Written Answers of 9 September 2003

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last visited Galloway and Upper Nithsdale constituency. [128013]

  The Prime Minister
  Regrettably, I have been unable to do so, but I hope to visit the hon. Member's constituency at some point in the future.

  Joyce Quin
  To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 16 July 2003 to the question tabled by the right hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West whether it is policy to hold regular meetings with(a) the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and (b) the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales. [127961]

  The Prime Minister
  I have meetings with both First Ministers on a regular basis, both bilaterally and through the Joint Ministerial Committee.

  Media Training
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Prime Minister what the cost was to his Department of media and voice training for Ministers and officials in each year since 1997. [123129]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Minister for the Cabinet Office gave him on 1 September,Official Report, column 693W.

  Tibet
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise the issue of Tibet with the Chinese Government during his forthcoming visit to China. [128183]

  The Prime Minister
  I raised human rights with the Chinese Premier, and underlined our interest in an ongoing dialogue with China over human rights issues. I also discussed Tibet with the Chinese leadership, and welcomed recent contact between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama.

  World Trade Organisation
  John Barrett
  To ask the Prime Minister what his priorities will be at the World Trade Organisation's fifth Ministerial Conference in September; and if he will make a statement. [127941]

  The Prime Minister
  We will work for a successful outcome to the current round of world trade negotiations that benefits industrialised and developing countries alike.

  The recent agreement on the issue of affordable medicines for the world's poorest nations is a step in the right direction.
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  Our immediate objective now is to secure agreement on a framework for an agreement on agriculture—where the EU has shown its commitment to the Round in agreeing ambitious changes to the CAP.

  We shall also be pressing for progress on reducing nonagricultural tariffs, increasing services liberalisation and agreeing special and differential treatment for developing countries.

TREASURY

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Government spending was on HM Customs and Excise in real terms in each of the last five years. [127409]

  John Healey
  HM Customs and Excise reported their total public spending figures in Table 1 (Total spending for HM Customs & Excise) of Appendix 3 of their Spring Department al report 2003 (Cm 5924). Actual outturn is reported for the four financial years from 1998–99 to 2001–02.

  No figures are available in comparable resource accounting terms for the financial year 1997–98. The actual resource outturn figure for 2002–03 will be published in Schedule 1 of the Resource Accounts in their annual report this autumn.

  Public spending figures can be adjusted to 2000–01 price levels by applying the Treasury's GDP deflator, as shown in the table.

  £ million

  Financial year

  Actual public spending

  Real terms spending

  1998–99

  897

  963

  1999–2000

  921

  965

  2000–01

  847

  868

  2001–02

  1,106

  1,106

  Online Tax Assessment
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many tax filers submitted their self-assessment form electronically using the Inland Revenue's on-line programme in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03. [127073]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue received the following number of returns electronically in the following years:

  1999–2000—The number of returns received electronically by the Inland Revenue was 309,510. All of these were received via the Electronic Lodgement Service as the Internet service was not available until 3 July 2000.

  2000–01—The number of returns received electronically by the Inland Revenue was 336,127. 296,837 of these were received via the Electronic Lodgement Service and 39,290 via the Internet Service.
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  2001–02—The number of returns received electronically by the Inland Revenue was 419,236. 343,009 of these were received via the Electronic Lodgement Service and 76,287 via the Internet Service.

  2002–03—The number of tax returns received electronically by the Inland Revenue was 705,690. 370,051 of these were received via the Electronic Lodgement Service and 335,639 via the Internet service.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of UK tax-filers submitted their self-assessment form electronically using the Inland Revenue's on-line programme in the tax year 2002–03. [127074]

  Dawn Primarolo
  7.8 per cent. of taxpayers submitted their Self Assessment forms electronically in the tax year 2002–03. 3.71 per cent. (335,639) used the Inland Revenue's Internet service and 4.09 per cent. (370,051) used the Inland Revenue's Electronic Lodgement Service.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government's target for take-up of the Inland Revenue's self-assessment on-line programme by UK tax-filers was in(a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; what it is for the 2003–04 tax period; and how these targets were derived. [127075]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue does not have specific targets for each year.
  The Inland Revenue Public Service Agreement 2003–2006 posted on the Inland Revenue Internet site on 14 February 2003 sets out the targets for electronic filing.
  The Inland Revenue has set a target of 25 per cent. of SA returns filed electronically by 2005–06 (i.e. 2.2 million of 8.8 million returns), including but not differentiating those filed by agents. Electronically means Filing by Internet Service (FBI) or Electronic Lodgement Service (ELS).

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how HM Treasury is determining the value for money paid for the Inland Revenue's self-assessment on-line system. [127076]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Determining the value for money of an individual project is the responsibility of the department implementing it.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an evaluation of the Inland Revenue's self-assessment on-line programme will be included in the review of the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise announced on 2nd July. [127077]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Weston-superMare (Brian Cotter) on 2 July 2003,Official Report, column 270W.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much HM Treasury allocated to the marketing of the Government's e-agenda for the Inland Revenue's self assessment on-line programme in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03; 127081]
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  (2) how much HM Treasury spent on the marketing of the Government's e-agenda for the Inland Revenue's self assessment on-line programme in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03. [127082]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) in January 2003,Official Report, column 1061–63W and to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) in May 2002, Official Report, column 36W that detail all Treasury departments' marketing communications spend for the period, including for Self Assessment.
  The annual Self-Assessment campaign includes the promotion of the online service as part of a wider package.
  The three main messages of the campaign are: file by the due deadline, file early and file online. Most advertising will carry a combination of these messages accompanied by information about the support available but broadly speaking, around a third of the campaign effort is weighted toward e-filing messages, with online (internet) advertising concentrating on this issue.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what role he plans for the private sector in assisting the Government to meet its targets for take-up of the Inland Revenue self-assessment on-line programme. [127084]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has worked closely with relevant parts of the Private Sector since the SA on-line programme was introduced. The filing product was created in close consultation with the software industry and equal prominence is given to third party software products on the Inland Revenue Website.
  An advertisement was published in May in "Government Opportunities" encouraging potential SA filing partners to come forward, and various joint initiatives are currently being worked on with independent software vendors, payroll companies and financial organisations.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how his Department is evaluating the results being achieved with regard to the percentage of UK tax-filers submitting their self-assessment form electronically using the Inland Revenue's on-line programme against the Government's pre-set targets. [127085]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Public Service Agreement 2003–06 sets out the targets for electronic filing. The Inland Revenue has set a target of 25 per cent. of SA returns filed electronically by 2005–06, including but not differentiating those filed by agents. Electronically means Filing by Internet (FBI) or Electronic Lodgement Service (ELS).
  The Inland Revenue counts the total number of returns received and how many of these have been received electronically to monitor its progress against the target.
  The achievement of the target will be assessed and reported annually and subject to validation by the Inland Revenue's Internal Audit Office.
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  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the actual per-return cost to HM Treasury was of the Inland Revenue's self assessment on-line in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03 with regard to electronic tax filing; and what the projected cost is for the 2003–04 tax year. [127086]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue's on-line service for Self-Assessment Tax Returns went live in 2000–01 (on 3rd July 2000).

  The "per return" costs were:

  £ per return

  2000–01

  187.83

  2001–02

  105.93

  2002–03

  33.13

  The projected "per return" cost for 2003–04 is £16.35 per return.

  Tax Changes
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library an estimate of the impact on the level of income of a transfer of all changes in the total level of taxation since 1997 to income tax, broken down by households with annual incomes of up to(a) £30,000, (b) £50,000, (c) £75,000 and (d) above £75,000. [127059]

  Dawn Primarolo
  There are many ways in which income tax increments or decrements equivalent to changes in current receipts since 1997 could be represented. These include raising or lowering one or more of the income tax allowances, increasing or reducing one or more of the tax rates or the size of an income band to which that rate applies and introducing new lower or higher rate bands or allowances. The impact on households with very different annual incomes would very much depend on which approach was adopted.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Business Rating System
  Brian White
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made in the review of the business rating system as it applies to communications infrastructure. [126021]

  Mr. Timms
  I have been asked to reply.

  Representatives from industry, DTI, ODPM, Oftel and the Valuation Office Agency have met. The Department will now set in motion procedures to appoint a person or persons to carry out further analysis.

  Environmental Impact Appraisals
  Mr. Horam
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many of the Department's policies have been screened for their environmental impact since June 2001; how many environmental appraisals have been conducted,320W
  and on what policy issues; and what information has been published about these screenings and appraisals. [124708]

  Keith Hill
  All Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's policies are screened for their impacts in a range of areas, including environmental impacts.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has to date published no free-standing environmental appraisals of its policies.

  Sunderland Football Club
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which Minister will determine the appeal by Sunderland Football Club against the refusal by the local planning authority to permit development of its training centre. [127087]

  Keith Hill
  Sunderland Association Football Club have applied for planning permission for an indoor training barn, student hostel, groundsman's store and perimeter fencing at Whitburn Moor, Cleadon. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has recovered for his own determination four related appeals made by Sunderland AFC against refusal of planning permission and one further application for planning permission which was called-in by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to be considered at the same time as the appeals.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the ethnic make-up is of the new Afghan National Army. [127135]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We do not receive detailed breakdowns of personnel who have passed through the US-led Afghan National Army training programme. But indications from earlier this year were that about half of those trained were Tajiks, around a quarter Pashtuns and the remainder split fairly evenly between Uzbeks and Hazaras.

  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is being done to promote the rights of(a) women and (b) children in the new constitution of Afghanistan. [127136]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Afghan Constitutional Commission was convened on 25 April. Its 35 members (including 7 women) are tasked with providing a draft constitution, overseeing preparations for a Constitutional Loya Jirga later this year which will adopt it, and ensuring that the public are informed of—and involved in——the process. The UK has given £500,000 to support a UN-led process of popular consultation to ensure that as many Afghans as possible are able to engage in public debate. The Commission has also met with the Ministry for Women's Affairs, a number of women's NGOs, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and other civil society groups to discuss how to incorporate women's and children's rights into the draft constitution.
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  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken to reduce the level of violence in Afghanistan. [127137]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Coalition operations against extremist elements in Afghanistan are ongoing, especially in the south. The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) continues to help maintain security in Kabul. Four Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) have deployed to regional centres to help extend the authority of central government, improve the security environment and facilitate reconstruction. These include the UK PRT in Mazar-e Sharif, which is helping to reduce tensions between rival regional commanders. Efforts to establish a new, multi-ethnic Afghan National Army and reform the police are continuing. The UK is helping train Afghan NCOs and developing a police crime scene investigation capability.

  British Exports
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions since 1997 when Ministers from his Department have accompanied British firms on visits overseas to promote export marketing and sales, indicating the name of the Minister and the country visited in each case. [128407]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Information on such visits is not recorded centrally in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Burma
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the(a) Governments of (i) Thailand, (ii) China, (iii) Japan and (iv) Vietnam and (b) the United Nations regarding the arrest and detention of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. [126764]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We take advantage of regular bilateral and multilateral contacts with all Asian nations, including Thailand, China Japan and Vietnam to press for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, national reconciliation and an improvement in Burma's human rights record. From my discussions at the Asia-Europe (ASEM) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali in July it was clear that Burma's international isolation is growing. We are also in discussion with the appropriate bodies of the UN on how to take these matters forward.

  Child Protection
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the Government to protect(a) child workers, (b) sexually exploited children and (c) child victims of trafficking in (i) Africa, (ii) Asia, (iii) the Pacific, (iv) Latin America, (v) the Caribbean and (vi) the Middle East. [128394]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Government are committed to the promotion and protection of child rights worldwide. We urge all countries to ratify and implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which sets the standard for guaranteeing children's rights and contains specific provisions on child labour, trafficking and protection from sexual abuse. The FCO's Human 322W
  Rights Project Fund is currently funding over £450,000 worth of practical projects with local NGOs to tackle these and other child rights issues. Details are available at www.fco.gov.uk/hum an rights.

  In addition, the Department for International Development provides substantial financial and technical assistance to the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) International Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour. This campaign aims to achieve universal ratification and implementation of ILO Conventions 138 on Minimum Age for Employment and 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which include trafficking and prostitution.

  China
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had and intends to have with the Chinese Government regarding(a) the occupation of and (b) human rights abuses in Tibet. [128186]

  Mr. Rammell
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about Tibet with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on 25 June and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed Tibet with the Chinese leadership during his recent visit to China.

  We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet and continue to urge China to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives. We have welcomed the recent visits to China by representatives of the Dalai Lama.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 14 July 2003,Official Report, columns 47–48W, how many meetings were attended by his Department's Ministers to promote the export of British defence equipment with officials from (a) Chile, (b) India, (c) Singapore, (d) Czech Republic, (e) Slovakia and (J) Tanzania in (i) 2002 and (ii) 2003; what equipment was discussed; and if he will make a statement. [127657]

  Mr. Straw
  Many of the occasions during which Ministers discuss UK-origin defence equipment with representatives of foreign governments do not form part of formal meetings. It is not therefore possible to provide figures about the number of meetings concerned. Disclosure of the types of equipment concerned may infringe on commercial confidentiality or provide sensitive information on the defence procurement strategies of foreign countries. I am withholding this information under exemptions 1 and 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  European Constitution
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the envisaged primacy given to European legislation over UK legislation in the draft European Constitution will override the authority of the European Communities Act 1972. 127390]
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  Mr. MacShane
  The principle of the primacy of Community law has been central to the operation of the EU since its earliest days. This principle prevents countries from going back on obligations they have made to one another. It is an integral part of the obligations of our EU membership—as it is for all Member States. It is already enshrined in UK law by Section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972.

  George Atkinson
  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions have been given to his officials in Dubai in connection with the forthcoming release of Mr. George Atkinson from prison; whether Mr. Atkinson will be met by Foreign Office officials on his release; who will be responsible for booking his return flight to the UK and ensuring that he has the necessary travel documents; and on what date he expects Mr.Atkinson to be released. [127877]

  Mr. Mullin
  Mr. Atkinson was released from prison on 1 September and was deported to the UK. Officials at our Embassy in Dubai were in touch with the prison authorities to ensure that the necessary arrangements for Mr. Atkinson's return to the UK were in place. Our Vice Consul met Mr. Atkinson at Dubai airport and accompanied him throughout the deportation process to his flight.

  Guantanamo Bay
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made a request to the US Administration for the repatriation of British detainees held in Camp Delta, to face, if the evidence justifies, trial in the UK. [127174]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are pressing the US authorities to move forward with the process of determining the future of the British detainees at Guantanamo Bay. We have discussed, and are discussing, a range of options with the US, including the possibility of repatriation.

  Indonesia
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the Indonesian Government to withdraw all non-West Papuan troops and Brimob special forces from West Papua. [127175]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Indonesian Government are within their territorial rights to deploy Indonesian troops and police throughout their country to counter any aggressive external and internal threats. However, we have stressed to the Indonesian Government that any action undertaken in respect to their territorial rights must respect human rights and be in accordance with international law.

  There are a number of areas in Indonesia where the levels of violence raise issues, including Papua. The origins of such conflicts vary and are complex: some are inter-ethnic or inter-religious while others may have economic causes. Our message to the Indonesian Government is clear and consistent: long-term stability can only be achieved through political negotiation and consultation within Indonesia. Together with our
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  European partners, we are in regular, top-level dialogue with the Indonesian Government, and urge them to maintain law and order and promote reconciliation in order to ensure the territorial integrity of Indonesia.

  We are implementing a strategy to tackle the causes of conflict and are working with EU and other partners to help Indonesia build capacity to analyse and respond effectively to outbreaks of violence.

  Iran
  Mrs. Ellman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government take to monitor the end-use of the dual-use equipment that was licensed for export to Iran during 2000, including toxic chemicals; and if he will make a statement. [127829]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Government issued 3 export licences in 2000 for the proposed export of toxic chemical precursors to Iran for use in the oil industry. All were assessed rigorously against the consolidated criteria, which take account of the risk of diversion to undesirable end-users.
  Our overseas posts have standing instructions to report on any allegation of misuse of UK-origin equipment.

  Iraq
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of regulations and orders made by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. [127594]

  Mr. Rammell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the website www.cpa-iraq.org/regulations where all the Coalition Provisional Authority Orders and Regulations are available.

  Moazzam Begg
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received letters sent to him on(a) 6 and (b) 9 July by solicitors representing Mr. Moazzam Begg. [127139]

  Mr. Mullin
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office received two letters dated 6 July and 9 July from Mr. Begg's solicitors. My hon. Friend the Minister for Europe replied to the letter dated 9 July on 21 August. A substantive response to the 6 July letter will be sent shortly.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with US officials concerning the possibility of Mr. Moazzam Begg and Mr. Feroz Abbasi stranding trial in a US civil court; and if he will make a statement. [127171]

  Mr. Straw
  Mr. Begg and Mr. Abbasi have been designated as eligible to stand trial before a Military Commission, but have not yet been charged.

  The Attorney-General has recently held a number of rounds of talks with the US Administration. His objective has been to ensure that the British nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay, if prosecuted, are assured

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  of fair trials that meet generally recognised principles, wherever those trials take place, and to make clear our opposition to the death penalty. We are discussing a number of options with the US Government. Further talks are planned for the near future.

  Moldova
  Mr. David
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals there are for an EU peacekeeping force to be deployed to Transdniestria in Moldova. [127875]

  Mr. MacShane
  There are currently no proposals for an EU peacekeeping force to be deployed to Transdniestria in Moldova. The EU is working to support the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe's efforts to reach a constitutional settlement.
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  In the event the political talks make sufficient progress towards a settlement, the international community, including the EU, will need to consider the options for any potential stabilisation force.

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Morocco concerning recent court judgements affecting the peoples of the Western Sahara. [123463]

  Mr. Rammell
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave him on 9 July 2003,Official Report, column 820W, 11 July 2003 Official Report, column 1056W and 14 July 2003, Official Report, column 51W.

  Officials in Rabat have raised concerns over court judgments affecting the peoples of the Western Sahara with the Moroccan Government. We continue to monitor the situation in Western Sahara and raise specific cases with the relevant authorities where appropriate.

HEALTH

  Abortions
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women have died in each of the last 10 years as a direct result of unsafe abortions; and what steps the Government is taking to reduce the number of deaths caused by unsafe abortions. [128401]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Maternal deaths associated with termination of pregnancy that were reported to the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths for the period 1991 to 1999, are shown in the table. The data for 2000 to 2002 are not yet available.

  The Abortion Act 1967 requires a pregnancy to be terminated by a registered medical practitioner. The General Medical Council's (GMC) Duties of a doctor include making the care of the patient the first concern, keeping professional knowledge and skills up to date and recognising the limits of professional competence. Where there is evidence that a doctor is not fit to practise, the GMC is able to suspend or erase a doctor from the register or place conditions on their registration, As part of each hospital's clinical governance framework, all adverse events, including deaths, are investigated and lessons learned, and any appropriate action taken. In addition, the Commission for Health Improvement and the National Care Standards Commission monitor patient care in the National Health Service and independent sector respectively.

  Maternal deaths associated with termination of pregnancy; United Kingdom 1991–99

  Triennium

  Number of deaths from termination of preganancy1

  Number of these asssociated with substandard care1

  1997–99

  2

  0

  1994–96

  1

  1

  1991–93

  5

  3

  1Figures are from the reports of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the United Kingdom for the relevant triennium.

  Notes:

  1. From 1991–93 these deaths were defined as occurring before 20 weeks of pregnancy. From 1994, 24 weeks was used as the upper gestational limit. Thus comparisons of the data between triennia may be inappropriate.

  2. There were around 500,000 abortions in the United Kingdom in each three-year period and hence the number of deaths represents less than 0.0001 per cent, of all abortions carried out.

  "Agenda for Change"
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the proposed new pay system for NHS employees, under "Agenda for Change". [124345]

  Mr. Hutton
  "Agenda for Change" has been negotiated over the past four years by staff and 328W
  management representatives working in partnership. Following the conclusion of the union consultation exercise, agreement was reached through the Central Negotiating Group, which includes the four United Kingdom Health Departments, unions and employer representatives, to move to the next phase of testing "Agenda for Change" in early implemented sites. This commenced in June 2003 in 12 sites identified in England, which were selected in partnership with the unions. This phase will provide the opportunity to address any concerns that might arise, through the Central Negotiating Group and when formed, the new National Health Service staff council, with a view to national implementation in October 2004. These sites are being supported by the Modernisation Agency and will develop effective models of implementation for the breadth of organisations represented. All the nationally recognised staff organisations will be represented on the proposed NHS Staff Council.

  We anticipate that NHS Foundation Trusts will begin the "Agenda for Change" implementation process in April 2004 and that all staff in NHS Foundation Trusts will be guaranteed the opportunity of moving to the new pay system.

  Alcohol Advertising
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on alcohol advertising. [127722]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit, in close collaboration with other Government departments, including the Department of Health, is currently developing the national alcohol harm reduction strategy. The Strategy Unit is due to publish an interim analysis of the harms associated with alcohol misuse later this year. The final report, which will set out the cross-Governmental alcohol harm reduction strategy, is planned for publication later this year.

  As part of this project, the Strategy Unit and the Sponsor Minister, the Minister for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community, my hon. Friend the Member for Salford (Ms Blears), have had ongoing discussions with all relevant stakeholders. The final report will consider a wide variety of issues concerning alcohol misuse, including alcohol advertising.

  Community Pharmacies
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will make a statement on the Government's policy on community pharmacies. [127622]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on Thursday 17 July 2003,Official Report, columns 76–79WS.

  Compensation Claims
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of operation care complainants have brought compensation claims in each of the last five years. [128632]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  This information is not collected centrally by the Department of Health. The information that is requested can only be supplied at disproportionate cost to the request.

  The present situation is that National Health Service complaints and clinical negligence claims are handled separately. Once a patient who has made a complaint indicates that they are seeking legal action linked to the complaint, then the complaint is halted until the case is resolved through litigation, withdrawn or settlement reached with the trust or NHS Litigation Authority.

  However, a review of the way clinical negligence claims and complaints are handled in the NHS is currently under way. The recently published Chief Medical Officer's report, "Making Amends", sets out a number of recommendations to reform the way clinical negligence cases are handled in the NHS, including the removal of the rule which requires a complaint to be halted pending resolution of a claim to encourage closer alignment between the claims and complaints.

  Departmental Entertainment
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent by(a) ministers and (b) Departmental special advisers on food and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for entertainment purposes since March 2002. [127475]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  I refer the hon. Member to the response given to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on Monday 27 January 2003,Official Report, column 673W. The total amount spent by the Department of Health on hospitality in 2002–03 is £125,000.

  Departmental information systems do not classify expenditure by Ministers, special advisers or other employment category, nor do information systems provide a detailed breakdown of food and drink.

  Food Supplements
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 8 July 2003,Official Report, column 776W, on the Food Supplement Directive, if he will make it his policy to add nutrients to the list of permitted ingredients included in dossiers submitted to the European Food Safety Authority; and if he will make a statement. [128556]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The lists of permitted vitamins and minerals and their sources in annexes I and II to the directive remain open pending safety assessments for additional substances. Dossiers of information supporting safety may be submitted to the European Food Safety for assessment. In the case of amendments to the permitted lists in the directive, Schedules 1 or 2 to The Food Supplements Regulations (England) 2003 will be amended accordingly.
  330W
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 1041W, on natural supplements, what plans he has to press for changes in the regulations to ensure that the maximum permitted levels of nutrients in supplements are set on the basis of safety and not nutritional need; what assessment he has made of the impact of this issue to the British specialist food industry; and if he will make a statement. [128516]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  While the Food Supplements Directive sets out principles for setting maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements, no such limits have yet been set. The principles in Article 5 of the directive state that maximum levels should be set based on scientific risk assessment and intake from dietary sources other than food supplements as well as taking account of reference nutrient intakes. The Government continues to argue for maximum permitted limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements to be set on the basis of thorough risk assessments and will continue to press this view strongly at every opportunity.
  During negotiations on the Directive and when drafting the Food Supplements (England) Regulations 2003, the Food Standards Agency consulted with a wide range of stakeholders. The potential impacts of the Regulations on the specialist food industry are summarised in the Regulatory Impact Assessment accompanying the Regulations, which are available in the Library.

  General Practitioners
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what compensation is paid to GPs who lose their right to dispense; 127629]
  (2) what plans he has to reform regulations that permit the removal of the right to dispense from a GP. [127630]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  General practitioners do not normally receive compensation if they are no longer required to dispense National Health Service prescriptions. Primary care trusts can make transitional arrangements to ensure an orderly winding-down of such dispensing services.
  The Government has no plans to change the conditions under which certain GPs can dispense NHS prescriptions. However, in our response to the Health Select Committee Fifth Report, The Control of Entry Regulations and Retail Pharmacy Services in the UK (Cm 5896) on 17 July 2003, we said that we would invite medical and pharmacy representative bodies to look again at existing proposals to reform the rules governing rural NHS dispensing.
  We are setting up an advisory group to advise on how best to implement a series of changes we are proposing to current NHS dispensing rules. We published further details on 29 August 2003 in Proposals to Reform and Modernise the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992. A copy has been placed in the Library. We will also ask the group to consider the results of the representative bodies' consideration of their proposals for reforming the rules governing rural NHS dispensing.

  Hip Fractures
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people suffered a hip fracture(a) recorded as a first episode and (b) recorded as a second episode in each of the last five years; and what the cost was in each case. [124309]

  Mr. Hutton
  Table one shows the number of hip fractures, which were recorded as a first and second episode in each of the last five years. Table two shows the average cost of the procedure, taken from the Published National Schedule of Reference Costs. Data are available from 2000. The cost excludes any elements of critical care services that might have been be used by a patient.

  Table 1

  Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs) where a hip fracture was recorded as the main diagnosis

  Year

  Episode Order

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  1

  40,083

  41.956

  43,030

  41,691

  42.367

  2

  5,004

  5,304

  5,732

  5,919

  7,177

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) Department of Health, England.

  Table 2

  Mean Average £

  Condition

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Neck of femur Fracture > 69 years old or with complications and comorbidities

  3,669

  3,818

  4,200

  Neck of Femur Fracture >70 years old or without complications and comorbidities

  2,946

  2,956

  3,137

  Source:

  Published National Schedule of Reference Costs.

  Laser Eye Surgery
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations have been received by his Department from(a) the Medical Protection Society and (b) the Royal College of Ophthalmologists on (i) guidance for and (ii) regulation of individuals involved in the provision of laser eye surgery. [128676]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Department of Health has not received any representations from either the Medical Protection Society or the Royal College of Ophthalmologists concerning guidance and regulation in the provision of laser eye surgery. We are, however, aware that there are concerns regarding laser surgery.
  Laser eye surgery in England is regulated by the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC). Providers of laser eye surgery are required to be registered with the NCSC and to comply with national minimum standards set by them. Providers must keep records for the NCSC of each surgical procedure undertaken, including accidents or adverse events. They are also subject to annual inspections by the NCSC.
  The NCSC is currently monitoring development in the area of laser eye surgery and should any evidence emerge that further regulation of this procedure is required, it would be considered in order to further protect service users.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received on the need for a Mental Incapacity Bill; and if he will make a statement; 128316]
  (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the proposals in the draft Mental Incapacity Bill on the lives of (a) people with dementia and (b) their carers; and if he will make a statement. [128317]

  Ms Rosie Winter ton
  A draft Mental Incapacity Bill was published by the Department for Constitutional Affairs on 27 June. It is currently subject to pre-legislative scrutiny by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament. Letters received in the Department of Health about the draft Bill are being fed into the scrutiny process.
  The need for a Bill on Mental Incapacity was raised by many who responded to consultation on the draft Mental Health Bill, which was published in June 2002. The draft Mental Incapacity Bill aims to provide a better decision-making framework for people who are unable to make some decisions for themselves and those that care for them. The Department of Health is working closely with colleagues in the Department for Constitutional Affairs to make sure that the Bill addresses the needs of all vulnerable adults, including people with dementia and those who look after them, whether informal carers or professionals in health or social care services.

  David Kelly
  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when over tae past two years Mr. David Kelly has met Mr. Andrew Gilligan of the BBC. [126330]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 17 July 2003]: I have been asked to reply.
  My hon. Friend will understand why it was not possible to answer this question on the day named. These matters are now being addressed by Lord Hutton's inquiry.
  The information requested has been passed to the inquiry. Lord Hutton will publish his report in due course. I am therefore withholding the information under Exemption 4a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Radiotherapy
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what average length of time patients in each health authority had to wait for radiotherapy cancer treatment in(a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02. [127522]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Information on waiting times for radiotherapy is not collected centrally. However, the NHS Cancer Plan sets out maximum waiting time
  333W
  targets for first definitive cancer treatment, which includes radiotherapy when it is the first treatment. From December 2001, there is a one month maximum wait from diagnosis to first treatment for breast cancer and a one month wait from urgent general practitioner referral to first treatment for children's cancers, testicular cancer and acute leukaemia. From 2002 there is a maximum two-month wait from urgent referral to treatment for breast cancer. By 2005 there will be a maximum two months from urgent referral to treatment and a maximum one-month wait from diagnosis to first treatment for all cancers.
  In order to tackle radiotherapy waiting times, we have increased the number of radiographers in post by 9.2 per cent. and numbers in training by 55 per cent. since 1977. We are making better use of existing staff by establishing new roles for radiographers, which

  Elective Finished In-Year Admissions, Waiting List and Booked Cases: Finished Consultant Episodes—NHS Hospitals England. 1997–98 to 2001–02

  Length of time patient waited

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  More than 3 months

  1,134,491

  1,307,371

  1,147,551

  1,133,824

  1,155,138

  More than 6 months

  601,994

  723,520

  592,752

  587,714

  604,109

  More than 9 months

  356,778

  445,320

  349,472

  343,787

  354,641

  More than 12 months

  183,506

  245,884

  189,565

  186,096

  188,023

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health

  There is a clear pattern of significant reduction demonstrated in the waiting time in formation at the end of March 2003. Across all the time bands there have been significant reductions in the number of patients waiting compared to March 1997. This reduction is most apparent in the number of over 12 month waiters, where a total of only 103 patients were waiting at the end of March 2003.

  Source:

  Department of Health form QF01

  Notes:

  A finished consultant episode is defined as a period of patient care under one consultant in one health care provider. The figures do not represent the number of patients, as one person may have several episodes within the year.

  Figures in this table have not yet been adjusted for shortfalls in data.

  Waiting time statistics from HES are not the same as the published waiting list statistics. HES provides coutis and waiting times for all patients admitted to hospital within a given period whereas the published waiting list statistics count those waiting for treatment at a given point in time and how long they have been on the waiting list. Also, HES calculates the waiting time as the difference between the admission and decision to admit dates. Unlike published waiting list statistics, this is not adjusted for self-deferrals or periods of medical/social suspension.

  Written Questions
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to improve procedures for answering written parliamentary questions by his Department since 1st April 2002. [127490]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Significant changes have been made to these procedures within the Department since 1 April 2002. The parliamentary section responsible for overseeing them has been substantially reorganised and a new database has been introduced to help drive and
  334W
  can open up new career opportunities and improve retention. We are also making unprecedented investment in new radiotherapy facilities, with 61 new and replacement linear accelerators delivered to the national health service since April 2000. In addition, we are streamlining the patient's route to treatment through the Cancer Services Collaborative.

  Waiting Lists/Times
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have waited more than(a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months and (d) 12 months for elective admissions in each year since 1997. [112978]

  Mr. Hutton
  The table shows the length of time a patient waited for an elective finished in-year admission from 1997–98 to 2001–02, which is the latest year for which figures are available.

  monitor the process. This was immediately made available to all departmental staff; its predecessor having been solely for use by the parliamentary section. It records each stage of the answering procedure, provides a transparent means of checking precisely where a question is in the process and helps to identify and clear blockages in the system.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Olympic Games
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions her Department has had to ensure that sufficient hotel accommodation will be available for visitors to the capital, should the Olympic Games be held in London in 2012. [128653]

  Tessa Jowell
  The assessment of the cost and benefit implications of bidding for and staging the Olympics and Paralympic Games in London in 2012 undertaken by Arup in May 2003 estimated the average daily room requirement during an Olympic Games as between 80,000 and 145,000. Drawing on London Tourist Board figures, Arup also projected up to 200,000 rooms in hotels/guest houses as potentially available within International Olympic Committee (IOC) visitor travel time requirements of one hour.
  Detailed information on accommodation is required by the IOC for the applicant city questionnaire, and London 2012 Ltd., the company set up to prepare the Olympic bid, will be undertaking further work to verify and refine these figures over the coming months.
  335W
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her estimate is of the total cost of a London Olympic Games; and how it is proposed that it will be financed, broken down by source in each year. [128086]

  Tessa Jowell
  The consultants Arup estimated the costs of a London Olympics at £3.6 billion with expected revenues of £2.5 billion. This implied a net public subsidy of £1.1 billion. The Government and the Mayor have agreed a funding package of up to £2.375 billion, allowing a generous contingency, including up to £1.5 billion from the lottery and up to £625 million from a London Olympics Council Tax. As is explained in the Memorandum of Understanding, which was included in the Government response to the Select Committee Report, "A London Olympic Bid for 2012" (HC 268), ref. Cm 5867:"The flow of funds will depend on the organisations that are nominated to deliver various aspects of the Games. These details have not yet been fully worked up. Because rises or falls in one sector of Olympic cost may be offset in another sector it is not possible to completely earmark particular strands of funding to discrete objects. Within that, the broad intention is that Lottery funding should be primarily directed to sports investment, Olympic facilities and event staging and that money raised from the Olympic precept should address capital requirements of the Games including transport infrastructure."

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her estimate is of the total change in money available to existing good causes as a result of the establishment of special Olympic lottery games. [128087]

  Tessa Jowell
  Preliminary estimates provided by Camelot, and assessed by the National Lottery Commission, suggest that any reduction of income to the existing good causes from Olympic lottery games would be small—approximately 4 per cent. for the remainder of the Camelot licence period (until 2009). Each game will be subject to approval by the NLC, and in designing the games, Camelot will seek to minimise the effect on the core lottery games.

  Parthenon Sculptures
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she next plans to meet representatives of the Greek Government to discuss the return of the Parthenon sculptures to Greece. [127841]

  Estelle Morris
  The Government has no such plans. We have advised the Greek Government that the Parthenon Sculptures are a matter for the Trustees of the British Museum. The museum is independent of government.

  Schools (Physical Exercise)
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what percentage of schoolchildren in the UK participate in a minimum of two hours of physical exercise at school each week; 128580]
  (2) what steps she is taking to promote participation in sports by schoolchildren (a) during games lessons and (b) after school. 128581]
  336W
  Mr. Caborn
  The Government is investing more than £1 billion in England to transform physical education and school sport. This funding will help deliver an ambitious Public Service Agreement target, shared by DCMS and DfES, to increase the percentage of school children who spend a minimum of two hours each week on high-quality PE and school sport within and beyond the curriculum to 75 per cent. by 2006. Currently, about a third of schools provide this entitlement at Key Stage 1, two fifths at Key Stage 2 and a third at each of Key Stages 3 and 4.

  Tourism
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether tourism in the UK has grown as an industry in each of the last 10 years; how many people are employed in tourism in the UK; and what percentage of GDP is accounted for by the tourism industry. [128577]

  Mr. Caborn
  The available data on annual expenditure by domestic and foreign tourists in the UK over the last 10 years are shown in the table.

  Annual expenditure by domestic and foreign tourists in the UK for each of the last 10 years

  £ million

  Expenditure by foreign tourists in the UK

  Expenditure by UK tourists in the UK

  Total expenditure by tourists in the UK

  1993

  9,487

  1—

  1—

  1994

  9,786

  1—

  1—

  1995

  11,763

  20,072

  31,835

  1996

  12,290

  22,041

  34,331

  1997

  12,244

  24,137

  36,381

  1998

  12,671

  22,814

  35,485

  1999

  12,498

  25,635

  38,133

  2000

  12,805

  26,133

  38,938

  2001

  11,306

  26,094

  37,400

  2002

  11,859

  26,699

  38,558

  1 Not available

  Sources:

  International Passenger Survey

  UK Tourism Survey

  While there has been a generally increasing trend in the value of UK tourism expenditure over the past 10 years, it has not increased every year. In particular, tourism expenditure since 2000 has been affected by the foot and mouth epidemic, the SARS virus and the war with Iraq.

  It is estimated that 2.1 million people are employed in the tourism-related industries.

  It is also estimated that the tourism industry accounts for approximately 4.5 per cent. of UK GDP.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

  Written Constitution
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if the Lord Chancellor will draft a written constitution for the United Kingdom. [128476]
  337W
  Mr. Leslie
  There are no plans to draft an overarching codified constitution for the United Kingdom.

  Supreme Court
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if the Secretary of State will make it his policy for the proposed Supreme Court to sit outside London when considering devolution issues. [128477]

  Mr. Leslie
  As my hon. Friend is aware, we are currently consulting on the role that the Supreme Court will have in considering devolution issues. In parallel, we are also looking at where the court should be accommodated and whether it should have the power to sit outside London when considering devolution issues.

  Judicial Reform
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the priorities within the Department?s modernisation programme for ensuring better service delivery in the courts. [128470]

  Mr. Leslie
  The primary purpose of the departmental change agenda is to improve delivery to the public by the Court Service and the other agencies of the Department. This purpose underpins our plans for a unified court administration and the constitutional reforms announced in June.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment he has made of the need to provide access to legal aid to victims of domestic violence. [127278]

  Mr. Lammy
  Domestic violence proceedings are a high priority for the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Legal Services Commission (LSC). The LSC's funding code criteria allow such cases to be funded more widely than most other family and non-family areas. This gives the victim of domestic violence the means to secure various remedies against the other party. The latest available figure for expenditure on domestic violence (civil representation) for the financial year 2002 to 2003 is £53.4 million.

  The LSC has Regional Legal Services Committees who are tasked with assessing legal need regionally on an on-going basis. The Yorkshire and Humberside Committee have undertaken a project with the aim of developing good practice in identifying and addressing the legal advice needs of victims of domestic violence in the context of the Community Legal Service (CLS). The Legal Service Regional Committee's Periodic Survey of Justiciable Problems are publishing a research report in the next issue of the Family Law Journal which addresses the issue of legal need in domestic violence cases and examines the strategy needed to encourage victims to seek remedies.

  Gender Recognition Bill
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the draft Gender Recognition Bill. [128466]
  338W
  Mr. Lammy
  As Lord Filkin announced on 11 July this year the Government have published the draft Gender Recognition Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Committee on Human Rights. On 17 July the Joint Committee issued a call for evidence to be submitted to it by 11 September. The Government looks forward to receiving the report of the Joint Committee and to introducing the Bill to Parliament as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

  Media Training
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the cost was to the Lord Chancellor?s Department of media and voice training for Ministers and officials in each year since 1997. [123117]

  Mr. Lammy
  The cost to my Department (including the former Lord Chancellor?s Department) of media and voice training for Ministers and officials in each year since 1997 was as follows:

  Year

  £

  1997–98

  1—

  1998–99

  0

  1999–2000

  1,762.50

  2000–01

  2,625

  2001–02

  0

  2002–03

  0

  2003–04

  20

  1 Figures not available

  2 To date

  Figures for 1997–98 are not readily available because communications group accounts were not kept separately from the then LCD corporate services accounts.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  AS-levels
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total cost of setting and marking AS-level examinations in all subjects was in each year between 2000 and 2003. [128551]

  Mr. Miliband
  The answer can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ofsted
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the level of higher education funding in Wales was in present day prices in each year since 1979. [124672]

  Mr. Touhig
  I have been asked to reply.

  The following table provides figures on Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) funding by financial year from 1993–94 to 1998–99.

  HEFCW assumed responsibility for funding HE in Wales in April 1993, and figures prior to 1993 are not available on a comparable basis.
  339W
  The National Assembly for Wales assumed overall responsibility for HE funding in Wales on 1 July 1999, and figures beyond this date are not held by the Wales Office.

  HEFCW funding from National Assembly for Wales/Welsh Office (inc. running costs and grants to HEIs)

  £000

  Current prices

  Constant (2002–03) prices

  1993–94

  179,200

  225,607

  1994–95

  232,497

  288,877

  1995–96

  242,465

  292,913

  1996–97

  243,522

  285,148

  1997–98

  236,787

  268,963

  1998–99

  231,222

  255,618

  Note:

  Constant price figures based on current price figures rounded to nearest 1,000 (nearest 100,000 for 2002–03 and 2003–04).

  Sources:

  HEFCW annual reports.

  HM Treasury GDP deflators used to produce constant price figures.

  Lessons (Ofsted Inspections)
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of lessons recorded as set by ability in(a) Year 7, (b) Year 8, (c) Year 9, (d) Year 10 and (e) Year 11 in each state secondary school in West Sussex were inspected by Ofsted between 1995 and 2002. [128614]

  Mr. Miliband
  This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of his letter in the Library.

  Ministerial Visits
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the(a) foreign and (b) UK visits he has made since 1 April; what the cost was to public funds of each trip; whom he met; and what gifts were received. [126886]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The Government publishes the overall costs of all ministerial overseas travel and a list of all visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 on an annual basis. The list for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 was published by the Prime Minister on 16 July 2003,Official Report, column 482W. The next list for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 will be published at the end of the financial year.

  In respect of gifts received, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 March 2003, Official Report, column 482W.

  Details of UK visits are not held in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Pupil Funding
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will publish the per pupil funding for each maintained school for(a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04. [127930]
  340W
  Mr. Miliband
  The available information has been placed in the Library of the House. The Information is as provided by local education authorities in their section 52 budget statements. The amount a school receives is dependant on a range of allocation factors including; the fair funding formula, Standards Fund, Standards Grant, and local formulae which operates within the individual local education authority.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  War Pensions
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many war disability pensioners suffering from a wholly psychiatric disorder lost their incapacity benefit in each year from 1995 to 2002. [127952]

  Maria Eagle
  The available information is in the table.

  Incapacity Benefit (IB) claims ceasing where a War Pension had been payable due to a psychiatric disorder

  1 Sep 1998 to 31 Aug 1999

  —

  1 Sep 1999 to 31 Aug 2000

  200

  1 Sep 2000 to 31 Aug 2001

  100

  1 Sep 2001 to 31 Aug 2002

  100

  Source:

  DWP Information Centre, 5 per cent samples of the Incapacity Benefit and War Pensions computer systems.

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred, and exclude a small number of cases held clerically.

  2. Figures exclude IB claims ceasing due to an award of Retirement Pension.

  3. Numbers are based on very few sample cases and are therefore subject to a high degree of sampling error and should be used as a guide to the current situation only.

  4. War Pensions figures exclude cases which have been archived 18 months after cessation of the War Pension.

  5. Information prior to 1998 is only available at disproportionate cost.

  6. "—" indicates nil or negligible.

  British Sign Language
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what proposals he has to recognise British Sign Language as a language; and if he will make a statement on its use by those who are hard of hearing; [128249]

  (2) what proposals he has to increase the amount of British Sign Language/English interpreters; and what funding is available to train language tutors. [128250]

  Maria Eagle
  I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 18 March 2003,Official Report, column 41WS, in which the Government recognise British Sign Language (BSL) as a language in its own right. We have made available an additional £1 million for a discrete programme of initiatives to support the statement and have said that among our priorities is increasing opportunities for people to learn BSL to a professional level. We have established a British Sign Language working group to consider priorities for allocating the additional funding and will receive their recommendations in due course.

  Disability Bill
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Government will publish the Draft Disability Bill. [127743]

  Maria Eagle
  I refer the right hon. Member to the Written Statement given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 22 January 2003,Official Report, column 12–13WS.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what use is made of medical reports when assessing an application for disability living allowance; and what other evidence is required to secure a grant of disability living allowance. [128105]

  Maria Eagle
  Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance is based on the care needs and assistance with mobility that a person requires as a result of an illness or disability rather than the diagnosis of that illness or disability. To support the information provided by the customer on the claim form, it is often necessary for the Department to obtain additional evidence from people involved in the care of the person with the illness or disability. It is for the decision maker to determine what additional evidence is necessary to enable them to decide the claim.

  Incapacity benefit (IB) claims ceasing following a personal capability assessment (PCA), number of appeals cleared by The Appeals Service and number found in favour of the appellant in each of the last five years

  1 March 2000 to 28 February 2001

  1 March 2001 to 28 February 2002

  1 March 2002 to 28 February 2003

  IB claims ceasing following a PCA1

  86,400

  91,900

  106,600

  Appeals cleared

  34,060

  30,785

  37,845

  Appeals found in favour of appellant (percentage)

  13,965(41)

  13,100(42.6)

  17,535 (46.3)

  Percentage found in favour of appellant

  41

  42.6

  46.3

  1 IB figures have been updated to include late notifications of IB ceasing and are subject to change. The most recent quarters include fewer late notifications and will be subject to significant change in future.

  Notes:

  1. Appeals figures are subject to change as more current data becomes available.

  2. IB figures are rounded to the nearest 100.

  3. Appeals figures are rounded to the nearest five.

  Source:

  DWP Information Centre

  Jobseeker"s Allowance
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were claiming jobseeker"s allowance in(a) Somerset and (b) Taunton Deane at the end of each fiscal quarter since January 2000. [127824]

  Mr. Pond
  The information is in the table:

  Number of people claiming Jobseeker"s Allowance

  Month

  Taunton Deane Local Authority Area

  County of Somerset

  January 2000

  1,308

  6,398

  April 2000

  1,173

  5,447

  July 2000

  1,077

  5,046

  October 2000

  954

  4,651

  January 2001

  996

  5,153

  April 2001

  979

  4,836

  July 2001

  899

  4,335

  342W
  Where a decision maker considers that further medical evidence is necessary to establish whether someone meets the criteria for an award of benefit they can request a report from the customers General Practitioner, or other health care professional, or a report may be requested based on an examination by an Examining Medical Practitioner, who is trained specifically in the effects of disability.

  It is of course open to the customer at any time to provide such additional evidence, both medical and non-medical, as they may choose to submit in support of their claim or appeal.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Ian Lucas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of appeals against refusal of incapacity benefit were settled in favour of the claimant in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [127056]

  Maria Eagle
  Information on IB appeals is only available from 2000.

  The available information is in the table.

  There are a number of reasons for decisions being overturned at appeal; for example, additional evidence may be given to a tribunal that was not available to the decision maker. The Department is currently working on a number of initiatives to improve liaison with the Appeals Service and gain a better understanding of these issues.

  Number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance

  Month

  Taunton Deane Local Authority Area

  County of Somerset

  October 2001

  752

  3,853

  January 2002

  782

  4,533

  April 2002

  793

  4,082

  July 2002

  734

  3,731

  October 2002

  693

  3,641

  January 2003

  822

  4,393

  April 2003

  784

  4,037

  July 2003

  762

  3,785

  Source:

  JSAPBS

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 100 per cent count of unemployment-related benefits, including clerically held cases.

  2. Somerset figures exclude Unitary Authorities within the ceremonial boundary of Somerset, namely "Bath and North East Somerset" and "North Somerset".
  343W
  3. The number of Jobseeker"s Allowance claimants are normally counted on the second Thursday of a month. For example, April 2003 claimant figures represent the number of claimants at the end of business on Thursday 10 April.

  Mental Health
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the impact of the draft Mental Health Bill on the services his Department provides for people with mental health needs. [126004]

  Maria Eagle
  The draft Mental Health Bill will break the automatic link between compulsory treatment and detention, allowing patients to be treated in the setting most appropriate to them. Treatment in the community will provide a positive alternative for the many patients who do not want or need to be detained in hospital and an opportunity to minimise the disruption to their lives.

  Jobcentre Plus services are designed to meet the needs of disabled people, including those with mental health problems. The reform will allow more people with complex mental health problems to access Jobcentre Plus services. Officials are considering the implications for the training of front line Jobcentre Plus staff.

  Pensions
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of pensioners received an income from(a) state and (b) private pension schemes in each year between 1992 and 2002; and if he will make a statement. [128549]

  Malcolm Wicks
  Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is given in Table 8 (state pension) and Table 14 (private pensions) of The Pensioners" Incomes Series 2001/2 a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the number of low income earners to have taken up stakeholder pensions since their inception. [128555]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information requested is not available. Such information as is available is as follows. The 2001/02 Family Resources Survey showed that some 20 per cent. of stakeholder pension sales were to working individuals earning less than £10,000 a year, and that the majority of sales (55 per cent.) were to people earning between £10,000 and £29,999 a year.

DEFENCE

  Afghanistan
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the size of the garrison in Afghanistan. [127161]

  Mr. Ingram
  We shall continue to deploy around 400 troops in Afghanistan.

  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2003,Official Report, column 477W whether the United Kingdom has further plans to contribute to the payment of Afghan National Army salaries. [128526]
  344W
  Mr. Ingram
  The £5 million made available through the United Nations" Trust Fund for Afghanistan to pay the salaries of the Afghan National Army is intended for use over the current financial year. We are considering whether to make any further contributions.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase the number of escorts when the new supercarriers are commissioned. [127253]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are no plans to increase the number of Royal Navy destroyers and frigates when the new aircraft carriers are brought into service.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost of the new aircraft carriers is; what the estimated cost was in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the procurement status of the carriers. [128074]

  Mr. Ingram
  The method by which the Department estimates the costs for equipment projects has changed since 1998 as a result of the adoption of resource accounting and budgeting in 1999. In 1998, the estimated cost based on a STOVL design was around £2 billion, based or. 1998–99 constant prices (which excluded inflation). The estimated procurement cost of the future aircraft carriers using the innovative, adaptable design is around £3 billion at resource outturn prices (which includes compound inflation). The CVF Programme is still in the Assessment Phase and we expect to award the Demonstration and Manufacture contract in Spring 2004 as planned.

  C17
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flying hours have been accumulated by RAF C17 aircraft; and how many were expected. [127117]

  Mr. Ingram
  From June 2001, when the C17 was first available for tasking, to 31 July 2003, 11,540 hours have been flown. The original planned flying task for the aircraft was 3,000 hours per year for the seven years of the lease. From 1 April 2003, this was increased to 4,000 hours per year.

  Coastal Training Craft
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual running cost is of P2000 class coastal training craft. [127119]

  Mr. Ingram
  The annual running cost of the 16 P2000 class craft in financial year 2002–03 was £5.835 million. These figures include the cost of capital and depreciation. In addition the annual average maintenance cost for the P2000 fleet is £1.873 million.

  Deepcut Barracks
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2003,Official Report, column 1030W how many cases of self-harm overdoses there were at each Army barracks in each year since 1995. [127070]
  345W
  Mr. Caplin
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 11 July 2003,Official Report, column 1030W what assessment he has made of the reasons for self-harm incidents at Deepcut barracks since 1995; what measures are being taken to prevent further incidents; and if he will make a statement. [127071]

  Mr. Caplin
  There are no discernible trends to the number of self-harm overdose incidents at Deepcut, although in most cases the decision to overdose appears to have been taken on the spur of the moment. Causes identified include homesickness, depression and boredom.

  A number of measures are in place in an effort to prevent self-harm incidents. As in all Army training establishments, the permanent staff at Deepcut are trained to be on the alert for signs of depression, altered behaviour and other possible indicators of self-harm; new recruits receive education on substance misuse and are encouraged to focus on themes such as looking out for each other and team cohesion. Details of helplines for a number of welfare organisations, including the Samaritans; the Army Welfare Service; and a Confidential Support Line, provided by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help, are promulgated widely throughout the barracks.

  Defence Staff
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) service personnel of officer rank, (b) service personnel of other ranks, (c) industrial civilian personnel and (d) non-industrial civilian personnel were employed by (i) the United Kingdom Defence Standardisation team in each year since its inception and (ii) the Directorate of Standardisation in each year from its inception to its re-organisation in 1999; how many of these were employed in Scotland; what the total manning costs were for each category in each year; what the manning costs were for Scotland in each year; and if he will make a statement. [128037]

  Mr. Caplin
  The Directorate of Standardisation (DStan) was formed in the mid 1960s and since then has gone through a number of reorganisations and change of location. As a consequence many of the historical records no longer exist.

  What is known is that in 1978 the complement was 121 Civilian non-industrial staff and 2 Service personnel of officer rank, all working in London. Since then there has not been any industrial or non-officer service personnel within the organisation.

  In August 1983 the majority of DStan staff (83) were dispersed to Glasgow (Montrose House) with 8 posts remaining in London. In late 1986 DStan moved to the newly opened Kentigern House in Glasgow and a further three posts were transferred to Glasgow. In the years from 1996 to 2003, the total number of Dstan staff has varied between 35 and 40, between 30 and 33 of whom have worked in Scotland. More detailed, though not exhaustive, records are available from 1989 and are summarised in the following table.
  346W

  Year

  Total Staff

  Scotland

  Elsewhere

  Non Industrial

  Service

  Approximate Costs (£ million) Scotland/Total

  1989

  78

  73

  5

  77

  1

  Not known

  1990

  78

  73

  5

  77

  1

  Not known

  1991

  76

  73

  3

  75

  1

  Not known

  1992

  57

  54

  3

  56

  1

  Not known

  1993

  52

  51

  1

  52

  0

  Not known

  1994

  50

  48

  2

  50

  0

  Not known

  1995

  51

  49

  2

  51

  0

  Not known

  1996

  35

  33

  2

  35

  0

  Not known

  1997

  35

  30

  5

  35

  0

  0.70/0.82

  1998

  36

  31

  5

  36

  0

  0.85/0.99

  1999

  36

  31

  5

  36

  0

  0.90/1.04

  2000

  38

  31

  7

  38

  0

  0.89/1.09

  2001

  38

  31

  7

  38

  0

  0.95/1.16

  2002

  38

  32

  6

  38

  0

  0.99/1.18

  2003

  40

  33

  7

  39

  1

  1.13/1.37

  Defence Training
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme began; [127249]

  (2) what the earliest date is on which decisions on the Defence Training Review can result in the implementation of a major relocation of service police; 127236]

  (3) when the first major relocation from the Defence Training Review Rationalisation programme will be completed. [127250]

  Mr. Ingram
  The intention to review defence education and individual training was announced by my right hon. and noble Friend Lord Robertson, the then Defence Secretary on 22 July 1999,Official Report, columns 614–15W, and the outcome of that review which included the recommendation for the rationalisation programme was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 March 2001, Official Report, columns 547–48W.

  The Ministry of Defence is currently engaging with industry to determine the most appropriate and cost effective locations for the Defence Training Establishments within the rationalisation programme. The earliest that any decisions on the locations of training units will be made is December 2004. It is anticipated that contracts with the successful bidders will be signed in 2005 and any relocations will take place after that date. Opportunities for early implementation will however be kept under review.

  Destroyers
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average operating cost of(a) batch 3 type 22, (b) type 23 and (c) type 42 destroyers were in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [127274]

  Mr. Ingram
  The actual cost of operating various types of frigates and destroyers will vary considerably from year to year, dependent on the tasking and maintenance undertaken during that period. Average annual operating costs, based on historic costs over the last two full financial years are given in the table. The
  347W
  figures include manpower, maintenance, fuel, stores and other costs (such as harbour dues), but exclude depreciation and cost of capital.

  £ million

  Financial Year

  2001–02

  2002–03

  (a) Batch 3 Type 22 Frigate

  11.9

  13.1

  (b) Type 23 Frigate

  10.3

  10.3

  (c) Type 42 Destroyer

  13.0

  13.5

  HMS Bridport
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for HMS Bridport. [127275]

  Mr. Ingram
  HMS Bridport is being held in extended readiness at Faslane.

  Hutton Inquiry
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria his Department used to decide which documents to disclose to the Hutton inquiry. [128603]

  Mr. Hoon
  We have disclosed all documents that appeared to be relevant to the inquiry"s work. We have also supplied further material which the inquiry has requested.

  Iraq
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) scientific and (b) medical evidence was used as the basis of the statements in paragraph 4.10 of his Department"s report on first reflections on operations in Iraq, that there is no reliable scientific or medical evidence to suggest depleted uranium has previously been responsible for post-conflict incidences of ill-health. [126923]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Royal Society's independent expert Depleted Uranium Working Group recently completed an extensive review of the scientific work on potential health and environmental effects of depleted uranium (DU) munitions. The findings of the review are detailed in two reports entitled "The Health Hazards of Depleted Uranium Munitions" (2001, 2002). They support the Ministry of Defence"s view that risks posed by DU to the health of soldiers on the battlefield are minimal except for a small number of extreme cases. The United States Government has carefully monitored the health of those US soldiers who were exposed in extreme circumstances when DU rounds accidentally hit their vehicles during the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict. Some seventeen of them have had DU shrapnel embedded in their bodies for the last twelve years. None of the groups shows signs of health problems attributable to DU. The offspring of the highly-exposed US veterans, amounting to some sixty children, are all healthy.

  Some 53,000 British troops took part in the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict, and some 3,300 subsequently felt the need to attend the Gulf Veterans Medical Assessment Programme. The results of the first 3,000 patients to attend have been published: 75 per cent. were found to be well, no novel or unusual conditions were found and
  348W
  the most common condition was found to be post-traumatic stress disorder. No evidence of ill-health due to DU exposure was found.

  The findings of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) studies in Kosovo (2001), Serbia and Montenegro (2002) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2003) note very low levels of DU contamination which do not present immediate radioactive or toxic risks for human health. UNEP"s findings are consistent with MOD"s view that any DU contamination will be limited and localised and that actions to reduce any potential intakes will only be necessary in some extreme cases.

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many(a) camp beds and (b) NBC suits and respirators were used during Telic 1; and what shortfalls there were; [127109]

  (2) how much body armour was issued during Telic 1; and what shortfall there was. [127108]

  Mr. Ingram
  I assume that Telic 1 relates to the period between initial deployment of troops to the Gulf region and the end of major hostilities. The quantities of camp beds, NBC suits, respirators and body armour deployed to theatre are detailed in the table. It is not possible to identify the quantities actually used during that time for which the information is not held centrally.

  Equipment type

  Number issued

  Camp beds

  25,280

  NBC suits

  218,000

  S10 respirators

  31,500

  Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA) sets

  38,200

  The S10 respirator, referred to in the table, is an item of personal issue to all Service personnel, to be retained at all times; the number shown deployed to theatre was to provide replacement stocks.

  Although sufficient quantities of the equipments were supplied to theatre, I am aware that local supply difficulties may have resulted in shortfalls in some areas. In particular, some redistribution of ECBA ceramic plates was required, with priority given to front-line combat units. Supply difficulties will be addressed as part of the on-going departmental review of the operation.

  Joint Service Military Training
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the risks of joint service military training. [127248]

  Mr. Ingram
  The risks associated with the programme to create defence training establishments have been identified and are being appropriately managed and mitigated.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the capital cost is of work required at RAF Halton in order to make it serviceable for joint service police training. [127237]
  349W
  Mr. Ingram
  The initial estimate of the capital works required at the RAF Halton site to accommodate joint service police training is £90 million. This will provide modernised domestic accommodation, improved site infrastructure and a new joint police training facility.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the capital cost is of work required at Chichester to provide joint police service training, excluding the MoD police; [127238]

  (2) if he will estimate the capital cost of initiating a pilot scheme of joint service police training; [127235]

  (3) how long it would take to begin operations if a decision were taken to start a pilot of joint service police training; [127234]

  (4) whether his Department has done a cost benefit analysis of Chichester as a location for a pilot scheme to extend joint service police training; [127233]

  (5) if he will permit a consortium to bid for a pilot scheme incorporating more joint military police training before completion of the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme. [127232]

  Mr. Ingram
  In 1999 it was estimated that the capital works required at Chichester to provide joint police service training, excluding provision for the Ministry of Defence Police, would be £3.5 million. Subsequent study has shown that the site does not offer the opportunity for redevelopment and modernisation to accommodate the full requirement for joint police training, including the MOD Police.

  No pilot scheme is planned for joint service police training.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what initial estimate he has made of the total saving from moving the Royal Military Police from Chichester to the lowest cost site, assuming maintenance of the same overall level of training output. [127239]

  Mr. Ingram
  The initial estimate of the total savings from moving the Royal Military Police from Chichester to the lowest cost site is £695,000 per annum. In addition, a receipt from the disposal of the Chichester site will be realised. Over a 25 year period moving from the current service police, MOD Police and Guard Service training locations at Chichester, HMS Excellent, Wethersfield and Worthy Down to the benchmark site at RAF Halton is calculated to generate savings of at least £430 million.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what priority he attaches to joint service military training in relation to other parts of the review of joint service activity. [127240]

  Mr. Ingram
  Joint service training plays an important role in underpinning joint operational capability. A high priority is placed on delivering joint training when it is appropriate.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether the initiation of full joint service military police training needs to await the outcome of the Defence Training Review Rationalisation Programme; [127242]
  350W
  (2) what joint service military police training is taking place; at what cost; and what proportion (a) by number of trainees and (b) by cost of all military police training, (i) excluding and (ii) including Ministry of Defence police, it represents. [127241]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are no plans to initiate joint Service military police training other than through the Defence Training Review rationalisation programme. However, the training at the Royal Military Police Training School (RMPTS) is open to all three Services and some common training has also been carried out with the MOD Police. In practice, personnel from the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and RAF have attended the following courses: Royal Military Police (RMP) Junior Non Commissioned Officers (JNCO), RMP Investigations, and RMP Scenes of Crime. Information for 2001–2002, which is the most recent year for which data are readily available, shows that students from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines make up 2.5 per cent. of the total student throughput and represented 2.4 per cent. of the total cost of RMPTS courses.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether recent experience of joint service operations in Afghanistan, the Gulf, Sierra Leone and the Falklands have resulted in joint service military training being placed at a higher priority. [127243]

  Mr. Ingram
  We have always placed importance on joint service training. Training provided is reviewed in the light of lessons learned from all campaigns.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many army military policemen have been deployed at short notice to support other service policemen to assist with incidents in operations overseas; and in how many cases. [127244]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since January 2003, 18 members of the Royal Military Police have supported deployed Military Police assets, at short notice, for seven incidents conducted in four overseas locations.

  David Kelly
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether his Department has complied with Dr. David Kelly's terms and conditions of employment in handling the matter of his discussions with Mr. Andrew Gilligan; [127159]

  (2) on how many occasions Dr. David Kelly spoke to Mr. Andrew Gilligan; and whether his line managers knew this; [127156]

  (3) how many of his Department's personnel have been interviewed in connection with the dossier story reported by Mr. Andrew Gilligan; [127157]

  (4) what inquiries are being conducted by his Department into unauthorised briefings of the BBC in connection with Iraq; [127158]

  (5) what (a) civil service and (b) MOD rules and regulations may have been infringed by Dr. David Kelly in talking to Mr. Andrew Gilligan. [127155]

  Mr. Hoon
  The hon. Gentleman will recognise that these are all matters that are being addressed by Lord Hutton's Inquiry. Lord Hutton will publish his report in
  351W
  due course. I am therefore withholding the information requested under Exemption 4a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Andrew Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which journalists Mr. David Kelly has met over the past two years other than Mr. Andrew Gilligan of the BBC; and for what purpose each meeting was held; and when each meeting took place; [126331]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 17 July 2003.]: My hon. Friend will understand why it was not possible to answer these questions on the day named. These matters are now being addressed by Lord Hutton"s inquiry.

  The information requested has been passed to the inquiry. Lord Hutton will publish his report in due course. I am therefore withholding the information under Exemption 4a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Deployments
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when, since 1997, units were attached to other(a) battalions and (b) corps to bring them up to strength for the purposes of operational deployment; and if he will make a statement. [128408]

  Mr. Ingram
  All front line units undertake regular operational deployments. The transfer of personnel to units on operational tours is and has always been a matter of routine. This information is therefore not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Royal Air Force
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what estimate he has made of(a) the cost and (b) the time needed for decontamination when the RAF leaves RAF Lyneham; [127104]

  (2) what recent survey he has undertaken of land and building contamination at RAF Lyneham; and if he will publish it. [127103]

  Mr. Ingram
  A land quality assessment has been commissioned, which will detail a range of proposals for the remediation of RAF Lyneham together with the associated costs. A land quality statement, which summarises the findings of the assessment, will be made available to interested parties.

  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a)civilian and (b) military air movements there were at RAF Northolt in each of the last 12 months. [128092]

  Mr. Caplin
  The following table shows the number of military and civil air movements at RAF Northolt in each of the last 12 months:

  Inward secondments financial year 1997–1998

  Parent Company or Organisation

  Start Date

  End Date

  Level

  Vickers

  April 1997

  April 1998

  B2

  Vosper Thornycroft

  April 1997

  December 1999

  B2

  Rolls Royce

  December 1997

  December 1999

  B2

  POSG Support Services

  January 1998

  January 1999

  Patent Officer

  British Aerospace

  March 1998

  April 2001

  C1

  Kent Probation Service

  March 1998

  March 2003

  Senior Probation Officer

  352W

  Month

  Military

  Civil

  Total

  August 2002

  253

  277

  530

  September 2002

  372

  673

  1,045

  October 2002

  419

  669

  1,088

  November 2002

  386

  645

  1,031

  December 2002

  224

  295

  519

  January 2003

  348

  431

  779

  February 2003

  328

  557

  885

  March 2003

  441

  635

  1,076

  April 2003

  426

  519

  945

  May 2003

  474

  815

  1,289

  June 2003

  529

  914

  1,443

  July 2003

  465

  694

  1,159

  Total

  4,665

  7,124

  11,789

  Civil aircraft movements at RAF Northolt are limited to 7,000 per calendar year; the number of movements in any other 12-month period may, as in this case, exceed this figure.

  Reservists
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists served in(a) the first Gulf War and (b) Kosovo during 1999–2001. [128409]

  Mr. Caplin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie), gave him on 28 January 2003,Official Report, column 843W.

  Sea Harrier
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have been held with the Indian Government in respect of the disposal of Sea Harrier aircraft. [127122]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Disposal Services Agency (DSA) has held no discussions with the Indian Government in respect of the disposal of Sea Harrier.

  Secondments
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department"s policy is on employing secondees from the private sector; how many secondees from the(a) private and (b) public sectors his Department employed in each year since 1997; from which companies and organisations they were seconded; at what level they were employed; and if he will make a statement. [127063]

  Mr. Caplin
  The interchange of personnel between the public and commercial sectors is an important feature of the Ministry of Defence"s long-standing programme to build stronger links with other sectors of the economy. This programme aims to enhance business performance by exchanging ideas, skills and experiences. Encouraging interchange activities is a key part of the Civil Service reform agenda.
  353W

  Inward secondments financial year 1998–99

  Parent company or organisation

  Start date

  End date

  Level

  British Aerospace

  May 1998

  December 1999

  C1

  Devonport Management Ltd.

  August 1998

  August 2000

  B2

  Simmons and Simmons

  September 1998

  August 1999

  B2

  Wragg and Company

  September 1998

  March 2000

  B2

  PA Consulting Group

  September 1998

  August 1999

  B2

  City and Hackney Community Service NHS Trust

  October 1998

  October 1999

  C1

  Gardiner and Theobalds

  December 1998

  December 1999

  B1

  TI Group

  December 1998

  November 2001

  SCS

  AWE plc

  December 1998

  March 2002

  C1

  British Aerospace

  January 1999

  January 2001

  C2

  UK Smart Procurement

  February 1999

  February 2000

  BNFL

  March 1999

  March 2000

  B2

  West Yorkshire Probation Service

  January 1999

  January 2004

  Probation Officer

  Inward secondments financial year 1999–2000

  Parent company or organisation

  Start date

  End date

  Level

  MayDay NHS Trust

  December 1999

  June 2003

  B2

  Defence Acquisition Group

  April 1999

  August 1999

  B2

  Dibb, Lupton Alsop

  April 1999

  April 2000

  B2

  British Aerospace

  August 1999

  July 2001

  B2

  Price Waterhouse Coopers

  October 1999

  October 2000

  B2

  Marconi Electonic Systems (Avionics Group)

  November 1999

  November 2001

  B2

  British Aerospace

  November 1999

  October 2001

  B2

  GEC Marconi

  January 2000

  March 2001

  C1

  GKN Westlands

  February 2000

  February 2003

  B1

  Thomson Marconi Sonar Ltd

  March 2000

  September 2000

  C1

  BMT Defence Services

  March 2000

  September 2000

  C1

  NNC

  March 2000

  September 2000

  B2

  In ward secondments financial year 2000–01

  Parent company or organisation

  Start date

  End date

  Level

  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  May 2000

  May 2001

  B2

  BAE Systems

  April 2000

  October 2000

  C1

  Addleshaw Booth and Company

  May 2000

  April 2001

  B2

  BAE Systems

  June 2000

  June 2002

  C1

  BAE Systems

  June 2000

  June 2001

  C1

  AXA Corporate Solutions

  August 2000

  January 2001

  D

  BAE Systems

  August 2000

  March 2001

  B1

  AXA plc

  August 2000

  March 2001

  D

  BAE Systems

  September 2000

  March 2001

  C1

  BAE Systems

  September 2000

  September 2002

  C1

  BAE

  September 2000

  March 2001

  C1

  Babtie Group

  October 2000

  June 2001

  C1

  Price Waterhouse

  October 2000

  October 2001

  C1

  BAE Systems

  November 2000

  November 2003

  B1

  URS Ltd

  November 2000

  April 2001

  B2

  BAE

  December 2000

  December 2003

  B1

  BAE Systems

  February 2001

  September 2003

  B1

  Ernst and Young

  February 2001

  February 2002

  C1

  Rolls Royce

  March 2001

  March 2003

  C2

  Inward secondments financial year 2001–2002

  Parent company or organisation

  Start date

  End date

  Level

  Hertfordshire Probation Service

  June 2001

  January 2002

  Probation Officer

  Suffolk Probation Service

  June 2001

  November 2001

  Probation Officer

  Manchester Probation Service

  June 2001

  December 2001

  Probation Officer

  QinetiQ

  June 2001

  July 2003

  B2

  QinetiQ

  July 2001

  July 2003

  C2

  Burges Salmon

  September 2001

  April 2002

  B2

  BAE

  October 01

  October 2003

  B1

  Ernst and Young

  October 2001

  August 2002

  B2

  Mass Consultants Ltd.

  February 2002

  February 2006

  C1

  Mass Consultants Ltd.

  March 2002

  March 2006

  C1

  AMS UK

  March 2001

  March 2004

  B1

  Hagglunds Vehicle AB, Sweden

  March 2002

  January 2004

  C2

  354W 355W

  Inward secondments financial year 2002–03

  Parent company or organisation

  Start date

  End date

  Level

  Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust

  May 2002

  May 2004

  B2

  Service Children"s Education

  August 2002

  July 2003

  Teacher

  Kennet Primary Care Trust

  October 2002

  October 2004

  C1

  West Midlands Health Authority

  November 2002

  March 2003

  C1

  Wragg and Company

  June 2002

  March 2003

  B2

  BAE

  June 2002

  June 2004

  SCS

  Rolls Royce

  July 2002

  July 2005

  B1

  Price Waterhouse

  August 2002

  August 2003

  B2

  British Nuclear Fuels Ltd

  September 2002

  September 2005

  B2

  BAES

  September 2002

  September 2005

  SCS

  BAE Systems

  October 2002

  October 2004

  B1

  BAES

  November 2002

  February 2004

  C1

  BAE Systems

  November 2002

  May 2003

  Graduate Trainee

  BAE Systems

  November 2002

  November 2003

  C1

  BAE Systems

  January 2003

  December 2004

  C2

  AWE

  April 2003

  April 2005

  C1

  AWE

  April 2003

  April 2005

  C1

  Rolls Royce

  April 2003

  October 2004

  C1

  BAES

  April 2003

  October 2003

  Graduate Trainee

  Lockhear Martin

  May 2003

  May 2005

  C1

  BAES

  August 2003

  July 2005

  C2

  MBDA Missile Systems

  September 2003

  March 2004

  C1

  BAE

  July 2003

  January 2004

  D

  War Pensioners
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many of the war pensioners, suffering from a wholly psychiatric illness who lost their incapacity benefit in the three years up to 31 August 2002, subsequently lost all or part of their war disability pension; how many of these submitted a worsening condition application; and how many who did not lose all or part of their war disability pension submitted a worsening condition application; [127950]

  (2) what the average amount lost each week in war disability pension was by those war pensioners, suffering from a wholly psychiatric illness who, having lost their incapacity benefit in the three years up to 31 August 2002, then went on to lose all or part of their war disability pension; [127951]

  (3) what the average amount of money lost each week in war disability pension to individual war pensioners suffering from wholly psychiatric disorders was in each year from 1995 to 2002. [127953]

  Mr. Caplin
  The information requested is not available in the format required and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  West Freugh Airstrip
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the maintenance programme for the airstrip at West Freugh. [127850]

  Mr. Caplin
  Under the terms of the Long Term Partnering Agreement, QinetiQ is contracted by the Ministry of Defence to maintain the West Freugh airfield infrastructure on a care and maintenance basis.

  This level of maintenance meets MOD"s requirements for the airfield and is consistent with its current status of disused and unlicensed.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department have had with government representatives from(a) Armenia, (b) Azerbaijan, (c) Georgia and (d) Russia on the issue of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project; when these discussions took place; what the result of these discussions was; and if she will make a statement. [128067]

  Mr. Timms
  Representatives from the prospective lenders to the project, including the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), met Government representatives from Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey during a trip to the pipeline transit countries in July 2003. Discussions centred mainly on the Host Government Agreements (HGAs) entered into separately between the three countries and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company. ECGD is now awaiting information from the relevant Governments about the drafting of the HGAs.

  An ECGD business principles expert also took part in a trip to the region in June 2003, where he met the Georgian Minister of Environment.

  ECGD has had no discussions with Government representatives from Armenia or Russia.

  Representatives of TradePartners UK have from time to time had meetings with Government representatives from Azerbaijan at which the project has been discussed.

  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government assistance has been sought by BP for the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline project; what assistance has been granted; and if she will make a statement. [128082]

  Mr. Timms
  The project Sponsors, led by BP, have approached the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD) regarding cover for the supply of UK goods and services, and for UK investments related to the
  357W
  project. Cover will be provided only if ECGD are satisfied that the relevant environmental, social and human rights impacts have been properly addressed and that the financial and project risks are acceptable.

  Cotton
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Government will be making at Cancun on the effect of subsidies on cotton produced in developed countries on the economies of less developed countries; and if she will make a statement. [125082]

  Mr. Mike O"Brien
  The UK Government are committed to the Doha mandate aimed at achieving substantial reductions on trade distorting domestic support and reductions of, with a view to phasing out, all forms of export subsidies. We will push for progress on both these areas at Cancun. That way we will achieve benefits for all Developing Countries in all sectors.

  The UK Government also recognise the important role of commodities like cotton for development and poverty reduction in many developing countries. For this reason we welcome the fact that four West African countries-Benin, Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso—have come together to identify their common interests on cotton and argue their case in the WTO. The UK Government have provided "50,000 to the nongovernmental organisation IDEAS who will offer technical assistance to these countries to strengthen their WTO case. It will, however, be important to ensure that the focus of negotiations at Cancun remains on achieving substantial reductions in agricultural support across all products to maximise gains for developing countries as a whole.

  Electricity Generation
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the maximum electricity demand was in each year since 1983; and what the percentage change in maximum demand was in each year. [128303]

  Mr. Timms
  Available data are shown in the following table. From 1987 onwards data are for the United Kingdom. Before 1987 data are for Great Britain only. 1987 is given for both geographical bases.

  Simultaneous maximum demand for electricity

  MW

  Year ending March

  Maximum demand

  Percentage change on a year earlier

  Great Britain

  1983

  47,333

  -2.5

  1984

  47,396

  +0.1

  1985

  51,710

  +9.1

  1986

  50,943

  -1.5

  1987

  53,980

  +6.0

  United Kingdom

  1987

  55,330

  1988

  53,833

  -2.7

  1989

  53,555

  -0.5

  1990

  53,414

  -0.3

  1991

  54,068

  +1.2

  1992

  54,472

  +0.7

  1993

  51,663

  -5.2

  1994

  54,848

  +6.2

  358W

  Simultaneous maximum demand for electricity

  MW

  Year ending March

  Maximum demand

  Percentage change on a year earlier

  1995

  52,362

  -4.5

  1996

  55,611

  +6.2

  1997

  56,815

  +2.2

  1998

  56,965

  +0.3

  1999

  56,312

  -1.1

  2000

  57,849

  +2.7

  2001

  58,425

  +1.0

  2002

  58,589

  +0.3

  2003

  61,717

  +5.3

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2003 and earlier years.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers she has to require the owners of out of commission generating capacity to bring it back into operation. [128300]

  Mr. Timms
  As stated in the Energy White Paper, we will not intervene in the market except in extreme circumstances, such as to avert, as a last resort, a potentially serious risk to safety. However, under section 34 of the 1989 Electricity Act my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry does have the power to order generators to run power plant.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total generating capacity available from(a) coal-fired, (b) oil-fired, (c) gas-fired, (d) nuclear and (e) renewable sources was in each year since 1983. [128298]

  Mr. Timms
  Available data are shown in the following tables. From 1986–87 onwards data are for the United Kingdom. Before 1986–87 data are for Great Britain only and fewer types of station are identified. 1986–87 is given for both geographical bases.

  Electricity generating capacity

  Great Britain

  MW

  Total

  Nuclear

  Oil-fired

  Other (steam coal/fired and coal/oil fired)

  Other (including gas turbines, oil engines and hydro)

  At end of financial year

  1982–83

  64,930

  6,535

  11,973

  40,782

  5,640

  1983–84

  61,100

  6,535

  9,889

  38,778

  5,898

  1984–85

  61,340

  6,609

  9,170

  38,442

  7,119

  1985–86

  61,677

  7,189

  8,404

  38,730

  7,354

  1986–87

  61,865

  7,189

  8,059

  32,295

  7,322

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 1990 and earlier years
  359W

  Electricity generating capacity

  United Kingdom

  MW

  Total

  Nuclear

  Oil-fired

  Coal-fired

  Mixed/dual fired (including gas fired non CCGT and all conventional steam plant operated by generators other than major power producers)

  CCGT

  Gas-turbine and oil engines

  Hydro (including pumped storage)

  Renewables (other than hydro

  1986–87

  66,687

  7,189

  8,675

  35,662

  7,516

  ..

  3,476

  4,168

  1

  1987–88

  67,629

  7,229

  10,317

  35,369

  7,507

  ..

  3,041

  4,163

  4

  1988–89

  70,237

  8,308

  11,581

  35,173

  7,694

  ..

  3,313

  4,163

  4

  1989–90

  74,557

  11,083

  12,487

  34,583

  8,642

  76

  3,356

  4,194

  136

  1990–91

  73,518

  11,353

  11,895

  34,298

  8,451

  76

  3,130

  4,190

  125

  1991–92

  70,528

  11,353

  10,817

  32,686

  8,017

  331

  2,968

  4,199

  157

  1992–93

  67,499

  11,353

  8,556

  30,523

  8,762

  1,334

  2,539

  4,212

  220

  1993–94

  69,117

  11,894

  6,487

  29,132

  8,887

  6,163

  2,018

  4,220

  317

  1994–95

  68,741

  12,037

  5,145

  27,774

  8,791

  8,517

  1,895

  4,213

  369

  1995–96

  70,126

  12,762

  5,214

  27,494

  8,768

  9,377

  1,890

  4,220

  401

  At end of calendar year

  1996

  73,271

  12,916

  3,989

  25,796

  11,637

  12,462

  1,721

  4,243

  507

  1997

  72,865

  12,946

  4,069

  25,796

  11,015

  12,716

  1,526

  4,244

  553

  1998

  73,380

  12,956

  2,829

  25,324

  10,176

  15,643

  1,492

  4,263

  697

  1999

  75,446

  12,956

  2,829

  25,581

  10,332

  17,353

  1,333

  4,265

  797

  2000

  78,288

  12,486

  2,933

  24,835

  10,416

  21,058

  1,323

  4,273

  964

  2001

  79,488

  12,486

  2,933

  24,835

  10,309

  22,294

  1,323

  4,296

  1,012

  2002

  76,588

  12,486

  2,708

  22,452

  10,004

  22,089

  1,463

  4,254

  1,132

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2003 and earlier years

  Insider Trading
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received on insider trading. [127783]

  Jacqui Smith
  None.

  Since 1 December 2001 the Financial Services Authority has been the primary enforcer of the insider dealing legislation.

  Nanotechnology
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received on the progress of nanotechnology development in the UK. [127792]

  Ms Hewitt
  Since the beginning of this year, the Minister responsible for nanotechnology in my Department, my noble Friend, the Minister for Science and Innovation, has received 14 letters and has held 8 meetings concerning the progress of nanotechnology development in the UK. In addition, there has been continuous dialogue between my Department"s officials in the Innovation Group and the Office of Science and Technology with industry and science based representatives across a wide range of nanotechnology related issues.

  Offshore Wind Power
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria were used to select the second round sites for offshore wind licensing; and by what process companies interested in developing offshore wind in areas not cited in round two of offshore wind licensing can proceed with their plans. [127192]

  Mr. Timms
  The round two strategic areas, within which developers are invited to apply for site leases for offshore windfarms, were identified primarily as areas with the greatest concentration of potentially suitable
  360W
  sites on the basis of sea depth and proximity to the electricity grid network. A particularly sensitivity coastal strip was excluded following strategic environmental assessment of the three areas. Developers interested in developing offshore windfarms in areas outside of the round two areas should inform DTI of their plans, as indicated in the DTI"s consultation paper "Future Offshore—A Strategic Framework for the Offshore Wind Industry". This information will feed in, along with the results of DTI"s current review of the UK offshore marine renewable resource, to the planning of the future strategic environmental assessment programme that will determine the programme of future site leasing rounds.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made of the offshore wind potential off the north coast of Scotland. [127194]

  Mr. Timms
  In 2001 Garrad Hassan and Partners Ltd. completed a study for the Scottish Executive entitled "Scotland's Renewable Resource 2001". This included tidal stream and wave in addition to offshore wind. It can be viewed on the web at http://www. Scotland.gov.uk/enterprise/energy (click on More Information on Renewables). DTI is commissioning a survey of marine energy resources across all UK waters, which should be completed early in 2004. The results of this survey will be used to inform the programme of future strategic environmental assessments. Strategic environmental assessment of an area is necessary before that area can be offered to developers to tender for site leases for offshore renewable development.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when round three of licensing for offshore wind farms will commence. [127195]

  Mr. Timms
  No date has yet been set for a third site leasing round for offshore wind farms. The DTI is commissioning a review of the potential UK marine renewable resource, which will inform the programme of future strategic environmental assessment work.
  361W
  Strategic environmental assessment of an area proposed for a future round of offshore renewable development is a requirement before a competition can be announced to invite tenders for site leases.

  Postal Services
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the European Commission proposal to apply value added tax to all suppliers of postal services in the EU and end the exemption from VAT for Royal Mail and other national universal service providers of postal services under the 6th VAT Directive (77/388/EEC). [128529]

  Mr. Timms
  This is a matter for the Treasury. I understand that the European Commission proposal (9060/03 COMM(2003)234) for a Council Directive amending Directive 77/388 as regards value added tax on services provided in the postal sector was the subject of an Explanatory Memorandum deposited and sent to Scrutiny Committees by the Paymaster General on 19 May. As indicated in the Explanatory Memorandum, a Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Commission proposal will be submitted as soon as possible.

  Public Service Contracts
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many public service contracts were awarded by her Department(a)in total and (b)to SMEs in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement. [127801]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Governments have not collected information on the division between contracts awarded to SMEs and large businesses.

  The Small Business Service is undertaking an annual survey of Government procurement to ensure this information is available.

  (a) Central records indicate that the following numbers of contracts in total were awarded.

  Number

  19991

  6,924

  2000

  20,329

  2001

  24,267

  2002

  25,946

  20032

  7,391

  1 From 1 April

  2 To 4 April

  Data for earlier years are not readily available and can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  (b)

  Simultaneous maximum demand for electricity

  MW

  Year ending March

  Maximum demand

  Percentage change on a year earlier

  Great Britain

  1983

  47,333

  -2.5

  1984

  47,396

  +0.1

  1985

  51,710

  +9.1

  1986

  50,943

  -1.5

  1987

  53,980

  +6.0

  362W

  Simultaneous maximum demand for electricity

  MW

  Year ending March

  Maximum demand

  Percentage change on a year earlier

  United Kingdom

  1987

  55,330

  1988

  53,833

  -2.7

  1989

  53,555

  -0.5

  1990

  53,414

  -0.3

  1991

  54,068

  +1.2

  1992

  54,472

  +0.7

  1993

  51,663

  -5.2

  1994

  54,848

  +6.2

  1995

  52,362

  -4.5

  1996

  55,611

  +6.2

  1997

  56,815

  +2.2

  1998

  56,965

  +0.3

  1999

  56,312

  -1.1

  2000

  57,849

  +2.7

  2001

  58,425

  +1.0

  2002

  58,589

  +0.3

  2003

  61,717

  +5.3

  Source:

  Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2003 and earlier years

  Regional Assistance Schemes
  Dr. Kumar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans there are to assess the effectiveness of regional assistance schemes with particular reference to Regional Selective Assistance and Enterprise Grants; and if she will make a statement. [128672]

  Jacqui Smith
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 9 July 2003,Official Report, column 796–97W.

  Technology Sector
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Government initiatives to encourage growth in the technology sector. [127782]

  Ms Hewitt
  There is a wide range of supporting initiatives to encourage growth in technology intensive sectors. These range from support for fundamental research and education in the science base via Office of Science and Technology through targeted collaborative research schemes and grants for Research and Development delivered through Business Links and the Small Business Service. Further support is given across the economy through the R&D tax credits administered by the Inland Revenue. Further details relating specifically to supporting technology and innovation will be made later this year when I publish the results of the Innovation Review.

WALES

  Wanless Review
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the need for primary legislation in order to implement the recommendations of the Review of Health and Social Care in Wales advised by Derek Wanless; and which of the four options proposed by the Review to solve the problem of bed-blocking would require primary legislation. [126458]
  363W
  Mr. Touhig
  [holding answer 17 July 2003]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 447W.

  I have regular discussions with the Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services and we have of course covered the Wanless Report and its implications. However, it would be inappropriate to comment on the likely need for primary legislation to solve that issue at this time. The Assembly have yet to publish their detailed response and action plan which is due for publication in November.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department has had discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government about implementing the four options proposed by the Review of Health Care in Wales to solve the problem of bed-blocking. [126459]

  Mr. Touhig
  [holding answer 17 July 2003]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 447W.

  I have regular meetings with the Assembly Minister for Health, Jane Hutt AM, during which she updates me on health policy initiatives launched by her administration.

  I am aware that the Assembly will be publishing a detailed response and action plan in the autumn and it is therefore premature to comment on implementing the recommendations of the report before then. I will of course keep the matter under review.

  Devolution
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to meet the Richard Commission to discuss the future devolution settlement in Wales. [128472]

  Mr. Hain
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 1 July 2003,Official Report, columns 257–58.

  Ministerial Visits
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the(a) foreign and (b) UK visits he has made since 1 April; what the cost was to public funds of each trip; who he met; and what gifts were received. [126985]

  Mr. Hain
  The Government publish the overall costs of all ministerial travel and a list of overseas visits by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 on an annual basis. The list for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 was published by the Prime Minister on 16 July 2003,Official Report, column 482W. The next list for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 will be published at the end of the financial year.

  I have undertaken a number of official visits in Wales since April 2003. These have included attendance at the Wales TUC Annual Conference; attending three Eisteddfods, meeting with executive members of farming unions, meeting representatives of industry and commerce and visiting Welsh manufacturing facilities.
  364W
  The total cost of these visits, including my officials was approximately £4,500.

  In respect of gifts received, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my tight hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 March 2003, Official Report, column 482W.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Biodiversity and Bushmeat
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the terms of reference have been agreed for the interdepartmental ministerial group on biodiversity and bushmeat. [128366]

  Mr. Morley
  Officials are working on the arrangements for the Biodiversity working group. I hope the arrangements, which will include the terms of reference, will be concluded shortly and that the group can then meet.

  Convention on the Future of Europe
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the European Constitution on her Department"s responsibilities; [128176]

  (2) what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the establishment of an EU Foreign Minister on the representation of her Department in international fora. [128177]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The new European Constitution is not expected to have any direct effect on this Department's responsibilities nor on its role representing the UK Government in international fora. The draft of the new Treaty prepared by the Convention on the Future of Europe for discussion at the Inter Governmental Conference this autumn retains the key provisions of the current treaties relating to the environment, agriculture and fisheries.

  The UK is however opposed to the proposal to establish a Single Legislative Council. This would weaken the direct involvement of Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers in policy formation as well as in negotiating legislation.

  GM Crops
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the approvals procedure for genetically modified crops; whether she plans to amend the regulations; and if she will make a statement. [128330]

  Mr. Morley
  From 1998 to 2001, the UK and our EU partners conducted a thorough review of the EU procedure for assessment and approval of genetically modified organisms, including GM crops. This culminated in the revised EU Directive 2001/18, which entered into force in October 2002, replacing previous EU legislation in this area.
  365W
  The Government strongly support decision making under the updated and improved Directive. It provides a robust framework by which the UK authorities and our EU partners can make effective, evidence-based decisions on whether or not to allow the release or placing on the market of particular GM crops according to the merits of each case. The Directive has been fully transposed in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Notwithstanding our support for Directive 2001/18, the Government have a voluntary agreement with the UK biotech industry that GM crops will not be grown commercially in this country until we have assessed the results of our Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) crop trials. We will review our policy on GM crops in light of the FSE results and other relevant information, including the report of the GM public debate.

  Mr. Roger Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether GM crops that reduce acrylamide formation have been produced. [128693]

  Mr. Morley
  No GM crops that show reduced acrylamide formation have been trialled in the UK, and there are no current applications to market such crops in the EU. Acrylamide is formed during the cooking of some foods, and is believed to be produced as a result of a chemical reaction between the sugars and amino acids that naturally occur in foodstuffs. Recent research has indicated that acrylamide may be harmful to consumers. It might be feasible to reduce the formation of acrylamide during cooking by altering the composition of crops. This could be achieved either using conventional plant breeding or genetic modification.

  Mr. Roger Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) by how much(a) diesel fuel consumption by farmers and (b) soil erosion would be reduced if 50 per cent. of UK sugar beet, maize and oilseed rape farmers switched to GM herbicide-tolerant varieties and conservation tillage; [128694]

  (2) how many kilos of soil-acting herbicide would be saved if 25 per cent. of the UK forage maize crop were to be sown as GM herbicide-tolerant varieties. [128700]

  Mr. Morley
  It is not possible to give precise estimates of the impact of growing GM herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops in the UK on fuel consumption, soil erosion or herbicide usage. These issues are analysed in the report published by the Government"s Strategy Unit in July on the costs and benefits of GM crops www.strategy.gov.uk. This notes the potential for GMHT crops to deliver various benefits through improved crop management practices, but does not offer firm conclusions because of the complexity of the issues and the limitations of the available evidence.

  Nuclear Storage
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on discussions at European Community level on a common nuclear storage facility. [128172]
  366W
  Mr. Morley
  I am not aware of any such discussions. However, the European Commission has presented a proposal to the Council for a Euratom Directive on the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. The draft Directive would require each member state to establish a clearly defined programme for radioactive waste management that includes all radioactive waste under its jurisdiction and covers all stages of management. The Commission"s draft favours disposal in a deep repository, without the intention of retrieval, as the most suitable method for long-term management of the most hazardous forms of solid and solidified radioactive waste.

  The draft directive also provides that a member state"s programme may include shipments of radioactive waste or spent fuel to another member state or third country if such shipments are:

  (i) fully in compliance with existing EU legislation, principally Directive 92/3/Euratom, and international commitments;

  (ii) covered by firm contracts;

  (iii) made only to states with appropriate facilities that meet accepted norms and standards of the member state of origin; and

  (iv) are conducted under adequate safeguards, where they involve ores, source materials and "special fissile materials" (uranium and plutonium).

  The Government are actively engaged in discussion of the Commission's proposal in the Council working group. However, my Department is also currently carrying out a programme of consultation and public participation to develop a long term radioactive waste management policy. That process will examine all the management options available, with no presumption in favour of deep disposal.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Anti-Semitism
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what liaison there has been between his Department and the Department for Education and Skills on dealing with anti-semitism in schools, with particular reference to teaching controversial issues. [126942]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  [holding answer 8 September 2003]: The Home Office and Department for Education and Skills work closely together on a number of issues some of which may be regarded as controversial. They do so in close discussion but within the confines of their own individual remits. Both Departments have worked particularly closely over the last three years in the preparation of Holocaust Memorial Day, which in addition to commemorating the victims of the Holocaust also seeks to address and confront the dangers of prejudice and discrimination today. The Department for Education and Skills produces free resources for schools for Holocaust Memorial Day, which amongst other issues addresses anti-semitism. The resources are promoted with the support and co-operation of both Departments.

  Drugs
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of property crime is attributable to the misuse of Class A drugs. [127672]

  Caroline Flint
  Recorded crime figures include statistics on drugs offences, such as possession, and on property crimes, such as burglary, but do not record whether the latter are related to an offender's drug habits.

  However, the Home Office sponsored New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (NEW-ADAM) research programme, which involved interviewing and drug testing those arrested by the police, provides an insight into the proportion of crimes that are drug related.

  Analysis of the data from the first eight sites in the survey, collected during 1999–2000, shows that 65 per cent. of arrestees tested positive for one or more illegal drug, with up to 29 per cent. testing positive for opiates (including heroin) and/or cocaine (including crack). Whilst users of both heroin and cocaine/crack represent just under one quarter of all arrestees interviewed in NEW-ADAM, they were responsible for more than three fifths of all the illegal income reported.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were of people accused of possessing Class A drugs in the most recent year for which figures are available. [128126]

  Caroline Flint
  There were 17,634 prosecutions for Class A drug possession offences, and 12,388 convictions, in 2000 in England and Wales.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has made of the size of the illegal drugs market in the UK in(a) 1997, (b) 2001 and (c) the present day. [128125]

  Caroline Flint
  The Home Office has only produced one estimate of the size of the illegal drugs market in the UK. This was for 1998. The estimated quantity of drugs consumed over the course of a year was estimated at 566 thousand kilogrammes (this did not include ecstasy tablets, which are measured in tablets not weight. The estimated number of ecstasy tablets for the same period was 27,000). In total the estimated value of illegal drugs for that year was £6.6 billion.

  Criminal Justice Bill
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for making appropriate treatment more widely available for the purposes of clause 16 of the Criminal Justice Bill. [127673]

  Caroline Flint
  We are already significantly expanding drug treatment provision for those referred from both the Criminal Justice system (CJS) and other sources, as part of the Updated Drug Strategy.

  Additional resources are being made available to fund this expansion. The National Pooled Treatment Budget for 2002–03 was £191 million. In 2003–04 it will increase by 23.5 per cent to £236 million and will continue to rise to £299 million by 2005–06.
  368W
  Subject to Royal Assent of the Criminal Justice Bill, the provisions under Clause 19 ("Drug users: restriction on bail", previously Clause 16) will be piloted in a limited number of areas initially, and will only be brought into force in a given area where appropriate assessment and treatment are available.

  Police Custody
  Mrs Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people detained by police were released within(a) 24 hours and (b) 36 hours in the last 12 months; [127668]

  (2) how many of those detained by police were released within (a) 24 hours and (b) 36 hours in the last year for which figures are available. [128622]

  Ms Blears
  Information is not collected centrally on the number of people detained under Part IV of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and released within 24 hours. The number of persons detained for more than 24 hours and released without charge within 36 hours is as follows:

  Persons detained for more than 24 hours and released without charge—England and Wales (number and percentages)

  Released within 36 hours

  Year

  Total

  (per cent.)

  Detained under warrant of further detention

  1997–98

  674

  603

  (89)

  71

  1998–99

  710

  650

  (92)

  60

  1999–2000

  570

  505

  (89)

  65

  2000–01

  525

  449

  (86)

  76

  2001–021

  505

  453

  (90)

  52

  1 Figures amended since publication of 2001/02 Bulletin.

  Source:

  Home Office Statistical Bulletin 12/02: Arrest for Notifiable Offences and the Operation of Certain Police Powers under PACE, England and Wales 2001/02.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Sao Tome and Principe
  Angus Robertson
  To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development how much aid is spent multilaterally by the Department in Sao Tome and Principe(a) through the EU and (b) through the UN; and if he will make a statement. [127261]

  Hilary Benn
  In 2002, the EC spent "2.768 million in Sao Tome and Principe. Out of this, "1.993 million came from the European Development Fund (EDF) and "0.775 million from the EC's External Relations budget.

  DFID"s share of the EDF in 2002 was about 12 per cent. and of the EC Budget about 19 per cent.

  In 2001, the latest year for which figures are available, the UN spent US$ 1.7 million on Sao Tome and Principe. The amount contributed by DFID to Sao Tome and Principe through the UN during this year is not available, although our core contribution to the UN agencies contributing to this country in 2001 was some £45 million.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

  Parliamentary Hours
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Leader of the House if he will make a statement on changes to the sitting hours of the House. [128480]

  Mr. Hain
  In October last year a majority of Members voted to alter the sitting hours so that the House now sits from 11.30 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Standing Orders were changed for the rest of this Parliament, which will allow us a sufficient period to make a considered judgment on the effect of the changes.

SCOTLAND

  Darwin Mounds
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his participation in discussions with(a) the European Commission and (b) the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the Darwin Mounds. [128443]

  Mrs. McGuire
  Discussions involving the Government, the Scottish Executive and the European Commission led to the announcement of an EU ban on seabed trawling in the Darwin Mounds area on 20 August. The Government are proposing the notification of the Darwin Mounds as a Special Area of Conservation in a consultation paper issued today.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Liddell-Grainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy will have on Scotland. [128449]

  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs made a statement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy on 26 June. The agreement to which she referred is a good agreement for farmers, consumers and taxpayers and for the environment in the whole of the United Kingdom, including Scotland.

  Post Office Accounts
  Mr. MacDonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which banks with branches in Scotland have made agreements with the Post Office to allow the bank's customers to access their bank accounts via their local post offices. [128451]

  Mrs. McGuire
  All of the leading UK banks have made their basic bank accounts accessible at post offices as a result of the Post Office's Universal Banking Project. Agreements to access existing bank accounts at the Post Office are a commercial decision for the banks.

  Scottish Agriculture College
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to discuss the future of the Scottish Agriculture College with the Scottish Executive. [128453]
  370W
  Mrs. McGuire
  The future of the Scottish Agriculture College is a matter for the Scottish Executive.

  Winter Fuel Payments
  Mr. MacDougall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments in 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [128454]

  Mrs. McGuire
  The information requested is not available, however the number of people in Scotland who received the Winter Fuel Payment in 2002–03 is estimated to have been 1,009,090, made up of 430,665 men and 578,425 women.

  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pensioner households are receiving winter fuel allowance in(a) Scotland, (b) Glasgow and (c) Glasgow, Anniesland. [128450]

  Mrs. McGuire
  In 2002/2003, 679,710 households in Scotland, 62,805 in the Glasgow parliamentary constituencies and 8,170 in Glasgow, Anniesland constituency are estimated to have received the winter fuel payment.

  Health
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with other Ministers about cross-border health issues. [128455]

  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend and I have frequent discussions with ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues.

  Fallen Stock
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Scottish Executive to discuss arrangements for the disposal of fallen stock on offshore islands. [128456]

  Mrs. McGuire
  Responsibility for agricultural matters in Scotland rests with the Scottish Executive.

  Scottish Boundary Commission
  15. Angela Watkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland When he will publish the recommendations of the Scottish Boundary Commission. [128457]

  Mr. Darling
  I refer the hon. Lady to my reply of earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Falkirk, East (Mr. Connarty),Official Report, c. 152.

  Devolution
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the devolution settlement as it affects Scotland. [128463]

  Mr. Darling
  The Scottish devolution settlement is well established and successful. The recent changes to the machinery of government at Westminster reflect its maturity.

  Road Haulage Industry
  Jim Sheridan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the road haulage industry in Scotland. [128452]

  Mr. Darling
  I have regular discussions with Scottish Ministers on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland, including transport.

TRANSPORT

  Robin Rigg Windfarm
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he first discussed with the Scottish Executive the safety zones for shipping around the proposed Robin Rigg windfarm. [127860]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Scottish Executive attended a meeting on 11 February 2003 at which UK Government Departments discussed policy on the development of offshore windfarms and their impacts on the safety of navigation including the case for safety zones around such structures. The Robin Rigg windfarm was one of a number of offshore renewable energy projects discussed.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he first discussed the exclusion of unauthorised shipping from Robin Rigg windfarm with the Scottish Executive. [128020]

  Mr. Jamieson
  My officials from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency appeared before the Convenor of the Robin Rigg Offshore Wind Farm (Navigation and Fishing) (Scotland) Bill Committee at the Bill"s preliminary stage on 11 November 2002. There they were questioned about the proposals to establish an exclusion zone around the Robin Rigg Offshore Wind Farm. Their appearance before the Committee was discussed at a meeting between my officials and the Scottish Executive on 15 November 2002.

  Transport Responsibilities
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on responsibility for transport between(a) parts of the United Kingdom covered by devolved Administrations, (b) England and (c) Northern Ireland. [127778]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The responsibility for transport between the United Kingdom Government, devolved Administrations and Northern Ireland is outlined as follows:

  Wales

  The National Assembly for Wales"s powers are limited to those functions specifically transferred to it by a Transfer of Functions Order, or conferred on it by specific primary legislation or an EU Designation Order. The functions which have been devolved in the field of transport include, among others, maintenance and improvement of the Welsh trunk road network, funding local authority expenditure on roads, a range of road safety responsibilities, concessionary parking schemes for disabled and blind people, land use and
  372W
  surface access planning. Railways, aviation and shipping issues in Wales are generally the responsibility of the UK Government.

  Scotland

  Unless a matter is expressly reserved to the UK Government in Schedule 5 of the Scotland Act 1998, it is devolved. The Scottish Parliament has legislative competence in areas of transport including the Scottish road network; parking controls; promotion of road safety; bus policy; concessionary fares; cycling; taxis and minicabs; non-technical aspects of transport for disabled people; promotion and construction of new railways which start and end in Scotland; grants for passenger rail services; consultative arrangements in respect of public transport; ports, harbours, piers and boatslips; provision of freight shipping and ferry services, including CalMac; activities of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.; planning and environmental issues relating to airports; and inland waterways

  In addition, the Scottish Executive have power to issue directions and guidance to the Strategic Rail Authority in relation to franchised rail services that both start and end in Scotland; power to issue directions and guidance to the SRA in respect of franchised sleeper services; power to give advice to the SRA in relation to cross-border franchised rail services; applications to the EU for the designation of lifeline air services; and enforcement of vehicle emissions standards. The Executive are also the highway authority for the Scottish Trunk Road network.

  Functions reserved to the UKG in the field of transport in Scotland include transport security; transport safety and regulation, including the regulation of air transport and shipping, marine and air safety, the provision and regulation of railway services including rail safety; and marine, air and rail accident prevention and investigation; some aspects of road traffic regulation, including driver and vehicle licensing and testing, road signing, vehicle standards, general speed limits; some aspects of road safety; and technical standards relating to the transport of disabled persons.

  Northern Ireland

  While devolution in Northern Ireland is suspended, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has assumed responsibility for the direction and control of the Northern Ireland Departments including that dealing with transport.

  England

  The Secretary of State for Transport is responsible for all legislative matters regarding transport in England. He is also the highway authority for the trunk road network in England.

  A27
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his intention to undertake a safety review of the A27 between Beddingham and Polegate with a view to identifying on-line safety improvements. [127218]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Secretary of State announced on 9 July 2003 that the bypasses of Selmeston and Wilmington proposed by the south coast multi-modal study (SoCoMMS) were not acceptable in the form
  373W
  proposed. Therefore, he asked the Highways Agency to work with local authorities and statutory environmental bodies to identify less damaging options, including management measures that reduce the need for major road construction, and report back. The Agency will be looking at the current problems and safety issues on the existing road between Beddingham and Polegate as part of this work.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timescale will apply to the redesign of the A27 Southerham-Beddingham scheme; what public consultation process will apply to the redesigned scheme; and if he will make a statement. [127219]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Highways Agency will provide further advice on a redesigned scheme in October 2003. In the light of that advice, a recommendation will be announced together with arrangements for consultation.

  Aggregate
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his Answer of 2 July 2003,Official Report, column 267W, on aggregate, what assessment his Department has made of the environmental impact of mineral extraction to provide aggregate for road building and maintenance; and when estimates of the amount of aggregate required for road improvement schemes in the Ten Year Plan will be made. [127203]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Revised national and regional guidelines for the provision of aggregates for all end uses for the 16-year period 2001–16 were issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in June of this year. Regional Planning Bodies in England will take into account the likely environmental impacts of the implied extraction when apportioning the regional guidelines to mineral planning authority areas. Estimates of the amount of aggregate required for road improvement schemes in the Ten Year Plan will be made on a scheme specific basis as the design for each scheme is developed.

  Air Quality (London)
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has collated on changes in air quality in central London since the introduction of congestion charging. [127180]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 15 May 2003,Official Report, column 339W. The position remains unchanged. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs publish regular
  374W
  data on pollution levels in London which can be seen at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/ index.htm

  Car Travel
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood) of 14 July 2003,Official Report, column 26W, on car travel, if he will provide figures for 1979 to 1998. [127577]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Figures for average car occupancy are available from the National Travel Survey for 1985–86 and for 1990–2000.

  Average car occupancy: 1985–86 to 2000

  Number

  1985–86

  1.64

  1990

  1.62

  1991

  1.61

  1992

  1.61

  1993

  1.62

  1994

  1.62

  1995

  1.62

  1996

  1.61

  1997

  1.60

  1998

  1.59

  1999

  1.59

  2000

  1.59

  Note:

  Figures for 1990–2000 are estimated using the average of three years of survey data, e.g. the figure for 2000 is the average occupancy for the period 1999–2001.

  Highways (Street Works)
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average cost charged to companies was by each local authority in England for the occupation of highways during street works, in each year since the introduction of the Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (England) Regulations. [128602]

  Mr. Jamieson
  To date, charges under the Street Works (Charges for Occupation of the Highway) (England) Regulations have only been applied on roads within Middlesbrough and the London borough of Camden. Comprehensive figures for charges levied are not available at this stage. However, we have appointed consultants—Halcrow—to monitor the operation of the charging scheme, and they will be reporting to us shortly with an assessment of the scheme's first 12 months. Copies of their report will be placed in the Library of the House later in the year.

  Judicial Appointments
  Judicial Appointments
  Northern Ireland: Underspending
  Northern Ireland: Underspending
  Northern Ireland: Manhole Covers
  Northern Ireland: Manhole Covers
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission
  Acts of Parliament since 1997: Prohibited Activities
  Acts of Parliament since 1997: Prohibited Activities
  Interception of Communications Commissioner, Intelligence Services Commissioner and Chief Surveillance Commissioner: Annual Reports
  Interception of Communications Commissioner, Intelligence Services Commissioner and Chief Surveillance Commissioner: Annual Reports
  East Belfast: Drinking Water
  East Belfast: Drinking Water
  Northern Ireland: Devolving Powers to Local Authorities
  Northern Ireland: Devolving Powers to Local Authorities
  Northern Ireland: Dyslexia
  Northern Ireland: Dyslexia
  Northern Ireland: Dyspraxia
  Northern Ireland: Dyspraxia
  North/South Ministerial Council
  North/South Ministerial Council
  Ulster-Scots Agency
  Ulster-Scots Agency
  North/South Language Body
  North/South Language Body
  North/South Implementation Bodies
  North/South Implementation Bodies
  Belfast Agreement: Human Rights
  Belfast Agreement: Human Rights
  "Rhyming Around Belfast" DVD
  "Rhyming Around Belfast" DVD
  Northern Ireland: Tourism
  Northern Ireland: Tourism
  Special European Union Programmes Body
  Special European Union Programmes Body
  Belfast Education and Library Board
  Belfast Education and Library Board
  Ulster Scots Language and Culture: Support
  Ulster Scots Language and Culture: Support
  Northern Ireland: Unemployment Data
  Northern Ireland: Unemployment Data
  Northern Ireland: Amnesties
  Northern Ireland: Amnesties
  Northern Ireland: Housing Stock
  Northern Ireland: Housing Stock
  Toomebridge Bypass
  Toomebridge Bypass
  Northern Ireland: Police Overtime
  Northern Ireland: Police Overtime
  UN Convention Against Torture: Optional Protocol
  UN Convention Against Torture: Optional Protocol
  European Union: Forthcoming Council Business
  European Union: Forthcoming Council Business
  Wilton Park: Annual Report
  Wilton Park: Annual Report
  Public Collections: Licensing
  Public Collections: Licensing
  British Sign Language
  British Sign Language
  Agriculture: Self-sufficiency
  Agriculture: Self-sufficiency