent local education authority in 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03. The figures include both Government grant and local authority contributions.

  1999–2000 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  Administrative support in small schools

  57,084

  Applications for education action zones

  30,000

  Books for schools

  1,585

  Class size initiative

  1,080,242

  Computer systems for chairs of education

  2,000

  Drug prevention

  39,355

  Early years training and development

  67,342

  Education and health partnerships

  19,000

  Education maintenance allowance pilots

  1,024,683

  Ethnic minority achievements

  614,112

  Laptops for heads of small primary and special schools

  15,466

  Literacy and numeracy summer schools

  119,500

  Local education authority music services

  148,000

  Local recruitment measures

  50,000

  National grid for learning

  1,000,000

  Playing for success

  100,000

  Primary literacy and numeracy strategies

  687,782

  Qualifications

  46,275

  School asset management plans

  33,610

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  1999–2000 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  School improvement

  1,445,382

  School leadership

  122,631

  School security

  115,898

  Social inclusion

  342,484

  Special educational needs

  272,855

  Support for parent governor representatives

  1,000

  Work related learning at Key Stage 4

  49,500

  Working environment fund

  99,860

  Year 6 literacy and numeracy booster classes

  277,910

  Total

  7,863,556

  2000–01 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  Administrative support for small schools

  172,735

  Beacon schools

  56,000

  Best practice research scholarships

  34,335

  City learning centres: design and capital costs

  300,000

  Class size initiative

  1,165,476

  Developing and extending maintained nursery school services

  69,032

  Devolved formula capital for schools

  1,501,654

  Early years training and development

  67,858

  Education and health partnerships

  33,706

  Ethnic minority pupils and traveller achievement

  614,112

  Excellence in cities: development

  25,676

  Excellence in cities: excellence challenge

  12,739

  Excellence in cities: gifted and talented children

  361,000

  Excellence in cities: learning mentors and learning support units

  676,000

  Key Stage 3 numeracy: secondary schools conference

  14,656

  Literacy and numeracy: summer schools and Key Stage 3

  132,000

  Local education authority music services

  238,000

  National grid for learning

  1,000,000

  New national curriculum

  90,500

  Maintained nursery capital

  92,200

  Performance management training

  207,252

  Pilot education maintenance allowance

  2,397,843

  Playing for success

  125,000

  Primary literacy and numeracy strategies

  860,176

  Qualifications

  36,429

  School improvement

  1,640,597

  School laboratories for the 21st century

  155,850

  School leadership

  85,985

  School security

  114,362

  Seed capital challenge

  172,790

  Small education action zones

  20,000

  Small school support fund

  86,834

  Social inclusion, drugs and youth

  1,067,179

  Special educational needs

  341,025

  Specialist schools

  158,386

  Study support

  180,886

  Summer schools for gifted and talented pupils

  18,000

  Support for parent governor representatives

  1,200

  Teacher incentives

  13,682

  Teaching assistants

  758,183

  Teenage pregnancies

  93,000

  Working environment fund

  99,860

  Year 6 literacy and numeracy booster classes

  247,392

  Total

  15,539,590

  2001–02 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  Adult:pupil ratios in reception classes

  346,792

  Advanced skills teachers

  172,439

  Child protection co-ordinators

  39,600

  Children in public care

  41,661

  Children of asylum seekers

  16,000

  City learning centres

  2,400,000

  Class size initiative

  1,255,664

  Devolved capital

  2,226,443

  Drug prevention and advisers

  65,760

  Early professional development

  264,800

  Early years training and development

  76,293

  385W

  2001–02 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  Education health partnerships

  32,798

  Ethnic minority achievement

  614,112

  Excellence in cities: Beacon schools

  139,000

  Excellence in cities: excellence challenge

  211,101

  Excellence in cities: secondary

  1,778,000

  Gifted and talented children

  18,000

  Induction of newly qualified teachers

  441,363

  Information management strategy

  153,893

  Key Stage 3: national implementation

  274,803

  Literacy and numeracy summer schools

  100,000

  Local education authority music services

  219,400

  Maintained nursery school service

  140,650

  National curriculum

  90,336

  National grid for learning

  1,356,063

  NDS capital projects

  8,896

  NDS condition funding

  1,696,708

  Performance management

  136,283

  Playing for success

  113,506

  Primary literacy and numeracy strategies

  927,979

  Qualifications

  15,870

  School achievement awards

  340,950

  School improvement

  1,017,000

  School laboratories

  287,409

  School leadership

  95,563

  School security

  112,855

  Seed capital challenge

  191,087

  Sick children

  11,903

  Small education action zones

  424,951

  Small schools fund

  336,606

  Social inclusion: pupil support

  1,282,329

  Special educational needs

  434,461

  Specialist schools

  341,809

  Study support

  284,029

  Supported early retirement scheme for heads

  40,000

  Teachers' sabbaticals

  36,000

  Teaching assistants

  1,118,490

  Teenage pregnancies

  93,000

  Truancy buster awards

  8,000

  Year 6 booster classes

  261,114

  Year 9 booster classes

  76,500

  Total

  22,168,269

  2002–03 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  Adult:pupil ratios in reception classes

  667,708

  Advanced skills teachers (ASTs)

  179,028

  Beacon schools

  194,500

  Capital funding for nursery education in disadvantaged areas

  112,125

  Capital projects

  712,070

  Child protection co-ordinators

  53,000

  Children of asylum seekers

  45,500

  City learning centres

  740,000

  Class size initiative

  1,526,403

  Condition funding

  2,590,072

  Devolved formula capital

  1,767,214

  Drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention and advisers

  79,038

  Early professional development pilot programme

  309,300

  Early years training and development

  76,293

  Education health partnerships

  53,012

  e-Learning credits

  141,925

  Electronic registration systems in secondary schools

  105,650

  Ethnic minority achievement

  614,112

  Excellence challenge

  483,631

  Excellence in cities (EiC) and excellence clusters

  1,881,134

  Gifted and talented summer schools

  18,000

  Induction of newly qualified teachers

  414,521

  Information management strategy

  38,526

  Key Stage 3 strategy

  924,394

  Laptops for teachers

  284,129

  LEA music services

  264,374

  National grid for learning

  1,685,167

  386W

  2002–03 Standards fund allocations for city of Stoke-on-Trent council

  £

  New school security projects

  50,520

  Nursery schools project

  67,694

  Performance management and threshold assessment

  133,088

  Playing for success

  113,504

  Primary literacy and numeracy strategies

  900,152

  Qualifications

  14,470

  School achievement awards

  293,210

  School improvement

  1,217,170

  Seed challenge capital

  315,712

  Sick children and children in public care

  59,876

  Small education action zones

  601,007

  Small schools fund

  296,000

  Social inclusion: pupil support

  1,309,855

  Special educational needs

  484,996

  Specialist schools

  401,803

  Staff workspaces

  66,755

  Study support

  495,172

  Teacher recruitment incentives

  160,191

  Teacher sabbaticals

  72,000

  Teaching assistants

  1,080,649

  Teenage pregnancy

  62,128

  Training for educational visits coordinators

  18,100

  Year 6 booster classes

  232,210

  Total

  24,407,088

  Teachers
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many newly qualified teachers employed in(a) the primary and (b) the secondary sector have left their posts within (i) one year, (ii) two years and (iii) three years in each of the past six years, broken down in the case of secondary school teachers by the subject of their qualification. [102253]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers(a) left and (b) joined the teaching profession in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Norfolk and (iii) Cambridgeshire in each year since 1997. [104825]

  Mr. Miliband
  The table shows the numbers of teachers leaving1 full-time or part time2 service in the maintained schools sector and teachers entering or returning3 to full-time or part-time teaching in the maintained schools sector.
  1 Leavers are those who were in full-time or part-time teaching in the maintained schools sector immediately before the period shown, who were not in service in that sector at the end of the period shown. Teachers moving LEA within the maintained sector in England are not counted as leavers. Teachers leaving are based on pension returns. Some teachers may have moved from known service to service not recorded on the teacher pension return. Some leavers will be taking career breaks and will return to service at a later date.
  2 Around 10–20 per cent. of part-timers may not be included.
  3 Those in service in the maintained schools sector at the end of the period shown who were not in service in that sector in England immediately before the period shown. Includes newly qualified entrants, those who deferred entry and those returning from breaks or transferring from outside the maintained schools sector in England. Teachers moving LEA within the maintained sector in England are not counted as entrants.

  387W

  1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

  1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

  1 April 1999 to 31 March 20001

  Leavers

  Entrants/returners

  Leavers

  Entrants/returners

  Leavers

  Entrants/returners

  Suffolk

  460

  560

  440

  490

  460

  470

  Norfolk

  480

  570

  480

  450

  460

  560

  Cambridgeshire2

  540

  610

  540

  580

  530

  560

  1 The most recent data available at LEA level are for 1999/2000.

  2 Cambridgeshire was affected by local government reorganisation in 1998, with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough becoming separate authorities as of 1 April 1998. For 1998/99 and 1999/2000 the table provides aggregate figures for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

HEALTH

  Public Dividend Capital
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future use of public dividend capital in the NHS. [104212]

  Mr. Hutton
  Public dividend capital will continue to be available in the future as a source of financing for national health service trusts and NHS foundation trusts.

  Acrylamide (Cooked Food)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received and what research he has evaluated on the impact on human health caused by the presence of acrylamide in certain cooked foods; what action he proposes to take as a result; and if he will make a statement. [104562]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has received several representations following reports that acrylamide had been found to occur in a wide range of home-cooked and processed foods.

  Research on the formation of acrylamide in certain cooked foods and its possible impact on human health is still at an early stage. Acrylamide has been shown to cause various types of cancer in laboratory animals. It is considered to have the potential to cause cancer in humans, but a link has not been proven.

  The FSA considers that exposure to acrylamide should be kept as low as reasonably practicable and is commissioning research and surveillance that aims to assist in minimising the amounts occurring in food. Meanwhile, FSA advice remains that, on the basis of current evidence, people should eat a balanced diet, including a variety of fruit and vegetables and that as part of a balanced diet people should moderate their consumption of fried and fatty foods.

  Anti-TNFA Treatment
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients are receiving anti-TNFa treatment. [103272]

  Mr. Hutton
  We do not hold centrally information about drugs prescribed and dispensed in hospitals, which is where the anti-TNFa drugs, Etanercept (Enbrel) and Infliximab (Remicade) are prescribed.

  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) was asked to appraise the use of anti-TNFa drugs and issued its guidance on 22 March 2002. NICE has
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  recommended the use of Etanercept for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Etanercept and Infliximab for rhematoid arthritis.

  We have issued directions obliging health authorities and primary care trusts to provide appropriate funding for recommended treatments. This is in line with our manifesto commitment to ensure that patients receive drugs and treatments recommended by NICE on the national health service if deemed appropriate by their clinicians.

  Assisted Suicide/Euthanasia
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures there are to monitor whether a terminally ill patient has received an assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia from(a) a member of the health care team and (b) a family member. [104536]

  Mr. Lammy
  Euthanasia, the intentional taking of life at the patient's request or for a merciful motive, is unlawful in the United Kingdom. Similarly, assisted suicide is unlawful under the Suicide Act 1961. The investigation of alleged criminal offences and the decision whether to prefer charges in a particular case are operational matters for the chief officer of the police force concerned.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what procedures are in place for NHS Direct staff dealing with patients' inquiries relating to assisted suicides or voluntary euthanasia. [104537]

  Mr. Lammy
  There are no standard procedures in place for NHS Direct staff dealing with inquiries relating to assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia, as they are both unlawful in the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS-funded training programmes provide guidance on dealing with patient requests for a medically assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia. [104560]

  Mr. Lammy
  Euthanasia, the intentional taking of life at the patient's request or for a merciful motive, is unlawful in the United Kingdom. Similarly, assisted suicide is unlawful under the Suicide Act 1961. The Department of Health is not aware of any national health service funded training programmes to deal with such requests.

  Budgeted Expenditure
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the budgeted expenditure per head of population on health was in each strategic health authority area for(a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04. [103765]
  389W
  Mr. Hutton
  Strategic health authorities were established on 1 October 2002. The Department does not make revenue allocations directly to strategic health authorities.

  Civil Contingency Planning
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his Department's(a) responsibilities and (b) assets with regard to civil contingency planning; what funds are committed; what action he is taking within his Department to improve such planning; and what action he is taking in collaboration with other Departments. [102622]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department of Health's responsibilities for civil contingency planning are to work with the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Secretariat, other Government Departments and the national health service to ensure there are adequate arrangements to protect the health of the population and continue to provide NHS care.

  The Department of Health has been working with the NHS, strengthening arrangements to ensure we are as prepared as we can be in responding to a range of possible new threats, such as the deliberate release of chemical or biological agents or incidents associated with radiological or nuclear hazards.

  The recent National Audit Office report, "Facing the Challenge: NHS Emergency Planning in England", made a series of recommendations for improving emergency planning arrangements which are being taken forward. The Department of Health is working with the NHS to ensure all its organisations have reviewed and enhanced their state of readiness.

  The Department of Health has issued specific guidance to the NHS on the public health response to the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, mass decontamination and mass casualties. A new protective suit has been issued for use by ambulance and accident and emergency staff working on the decontamination of patients. Significant funds have been made available to pay for these suits as well as the stockpiling of drugs and vaccines which could be used in the event of an attack on the United Kingdom. Further work is being done to look at what additional resources may be needed to maintain vigilance and improve preparedness.

  The Department of Health has made available, through the emergency planning section of its website at www.doh.gov.uk/epcu, a comprehensive package of guidance for clinicians on dealing with the consequences of deliberate release. This information is regularly updated. The website contains a link to the Public Health Laboratory Service website at www.phls.org.uk, which provides additional clinical and other information. The Department has recently sponsored clinically led sessions to widen understanding in the NHS about the treatment of burns and biological, chemical and blast injuries.

  Civil Defence
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria and methods of assessment are in place to 390W
  evaluate the efficacy of the major incident plans put in place by individual primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [103433]

  Mr. Hutton
  Primary care trusts (PCTs), in common with all national health service organisations, are required to demonstrate their "preparedness" for major incidents. PCTs, together with partner organisations, need to be able to draw upon well-defined, effective procedures and processes.

  All PCTs must have in place a major incident plan that is backed up by practical arrangements and processes including evidence of staff briefings, exercises and appropriate training.

  The criteria used to determine whether or not a PCT is "prepared" are largely those set out in the recent National Audit Office report, Facing the Challenge: NHS Emergency Planning in England.

  PCTs, as well as other NHS organisations, have been supported by health emergency planning advisers ('HEPAs'). HEPAs have particular expertise in emergency planning and, together with Regional Directors of Public Health, have been advising PCTs on the adequacy of their major incident plans.

  Once complete, each PCT's plan will reviewed and assessed by the appropriate strategic health authority and this will have been done by the end of this month.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) paramedics and (b) ambulance drivers have received training to deal with the aftermath of a (i) nuclear, (ii) chemical, (iii) biological and (iv) conventional terrorist attack in the last 12 months, broken down by primary care trust. [105097]

  Mr. Lammy
  In the light of the current threat, preparations have been stepped up to ensure that all National Health Service organisations are as prepared as they can be for responding to a range of possible threats, including the deliberate release of chemical or biological agents or incidents associated with radiological or nuclear hazards.

  Comprehensive reviews have been undertaken by NHS organisations of their preparedness that will be completed by the end of March. Responsibility for staff training and testing local plans rests with each NHS organisation and training support material, developed as part of the national programme, has been made available to each ambulance service.

  Information on numbers trained is not held centrally.

  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what financial resources his Department has allocated to training(a) ambulance drivers and (b) paramedics to deal with the aftermath of a terrorist attack, broken down by primary care trust. [105098]

  Mr. Lammy
  As part of a £5 million national programme, protective suits and decontamination units are being made available to all hospitals with accident and emergency departments and ambulance services in England to enable them to respond to chemical, biological or radiological incidents. Training material and support were also made available as part of that programme.
  391W
  Every national health service organisation has a basic responsibility to maintain and improve its preparedness to respond to major incidents of all kinds and funding is included in general allocations.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he has taken to upgrade his Department's plans in the event of deliberate release of biological weapons; and if he will make a statement. [103866]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department has contingency plans for the deliberate release of biological weapons. These are kept under careful and continuous review. Recent developments include:In December, the Department published 'Interim Guidelines for Smallpox Response and Management'. These will be revised in the light of comments received.
  The Department has also contributed to the Home Office's 'Strategic National Guidance on the Decontamination of People Exposed to CBRN Substances Or Material'£February 2003.

  The Department has made available through the emergency planning section of its website www.doh.gov.uk/epcu a comprehensive package of guidance for clinicians on dealing with the consequences of deliberate release. This information is regularly updated. The Public Health Laboratory Service website www.phls.org.uk provides addition al clinical and other information, which is updated regularly.

  In addition, the Department has taken action to substantially increase the stocks of smallpox vaccine. A core group of national health service staff is in the process of being vaccinated against smallpox as part of the smallpox emergency plans. The Department has also stockpiled antibiotics to treat anthrax, plague and tularaemia—a proportion of these are held in "pods" at strategic locations across the United Kingdom, to allow rapid distribution in an emergency.

  Within the NHS, plans for deliberate release are being continually updated. All primary care trusts and NHS trusts are reviewing their level of preparedness. Regional directors of public health are co-ordinating the responses in their regions.

  The Health Protection Agency will be taking forward chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training and building on that already undertaken.

  Delayed Discharges
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what delayed discharge targets have been set for each primary care trust in(a) Suffolk, (b) Norfolk, (c) Essex and (d) Cambridgeshire since March 2002. [104829]

  Mr. Lammy
  Delayed discharge targets are set by strategic health authorities in conjunction with local authorities. Target figures for delayed discharges by primary care trust are not held centrally.

  Diabetic Screening
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to receive the UK screening report into type 2 high risk diabetic screening; [104569]
  392W
  (2) when he expects to receive advice from the results of the nine inner city area pilot sites for screening for those most at risk of developing diabetes. [104570]

  Mr. Lammy
  The results of the pilot sites will inform the advice on targeted screening for type 2 diabetes that the United Kingdom National Screening Committee will provide in 2005.

  Doctors and Nurses
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) doctors and (b) nurses were employed in (i) each health authority and (ii) each primary care trust in the Eastern region in each year since 1997. [104839]

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

  Dyslexia
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department is sponsoring into the management of dyslexia. [104157]

  Ms Blears
  The main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC), which receives its funding from the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology. The MRC is not currently funding any research into the management of dyslexia, but is funding some basic research of relevance to dyslexia. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for research into any aspect of human health and these are considered in open competition with other demands on funding.

  The Department funds research to support policy and the delivery of effective practice in health and social care. The Department is not currently funding any research into the management of dyslexia.

  Eastern Asian Virus
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his assessment is of the threat to the United Kingdom from the new virus from eastern Asia. [104401]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 March 2003]Of the cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) reported so far, almost all have occurred in health care workers involved in the direct care of a reported case or in close contacts, such as family members. There is no evidence to date that the disease spreads through casual contact.

  The threat to the United Kingdom from SARS therefore, at this time, appears to be small. Nonetheless, since the cause is yet unconfirmed, the UK has taken a precautionary stance.

  The Department of Health and Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS) issued information and advice on management and reporting of suspected cases to all general practitioners, trusts and public health professionals through the rapid public health link system on Thursday 13 March. We also issued advice to the public and travellers to South East Asia about SARS. Full information and advice has been kept up to date on the PHLS website www.phls.co.uk/topics_az/ SARS/menu.htm.
  393W
  The Department of Health and PHLS continue to monitor the situation.

  Food Labelling
  Mr. Roger Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many food samples have been tested for correct(a) labelling, (b) composition, (c) claims and (d) other presentational matters in each of the last 10 years; and what proportion of those samples were found not to comply with the statements made about them; [102865]

  (2) how many food sample checks regarding labelling have been undertaken by (a) the Food Standards Agency and (b) local authorities in each of the last 10 years. [103010]

  Ms Blears
  Details of food sampling checks by local authorities are not recorded in the form requested by the hon. Member. It is not possible to identify separately those samples taken for labelling purposes for all of the last ten years. Such information that is available for all sampling activity is shown in the tables.

  The responsibility for enforcing the food labelling regulations, made under the Food Safety Act 1990, rests with local authorities. Figures for samples taken for this purpose are shown in table 1.

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) receives annual returns from local authorities, under the European Union's Official Controls Directive, EEC/89/397, for all food sampling activity, not just for labelling checks. Before 2001, details of the reasons why samples were found to be unsatisfactory are not readily available. However, in 2001, under the new Framework Agreement on local authority food law enforcement, implemented by the FSA with effect from 1 January that

  Table 2: Food Authenticity Programme Surveys

  Date Published

  Survey Title

  Number of samples taken

  Proportion of samples deemed unsatisfactory (Percentage)

  Tested for: Labelling (L), Composition (C) or both (L,C)

  October 1993

  Fish and fish products

  239

  9

  L

  May 1994

  Authenticity of soluble coffee

  344

  15

  C

  February 1995

  Dried durum wheat pasta

  249

  Less than 1

  L

  November 1995

  Single seed vegetable oils

  291

  8

  C

  April 1996

  Labelling of previously frozen meat and poultry

  534

  8

  L

  March 1997

  Undeclared irradiation of foodstuffs

  789

  Less than 1

  L

  November 1997

  Added water in cured pork

  614

  3

  L

  November 1997

  Whisky substitution in the on-trade

  161

  3

  L

  September 1998

  Substitution of smoked salmon with trout

  289

  2

  L

  April 1999

  Orange juice authenticity

  186

  0

  L

  April 1999

  Substitution of species in meat products

  570

  15

  L

  June 1999

  Authenticity of olive oils

  125

  3

  C

  March 2000

  Apple juice authenticity

  151

  Less than 1

  L

  April 2000

  Tuna species in tuna products

  607

  Less than 1

  L

  Nov 2000

  Added water in whole chickens and chicken parts

  261

  27

  L,C

  December 2001

  Meat content, added water and hydrolysed protein catering chicken breasts

  68

  46

  L,C

  May 2002

  Corn (maize) oil survey

  61

  0

  C

  June 2002

  Irradiated Foods—herbs and spices, dietary supplements and prawn and shrimps

  543

  12

  L

  August 2002

  Antimony, arsenic, bromate and nickel contents of bottled water

  161

  0

  C

  394W
  year, 17 per cent. (27,280 samples) of the 163,993 official and informal samples taken were found to be unsatisfactory. Of these unsatisfactory samples, 31 per cent. (8,418) were found to be unsatisfactory with regard to labelling and presentation, and 24 per cent. (6,551) for composition.

  Official samples are those taken in the course of an official inspection procedure under the Food Safety Act 1990, where the results can be used in legal proceedings if appropriate. Informal samples are taken during other visits, such as for monitoring or screening.

  Over the last ten years, the FSA and its predecessor bodies have published the results of a number of surveys aimed at identifying problems with the labelling of food products, and carried out under its Food Authenticity Programme. These surveys have covered 6,523 samples, as shown in table 2.

  Table 1: Samples for all Foodstuffs Figures for the United Kingdom, for all sampling purposes

  Total number of official samples

  Total number of informal samples

  1992

  65,398

  176,433

  1993

  67,959

  179,001

  1994

  65,162

  181,202

  1995

  63,726

  183,327

  1996

  62,350

  168,972

  1997

  65,130

  158,687

  1998

  59,950

  138,099

  1999

  50,379

  140,719

  2000

  41,089

  137,349

  20011,2

  86,614

  77,379

  1 The definitions of official and informal samples changed in 2001;

  2 The 2001 figures have been revised and corrected since the OCD return was made on 31 July 2002.

  Source:

  UK return under European Union Official Controls Directive, EEC/89/397
  395W

  Table 2: Food Authenticity Programme Surveys

  Date Published

  Survey Title

  Number of samples taken

  Proportion of samples deemed unsatisfactory (Percentage)

  Tested for: Labelling (L), Composition (C) or both (L,C)

  December 2002

  Added water in raw scallops, ice£glazed (peeled) scampi tails and scampi content in coated (breaded) scampi products.

  255

  37

  L

  March 2003

  Meat content, added water and hydrolysed protein in catering chicken breast.

  25

  60

  L,C

  Total

  6,523

  Food Standards Agency
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) action the Food Standards Agency is taking and (b) advice the Food Standards Agency have issued to counter the threat from terrorism to food safety in the United Kingdom. [104908]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 25 March 2003]The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will take the lead role in managing the consequences of any actual incident of food contamination. The FSA already undertakes such work in respect of the several hundred relatively minor accidental and adventitious environmental food contamination incidents that occur each year, ensuring that contaminated food does not reach the public. The FSA regularly exercises its response to major incidents.

  With the agreement of other Departments, the FSA reminded the food industry in November 2002 of the importance of maintaining vigilance against potential malicious attacks on the food supply. This was a general reminder rather than a response to any new intelligence suggesting a specific threat. This advice remains current.

  Foodstuffs
  Mr. Gummer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is on which foodstuffs of non-animal origin should be tested on(a) all occasions and (b) a 'spot-check' basis under the proposals in the EU document of 10 February (EC Draft 6090/03). [102848]

  Ms Blears
  The Food Standards Agency has lead responsibility for this proposal on official feed and food controls. I am advised by the FSA that the negotiations on it are due to begin shortly. The FSA will press for provisions that ensure the frequency of testing of foods of non-animal origin is risk-based and proportionate. In effect, this would mean spot checks and random analytical testing for 'low risk' products but increased checks and analytical testing, up to a level of 100 per cent. (depending on the nature of the risk), for foods included in the list of 'high risk' products that is envisaged under the proposal. The commodities included in this list and the required level of testing will not be static over time but rather will vary depending on identification of new risks and the control of others. Currently, the European Commission publish decisions regarding those commodities front specified countries that should be subject to 100 per cent. documentary and analytical checks. This includes aflatoxins in various nuts and dried fruits from certain countries. It is understood that such products would be included in the `high risk' list under the proposal and would require 100 per cent. testing.

  Fund Disbursement
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which funds centrally administered by his Department are only disbursed on evidence of minimum levels of spending on information technology; and if he will make a statement. [104428]

  Ms Blears
  For 2003–04, strategic health authorities have been tasked with planning their new information management and technology (IMandT) investment against an indicative budget, which represents a weighted share of £200 million. This new investment will be released when local communities have demonstrated that they are maintaining their historic levels of IMandT investment from baseline allocations.

  GP Contracts
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost of the income guarantee proposals for GPs; and if he will make a statement. [105043]

  Mr. Hutton
  The General Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association is discussing with the National Health Service Confederation and the Department of Health proposals for ensuring that practices are not financially destabilised from the introduction of the new general medical services contract. Further information will become available once proposals have been agreed.

  GP Vacancies
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner vacancies there are in the Bury St. Edmunds constituency. [104819]

  Mr. Lammy
  General practitioner vacancy rates by constituency are not available. The General Practitioner Recruitment Retention and Vacancy Survey for 2002 only provides vacancy rates to Directorate of Health and Social Care level.

  Hospital Costs
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the average cost per bed per week for a patient in a NHS(a) acute hospital and (b) non-acute hospital in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Cambridgeshire and (iii) Essex. [104805]

  Mr. Lammy
  Figures for the average cost per bed per week for patients in national health service acute and non-acute hospitals are not held centrally.

  Meat Unfit for Human Consumption
  Mr. Roger Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much meat, broken down by type, has been identified as unfit for human consumption by Government Departments and Government agencies in(a) farms, (b) abattoirs and (c) retailers in each of the last 10 years; and how many (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions have resulted. [102864]

  Ms Blears
  I am advised by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that the information requested is not collected centrally.

  However, the FSA does collect certain information from local food authorities as required under EC Directive 89/397/EEC on official controls and under the FSA's framework agreement on local authority food law enforcement. The information is published in the annual return to the European Commission under the official controls directive, copies of which are in the Library. The information collected does not provide a breakdown of information in the way requested. Details of results of samples taken, and of consequent prosecutions, are recorded for meat, game and poultry, but are not divided by type or species nor record if the meat was found unfit for human consumption.

  NHS Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS): Medical and dental staff and non-medical staff within west Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust as at 30 September each year

  Numbers (headcount)

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  All HCHS staff within West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust

  2,084

  1,996

  2,237

  2,310

  2,479

  Of which

  All medical and dental staff

  173

  183

  177

  206

  208

  All non-medical staff

  1,911

  1,813

  2,060

  2,104

  2,271

  Of which

  All qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  688

  612

  719

  728

  832

  All other non-medical staff

  1,223

  1,201

  1,341

  1,376

  1,439

  Source:

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census

  Department of Health Non-Medical Workforce Census

  MRI Scanner Appointments
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the average waiting time for MRI scanner appointments was on the latest date for which figures are available, broken down by hospital; [104900]

  (2) what plans he has to reduce waiting time for MRI scanner appointments. [104901]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answers 25 March 2003]Data are not collected centrally on waiting times for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The length of time that a patient may have to wait for any scan is dependent on their clinical condition. Emergency cases need to be seen immediately. Other cases will be carried out as quickly as possible, dependent on the clinical priority of all patients waiting to be scanned.

  Where an MRI scan forms part of the diagnostic process for a patient urgently referred with suspected cancer, this will be covered by the target of a maximum two months wait from urgent referral to first treatment, which will be in place for all cancers by the end of 2005.

  To increase the capacity of diagnostic services, funding has been made available for the provision of new and replacement scanners. The New Opportunities
  398W
  The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) collects information on the quantity of meat surrendered by the operators of licensed slaughterhouses and cutting plants as unfit for human consumption following MHS inspection. The in formation collected records the species, number of carcasses or weight of meat rejected, and the reason for rejection. The MHS keeps these receipts for a year but the information is not collated centrally.

  Information about meat intended for human consumption that is condemned on farm is not collected. Under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (as amended) the slaughter and dressing of animals intended for sale for human consumption must take place in a licensed slaughterhouse.

  Medical Staff (West Suffolk Hospital)
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) doctors, (b) nurses and (c) other staff were employed at West Suffolk Hospital in each of the last five years. [104810]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information is shown in the table.

  Fund has provided funding for 57 MRI scanners and the NHS Cancer Plan has provided funding for a further 50 MRI and 50 computed tomography (CT) scanners through central purchasing programmes by 2004.

  National Programmes
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 6 March 2003,Official Report, column 1214W, on the National Programmes, whether he plans to make copies of the presentation available to hon. Members in advance of its presentation to the Healthcare Computing Conference. [103364]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 17 March 2003]The current plan is to make copies or summaries of presentations available after the conference. The conference organisers also include copies of presentations in their packs that arc available after the event. A copy will be placed in the Library.

  NHS Estates Contract
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to prevent conflicts
  399W
  of interest concerning property valuation as part of the NHS estates contract; and if he will make a statement. [102879]

  Mr. Hutton
  NHS Estates follows guidance set out in 'Estatecode', which reflects 'Government Accounting'. The guidance advises that a professional valuation must be obtained prior to a property being marketed to act as a guide price. This valuation can be undertaken either by qualified in-house staff, the District Valuer or a suitably qualified private sector valuer.

  If a sale is complex, the potential use is unclear or the sale proceeds exceed £5 million, a professional valuation is to be obtained independent of the marketing agent. An alternative would be the District Valuer or a surveyor in private practice.

  NHS Management Consultants
  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) names and (b) fees for each contract of the management consultants currently employed by the NHS; and if he will make a statement on their role within the NHS. [104654]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information is not collected centrally. The placement of contracts for management consultants is mainly undertaken at a local level by National Health Service trusts themselves.

  NHS Numbers
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the authorised uses of the NHS number are; whether the use of the NHS number for non-NHS purposes is permitted; if he will bring forward legislation to limit the use of the number for non-NHS purposes; and if he will make a statement. [104518]

  Mr. Lammy
  The national health service number is an administrative identifier created by the NHS and used to maintain the privacy of patient information and to provide an unambiguous means of linking health care records.

  All those delivering health and social care services either within, or in conjunction with, the NHS, are authorised to use the NHS number. Health and social care services includes preventative medicine, clinical diagnosis, clinical research, and the provision of care and treatment.

  The use of the NHS number for other purposes is not permitted.

  The NHS number is personal data for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998 and therefore must be used and processed in accordance with data protection principles. Officials are obtaining legal advice on whether specific regulations for the use of the NHS number need to be introduced under UK and European data protection legislation.

  The NHS number sits at the heart of the modern health care agenda as a vital tool for sharing information within the NHS and with its partners in delivering health and social care services. It is central to the vision of seamless patient care and the life-long electronic health record. Access to the NHS number
  400W
  tracing service is restricted to NHS health and social care staff, and is subject to strict confidentiality and security safeguards.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average number of doctors in(a) West Suffolk Hospital trust, (b) Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS trust, (c) James Paget NHS trust, (d) Ipswich NHS trust and (e) Addenbrookes NHS trust, is per 100 beds. [104798]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information is shown in the table.

  Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS): medical and dental staff within specified trusts, as at 30 September 2001

  numbers (headcount)

  All Staff

  All Beds1

  Staff per 100 beds

  All specified trusts of which

  2,099

  4,207

  49.9

  Addenbrookes NHS Trust

  855

  1280

  66.8

  Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust

  307

  769

  39.9

  James Paget Healthcare NHS Trust

  210

  551

  38.1

  Norfolk and Norwich Healthcare NHS Trust

  519

  928

  55.9

  West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust

  208

  679

  30.6

  Notes:

  1 Average daily number of total available beds in 2001–02

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and dental workforce census and Department of Health form KH03

  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the NHS trusts in Worcestershire to(a) bring their annual expenditure of income into balance and (b) eradicate their cumulated deficits; and if he will make a statement. [104986]

  Mr. Lammy
  There are two National Health Service trusts within Worcestershire—Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

  Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is predicting a £7.6 million deficit for 2002–03 and has no other previous brought forward deficit. A financial strategy is currently being formulated which will explore a number of options to achieve financial balance.

  Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust has no 2002–03 deficits and no brought forward deficit to address.

  Nursing Vacancies
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nursing vacancies there were in each(a) Suffolk, (b) Norfolk, (c) Essex and (d) Cambridgeshire NHS trust in each year since 1999. [104812]

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

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nursing vacancies there were in each Essex NHS trust in(a) 1997 and (b) 2002. [103121]
  401W
  Mr. Lammy
  The first Department of Health vacancy survey was conducted in 1999. Information requested for March 2002 is shown in the table.

  Department of Health Vacancies Survey, March 2002 Vacancies in NHS Trusts in the specified Health Authority areas, by Trust, qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff

  3 month vacancy member

  England (excluding HA staff)

  8,394

  North Essex HA

  190

  Tendring PCT

  0

  Epping Forest PCT

  8

  Harlow PCT

  6

  Maldon and South Chelmsford PCT

  14

  Colchester PCT

  0

  Uttlesford PCT

  11

  Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  13

  Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust

  34

  New Possibilities NHS Trust

  0

  Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust

  19

  Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  70

  North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

  15

  South Essex HA

  48

  Southend On Sea PCT

  0

  Billericay Brentwood and Wickford PCT

  0

  Thurrock PCT

  2

  Basildon PCT

  1

  Southend Health Care NHS Trust

  23

  Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals NHS Trust

  13

  South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS Trust

  9

  Three month vacancy notes:

  1. Three month vacancy information is as at 31 March 2002.

  2. Three month vacancies are vacancies which Trusts are actively trying to fill, which had lasted for three months or more (whole-time equivalents)

  General notes:

  1. Vacancy numbers are rounded to the nearest whole number.

  2. Due to rounding, totals may not equal the sum of component parts.

  3. HA figures are based on Trusts, and do not necessarily reflect the geographical provision of health care.

  Sources:

  Department of Health Vacancies Survey, March 2002

  Primary Care Trusts
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 4 March 2003,Official Report, column 1004W, on Primary Care Trusts, what the equivalent figure is for the Kennett and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust; and what her definition is of per weighted head of population. [102691]

  Ms Blears
  Weighted head of population is defined as the primary care trust's population adjusted for age, additional need and market forces factors.

  There is no equivalent figure for the Kennett and North Wiltshire PCT as it only became operational on 1 April 2002.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of Government targets on primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [104233]

  Mr. Hutton
  Primary care trusts are responsible for improving the health of their local population. Planning is now undertaken at a local level with primary care 402W
  trusts leading and agreeing how targets will be met within the three year planning framework. The national health service is being asked to concentrate its planning activity against the priorities in the Priorities and Planning Framework 2003–06. This has resulted in the majority of current planning requirements being replaced by a single three year local delivery plan. There will be routine monitoring of national standards to ensure they continue to be met. Inspection programmes for both health and social care are well established which generate independent performance ratings. These are aligned to the priorities and planning framework and based on the primary care trust's performance against a number of key targets and a wider set of balanced scorecard indicators.

  In September 2001 primary care trusts' performance was assessed for the first time against a range of suitable indicators but they were not given an overall star rating.

  In December 2002 proposed key targets and performance indicators for primary care trusts for inclusion within 2002–03 performance ratings were announced. This year will be the first time that full performance ratings have been given to primary care trusts. The final indicator lists for primary care trusts will be announced shortly.

  The intention is to announce the 2003–04 key targets and performance indicators for all NHS organisations as soon as possible so they know for the start of the performance year in question the basis of the future rating.

  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the income per capita of population is for primary care trusts in(a) Suffolk, (b) Norfolk, (c) Essex and (d) Cambridgeshire. [104813]

  Mr. Lammy
  Primary care trust revenue allocations per unweighted head of population in 2002–03 in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire are shown in the table.

  Primary care trust

  2002–03 allocation per unweighted head(£)

  Suffolk

  Central Suffolk

  677

  Ipswich

  774

  Suffolk Coastal

  748

  Suffolk West

  664

  Waveney

  823

  Norfolk

  Boadland

  722

  Great Yarmouth

  822

  North Norfolk

  833

  Norwich

  800

  Southern Norfolk

  707

  West Norfolk

  779

  Essex

  Basildon

  786

  Billericay, Brentwood and Wickford

  685

  Castle Point and Rochford

  708

  Chelmsford

  742

  Colchester

  664

  Epping Forest

  765

  Harlow

  877

  Maldon and South Chelmsford

  679

  403W

  Primary care trust

  2002–03 allocation per unweighted head(£)

  Southend on Sea

  835

  Tendring

  886

  Thurrock

  764

  Uttlesford

  661

  Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust

  683

  Cambridgeshire

  Cambridge City

  680

  East Cambridgeshire and Fenland

  763

  Huntingdonshire

  647

  North Peterborough

  756

  South Cambridgeshire

  615

  South Peterborough

  690

  Schizophrenia
  Mr. Sanders
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what distinction there is between the use of the words 'would' and 'should' within the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines for schizophrenia when describing what patients can expect from services; and if he will make a statement. [102685]

  Mr. Hutton
  The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance and technology appraisals are prepared by independent expert members of its advisory committees and guideline development groups who are drawn from the national health service, patients and carers, and the academic world. Although these committees and groups seek the views of organisations representing health care professionals, patients and carers, manufacturers and government, their advice is independent of any vested interests.

  The use of the words 'would' and 'should' in NICE guidance and appraisals should be interpreted within the individual context they are used.

  Scotland
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times he has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103606]

  Mr. Lammy
  My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health, had the opportunity to visit Scotland on three occasions during 2000. He addressed the Social Services 2000 Conference and the NHS Confederation Annual Conference and attended a Joint Ministerial Committee meeting.

  He has not had the opportunity to visit since, but should a request to do so be received in the Department, he would give it his full consideration.

  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans Ministers in the Department have to(a) visit Scotland on official business, (b) announce public appointments and (c) make ministerial announcements in April. [103659]

  Mr. Lammy
  Departmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament will be conducted in accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in the United 404W
  Kingdom Departments, in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.

  There re no current plans in my official diary, or those of my ministerial colleagues, to undertake a visit to Scotland during April.

  Seroxat
  Mr. David Stewart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he has received from the Medicines Control Agency about the possible link between the use of the drug Seroxat and suicide; [104566]

  (2) what representations he has received on the withdrawal of the antidepressant Seroxat; [104567]

  (3) how many coroners have written to him expressing concerns about the drug Seroxat; and how many have called for urgent inquiries. [104565]

  Ms Blears
  Since it was authorised in 1990 the safety of paroxetine (Seroxat) has been closely monitored by the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Government's independent expert advisory committee, Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM). The CSM has considered the question of suicidal behaviour in association with Seroxat on a number of ccasions and carefully assessed any new data. The CSM has advised that there is insufficient evidence to confirm a causal relationship between Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and suicidal behaviour.

  The CSM has advised that it is general clinical experience that patients taking any antidepressant may develop an increase in suicidal behaviour in the first few weeks of treatment. Product information for prescribes and patients for all SSRIs has been amended to include warnings that suicidal behaviour may increase in the early stages of treatment as with any antidepressant. In September 2000, an article was published in the drug safety bulletin, Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance, which is distributed to all doctors and pharmacists.

  An expert working group on the safety of SSRIs has been set up by the CSM to review the current available evidence relating to the safety of SSRIs, including paroxetine, particularly in relation to suicidal behaviour and withdrawal reactions. The expert working group will report its findings to CSM in due course.

  Since 1997, the MCA has received a range of representations, including parliamentary questions, letters from hon. and right hon. Members, patients and health care professionals expressing concerns about the safety of paroxetine.(Seroxat), none of which have been from coroners.

  The MCA and the CSM receive reports of suspected adverse drug reactions to medicinal products via the yellow card scheme. Since marketing authorisation was granted in 1990, the MCA and CSM have received 8,702 such reports for paroxetine (Seroxat). One of these reports has been received from a coroner. In addition the MCA has written to the coroner for Brecon to obtain further details of a recently publicised case.

  Smallpox
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what categories of(a) health service employees, (b) civil servants, (c) Ministers, (d) servicemen and women and (e) other public service personnel (i) have been and (ii) are intended to be vaccinated against smallpox. [90612]

  Mr. Hutton
  The written ministerial statement of 2 December 2002,Official Report, column 63WS, set out our intention to vaccinate around 350 health care staff across the United Kingdom. This programme has commenced. Those vaccinated will form regional smallpox response groups around the UK. They will consist of infectious disease physicians and paediatricians, public health physicians, microbiologists/ virologists, acute care and communicable disease control nurses and occupational health staff.

  Service personnel to be vaccinated against smallpox will include those nuclear, biological and chemical specialists and specialist medical personnel who would form the spearhead of our armed forces' defensive response, including vaccination teams, in the event of a confirmed, suspected or threatened release of smallpox. Vaccination of these service personnel has commenced. Where immunisation is not routine, it is not our practice to go into precise details of counter-biological warfare immunisation programmes for the armed forces as this information could be of use to an aggressor.

  Currently, there is no evidence of a specific threat of the deliberate release of smallpox as a biological agent. There is no plan to vaccinate civil servants, Ministers or other public service personnel.

  As set out in the "Interim Guidelines for Smallpox Response and management in the Post Eradication Era", available on the Department's website www.doh.gov.uk/epcuicbr/biol/smallpoxplan.htm, if the threat level increases, we shall step up vaccination of more emergency, laboratory and other essential personnel. This includes all those likely to be directly involved in the assessment, management and investigation of smallpox cases as well as emergency and other key essential staff, including police and fire service personnel. Officials are consulting with other Government Departments about which other key essential workers should be vaccinated at different threat levels.

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many speech therapists there are in(a) mainstream schools and (b) special schools in (i) Suffolk, (ii) Essex, (iii) Norfolk and (iv) Cambridgeshire. [104823]

  Mr. Lammy
  The number of speech therapists in mainstream schools and special schools in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire is not collected centrally.

  Under the special educational needs category of the standards fund, operated by the Department for Education and Skills, grant support is currently available to local education 'authorities to enhance therapy services in conjunction with the National Health Service and the voluntary sector.

  Usual Residency
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the definition of usual residency for those who have been placed by one social services department in the area of another department; and what funding implications there are if the former decides(a) to reduce and (b) to remove funding. [100539]

  Jacqui Smith
  There is no definition of "ordinarily resident" in the National Assistance Act 1948 and it should be given its ordinary and natural meaning subject to any interpretation by the courts. The concept of ordinary residence involves questions of fact and degree. In determining ordinary residence, factors such as time, intention and continuity—each of which may be given different weight according to the context—have to be taken into account. Local Authority Circular LAC(93)7 on "Ordinar Residence" gives full details.

  Generally, if a council places an individual in a care home in the area of another council under section 21 of the National Assistance Act 1948, the first council has continuing responsibility to fund and care manage the individual's stay in residential care. This is because the individual is regarded as remaining ordinarily resident in the "placing" authority's area, by virtue of section 24(5) of the 1948 Act.

  Residents who are placed in care homes by councils are financially supported when their income and assets are not sufficient to cover the cost of care home fees. The amounts that supported residents should contribute to these fees are governed by the National Assistance (Assessment of Resources) Regulations 1992. Once the resident's contribution has been determined, the council should make its contribution sufficient to meet the costs of care as set out in the resident's care plan and contract between the council and care home. If the care home's fees are higher than the council would normally expect to pay, third parties such as relatives may make up the difference.

  Whether a supported resident is placed by a council in its own area, or the area of another council, the placing council would be acting outside its statutory duties if it attempted to reduce its contribution to care costs in situations where supported residents' income and assets and assessed needs remain unchanged. When the resident's financial situation or needs change, a council may legitimately reduce or remove its funding. For example, a supported resident who acquires extra income and assets during his stay in residential care may lose entitlement to council funding. A council may reduce its funding when, following a re-assessment of needs, it agrees with a resident that some aspect of care within the care home may be reduced. In such circumstances, the resident should continue to pay their assessed contribution and the council makes up the difference with regard to the lower care home fee.

  Waiting Times
  Mr. Ruffiey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of patients waited over four hours in accident and emergency departments in each Suffolk hospital in each of the last four years. [104821]
  407W
  Mr. Lammy
  Information on the total time patients spend in accident and emergency from arrival to admission, transfer or discharge has been collected by the Department of Health since July2002. This

  Total time spent in major Accident and Emergency Departments, NHS Trusts in England, 2002–03 October to December (Q3)

  Year

  Quarter

  STHA

  OrgID

  Name

  Total attendances at major A and E

  Percentage of patients who spent less than 4 hrs in A and E

  2002–03

  3

  England

  2,882,500

  78

  2002–03

  3

  Q01

  RGQ

  Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust

  13,357

  80

  2002–03

  3

  Q01

  RGR

  West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust

  8,945

  81

  Source:

  Department of Health dataset QMAE—published 12 March 2003

  Total time spent in major Accident and Emergency departments, NHS Trusts in England, 2002–03 July to September (02)

  Year

  Quarter

  Dataset

  STHA

  OrgID

  Name

  Total attendances at major Accident and Emergency

  Percentage of patients who spent less than 4 hrs in Accident and Emergency

  2002–03

  2

  QMAE

  England

  3,095,650

  77

  2002–03

  2

  QMAE

  Q01

  RGQ

  Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust

  14,083

  81

  2002–03

  2

  QMAE

  Q01

  RGR

  West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust

  10,246

  83

  Source:

  Department of Health dataset QMAE

  Mr. Ruffley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for an out-patient appointment is in(a) Suffolk West, (b) Suffolk Coastal, (c) Waveney, (d) Ipswich and (e) Central Suffolk primary care trusts. [104824]

  Mr. Lammy
  Average waiting times for out-patient attendance by primary care trust are not held centrally.

  Star Rating System
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection should be able
  408W
  information is now published quarterly. Figures for West Suffolk and Ipswich Hospitals are shown in the tables.

  to alter the targets on which the star rating system is based. [102208]

  Mr. Hutton
  As the independent regulator of national health service performance, the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) are responsible for publication of NHS performance ratings. Ministers will continue to select key targets and the priority areas to be covered. CHI are responsible for leading the work to develop new indicators for use in the star rating system.

  The Government's intention is that the new Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection which will be established next year subject to parliamentary approval, will continue in this role.

  Northern Ireland: North/South Implementation Bodies
  Northern Ireland: North/South Implementation Bodies
  Public Appointments: Vacancies Website
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  GCSE Results in Hull
  GCSE Results in Hull
  European Social Fund Objective 3 Co-financing
  European Social Fund Objective 3 Co-financing
  Improvement Grants: Small Hotels and Boarding Houses
  Improvement Grants: Small Hotels and Boarding Houses
  Objective 1 Status and Funding
  Objective 1 Status and Funding