Written Answers of 9 February 2004

CABINET OFFICE

  Chief Information Officer
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the Chief Information Officer will be appointed; what the responsibilities of the post will be; and what its reporting relationship will be to(a) other civil servants and (b) Ministers. [151475]

  Mr. Alexander
  The new Head of e-Government (analogous to a private-sector Chief Information Officer) will be based in the Cabinet Office and will report to the Cabinet Secretary, Sir Andrew Turnbull and Minister for the Cabinet Office.

  The responsibilities of the post were set out in a press notice of 15 December 2003 which can be found at www. cabinet-office.gov.uk/news/2003/031215 headofegovt.asp. I will also place a copy of the notice in the Libraries of the House for the interest of Members.

  The detailed timetable for the recruitment exercise has still to be finalised, but the aim is to complete the selection process by April 2004.

  Civil Contingencies
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will take steps to give one co-ordinating body full responsibility for civil contingencies covering all multi-agency aspects. [153043]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Home Secretary has overall charge for UK resilience and chairs the Ministerial Committee responsible for providing co-ordination and oversight covering all multi-agency aspects. Sir David Omand, the Security and Intelligence Co-ordinator, is responsible for the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, and supports the Home Secretary in this work.

  Civil Servants
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what research has been carried out since 1997 into the reasons civil servants leave the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement. [153704]

  Mr. Alexander
  My Department publishes aggregate data on causes for leaving the Civil Service in the annual publication "Civil Service Statistics". Copies are placed in the Library of the House and can be accessed at www.civil-service.gov.uk/statistics.

  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost of recruitment of civil servants was for each financial year from 1996 to the present, broken down by Department. [153705]
  1134W
  Mr. Alexander
  Departments have delegated responsibility for almost all recruitment to the Civil Service. The Cabinet Office does not collect centrally the information requested and could only do so at disproportionate cost.

  Consultations
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list those individuals and organisations(a) to whom (i) his Department, (ii) its executive agencies and (iii) the non-departmental public bodies for which his Department is responsible sent a copy of the consultations (A) Private action, public benefit: A review of charities and the wider not for profit sector, (B) The future of emergency planning in England and Wales: a discussion document and (C) Towards equality and diversity: implementing the employment and race directives and (b) from whom each received a response in each case. [151655]

  Mr. Alexander
  The Government are committed to ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are identified and involved in consultation exercises.

  The Strategy Unit report "Private Action, Public Benefit" was published on 25 September 2002. More than 1,000 copies were sent to interested parties. A further 300 people were sent e-mail links to the document. The pdf version of the SU report has been downloaded more than 45,000 times from the SU website: www.strategy.gov.uk.

  Following publication of the report, members of the SU project team and the Home Office's Active Community Unit took part in more than 50 consultation events around the country. Copies of the report were also distributed at these events.

  Responses were received from around 1,100 individuals and organisations. A summary of their comments— and the Government's response to the report—are contained in the Home Office document "Charities and. Not-for-Profits: A Modern Legal Framework", published in July 2003.

  The following organisations were sent copies of "The future of emergency planning in England and Wales: a discussion document".

  Local Government Association (LGA)

  Local Authorities in England and Wales

  Emergency Planning Society (EPS)

  Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)

  Police Forces in England and Wales

  British Transport Police

  Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association (CACFOA)

  Fire Brigades in England and Wales

  Ambulance Service Association (ASA)

  Ambulance Service in England and Wales

  Health Authorities

  Coroners Offices and Pathology Service

  Northern Ireland Executive

  Scottish Executive

  National Assembly for Wales

  Other Government Departments

  Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

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  Environment Agency

  Government Offices for the Regions

  OFWAT

  OFTEL

  OFGEM

  Rail Regulators

  CAA, UK Airlines EP Group and Airports

  Educational Establishments

  The Armed Forces

  Responses were received from interested stakeholder groups, including:

  Local Authorities

  Emergency Services

  Health Bodies

  Utilities

  Transport

  Professional Bodies

  Lobby Groups

  Academic Institutes

  Multi-Agency Groups

  Private Companies

  Individuals

  I have placed a full list of responses in the Libraries of the House.

  "Towards equality and diversity: implementing the employment and race directives" is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  Statutory Sick Pay
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people employed in his Department have claimed statutory sick pay for(a) less than one week, (b) one to three weeks, (c) four to six weeks, (d) seven to 12 weeks, (e) 13 to 20 weeks and (f) 21 to 28 weeks in each year since 1997. [148638]

  Mr. Alexander
  It is not possible to obtain this information without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Cabinet Office is committed to managing sick absence effectively. It has in place robust procedures that reflect the recommendations of the 1998 report "Working Well Together—Managing Attendance in the Public Sector". These are supported by comprehensive in-house guidance and training for managers and individuals. The department is making good progress towards its target for reduced sickness absence of 30 per cent. in 2010 compared with 1998 levels.

  Strategy Unit Fisheries Report
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the cost of the Strategy Unit's report on the UK fishing industry was; how many copies of the report will be produced; how many people have worked on the project; and when the report will be made public. [153992]

  Mr. Alexander
  The project is still ongoing. The Strategy Unit's budget for this financial year is £4.7 million, which funds a range of projects and other work.
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  The normal print run for Strategy Unit reports is 2,000, though the report and supporting documents will also be on the Strategy Unit website.

  A total of 12 people worked on the project, and six of these were engaged on a full-time basis.

  The report will be published shortly.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Communications Regulation
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements she has put in place for(a) monitoring and (b) reducing the administrative costs of communications regulation through (i) the running costs of Ofcom and (ii) the compliance costs of business. [153035]

  Estelle Morris
  Parliament has given Ofcom a large degree of financial autonomy appropriate to its independent status. That is normal with sectoral regulators and especially important in media regulation. Nevertheless it is also subject to a number of measures to ensure proper scrutiny of its expenditure, and that its own costs, and the compliance costs of regulated businesses, are no more than necessary to fulfil its statutory duties under the Communications Act 2003.

  Ofcom is required to set its charges in a transparent way and justify them to industry. In exercising all its statutory functions, Ofcom is also required to have due regard, among other things, to the desirability of encouraging investment and innovation, and to the principles of good regulation such as consultation, proportionality and selectivity—all of which are very relevant to compliance costs and overall expenditure. In addition, where it plans to introduce significant new regulation, Ofcom is required to carry out and publish an assessment of the likely impact of the measure, allowing a period for consultation, and to take account of responses to it.

  Furthermore, Ofcom must produce an annual report and accounts (the latter subject to certification and report by the Comptroller and Auditor General) to be laid before Parliament; its activities can be scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee and the relevant departmental Parliamentary Select Committees, and by the National Audit Office; its use of public funds is governed by, among other things, a financial memorandum agreed with the Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry and for Culture, Media and Sport; and its expenditure is subject to resource 'caps' agreed with HM Treasury.

  Lottery
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding Cunninghame, South has received from National Lottery grants in each of the past five years. [153216]
  1137W
  Estelle Morris
  In the last five years, starting from 1 January 1999, Cunninghame, South has been awarded grants to the value of:

  Amount awarded (£)

  1999

  1,320,060

  2000

  195,087

  2001

  746,145

  2002

  986,707

  2003

  1,753,870

  Total

  5,001,869

  These numbers are derived from the Department's database of lottery awards, which is based on information supplied by the distributing bodies.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total sales were for National Lottery tickets in Cunninghame, South, in each of the past five years. [153217]

  Estelle Morris
  The available information is set out in a table prepared by Camelot, listing sales of National Lottery tickets by postcode area since the Lottery's launch, The table was placed in the Libraries of both Houses on 9 December 2003 in response to a written parliamentary question from the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 18 November 2003,Official Report, column 764.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total sales of National Lottery tickets in(a) Chorley and (b) Lancashire were in each of the past five years. [153855]

  Estelle Morris
  The available information is set out in a table prepared by Camelot, listing sales of National Lottery tickets by postcode area since the Lottery's launch. The table was placed in the Libraries of both Houses on 9 December 2003 in response to a written parliamentary question from the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 18 November 2003,Official Report, column 764.

  Transmitter Mast (Worksop)
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the transmitter mast in Worksop will be upgraded so the local residents can receive Freeview. [152370]

  Estelle Morris
  Broadcasters, through contracts with transmission operators, are responsible for maintaining the terrestrial network. But until the analogue signals are turned off, there will not be enough frequencies available to enable all the transmitters to carry digital terrestrial services. We believe that digital switchover could be achieved between 2006 and 2010, subject to our affordability and availability criteria being met, but we can't be more precise at this stage about which transmitters will be converted by any given date.
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INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research he has commissioned into abuses of human rights in Bangladesh, with particular reference to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. [153524]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID and the FCO actively monitor human rights in Bangladesh and take account of the concerns of marginalised communities through research related to funding development programmes. HMG and our post in Dhaka are aware of the concerns over the pressure being put on the Ahmadiyyas. The FCO has raised these concerns on several occasions, most importantly through the EU Troika, with senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and with senior MPs of the ruling party. Gareth Thomas, PUSS, raised the issue of Human Rights with the Minister of Foreign Affairs during his visit to Bangladesh in late January.

  Iraq
  Julie Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what(a) aid and (b) compensation is available for residents of Baghdad whose properties were destroyed by American rockets in the war. [152537]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have been asked to reply.

  Questions of aid or compensation by other coalition partners are a matter for them.

  Tuberculosis
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of UK overseas aid in 2003–04 goes towards combating tuberculosis. [152974]

  Hilary Benn
  The UK plays a major role in combating tuberculosis worldwide through its support for Global Partnerships, such as the Global Fund, and country programmes. Our strategy is to ensure a more coordinated and collaborative international and national effort in TB control. Much of our assistance is given through support to country health sector programmes or as General Budget Support to developing countries. We give significant core contributions to international agencies such as the World Health Organisation, some of which is used to tackle the disease. As a result it is not possible to disaggregate our bilateral expenditure on tuberculosis in the manner requested.

SCOTLAND

  Whisky
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to his answer of 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 757W, on the whisky industry, what previous meetings he has had with representatives of the Scottish whisky industry; and what representations he has made to the Treasury on the impact of introducing a tax strip for the sector. [153934]
  1139W
  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues affecting Scotland.

  Aside from the meetings referred to in my answer of 3 February 2004, Official Report, column 757W, Scotland Office, Ministers have had no other formal meetings with representatives of the Scotch whisky industry.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Pensions
  Mr. Joyce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to help people make informed choices about their pensions in retirement. [153189]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The recent Command Paper CM6111 "Simplicity, security and choice: Informed Choices for working and saving", published on 3 February 2004, sets out our programme to help people make informed decisions about retirement. The strategy that I have set out is based around three steps—activation, education and information. We are determined to:Enable people to make the most of pension provision and encourage availability of the right pension products;
  Raise people's awareness of their options and improve financial education; and Ensure that everyone has high-quality, accurate and timely information.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the effect on expenditure on the basic state pension in each of the next five years of ascribing to all persons below state pension age a full year's national insurance contributions in lieu of their actual contributions in all future years. [150456]

  Malcolm Wicks
  The information requested is in the table.

  £ million

  Additional expenditure on basic state pension

  2005–06

  20

  2006–07

  50

  2007–08

  100

  2008–09

  160

  2009–10

  220

  Notes:

  1. The costs for the first few years are shown and are very low because they relate to current public expenditure. The effect on the underlying fiscal position is larger because future public spending liabilities are being increased in respect of people of all ages.

  2. The costs given are the gross costs to the nearest £10 million, in 2003–04 price terms, using 2004 benefit rates.

  3. The costs assume that the first year for which the contributions will be credited is 2004–05.

  4. The costs take into account that men aged 60 to 64 are automatically awarded national insurance credits for those years irrespective of whether they are in work or not. These credits count towards state pension entitlement.

  Unemployment Action Teams
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the role of action teams in reducing unemployment. [153191]
  1140W
  Mr. Browne
  Action teams are having a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged people, in some of the most economically deprived areas of the country, and have already been successful in helping nearly 100,000 people into work.

  I would like to thank my hon. Friend for the consistent support he has shown for the action team operating in his constituency, which has helped nearly 1,000 disadvantaged people across North West Wales into work, contributing to the fall in unemployment in his constituency of 41 per cent. since 1997.

  Working Tax Credit
  Mr. Bill O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the application of working tax credit to(a) parents with care and (b) absent parents. [153192]

  Mr. Pond
  In the new scheme only the non-resident parent's income is taken into account; the parent with care's income is ignored.

  In the old scheme a parent with care who receives working tax credit is treated as having no assessable income.

  Generally speaking, in both schemes, a non-resident parent's working tax credit counts as income. (The exception is where his current partner is the principal earner).

  New Deal
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent representations he has received on the impact of the new deal for young people on the level of economic inactivity among young people. [153193]

  Mr. Browne
  We have received a number of representations from hon. Members, through Parliamentary Questions and correspondence.

  I am happy to say that our new deal for young people programme has been hugely successful in helping to virtually eradicate long-term youth unemployment, helping more than 460,000 young people into work, including nearly 400 in the hon. Member's constituency.

  Independent evaluation shows that the new deal has not only helped to increase youth employment, but has also benefited the economy to the tune of £500 million a year.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of pensioners are entitled to means-tested benefits. [153194]

  Mr. Pond
  We estimate that around half of all pensioner households across Great Britain are eligible for Pension Credit and other income related benefits and stand to gain on average £400 a year. Our priority is to target money on the poorest pensioners and there are already 1.4 million pensioner households on Pension Credit who are getting more money than they did before.
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  The way we are assessing pensioners' incomes in Pension Credit is vastly different from the stigmatising weekly means tests of the past. We want all those pensioners who are eligible to apply for their entitlement. It would be a great shame if the phrase `means-test' was allowed to get in the way of pensioners applying for what is rightfully theirs.

  Departmental Files (Security)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to enhance the security of files in departmental file stores. [153188]

  Mr. Browne
  Currently, satisfactory arrangements are in place to ensure the security of files in DWP file stores operated by both departmental staff and our external supplier. The future contractual arrangements for delivery of this service, which we expect to announce soon, will take full account of the need to maintain security of information and the physical security of

  2001–021

  2002–031

  2003 to date2

  Staff leaving

  Staff recruited

  Staff leaving

  Staff recruited

  Staff leaving

  Staff recruited

  Portsmouth

  24

  34

  52

  35

  34

  3

  Southampton

  20

  32

  40

  17

  40

  11

  Isle of Wight

  4

  46

  14

  34

  8

  14

  12001–02 and 2002–03 figures are from 1 April to 31 March.

  22003 figures are from 1 April to 30 November.

  Note:

  Figures are for Jobcentre Plus, The Pension Service, Child Support Agency and Corporate Centre staff based in the offices in question.

  Source:

  FAMIS/Rebus data extracts

  Housing Benefit Department (Swale)
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what additional resources he will offer to resolve the on—going problems in the housing benefit department at Swale Borough Council. [153728]

  Mr. Pond
  The Government are investing £200 million over this and the next two financial years to help local authorities make improvements in their administration of housing benefit. Swale Borough Council has been awarded funding for a training officer post, and we will be pleased to consider additional bids from the council.

  In addition, and in recognition of the problems experienced by Swale Borough Council the Department has provided free consultancy assistance from its Help Team.

  The Help Team worked with the council for six weeks during the period 29 September 2003 to 12 December 2003. During that time assistance was provided to the council in the development of a project plan to clear its backlog of outstanding benefits work. In addition, work was also undertaken on the introduction of a communications strategy, a review of existing policies and procedures plus a review of how benefits work and staff are organised.
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  departmental files. We will closely manage and monitor the new contract to ensure that this remains the case.

  Departmental Leaflets
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria his Department uses when deciding whether a leaflet which it publishes is to be made available only on its website. [149558]

  Mr. Browne
  The Department for Work and Pensions does not produce any leaflets or other publications in web—only format at present.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many permanent staff have left and not been replaced in his Department's offices in(a) Portsmouth, (b) Southampton and (c) the Isle of Wight in each of the last three years. [151632]

  Maria Eagle
  The information requested is in the table.

  Work in all these areas is continuing and is being regularly monitored by the Help Team. The results of this monitoring show that the council has made good progress in clearing its backlog of work and is currently ahead of its target for full clearance.

  Post Office Accounts
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on progress in moving manual pension payments to direct payment, with particular reference to Post Office accounts. [153631]

  Mr. Pond
  The overall move to direct payment is progressing well.

  The conversion process, from manual payments to payments credited directly in to bank accounts, started with invitation letters being sent to some customers in October 2002 and involves contacting approximately 14.25 million customers. We have already written to 8 million customers and so far over 3.5 million have provided their bank account details, and over 2 million have requested a Post Office card account.

  Key figures on the progress of conversion to direct payment are available in the Library, updated every four weeks.

  Winter Fuel Payment
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of pensioners entitled to
  1143W
  the winter fuel payment in (a) Norfolk and (b) Great Britain had received the payment by (i) 1 January and (ii) 20 January; and if he will make a statement. [153033]

  Malcolm Wicks
  It is not possible to provide payment figures separately for Norfolk. Neither can we provide an estimate of the percentage of eligible people in receipt of a winter fuel payment using DWP administrative data because we do not have complete information on household circumstances and payments are based on household composition.

  By 1 January 11,570,389 winter fuel payments had been made in Great Britain for winter 2003–04. This figure had not changed at 20 January.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Cod
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the effect of the extension piece on a demersal trawl on the selectivity of the cod end. [150920]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Under the 2001 Fishing Industry/Science partnership funded by SEERAD, trials were carried out with a pair seine team to assess the effect of very long extensions on catch composition. Two cases were investigated using the alternate haul method; one with an extension of 200 meshes, the other of 500 meshes long. No significant differences were found in the catches or discards for haddock or whiting. No significant amounts of juvenile cod were retained.

  Departmental Publications
  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria her Department uses when deciding whether a leaflet which it publishes is to be made available only on its website. [149555]

  Alun Michael
  Leaflets and other printed material are normally made available in electronic form via Defra's website, at the same time as they are published or circulated. Where documents are only published via the website (and not in printed form), this is based on an assessment of factors such as the audience for the document, the nature of the material and its anticipated lifetime, whether speed of distribution electronically is particularly important, and cost—efficiency issues.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of whether the behaviour of fish species is constant, with particular reference to escape strategies when confronted with a towed trawl. [150901]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Fish reaction depends on the fish species, individual physiology, swimming capacity and condition. Throughout the capture process, the density of fish will be important in determining the reaction of individual fish. The environmental conditions such as temperature, light conditions and seabed type will also have an effect. Fishing gear will also influence fish reaction, mainly through the visual stimuli it creates 1144W
  relative to the background. These fundamental mechanisms of fish reaction may be relatively constant whereas individual reactions will be determined entirely by the particular circumstances to which a fish is subjected at any given moment.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs where the primary(a) sandeel, (b) cod and (c) haddock fisheries in the North Sea are. [149134]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Sandeel fishing occurs on grounds where sediment type and oceanography facilitate high concentrations of sandeels. These grounds mainly occur on the western edge of the Dogger Bank, and around the Fisher Bank. A sandeel fishing area off the Firth of Forth is currently closed.

  Cod fishing is more widespread. It occurs in the Southern Bight from the eastern Channel to the Dutch coast, off north east coast England from the Humber to Tyne, in part of the German Bight, and in a wide arc from the Skagerrak along the edge of the Norwegian trench to the northern North Sea and the waters east and west of Orkney and Shetland.

  Haddock fishing is also widespread, from the Skagerrak to a large part of the northern North Sea, down the western side of the North Sea from Shetland and Orkney to the east coast of Scotland, as far as north east England. Haddock are sparse south of the Dogger Bank.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the significance is of the catch per unit effort index; and what part it plays in estimating fish stocks. [150247]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Catch per unit of fishing effort is an index that is approximately proportional to the abundance of the fishable stock. A time series of such data could describe stock trends, provided that the index is representative of the whole stock, and is not biased by year to year changes in vessel efficiency, selectivity, or fishing strategy. Such bias can affect the catch per effort of commercial vessels, whereas the index derived from research surveys that fish standard stations using a standard gear year on year is not affected in this way, and is therefore more suitable for tuning ICES stock assessments.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what techniques are available to fishermen to(a) minimise the catch of juvenile fish and (b) maximise the size of fish caught in demersal trawls. [150249]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  For optimal stock exploitation each species needs to be caught at a particular size and age, dependent mainly on its growth rate and maturity. The exploitation rate for each species is determined by the design of the gear used to fish it as well as the effort exerted on the stock. Technical Conservation Measures regulating the design of gear are the main method of limiting the catch of juvenile fish. Such controls are imposed by limits on codend mesh size and twine size, the number of open meshes around the codend circumference, the use of lifting bags, the length of
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  extension and the use of attachments. Also selective devices such as square mesh panels and grids may be mandatory.

  Limits on the capture of larger fish are imposed by restrictions on effort or quotas. It is not necessarily optimal to take the largest fish from the sea as these may be the most successful reproductively.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of(a) visual and (b) aural devices attached to trawls to improve the selectivity of fishing in demersal fisheries; [150250]

  (2) what assessment her Department has made of the relative importance of (a) aural and (b) visual triggers in the escape responses of ground fish in relation to the approach of a towed trawl. [150898]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Since the 1950s, studies have shown that vision is very important in determining fish reaction to gears at all stages of the capture process. A variety of experiments have been carried out at the FRS Marine Laboratory, for example on horizontal panels to separate species within a trawl or the use of different coloured twine in escape panels. These studies suggest that when used appropriately, and under certain circumstances (i.e. where light levels are sufficient for the fish to react) such visual devices can subtly improve selectivity. A review is currently being compiled through the ICES Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour Working Group of the reactions and behaviour of fish to visual components of fishing gears and the effect on catchability in survey and commercial fishing gears.

  Reactions of fish to aural stimuli are less clear although it is thought that,when they hear threatening sounds, fish adopt a state of heightened awareness such that they may be more ready to react to subsequent visual cues. There has been little research on the use of aural devices to improve selectivity.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessments her Department has made of the effectiveness of turned-mesh netting in(a) improving the escape rate of juvenile fish and (b) reducing the attendant mortality; and what the operational disadvantages are of such netting. [150252]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Turned mesh netting is standard diamond mesh turned through 90". Because of the way the twine is knotted, turned meshes tend to remain wider open when under longitudinal tension than standard meshes. Knot slippage and mesh distortion may occur but these problems might be overcome by heat setting the knots or using double knots. Experiments in the Baltic have suggested that selectivity is improved when using turned mesh netting, i.e. more juvenile fish escape. No long-term trials have been carried out in the North Sea on these options although Seafish Industry Authority are planning trials in 2004 on the use of turned mesh in prawn trawl codends.

  In April 2004, an ICES Working Group will examine all the recent experimental data from the Baltic on turned mesh selectivity to assess the effect of this netting type. The findings will be published. No information is available on the mortality of escapees from such netting.
  1146W
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the effect of(a) square knotless netting and (b) knotted diamond-mesh netting used for escape panels on (i) different species, (ii) the proportion of escapees and (iii) the mortality of escapees. [150253]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Square mesh netting is often used in escape panels because diamond mesh netting closes under tension. Diamond mesh netting can be used as square mesh netting by turning it through 45° However, in these circumstances the knots in knotted netting are liable to slip unless specially treated, leading to distortion of the meshes. Certain types of knotless netting have been found to be more stable. Legislation allows either knotted or knotless netting as long as knot slippage does not occur. No information is available comparing the selective properties or the resulting escape mortality of these two netting types used in escape panels.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what facilities exist in the United Kingdom for flume-tank testing of trawl designs to improve the selectivity of fishing; and what facilities exist in(a) Europe and (b) the USA for this purpose. [150294]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  At their Fisheries Development Centre in Hull the Seafish Industry Authority operate the only flume tank in the UK. Similar flume tanks exist in Hirtshals (Denmark), Lorient and Boulogne (France) and St. Johns (Canada). Trawl designs can be tested at towing tank facilities at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA).

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evaluation her Department has made of the suitability of Baltic panels of(a) Danish and (b) Swedish design in North Sea fisheries. [150295]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  A sub-group of the ICES Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour reported on the selectivity of these Baltic panels in comparison with standard diamond mesh codends in 1995 and 1996. A comprehensive study of the selectivity of these devices was also conducted as part of the EU-funded `Bacoma' project and published in 2000. It was found that selectivity for cod was better when the panels were placed in the top panel of the codend. A later joint UK and Danish project was funded by the EU to compare the selective performance of both side and top panels in North Sea fisheries. Cod and haddock selectivity was either as good or better with the top panels.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what she estimates the(a) minimum and (b) expected cod by-catch would be from vessels operating in mixed cod and haddock fisheries, using selective gear (i) designed and (ii) adapted to minimise the cod catch. [150299]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  A range of designs of selective gear could be used to reduce the cod catch in mixed cod and haddock fisheries. The choice of design will depend on the mix of species on the grounds, the species targeted by the fishermen and practical issues such as ease of
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  handling. Seldom are only cod and haddock caught. A fisherman will choose a design that is practical and gives him an economic return in terms of catch composition for his particular market. In each fishery (e.g. English, Irish, Scottish, Danish, French or Norwegian) fishermen will make different choices of gear design.

  An EU-funded project (Recovery) involving most countries bordering the North Sea is currently developing such gears for several mixed species fisheries in the North Sea (Scottish whitefish, Danish whitefish, English Nephrops and Netherlands/Belgian beam trawl fisheries). The industries in each country are involved closely in these projects through industry liaison groups.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect oil and gas(a) rigs and (b) pipelines in the North Sea have on the distribution of (i) cod and (ii) other demersal species. [150309]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Cod, other gadoid fish, and some shellfish, appear to be attracted to pipelines, thus creating higher density aggregations that attract fishermen. Cod may also be attracted to the vicinity of rigs, from which fishermen are excluded.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has commissioned studies to determine the significance of differences in catch ability between(a) survey trawl gear and (b) commercial trawl gear, with particular reference to catches of monkfish. [150310]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Studies to determine the significance of differences between survey trawl gear and commercial trawl gear have not been commissioned as these gears are used for different purposes.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on the(a) development and (b) testing of the Eurogrid project; what findings have been released; and what the cost is of the United Kingdom contribution to this project. [150311]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  A whitefish grid system, the Eurogrid, suitable for use on board most North Sea trawlers for demersal towed gear fisheries has been developed and tested. The grid is made of polyamide, a material selected for high elasticity and strength.

  To investigate the selective properties of the Eurogrid, experiments were conducted onboard commercial fishing vessels in all five participating countries (Denmark, France, Norway, Scotland and Sweden). The experiments covered four different species (cod, haddock, whiting, saithe) and five different bar distances. Efforts were made to determine the effective selectivity of the compound gear, consisting of both grid and codend combined, as well as individual components.

  The large variability of vessel and gear sizes, deck layout and gear handling methods between individual national fleets necessitated the use of different experimental designs for measuring selectivity. These differences meant that no final conclusions could be drawn as to the selective properties of the Eurogrid compared to a standard 100 mm diamond meshed
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  codend. However, the results indicate that they are similar to those of other sorting grids used in bottom trawl.

  The user-friendliness of the Eurogrid (the low weight, flexibility and ability to be wound around a net drum) makes this a good option in fisheries where grids may be made mandatory. Alternatively it could be used on a voluntary basis. To accompany the final report an installation manual explaining to each fishing industry how the grid is fitted into the gear is available in each of the five languages, together with a short videotape describing the project. In the UK the final design of Eurogrid was featured on the Fisheries Research Services (Marine Laboratory) stand at Fishing 2003 in the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow. A paper summarising the final report is currently being prepared for a refereed scientific publication.

  The United Kingdom contributed a total of£323,212 to this project, but this was offset by income of £190,000 from the EU under the 5th Framework programme of research.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received from(a) fishermen and (b) their representatives on the accuracy of scientific assessments of the levels of fish stocks; and what assessment she has made of alternative modelling paradigms from non-International Council for the Exploration of the Sea sources. [150316]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Some claim that the assessment methods underestimate the amount of fish in depleted stocks subject to recovery plans, although some also appear to accept the results of the same methods applied to stocks that are either stable or increasing. An alternative 'paradigm', which is not about stock assessment but about how stocks should be managed, has been considered, but we do not accept that in the ocean the remedy to over-fishing is to fish even harder.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether cod migration occurs from the North Sea to the Atlantic fisheries; and whether migration is increased by inter-species competition and pressure on food supplies. [150475]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  There is no scientific evidence that cod move out into the Atlantic fishing areas, or that migrations have been affected by food availability or inter-specific competition.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the factors that determine whether a fish species will predate on its own spawn; and what measures can be taken to avoid this in commercial fisheries. [150477]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Some species eat the eggs of other fish species, but the literature provides no evidence from around the UK that self-predation of spawn is a significant factor affecting commercial marine species with pelagic eggs.
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  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence her Department has collated on migration of cod stocks(a) to and (b) from the North Sea, and (i) to and (ii) from International Council for the Exploration of the Seas areas IVa and IVb; and what assessment she has made of whether all cod stocks exhibit similar migration patterns. [150486]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Tagging experiments have demonstrated that mature cod aggregate in numerous parts of the North Sea during the winter spawning season, and disperse later to occupy more widely distributed feeding grounds in summer. Most cod stocks exhibit broadly similar annual movement patterns, but their distance and complexity differ considerably between stocks.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers Fisheries Regional Advisory Committees will have(a) to decide on the regional total allowable catches for their areas and (b) to designate technical conservation measures; and what enforcement powers they will have. [152169]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) will be advisory bodies and will not at the outset have the power to take management decisions. Nevertheless, they will develop and prove themselves over time. Subject to a review, the role of RACs may strengthen in the future, but any extension of their powers would need to be agreed by Council on the basis of a Commission proposal.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risk to porpoises in UK waters from fixed seabed fishing nets; and if she will make a statement. [151988]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  We have carried out extensive research into the by-catch of harbour porpoises in set net fisheries. This research is set our in detail in the UK Small Cetacean By-catch Response Strategy published last year along with recommendations for action to reduce by-catch in these fisheries. I hope to make an announcement shortly on the implementation of this strategy.

  However, to be effective, action to address the by-catch problem is required on the part of all EU member states involved in the fisheries concerned, not just the UK. Discussions are currently taking place on European Commission proposals to protect dolphins and porpoises from injury or death in fishing gear.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with(a) the European Commission and (b) her European Union counterparts on the protection of dolphins from by-catch by trawler nets; and if she will make a statement. [152004]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  The importance of reducing dolphin and other small cetacean by-catch has been raised by the UK at ministerial level with the Fisheries Commissioner on a number of occasions and bilaterally with France. In particular, the UK has pressed for the introduction of a observer programme across the EU to broaden the information available about which fisheries, and which vessels, are involved in the dolphin by-catch problem.

  The Commission published, on 24 July 2003, a draft Council regulation concerning the incidental by-catch of cetaceans in fisheries. Discussions on this proposal are currently under way at official level.

  Defra is also continuing to fund work on the deployment of a separator grid to reduce dolphin by-catch in the offshore pair trawl fishery for bass. These trials have demonstrated that separator grids could provide the means to minimise dolphin by-catch in this fishery and the results of this research are being shared with European colleagues.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many salt water fisheries survey vessels, operating in home waters, carry out work for or on behalf of her Department. [149141]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  CEFAS Lowestoft uses two salt water research vessels for fish stock surveys. In addition, under the devolved administrations, stock surveys are carried out by two salt water research vessels in Scotland (SEERAD/FRS), and one research vessel in Northern Ireland (DARDNI). The work of the various vessels is co-ordinated nationally and internationally.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent on fisheries survey vessels carrying out work for or on behalf of her Department in each of the last five financial years. [149142]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The costs of the sea-days used for the several regional surveys of fish stocks carried out by the CEFAS Lowestoft research vessels were as follows:

  Financial year

  £ million

  1998–99

  1.09

  1999–2000

  1.02

  2000–01

  1.25

  2001–02

  1.73

  2000–03

  1.51

  This does not include the cost of other sea-going studies by CEFAS vessels.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the implications are of fish categorised as grey fish being landed for the(a) accuracy of catch landing data and (b) estimation of fish stocks. [150921]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Landings are an important factor in calculating fish mortality (the amount of fish taken from the sea) which forms an integral part of stock assessment.
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  The amount of fish discarded at sea is another factor. The quality of data will impact on forecasting certainty and scientific advice on the state of fish stocks. It does not follow however that higher than recorded landings mean that individual fish stocks are in a healthier state.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the amount by which it would be safe to increase haddock quotas in(a) tonnage and (b) percentage terms above 2003 levels in ICES areas IVa and IVb if other fish stocks were disregarded. [150855]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  For this stock, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) expresses the single species exploitation boundary as the precautionary level of fishing effort (Fpa). ICES did not make a specific forecast for 2004 because of the difficulty of estimating the biomass levels due to uncertainty about recent landings data. It would not, in any case, be safe to disregard other fish stocks in setting haddock quotas.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the impact of coastal erosion on the safety of coastally-sited nuclear power stations; and if she will make a statement on the(a) cost and (b) effectiveness of measures being taken in relation to this issue. [152970]

  Mr. Timms
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Health and safety Executive (HSE) license all nuclear power stations under the Nuclear Installations Act 1965. Flood risks, which are enhanced by coastal erosion, are one category of external hazards that HSE require to be addressed in safety cases for nuclear plant.

  Safety cases are prepared by the plant operator. They are scrutinised and then reviewed periodically (at intervals not greater than 10 years) by HSE. This provides an opportunity to ensure that operators are updating their predictions. The cost of HSE reviewing safety cases is recovered from the industry.

  The Office of Science and Technology (OST) is currently performing a major study on the future of flooding and coastal erosion as part of its Foresight programme. The study is looking 30–100 years ahead and is considering the drivers of future risks from flooding and coastal erosion; the magnitude of those risks if existing policies remain unchanged; and possible policy choices which could mitigate future risks.

  The project has evaluated future erosion rates and has found that these are likely to increase in many parts of the UK, although the changes will be very location specific, and are likely to be extremely variable. The project has noted that major assets and infrastructure, including certain nuclear power stations, are on stretches of the coast where the increased erosion could be substantial. However the precise change in risk of such coastal assets will be very dependant on the details of the location. Such analysis is beyond the scope of the project. The Foresight project is due to report its findings in April 2004.
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  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the progress her Department has made in implementing the Rural White Paper. [152617]

  Alun Michael
  The recent review of progress on implementation shows that considerable progress has been made on the programme set out in the Rural White Paper. The creation of Defra, with a clear remit for rural policy, and a Cabinet Committee on Rural regeneration has strengthened the rural agenda significantly.

  Copies of the recent White Paper Review are available in the Library of the House. It show that the vision continues to command widespread support. Evidence from our Rural Research Centre—established by Defra and led by Birkbeck College—provides a clean and firm basis for refreshing our rural policy.

  Progress in delivering the commitments in the Rural White Paper is set out at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/ruralwp/timetable.htm. The present plan shows progress to 31 August 2003. An updated plan showing progress to 31 December 2003 will shortly be on the Defra website at the same address.

  Details of the Rural White Paper Review can be seen at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/rwpreview/ default. Htm

  Further information about the Rural Research Centre is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/latest/2004/ruralwhite-0104.htm

  Scottish White Fish Fleet
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what measures may be taken, in terms of gear design, to enhance selectivity when fishing in a mixed white fish fishery to(a) optimise the haddock catch, and (b) minimise the cod by-catch; [149120]

  (2) what escape strategy is adopted by (a) cod and (b) haddock in the North Sea grounds when confronted by a trawl net; [149139]

  (3) what technical measures, in terms of fishing gear design and operating procedures, can be applied to minimise cod by-catch in prawn fisheries; [150297]

  (4) what assessment her Department has made of raised footrope trawls as a means of reducing cod by-catch in mixed fisheries where the target species is haddock. [150488]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Considerable research is going on in Europe to find solutions to the mixed fishery problem. Depending on the season and area, species such as cod, haddock, whiting, saithe, flatfish and Nephrops can be caught at the same time. In the waters round the UK, different solutions in terms of gear design may be required in Scottish, Irish, English or Danish fisheries, depending on the species present and their commercial importance to the fishermen.

  Observations of fish reactions in and around trawls by research scientists have shown that there are species specific behaviours and characteristics which may provide mechanisms for separation or exclusion.

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  Haddock and, to a lesser extent, whiting tend to rise in the mouth of a trawl as they tire. Cod, flatfish, monkfish and Nephrops keep low. Raising the footrope of the trawl or the use of semi-pelagic fishing gear may allow cod to escape under the net but other species may also be lost.

  The European Commission is currently funding two major research projects which aim to find solutions in mixed whitefish fisheries and in mixed whitefish/Nep/irops fisheries in the North Sea and Irish Sea. A key feature of this work is the close collaboration between fishermen's organisations, commercial skippers, netmakers and the UK fisheries institutes. The aim is to create solutions to these complex problems which are effective, practical, enforceable and acceptable to fishermen.

  Sudden Oak Death
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to ensure that plant and timber imports are free from sudden oak death. [149113]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993 (SI 1993/1320, as amended) sets out the controls on the import, movement and keeping of plants within the EU. The Order requires all plants entering the UK from third countries to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and are subject to inspection at import. For trade within the EU, specific disease control measures are applied at the place of production and plant passports may be issued that travel with consignments allowing their free movement between member states. From May 2002 measures to control the movement of plants susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum into and within the UK where introduced under the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (England) Order 2002. Following the agreement of community wide measures this Order was superseded in November 2002, by the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (England) (No. 2) Order 2002 (SI 2002 No. 2573). The latter applied specific disease control measures at the place of production to rhododendrons and viburnums, the two types of plant which have been most often found to be infected in Europe.

  Findings of Phytophthora ramorum in imported and UK origin plants are of concern and inspections at UK nurseries and ports of entry are to be stepped up to ensure that all consignments of plants moved into and within the UK are free from Phytophthora ramorum and meet plant passport requirements. Any consignment found to be infected, or not to have the correct documentation, will, as now, be destroyed.

  The regulations controlling imports of wood and wood products are set out in the Plant Health (Forestry) (Great Britain) Order 1993 (SI 1993/1283, as amended). These require that imports of wood of oak from North American countries are treated to protect against, in particular, another fungal organism Ceratocystis fagacearum, the cause of Oak wilt disease. The Forestry Commission concluded that these controls are effective against Phytophthora ramorum but that they needed to be extended to bring under regulation wood from other trees that are known to host this pathogen and which originate in the USA. The Forestry Commissioners therefore implemented emergency measures in June 2002 by way of the Plant Health (Phytophthora
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  ramorum) (Great Britain) Order 2002 (SI 2002 No. 1478). This Order was superseded in November 2002, to implement the European Community measures against Phytophthora ramorum, by the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Great Britain) (No. 2) Order 2002 (SI 2002 No. 2589).

  The Forestry Commission enforces the controls on wood and wood products through its system of import inspections carried out at ports of entry.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many(a) businesses, (b) landowners and (c) others have had all or some of their plant or tree stocks destroyed as a result of an outbreak of sudden oak death in the last two years. [151952]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  To categorise businesses, landowners and others would be misleading as there may be a cross over in some areas. For example a private landowner may also open their property to the public as a business. In the last two years, there have been 302 outbreak premises in England and Wales, 263 at nurseries and other retail outlets and 39 at established gardens, woods and other wild planting areas. All those on whom notices have been served have destroyed infected material. Others have done so voluntarily.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many claims, and of what total value, her Department has received for compensation for outbreaks of sudden oak death from(a) commercial nurseries, (b) landowners and (c) others in each of the last 24 months for which records are available; [151953];

  (2) how many claims for compensation for sudden oak death have been settled; and what payments have been made during the last two years. [151954]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Only one claim for compensation as been received in respect of destroyed stock following the finding of "Phytophthora ramorum" at a commercial nursery. We are unable to disclose precise details of this claim for legal reasons, but we can confirm this claim is still under consideration. Plant disease campaigns over many years have not incorporated compensation for the destruction of affected plants. Our position has been that the limited resources of the plant health service are better deployed in detecting and identifying outbreaks, and in carrying out research on risks and risk management measures. However, we have recently received an approach from industry organisations wishing to discuss possible risk-sharing mechanisms to avoid disproportionate losses to individual enterprises when action has to be taken against plant pests or diseases. We welcome this opportunity to explore the available options. The outcome of these ongoing discussions could have an effect on any individual claims we receive.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what(a) staff and (b) resources of (i) the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate and (ii) other departmental bodies are deployed to detect and control outbreaks of sudden oak death in the UK. [151955]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  Defra's 75 Plant Health and Seeds Inspectors are already employed for about 20 per cent. of their time on inspection and surveillance duties related to Phytophthora ramorum, known in the USA as sudden oak death. Therefore, although there is no specific budget allocation, this amounts to an expenditure of approximately £1.8 million in 2003–04.

  In response to the growing number of findings of this pathogen in England and Wales, Defra is redeploying around 20 additional staff to assist the Inspectorate in undertaking extra inspections at production nurseries, wild areas and ports of entry. They will be supplemented by the recruitment of six additional full-time Inspectors for 2004–2005. This is part of a package of measures announced on 4 December.

  Defra is also funding a substantial increase in sample diagnoses undertaken by the Central Science Laboratory (CSL), an executive agency of Defra, which is estimated to cost in excess of £750,000 to the end of 2004–2005. CSL is also involved in ongoing research into "Phytophthora ramorum" to the value of £370,000.

  The Forestry Commission (FC) has redirected about 23 staff onto a woodland survey in England and Wales, to be completed by April 2004, which will help us to assess whether Phytophthora ramorum is present in the wider environment. FC will be contributing £50,000 to CSL to fund diagnostics in support of this survey. Resources have also been redirected within the Forest Research Agency (FRA) into projects designed to help us better understand the disease. From January 2004 FRA is responsible for the co-ordination of an EU funded research project on "P. ramorum".

  In the devolved administrations the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) 5 Plant Health Inspectors already spend approximately 20–25 per cent. of their time on "Phytophthora ramorum" inspection and sampling duties. From January 2004 this team has been brought up to complement with a newly trained inspector. Although there is no specific budget dedicated to Phytophthora ramorum inspections, the total amount to an expenditure for 2003–04 is approximately £90,000.

  Seven Forestry Officers have been trained and, from January 2004, are spending approximately 10 per cent. of their time on Phytopthora. ramorum inspection and sampling work, primarily on DARD Forestry Service and private woodland sites with a budget of approximately £65,000. In addition, a Principal Scientific Officer is spending approximately 25 per cent. of his time in analysing samples for "P. ramorum". The budget for this work is approximately £50,000.

  For 2003–04 the number of Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department staff spending part of their time on detection and control of "Phytophthora ramorum" is seven, including one scientific officer. The total management plan resource employed in this work for 2003–04, to date, is £37,626.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent measures her Department has taken to ensure that plants and seeds infected with sudden oak death are not imported into the UK. [151956]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993 (SI 1993/1320, as amended) sets out the controls on the import, movement and keeping of plants within the EU. The Order requires all plants entering the UK from third countries to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and are subject to inspection at import. For trade within the EU, specific disease control measures are applied at the place of production and plant passports may be issued that travel with consignments allowing their free movement between member states. From May 2002 measures to control the movement of plants susceptible to Phytophthora ramorum into and within the UK where introduced under the Plant Health "(Phytophthora ramorum)" (England) Order 2002. Following the agreement of community wide measures this Order was superseded in November 2002, by the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (England) (No. 2) Order 2002 (SI 2002 No. 2573). The latter applied specific disease control measures at the place of production to rhododendrons and viburnums, the two types of plant which have been most often found to be infected in Europe.

  Findings of "Phytophthora ramorum" in imported and UK origin plants are of concern and inspections at UK nurseries and ports of entry are to be stepped up to ensure that all consignments of plants moved into and within the UK are free from Phytophthora ramorum and meet plant passport requirements. Any consignment found to be infected, or not to have the correct documentation, will, as now, be destroyed.

  Whale and Dolphin Conservation
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has received a copy of the joint report by Greenpeace and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, entitled The Net Effect. [150882]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Department has received a copy of the joint report "The Net Effect". I share Greenpeace and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society concern about the levels of cetacean bycatch in fisheries. Indeed we have carried out extensive research into this issue and produced a UK strategy for the reduction of small cetacean bycatch.

  Meaningful action to address the bycatch problem requires action on the part of all EU Member States involved in the fisheries concerned, not just the UK. Discussions are currently taking place on European Commission proposals to protect dolphins and small cetaceans from injury or death in fishing gear.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Cote d'Ivoire
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to assist the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire; and if he will make a statement. [153350]

  Mr. Mullin
  The UK fully supports the Linas Marcoussis Agreement (LMA) as the basis for sustainable peace in Côte d'Ivoire. Our engagement has included £4 million to help fund regional peacekeepers
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  and £800,000 in humanitarian aid. We welcome the progress made in the peace process since December 2003. We continue to urge all parties to proceed quickly with full implementation of the LMA, including the programme of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. We are supporting the early deployment of a UN peacekeeping operation to Côte d'Ivoire to assist this.

  Ethiopia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made in the last 12 months of human rights in Ethiopia. [153343]

  Mr. Mullin
  We continue to have concerns about the human rights situation in Ethiopia. In the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with Ethiopia in January 2003, the Government of Ethiopia made a commitment to protect the full range of human rights including economic and social rights of all Ethiopians, especially the poor. We are assisting the implementation of this commitment through our support for Ethiopia's poverty reduction strategy and through regular dialogue with the Ethiopian Government, as well as carefully monitoring their performance.

  EU Enlargement
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 27 January 2004.Official Report, column 148, if the Government will introduce a seven-year transition period for the free movement of workers from countries joining the EU on 1 May 2004. [152968]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Government's policy on free movement of workers after accession of the new member states on 1 May 2004 remains as set out in my answer of 27 January 2004.

  The Government will be monitoring the effect of the free movement of workers on the UK labour market and in the unexpected event of a large influx of workers to the UK, which threatens the level of employment or standard of living in a particular region or occupation, it would re-impose restrictions on workers.

  Iran
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the number of(a) injuries and (b) deaths which occurred among the population of Shahr-e Babak in the southern province of Kerman in Iran in January as a result of police and military action; and if he will make a statement. [152924]

  Mr. Rammell
  Iran's official media have reported that four people were killed and 40 were injured on 24 January in clashes between law enforcement forces and striking workers at a copper factory in Shahr-e Babak. President Khatemi is reported to have ordered an investigation.

  We are following the situation closely.
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  Iraq
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Sir Jeremy Greenstock will attend the planned meeting between the Iraqi Government Council and United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, on 19 January 2004. [149607]

  Mr. Rammell
  I apologise to my hon. Friend for the late response. Sir Jeremy Greenstock did attend.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the highest possible level of Kurdish independence and self-determination within a federal administration for Iraq. [153118]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Government are committed to maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq. The Government have no preferred model of federalism in Iraq. These are issues that the Iraqis need to decide among themselves during the constitutional convention scheduled for 2005.

  Publicity Campaigns
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on(a) advertising and publicity and (b) information campaigns in 2001–02. [152980]

  Mr. Mullin
  To provide a breakdown on spend for advertising and publicity, and information campaigns in the form requested would incur disproportionate costs. However, the total spend on all three activities in 2001–02 was £2,558,570. The major part of these costs was for generic publications, which were made available to all Foreign and Commonwealth Office Departments and overseas posts.

  In addition, the spend on recruitment advertising for 2001–02 was £2,791,659.

  Somaliland
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to encourage the EU to recognise the Republic of Somaliland. [153449]

  Mr. Mullin
  We have no immediate plans to encourage the EU to recognise an independent Somaliland.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to encourage the United Nations to assist in settling the disagreement between the state of Somaliland and the territory of Puntland concerning Las Anod. [153450]

  Mr. Mullin
  I share the hon. Member's concern about recent hostilities between Somaliland and Puntland and registered my anxieties with Somaliland foreign affairs spokesperson Edna Adan when I met her in Addis Ababa on 19 January. I understand that the two sides have drawn back and the traditional leaders and elders in the area are working hard to find a peaceful settlement. We see no need for UN intervention.
  1159W
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to provide assistance for parliamentary elections in the Republic of Somaliland. [153471]

  Mr. Mullin
  Yes. We stand ready to provide support to the parliamentary elections in Somaliland. We hope these will take place soon and make this point regularly to the Somaliland authorities.

  Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the(a) Chinese Foreign Minister and (b) Chinese ambassador to the Court of St. James's in connection with the imprisonment of Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche. [153294]

  Mr. Rammell
  I raised the case with Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in Beijing on 17 December 2003. He replied that Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche had had a fair and public trial and been sentenced in accordance with Chinese law.

  The latest EU demarche took place in Beijing on 4 February. In response, Mr. Wang Min, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Organisations and Conferences at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche was in good health and being held in Tuandong prison, Sichuan province.

  We have raised Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche's case with the Chinese authorities on a number of occasions, including in our bilateral human rights dialogue and through the EU. We have raised concerns about both his welfare and his medical treatment on other occasions.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Acquired Brain Injury
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have to provide central funding for community-based training and rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury in Northern Ireland after the Department of Employment and Learning ceases to provide further funding for the ReConnect training facility; and what alternative plans he has for funding this service. [152417]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Department for Employment and Learning and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety are currently considering the implications of the failure of ReConnect to win ESF funding for its work. As part of this process of consideration they will explore how best the training and rehabilitation needs of this client group can be met, in the longer term.

  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which Government Department is responsible for the provision of community-based training and rehabilitation of those with acquired brain injury in Northern Ireland. [152419]
  1160W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Department for Employment and Learning is responsible for the provision of support for individuals with acquired brain injury to help them reenter the labour market. This includes the provision of appropriate vocational training.

  The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is responsible for the provision of rehabilitation for people with a brain injury where this is required to meet assessed clinical or social need. This includes intensive in-patient rehabilitation and community-based social rehabilitation covering such areas as social and daily living skills.

  Draft European Constitution
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Minister for Europe on the Draft Constitution for the European Union and its impact on Northern Ireland. [152582]

  Mr. Pearson
  I am a member of the Joint Ministerial Committee on the European Union, which is chaired by the Foreign Secretary and of which the Minister for Europe is also a member. The Draft Constitutional Treaty on the European Union has been discussed at previous meetings of the Committee.

  Northern Ireland's position on European issues will continue to be represented through the appropriate channels at both official and ministerial levels.

  Flood Defences
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what projects(a) have been completed, (b) are under way and (c) are planned to deal with flooding in North Belfast; and what the costs are of each project. [152584]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have asked the Chief Executive of Water Service to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

  Kinnego Park
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a map of the land in the vicinity of Kinnego Park in Derry that is in the possession of the Road Service. [151587]

  Mr. Spellar
  I have arranged for the relevant map to be placed in the Library.

  Learning Difficulties
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what input the working group chaired by the Department of Education to consider future provision for young people with moderate learning difficulties has made to(a) the Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability Services commissioned and led by the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety, (b) the Children's Strategy Review led by the Office of the First and Deputy First Ministers and (c) the consultation exercise on Youth Services led by the Department of Education. [152143]
  1161W
  Jane Kennedy
  The Department of Education does not chair a group to consider future provision for the needs of young people specifically with moderate learning difficulties. It does, however, chair an Inter Departmental Working Group (IDG) that is looking at the transition of young people with statements of special educational needs to adult life.

  (a) The Chair of the IDG is a member of the Promoting Social Inclusion sub-group of the Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability Steering Group. The Education and Training Inspectorate is represented on both the Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability Steering Group and the Children and Young People Task Group, as well as the IDG.

  (b) The IDG has made no direct input to the development of the Strategy for Children and Young People. However, the Department is represented on the interdepartmental group which is overseeing the development of the strategy and through this forum will ensure that the strategy takes account of the various initiatives in which the Department is involved.

  (c) It is not clear to which consultation exercise the question refers. Issues which have indications for the Youth Service will be drawn to the attention of the relevant authorities.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost to his Department of using management consultants has been in each of the last five years. [148029]

  Number (wte) employed in North/South Implementation Bodies at 5 November 2003

  Body

  Permanent

  Secondees

  Temporary

  Placements

  Total

  The Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

  35

  1

  2

  2

  40

  Waterways Ireland

  314.12

  1

  11

  —

  326.12

  The Trade and Business Development Body

  38.6

  1

  —

  2

  41.6

  The Special EU Programmes Body

  36

  2

  6

  —

  44

  The North/South Language Body

  40.1

  3

  1.4

  1

  45.5

  The Food Safety Promotion Board

  19

  —

  9

  1

  29

  Grand total

  482.82

  8

  29.4

  6

  526.22

  Paramilitary Activities
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many paramilitary shootings there were in 2003, broken down by paramilitary group. [152354]

  Jane Kennedy
  It is not possible to provide the information in the level of detail requested. However, I can advise that during 2003 there were 154 paramilitary style shootings: 99 attributed to loyalists and 55 to republicans.

  Note:

  2003 statistics are provisional and may be subject to minor amendment.

  Police Service of Northern Ireland
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) police officers and (b) full-time reservists are attached to each district command unit; and if he will make a statement. [152526]
  1162W
  Mr. Pearson
  The total expenditure on use of management consultants1 for my Department (including the Northern Ireland Office, but excluding agencies and non-departmental public bodies) in each of the last five years was as follows:
  1Defined as consultancy work relating to policy appraisal and review, strategic management, organisational development and performance management.

  (£)

  1999–00

  11,193,814

  2000–01

  2,541,618

  2001–02

  3,104,216

  2002–03

  2,642,657

  2003–04

  1,639,617

  1 Following devolution five new NI Departments came into existence in December 1999 (the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Department of Employment and Learning, Department for Regional Development, Department for Social Development and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister). The first four months were largely taken up with the development of structures and strategies. Expenditure on consultancy was, therefore, relatively small.

  North-South Implementation Bodies
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the current staffing figures for each of the North-South implementation bodies. [152591]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Details of the staff employed in the North/South Implementation Bodies as at 5 November 2003 are provided in the table below:

  Jane Kennedy
  The figures requested as at 30 January 2004 are shown in the table.

  (FTE)

  DCU

  Regular

  Reserve CON

  Antrim DCU

  138.75

  46

  Ards DCU

  150.75

  48

  Armagh DCU

  129.5

  52

  Banbridge DCU

  91.5

  24.75

  Belfast East DCU

  216

  114

  Belfast North DCU

  356.5

  73

  Belfast South DCU

  350.75

  105

  Belfast West DCU

  247

  144

  Ballymena DCU

  138

  19

  Ballymoney DCU

  65

  12

  Carrickfergus DCU

  79

  41

  Coleraine

  134

  32

  Cookstown

  91

  24

  Craigavon DCU

  193.75

  43

  Castlereagh DCU

  126.5

  56

  Dungannon and South Tyrone

  142.75

  45

  Down DCU

  157.5

  54

  Fermanagh DCU

  183

  55

  1163W

  (FTE)

  DCU

  Regular

  Reserve CON

  Foyle DCU

  248

  63

  Larne DCU

  82

  16

  Limavady DCU

  83

  22

  Lisburn DCU

  233.25

  79

  Magherafelt DCU

  94

  45

  Moyle DCU

  27

  10

  Newtownabbey DCU

  156

  24

  North Down DCU

  156.75

  65

  Newry and Mourne DCU

  196.75

  59

  Omagh DCU

  125

  32

  Strabane DCU

  111

  44

  Totals

  4,504

  1,446.75

  The table represents those officers specifically attached to District Command Units. A further 2,654 regular and 173 full-time reserve officers are attached to headquarters and regions, many of whom (such as those within Tactical Support Groups, Regional Crime Squads and Road Traffic Policing) are also deployed to assist officers in individual District Command Units as necessary.

  Note:

  It should be noted that where officers are listed as, for example,. 75 or. 25 this equates to hours worked of full-time staff who have elected to work part-time.

  Public Order
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been charged with an offence arising out of disturbances in North Belfast on 12 July 2003. [152395]

  Jane Kennedy
  No persons have been charged with public order offences in North Belfast on 12 July 2003.

  Racism
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will attend the Anti-Racist Network rally in Belfast City Hall on 27 January; and whether his Department is providing financial assistance for the rally. [151137]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I was unable to attend the rally in Belfast due to commitments in Westminster. I understand that an official from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister's Race Equality Unit attended.

  Sinn Fein
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the recent comments by the Justice Minister of the Republic of Ireland that Sinn Fein benefits from criminal activity. [152359]

  Jane Kennedy
  I am aware of the recent comments by the Irish Government, and we maintain close contact with them. Investigation of specific allegations of criminal activity is a matter for the Chief Constable. More generally, PIRA and other paramilitary involvement in criminal activity is well documented, as is the range of action being taken against it.
  1164W

  Speed Limits
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the tolerance levels permitted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland are for motorists exceeding the speed limit and who have been detected using(a) fixed cameras, (b) mobile cameras and (c) other detection devices; and how long these tolerance levels have been in force. [152847]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Northern Ireland Safety Camera Scheme was launched on 1 July 2003, comprising four fixed sites and over 70 mobile enforcement sites. To date a total of 10,321 motorists have been detected through the scheme.

  The PSNI do not think that it would be appropriate to disclose the threshold they operate to in respect of speeding offences as this may lead motorists to make an assumption that it is safe to travel at this speed without fear of detection, thus contributing to an increase in the overall average speed of vehicles on our roads.

  The purpose of a threshold is to allow for inaccuracies in the target vehicle's speedometer and to provide a consistency in police enforcement. The threshold does not vary according to the type of enforcement being conducted, however should there be extenuating circumstances, for example, children entering and leaving school, the threshold may be lowered in order to deal with offending motorists.

  The thresholds have been in place since October 2001.

  St. Cecilia's College
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment has been made of the(a) size and (b) physical condition of the buildings at St. Cecilia's College, Derry, for the purposes of delivering the Northern Ireland curriculum; and what the time scale is for replacement of the school buildings; [151573]

  (2) what assessment he has made of whether the (a) size and (b) physical condition of the buildings of St. Cecilia's College, Derry, are sufficient for the purposes of delivering the Northern Ireland Curriculum; and what his Department's plans are for the timing of replacement school buildings. [149654]

  Jane Kennedy
  St. Cecilia's College suffers from a number of serious deficiencies in the level of permanent accommodation. A major capital works scheme to address these deficiencies was announced in March 2001 and a project board has been established to take forward the scheme through a public private partnership arrangement. It is anticipated that, subject to securing a successful outcome from current discussions on the site issues affecting the school, it should be possible for the scheme for a new school to progress shortly to public advertisement. I would hope that the scheme could be completed within about 2½ years following the advertisement.

  Surgery (Gall Stones and Kidney Stones)
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland
  1165W
  have required surgery for the treatment of (a) gall stones and (b) kidney stones, in each of the past five years. [152922]

  Angela Smith
  The information is as follows:

  (a)The following table shows the total number of patients in Northern Ireland who had surgery for gall stones in each of the last five financial years.

  NI total

  1998–99

  1,781

  1999–2000

  1,798

  2000–01

  1,829

  2001–02

  1,834

  2002–03

  2,119

  (b) The following table shows the total number of patients in Northern Ireland who had surgery for kidney stones in each of the last five financial years.

  NI total

  1998–99

  191

  1999–2000

  216

  2000–01

  213

  2001–02

  199

  2002–03

  360

  Source:

  Hospital Inpatients System.

  Teacher Vacancies
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teacher vacancies there were in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and what steps he is taking to reduce such figures. [151321]

  Jane Kennedy
  Information on teaching vacancies is not held by the Department of Education nor collated by the relevant employing authorities as figures change very frequently due to workforce mobility. However, a survey into possible teacher shortages in the post-primary sector, carried out by researchers from Stranmillis University College in June 2003, indicated 86 vacancies out of a total teaching force of over 10,000 in that sector.

TREASURY

  Immigration
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to change his estimate of immigration in the(a) short, (b) medium and (c) long terms to take account of likely numbers of immigrants from Eastern European countries which will accede to the EU this year. [153094]

  Ruth Kelly
  The latest (2002-based) official population projections for the United Kingdom were published by the Government Actuary's Department in December 2003. At present, the precise impact of enlargement of the European Union cannot be predicted. However, recent Home Office research has concluded that the effect on the UK is likely to be fairly small.
  1166W
  National population projections are normally carried out biennially and the next set is scheduled for publication in 2005. As usual, there will be a full review of migration assumptions for these projections. The need for an additional allowance for the effects of EU enlargement will be reviewed at the time.

  Community Amateur Sports Clubs
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many community amateur sports clubs he estimates will benefit from 80 per cent. mandatory rate relief in(a) Lancashire and (b) Chorley. [153123]

  John Healey
  It is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 clubs in the UK might be eligible to apply for registration as a community amateur sports club (CASC). Details of clubs by town or county are not held centrally.

  All eligible clubs in England and Wales will be able to receive mandatory rates relief of 80 per cent. from April 2004. Local authorities can increase this relief to 100 per cent. at their own discretion.

  Economic Inactivity
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were economically inactive and what the economic inactivity rate was for each quarter since Quarter 1 1997. broken down by(a) qualification level, (b) income bracket, (c) former profession where applicable, (d) age group and (e) sex, in each (i) constituency and (ii) region. [152932]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. George Osborne, dated 9 February 2004:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about economic inactivity. (152932)
  I regret that this information could only be provided in full at disproportionate cost. However, some of the higher-level information requested is published on the ONS website, or on the Nomis(database, both of which are available via the House of Commons Library.
  Information about economic inactivity levels by age and sex in each region is published in Table 10 of the Labour Market Statistics Regional First Releases, which can be accessed from the following page on the ONS website: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ press-release/Archive.asp. These estimates, from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), are subject to revisions. LFS estimates published in the Regional First Releases prior to 13 November 2003 are not directly comparable with current data. As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to sampling variability.
  ONS does not publish estimates of economic inactivity rates by age and sex for each region. However, these can be calculated by subtracting the economic activity rate (published in Table 9 of the Regional First Releases) from 100 per cent.
  For Parliamentary Constituency areas, ONS produces information about economic inactivity rates, but not levels, by age and sex. This information is available on a yearly basis and can be obtained from the Nomis(database.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what(a) benefits and (b) tax credits are available to people who are economically inactive. [152933]
  1167W
  Dawn Primarolo
  Incapacity Benefit, Carer's Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Income Support and Housing and Council Tax Benefit are the principal benefits available to working age people who are economically inactive. From this year all families with children and with annual pre-tax incomes of £58,000 or less are eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost was of(a) benefits and (b) tax credits paid to people who were economically inactive in each year since 1997. [152934]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Information on expenditure on benefits which are primarily paid to economically inactive people of working age is published in the Benefit Expenditure Tables on the Department of Work and Pensions' Website at www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ expenditure.asp. The Working Families' and Disabled Person's Tax Credits were only paid to households with one or more working adults. From this year all families with children and with annual pre-tax incomes of £58,000 or less are eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of(a) educational attainment, (b) skills gaps and (c) language barriers as causes of economic inactivity. [152937]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government have published an analysis of the extent and causes of inactivity and unemployment, and of the policies in place to address them, in "Full employment in every region" (HM Treasury/Department for Work and Pensions, December 2003), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  The Government's strategy to raise skill levels in the UK is set out in the White Paper "21st Century Skills—Realising our Potential" in July 2003 (Cm 5810).

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a summary of responses received to the consultation paper Economic instruments to improve household energy efficiency: consultation document on specific measures. [153763]

  John Healey
  The consultation was launched on 1 August 2003, and closed on 24 October. The Government received 126 responses, a summary of which was published on the Treasury's website on 11 December 2003, and a copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Euro
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect upon forecast euro area gross domestic product growth of the strength of the euro on the euro area trade route; and what assessment he has made of the implications of this effect for the UK economy. [153587]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Government will update their forecasts for the UK economy and the euro area in the Budget on 17 March, taking into account all relevant factors.
  1168W

  Family Expenditure Survey
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the definition of income in the family expenditure survey includes capital gains. [153616]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Dr. Vincent Cable, dated 9 February 2004:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking whether the definition of income in the Family Expenditure Survey includes capital gains. (153616)
  The definition of income used in the Family Expenditure Survey, and its successor from 2001–02, the Expenditure and Food Survey, does not include capital gains. This is in accordance with international guidelines. Further detail is available on the National Statistics website at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ downloads/theme_social/Family_Spending_2001_02_revised/ Family_Spending_revised.pdf

  International Finance Facility
  Ms Drown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution the UK will make to the International Finance Facility to 2015; and what proportion of projected GDP this represents. [152921]

  John Healey
  Final decisions on contributions to the proposed International Finance Facility can only be taken in conjunction with donor partners.

  For our part, the UK Government stands ready to commit the additional resources pledged at the 2002 Monterrey Conference, where all EU states agreed to reach 0.39 per cent. ODA/GNI from 2006. The most recent Spending Review announced that UK ODA would reach £4.9 billion from 2005–06, or 0.4 per cent. ODA/GNI, thereby exceeding our Monterrey commitment. This represents a 93 per cent. increase in UK official development assistance since 1997.

  MOD Expenditure
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those categories of expenditure within which the Ministry of Defence may normally incur commitments within existing budgetary limits without the need to refer to his Department. [153516]

  Mr. Boateng
  A list of categories within HM Treasury's financial delegation to MOD has been placed in the Library of the House.

  National Savings Bank Accounts
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions took place between the Treasury, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and non-governmental organisations representing the elderly prior to the decision to withdraw the National Savings Bank Blue Ordinary Account; and if he will make a statement. [153474]

  Ruth Kelly
  National Savings and Investments' primary role is to raise cost-effective financing for the Government and it can only achieve this by offering savings and investment products which are attractive to customers and which they want to buy.
  1169W
  The Ordinary Account, set up in 1861, has changed little since it was introduced. Due to extensive changes in the savings market, the Ordinary Account no longer reflects customers' savings needs. In light of this, and following research with a wide range of customers, National Savings and Investments decided, with the Treasury's approval, to close the Ordinary Account and open a new and more appealing product—the Easy Access Savings Account. The features of this new product are aimed at offering customers greater flexibility in managing their savings.

  The Post Office remains a key channel for National Savings and Investments and the new Easy Access Savings Account has been specifically developed with them to take advantage of their new network banking capability.

  Although neither the Treasury nor National Savings and Investments had direct discussions with the National Federation of Sub Postmasters, the Post Office engaged in direct discussions with the Federation on how to introduce the new account and close the Ordinary Account.

  In December, as the first public announcement of the planned changes was made, special interest groups, including those with a special interest in the elderly, were informed by the Post Office and National Savings and Investments. National Savings and Investments also offered to discuss their plans directly with these groups as well as with the Federation.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what provision will be made to enable National Savings Bank Blue Ordinary Account holders without bank accounts to transfer funds to a National Savings Bank Easy Access Account; [153475]

  (2) whether post office card accounts are acceptable in lieu of bank accounts for the purpose of transferring from National Savings Bank Blue Ordinary accounts to National Savings Bank Easy Access accounts. [153476]

  Ruth Kelly
  In common with many other providers, National Savings and Investments' new Easy Access Savings Account requires a customer to have a bank or building society account to receive repayments. The Easy Access Savings Account will therefore not be suitable for those without such an account. However, National Savings and Investments offer other products, including the Investment Account, which can be operated without the need for a bank account. The Post Office card account is limited to receiving pension or benefit payments only and no other credits so would not be suitable as an alternative to use with an Easy Access Savings Account.

  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what facilities will be made available to give persons holding National Savings Bank blue ordinary accounts who do not have a bank account access to their funds after 31 July. [153451]

  Ruth Kelly
  After 31 July 2004, if a customer wishes to make a withdrawal from their Ordinary Account— which must be to close the account—the arrangements will remain as they currently stand. A customer who 1170W
  does not have a bank account can request an uncrossed warrant that can be encashed at a chosen Post Office branch.

  Penrose Report
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reasons are for the delay in the publication of the Penrose Report on Equitable Life. [153796]

  Ruth Kelly
  As set out in my written statement of 5 January 2004, the Treasury intends to publish the report in full as soon as possible. There will be an announcement about publication in due course.

  Provision for Defence Capability
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the net cash requirement for Request for Resources 1: Provision for Defence Capability is for financial years 2001–02 to 2002–03; and what the planned net cash requirement is for financial years 2003–04 to 2005–06. [153023]

  Mr. Boateng
  For 2001–02 and 2002–03, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the Ministry of Defence's Report and Accounts 2002–03 (published in October 2003) and for the current year to the Winter Supplementary Estimate for 2003–04 (published in November 2003). Net Cash Requirement figures for 2004–05 and 2005–06 are not held.

  R and D Tax Credit
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the small businesses that have applied for the research and development tax credit have had their applications accepted in each year since 2000. [152527]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The number of claims from small companies received in each year since 2000 is given in my answer to a question from the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. O'Brien) of 19 January 2004,Official Report, column 1045W. The figures provided represent the number of Corporation Tax Self Assessment returns where companies have claimed research and development tax credits.

  Spirit Duty (Evasion)
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful prosecutions there were for evading duty on spirits in 2001–02. [152946]

  John Healey
  In 2001–02 there were nine prosecutions for evading duty on spirits, of these seven were successful and two were unsuccessful.

  Additionally 99 prosecutions were brought for cases involving the evasion of duty on mixed excise goods, some of which may have included spirits.

  Figures for the current and future years will be reported by HM Customs and Excise in their Annual Report.
  1171W

  Theatre Tax Receipts
  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate total tax receipts accruing to the Exchequer from the theatre sector through(a)the taxation of theatre companies' profits and (b)VAT on the sale of theatre tickets. [153231]

  John Healey
  Corporation Tax data do not identify receipts from the theatre sector separately from other Recreational Services.

  The VAT due on the sale of theatre tickets is estimated at around £45 million. This estimate does not take account of any input VAT reclaimed by businesses on the purchase of theatre tickets.

  Tripartite Committee on Financial Stability
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to whom the minutes of the Tripartite Committee on Financial Stability are distributed; and when and under what circumstances they can be made available to hon. Members. [153726]

  Ruth Kelly
  The minutes of the Tripartite Committee are distributed to the Chancellor, the Financial Secretary and other officials at the Treasury, Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority. The minutes must remain confidential because of constraints under EC and UK law, because publication could discourage private sector practitioners and foreign financial authorities from supplying information on an informal basis and because the material is often market sensitive.

  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the agenda items covered by the monthly meetings of the Tripartite Committee on Financial Stability in the last six months. [153727]

  Ruth Kelly
  The agendas of Tripartite Standing Committee meetings must remain confidential because even the disclosure that a certain issue has been discussed could be market sensitive, or in some circumstances, exacerbate problems which the Committee is seeking to address.

  The range of subjects that the Committee has discussed was described in a note by HM Treasury to the Treasury Committee in January 2003.

CONSTITIONAL AFFAIRS

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when he will reply to the letter to him dated 15 December 2003 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. W. Stewart. [151235]

  Mr. Lammy
  I apologise to my right hon. Friend for the delay in replying to his letter of 15 December last. The position in relation to Mr. Stewart's dealing with the Legal Services Commission is that the Commission wrote to his solicitors on 22 January, requesting that they submit their bill of costs within 28 days. I hope to be in a position to report to him further during the week 23 February.
  1172W

DEFENCE

  Afghanistan
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what type of secure communications systems are available to British troops in Afghanistan; [153054]

  (2) what (a) type and (b) quantity of secure communications British (i) foot and (ii) mobile patrols have in Afghanistan. [153050]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]The United Kingdom's forces deployed in Afghanistan are equipped with a range of static and mobile secure communications systems. Static systems operating through satellite ground stations link both the United Kingdom's contingent serving in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and the provincial reconstruction team (PRT), into the Ministry of Defence's wider secure communications network. The ISAF contingent also uses an encrypted very high frequency radio system for both vehicle and foot patrols while the PRT relies on tactical satellite communications systems. I am withholding further details of these systems and the numbers in accordance with exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to Government information.

  Aircraft Carrier
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on current projections of cost and capability for the new aircraft carrier programme. [149775]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme is currently in its Assessment Phase. Decisions on the programme beyond that stage, including the capability which CVF will deliver, will be taken at the Main Gate investment point.

  Our current estimate for the cost of the Demonstration and Manufacture contract is around £3 billion. These cost estimates will be further refined during the remainder of the Assessment Phase.

  Ammunition
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts for the production of ammunition have been awarded to foreign companies in circumstances where a British company has bid for the contract in the last five years; and who the(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful companies were in each case. [152007]

  Mr. Ingram
  Over the past five years some 44 contracts for ammunition have been placed with foreign companies. However, we are unable to verify whether British companies bid for these contracts as the information on unsuccessful bidders is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  1173W
  The successful contractors by country were as follows:
  Belgium
  FN Herstal
  Germany

  Dynamit Nobel GmbH

  Silberhutte

  Raug Munitions

  Nico Pyro

  MEN

  Shamban Aerospace Sealing

  Israel
  Israel Military Industries
  Italy
  Simmel
  Netherlands
  Erometaal
  Norway
  Nammo Raufoss
  South Africa
  Swartklip
  Milkor (PT Y) Ltd.
  Sweden
  Nammo Vanasverken
  Bofors
  USA
  General Dynamics

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which foreign contractors after winning an ammunition contract have refused to supply the goods in the last five years; and what the reasons given for doing so were in each case. [152008]

  Mr. Ingram
  There have been no known cases in the last five years of foreign contractors refusing to supply ammunition which they were contracted to do so.

  Armed Forces Accommodation (Wales)
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the standard of armed forces accommodation in Wales. [151740]

  Mr. Caplin
  Separate figures for Wales are not readily identifiable and could only be provided at disproportionate cost. However, within the Western Region, of which Wales is a part, there are 3,683 core family properties of which 2,446 are in the top category for quality. Single Living Accommodation, which provides some 3,800 bed-spaces in Wales and 1,462 are in the top two quality categories.

  Arms Purchases
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government have used a contractor to purchase weapons from abroad for supply to another foreign user; and if he will make a statement. [146688]

  Mr. Ingram
  No form of arrangements have been made with a contractor to purchase weapons from abroad for supply to a foreign user outside of the governing UK export control system.
  1174W

  Artillery Weapons
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on deciding which weapons would best meet the Army's future Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapons System Gun requirement. [152006]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapons System Gun programme is currently in its Assessment Phase. A decision on the best solution for this requirement is not expected before 2006.

  Cluster Munitions
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department was informed of the purchase in early 2003 by BAE Systems UK from Israel Military Industries of 26,000 155 mm L20 cluster artillery shells; whether the order was made at the behest of his Department; what his Department's response was in respect of this proposed purchase; on what date a Minister was first notified of this proposed purchase and what his response was; on what date his Department purchased these cluster shells from BAE Systems and at what cost; for what reason his Department purchased these cluster shells from BAE Systems rather than from Israeli Military Systems directly; and if he will make a statement. [146471]

  Mr. Ingram
  A contract was let with BAE Systems on 7 November 2002 by the Defence General Munitions Integrated Project Team (DGM IPT). Deliveries from that contract were made in March, May, June and July 2003. I am withholding details of the cost of these munitions in accordance with Exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information as it is classified Commercial in Confidence. It is normal practice under the Framework Partnering Agreement with the Royal Ordnance Defence division of BAE Systems for the DGM IPT to use the company as a Prime Contractor whenever it is cost effective and adds value to do so. In this case, these requirements were met since BAE Systems were able to negotiate favourable rates for the shell.

  Colchester Garrison
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many companies are in negotiations with the Ministry of Defence over the Colchester Garrison Private Finance Initiative agreement; [153518]

  (2) how long negotiations for the Colchester Garrison Private Finance Initiative agreement have been taking place. [153517]

  Mr. Caplin
  As I announced on 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 30WS, the Ministry of Defence has reached agreement with RMPA Services plc to redevelop and operate Colchester Garrison under a Private Finance Initiative. RMPA Services plc are a consortium, comprising Sir Robert McAlpine, W. S. Atkins plc, Sodexho and HSBC Infrastructure. Negotiations with the consortium commenced in October 1999 when they were appointed preferred bidder.
  1175W

  Departmental Land
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total expenditure on the maintenance of land owned by his Department within the UK was in 2002–03. [142286]

  Mr. Caplin
  The total expenditure on the Defence Estate in financial year 2002–03 for works services, accommodation stores, redevelopment, building maintenance, major housing works and some project expenditure on both land and buildings was £1.5 billion.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his Answer of 8 December 2003,Official Report, column 274W, on departmental land, what the cost of maintaining land owned by his Department was in each of the last five years; and what the value is of the land. [148965]

  Mr. Caplin
  The following figures include costs for each of the last four full financial years for works services, accommodation stores, redevelopment, building maintenance, major housing works and some project expenditure on both land and buildings. There is no published information for 1998–99.

  Financial year

  £billion

  1999–2000

  1.1

  2000–01

  1.2

  2001–02

  1.2

  2002–03

  1.5

  The value of land owned by the Ministry of Defence is available on the Fixed Assets Register which can be accessed at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/mediastore/ otherfiles/217. pdf

  DSA Marketing and Sales Agreements

  SRL No.

  Contractor

  Commodity

  Current Contractor

  1

  Azcom

  Office and Domestic Furniture

  2

  Babcock

  Commercial Vessels

  3

  Babcock

  Misc Items (RMA)

  4

  BAE Systems

  Stingray MODO and Tigerfish

  5

  Cronifer

  Sale of Stock and Reusable Metals

  6

  Donelan

  Office and Domestic Furniture

  7

  Ecosse Hospital Products Ltd.

  Hospital Products

  8

  Field Textiles

  Clothing and Textiles

  9

  JCM

  Sale of surpluses from private sector and Gazelle Helicopters

  10

  Leyland Trucks Ltd.

  Sale of Leyland 4 tonne trucks to Kenya

  11

  Liquidity Services Intl

  Surplus Ship, Aircraft and A Veh. Spares

  12

  MBDA UK Ltd.

  Rapier Eqpt and Spares

  13

  Office Green

  Toner and Ink Jet Cartridges and Mobile Phones

  14

  PAL Carriers Ltd.

  Office and Domestic Furniture

  15

  Penman Eng Ltd.

  APV 1.5 Vehicles

  16

  Ramco

  Misc. Items and Catering Eqpt. (RMA)

  17

  Recommit

  Computers Associated Eqpt.

  18

  RO PLC/BAE

  Army Ammunition

  19

  Sigma Aerospace

  ALISON T-56 AERO ENGINES

  20

  Silver Lining

  Surplus Computers Associated Eqpt.

  1176W

  Disposal Contractors
  Mr. Djanogly
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what provision the Department has made for exceptional legal costs associated with litigation with disposal contractors; [151582]

  (2) how many sets of barristers' chambers have been employed by the Disposal Services Agency for litigation against disposal contractors since 1997, broken down by litigation action; [151589]

  (3) what the (a) external legal and (b) total costs were of settling each claim by the Disposal Services Agency against disposal contractors in each year since 1997, broken down by contractor; [151590]

  (4) how the accounts of the Disposal Services Agency indicated costs incurred for legal action involving disposal contractors in each year since 1997; [151591]

  (5) which disposal contractors are in litigation with the Disposal Services Agency; and how many other disputes may result in litigation, broken down by contractor; [151592]

  (6) how many disposal contractors the Disposal Services Agency has been in litigation with on contractual matters in each quarter since 1997, broken down by contractor; and how many have been settled by each year end; [151593]

  (7) which disposal contractors have dealt with the Disposal Services Agency since 1997; [151594]

  (8) what the legal costs of defending each action by disposal contractors against the Disposal Services Agency were in each of the last five years; [152145]

  (9) if he will list the cases against the Disposal Services Agency which were settled (a) in court and (b) by arbitration in each of the last five years. [152146]

  Mr. Ingram
  A list of all the companies that have held disposal contracts with the Disposal Services Agency (DSA) for the collection, storage and marketing of surplus MOD stock since 1997 is set out as follows:
  1177W

  DSA Marketing and Sales Agreements

  SRL No.

  Contractor

  Commodity

  21

  Thales Air Defence

  Javelin "Starburst" S1 5

  22

  Thorn Microwave Devices

  RADAR (ESFKS)

  23

  Trackteck Industries

  Cymbeline (mortar location radar)

  24

  Victory Ltd.

  Wood and Copper HMS Victory

  25

  Withams

  Motor Vehicles (Non Armoured)

  Former Contractors

  26

  AMAC (UK) Ltd.

  Clothing and Textiles

  27

  Blue Chip International Disposals

  Misc. Items (RMA)

  28

  British Car Auctions

  Motor Vehicles

  29

  Compaq Ltd.

  Computers Associated Eqpt

  30

  EKO-TEK Power Ltd.

  Misc Items (RMA)

  31

  Digital Ltd.

  Computers Associated Eqpt.

  32

  Fourth Party Services Ltd.

  Computers Associated Eqpt.

  33

  Sartek (UK) Ltd.

  Computers Associated Eqpt.

  34

  Hall and Watts

  105mm Pack Howitzer

  35

  LC Trading

  Office and Domestic Furniture

  36

  Leafields Logistics and Tech. Services Ltd.

  Ship Spares

  37

  Leafields Logistics and Tech. Services Ltd.

  Misc. Items (RMA)

  38

  MASL

  Aircraft Spares

  39

  MGS (UK) Ltd.

  Misc Items (RMA)—Region 5 and 7

  40

  Military Vehicle Spares Ltd.

  Motor Vehicle Spares

  41

  RO Defence PLC

  Light Guns

  All of the DSA's contracts with these marketing contractors contain clauses within them that allow for the resolution of disputes. If, through normal dialogue between the parties, a dispute cannot be resolved, either party has the right to seek resolution of the dispute through litigation or arbitration. The arbitration process is in confidence.

  Since 1997, there has only been one case of arbitration and this is still ongoing. However, because the information refers to legal proceedings, I am withholding the details in accordance with Exemption 4c of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. There have been no court proceedings.

  If a dispute escalates into formal arbitration, legal costs may be incurred by the Department (depending upon the nature of the claim). These costs, however, may be recoverable depending on the outcome of the arbitration process.

  Fighter Jets
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether Harrier GR7/9 aircraft will be able to operate from CVF prior to the entry into the service of the joint strike fighter; [152242]

  (2) when he expects the joint strike fighter to enter into service. [152243]

  Mr. Ingram
  It would in theory be possible to operate Harrier GR9 from CVF but we have no requirement to do so. Current planning assumptions are that the primary aircraft operating from CVF will be the short take off vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the joint strike fighter which has been selected as the future joint combat aircraft (FJCA). Both CVF and FJCA are currently planned to come into service in 2012.

  Foreign Ships
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2004,Official Report, column 746W, on foreign ships, what
  1178W
  plans he has to change the process by which his Department charters foreign ships; how many foreign vessels were rejected for charter last year because they failed to meet the standards set by his Department; and what plans he has to increase the proportion of British ships flying the Red Ensign used by his Department. [153932]

  Mr. Ingram
  The process for chartering freight-carrying commercial ships is reviewed on a regular basis and was last reviewed during 2003, following the Iraq campaign, when a more robust risk-based assessment was incorporated. Specialist ships are chartered to deliver specific technical capability, primarily outside the United Kingdom and often with limited global availability.

  As I said in my previous reply, information on why ships fail consideration of charter is not held centrally. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The selection of ships for charter is dependent on a whole range of factors, of which flagging is but one. The Ministry of Defence charters ships in accordance with the European Union guidelines and to give bias to ships flying the Red Ensign would, therefore, run counter to such arrangements.

  Future Aircraft Carriers
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his latest estimate is of the maximum number of aircraft which will be capable of deployment on each future aircraft carrier. [146511]

  Mr. Ingram
  The CVF programme is currently in its Assessment Phase. This stage of work is intended to balance the key parameters of performance, time and cost in order to best meet our developing capability requirements, both in terms of the ships themselves and in the aircraft they will operate. The precise number of aircraft capable of being deployed on each CVF is still being finalised and will continue to evolve as the programme progresses.
  1179W

  HMS Bridport
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what repair work needed to be done to HMS Bridport in the 12 months before she was withdrawn from service; [150866]

  (2) what his assessment is of the cost of bringing HMS Bridport into operational service. [150867]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Essex (Mr. Jenkin) on 20 January 2003,Official Report, column 72W. During the 12 months before HMS Bridport was placed in extended readiness, no specific repair work needed to be done other than the routine maintenance and periodic safety related tasks which are necessary to enable RN ships to fulfil Fleet tasking. Should the decision be taken to return HMS Bridport to operational service, the cost of regeneration would depend on her material state and the plans for her future tasking at that time. Bridport was to have undergone a refit in 2002. However, in view of the decision to hold her in extended readiness, this work was not undertaken. Therefore, to regenerate her would require, as a minimum, an extended refit.

  Hutton Report
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who in his Department saw the embargoed version of Lord Hutton's report. [152677]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer, which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave on 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 758W.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Allan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost savings have been made in his Department since the introduction of the Information Technology Procurement Centre of Excellence; and how these were calculated. [151039]

  Mr. Caplin
  In June 2003 the Ministry of Defence set up a centre of excellence covering all procurement issues. MOD has not attributed cost savings to the Centre of Excellence.

  Iodine Tablets (Nuclear Submarine Berths)
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the reason was for the issuing of stable iodine tablets to members of the public living near the nuclear submarine berths at Loch Ewe and in Broadford Bay; and if he will make a statement. [147133]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is a berth at Aultbea (Loch Ewe) and a second at Broadford Bay that are designated as suitable for visits by operational nuclear-powered warships. Under the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations 2001 (REPPIR 2001), local authorities have responsibility for preparing an off-site emergency plan in the vicinity of such berths. Decisions on the distribution of Potassium Iodate Tablets form part of this planning activity.

  The purpose of emergency planning is to ensure that procedures are in place to maximise public safety. Following a review, Wester Loch Ewe Community
  1180W
  Council in consultation with NHS Highlands and Islands and the Northern Constabulary, and with advice from the Ministry of Defence, decided that the most practical and efficient means of ensuring that Potassium Iodate Tablets are readily available, in the very unlikely event of a nuclear incident at the Aultbea and Broadford Bay berths, would be to pre-distribute the tablets to the local population. The tablets have been distributed by the MOD, on behalf of the local authorities, to all properties, private and commercial, within a two kilometre radius of Aultbea and Broadford Bay within the last two weeks.

  Iraq
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Arabic speakers are employed by British forces in Iraq; in what situations they are employed; and from where they have been recruited. [145493]

  Mr. Ingram
  Arabic-speaking personnel working in Iraq include qualified interpreters who assist senior military and civilian officials, UK military specialists who mostly-deal with translation of classified information, interpreters employed in theatre (mainly Iraqis but also some Kuwaitis), civilians taken on locally to assist with general low-level communication with the Iraqi population and civilians locally recruited for some support and administrative tasks. The total number of Arabic speakers in Iraq is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Iraqi arms dumps have been discovered in Iraq since 1 May 2003; and if he will make a statement. [147172]

  Mr. Ingram
  As at 2 February 48 major Iraqi arms dumps had been identified in the Multinational Division (South East) area of responsibility. We are not in a position to comment on other areas of Iraq.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from members of the Iraqi Governing Council about alleged violations of human rights by coalition forces. [147664]

  Mr. Ingram
  We are not aware of any representations by members of the Iraqi Governing Council about alleged violations of human rights by coalition forces.

  David Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive the result of the investigation into the killing of six Iraqis last weekend; who is carrying out the investigation: and if he will make a statement. [148509]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 19 January 2004]During the crowd disturbance on 10 January in Al Amarah an Iraqi threw explosive devices at United Kingdom forces who were endeavouring to calm the situation. The Iraqi was preparing to throw a further device when he was shot and killed by a British soldier. In accordance with standard procedures the incident has been assessed by the local British Commander who concluded that the soldier acted fully within his R ales of Engagement.

  The deaths of the other five Iraqi civilians were not caused by British forces. Any investigation will be a matter for the relevant Iraqi authorities.
  1181W
  Mrs. Liddell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the liaison between the Multinational Division (South East) and community and religious leaders in Basrah. [143743]

  Mr. Ingram
  There is a wide variety of liaison activities conducted with community and religious groups on a frequent basis including by the General Officer Commanding United Kingdom forces. Meetings are held on a one to one basis with community and other influential leaders, governors, clerics and police officials. Larger meetings are held with representative associations such as local, tribal and provincial councils, political parties and provincial security committees. In addition the Division liaises on a more informal basis with professional groupings such as lawyers and academics.

  Military Equipment
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what riot control equipment is provided to British forces in the Gulf; in what circumstances this equipment is deployed; and whether it is available to all forces personnel who need it. [153049]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]Seven riot control packs are currently provided to British forces in the Gulf. Each pack supplies an 80-man company and includes batons, shields, visor helmets and baton guns. This equipment is available to British forces personnel who are deployed to support the Iraqi police service in the maintenance of public order and is used in accordance with the Rules of Engagement for Operation Telic.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Ministry of Defence Police is expected to make efficiency savings. [152239]

  Mr. Caplin
  The Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is required to identify, and make, efficiency savings through the departmental financial planning process.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Ministry of Defence Police stations have been closed in the past two years; and what representations he has received from police forces about the closure of Ministry of Defence Police stations. [152240]

  Mr. Caplin
  Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) station closures, during the last two years are detailed below:

  MOD Police Station

  Date of closure

  RO Nottingham

  8 February 2002

  ATR Lichfield

  25 March 2002

  HMS Cambridge

  31 March 2002

  AFC Harrogate

  29 July 2002

  Netheravon

  30 September 2002

  West Freugh

  30 September 2002

  Longcross Barracks

  30 November 2002

  DERA Pendine

  30 November 2002

  DERA Shoeburyness

  January 2003

  HMS Forest Moor

  31 October 2003

  Feltham Station

  30 January 2004

  1182W
  In addition, the MDP Agency Management Board have determined that MDP Area Policing Teams will be replaced by Divisional Support Groups (DSGs) in April 2004, involving some changes of locations. Mr. C. D. Lee, Deputy Chief Constable, Dorset Police and Mr. S. Long, Deputy Chief Constable, Wiltshire Constabulary, have both written to the Chief Constable, MDP about the planned MDP DSGs.

  Naval Ships (Sales Abroad)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Disposal Services Agency has given the Indian Government a quote for the sale of(a) HMS Invincible and (b) Sea Harrier FA2s. [152223]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Disposal Services Agency has had no communication with the Indian Government with regard to the sale of either HMS Invincible or Sea Harrier FA2s.

  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Disposals Services Agency has given the Chilean Government a quote for the sale of(a) Type 23 frigates and (b) Type 42 destroyers. [152224]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence maintains a dialogue with the Chilean Government with regard to Chile's future equipment requirements.

  However, the Disposal Services Agency has made no formal proposals to the Chilean Government with regard to the sale of either Type 23 frigates or Type 42 destroyers.

  Operation Telic (Helicopter Crashes)
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Board of Inquiry into the crash of two Sea King helicopters during Operation Telic will present its findings to his Department; and if he will make a statement. [152225]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Board of Inquiry reported on 29 April 2003. The Convening Officer at FLEET Headquarters confirmed that the BOI had fulfilled its Terms of Reference on 1 May 2003. Work was then undertaken by FLEET Headquarters to consider the recommendations, determine how matters could be taken forward and to consider the likely implications for other programmes and operations. This staffing work, which involved other agencies and included drawing up the timetable for implementing changes to operating procedures, was completed in November 2003.

  A full technical investigation, undertaken in parallel by the Royal Navy Flight Safety and Accident Investigation Centre is still under way, and the report of its findings is not expected for some time. These findings will be given in a Military Aircraft Accident Summary that will be placed in the Library of the House in due course.

  Procurement
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring system is in place to ensure consistency in the way that procurement competitions are held in each area of his Department. [151537]
  1183W
  Mr. Ingram
  The MOD does not have a single monitoring system in place to ensure consistency in the way that procurement competitions are undertaken. However competitive tendering and evaluation procedures are supported by strong processes operating within well established policy, including formally delegated responsibility and authority, which in itself drives consistency of approach in line with both European Directives and national law. The quality, impartiality and competence of the procurement staff who apply this policy also ensures consistency.

  RAF Machrihanish
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the suitability of RAF Machrihanish for storing radioactive waste. [153406]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 February 2004,Official Report, column 889W. RAF Machrihanish, along with a number of other sites, is currently being assessed for suitability to store radioactive material under Project ISOLUS. If any of these sites are found to be suitable in principle, public consultation, similar to that conducted at those sites already named in the outline proposals received from industry, will be undertaken.

  Regimental Bands
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current strength of each regimental band in the armed forces is; and if he will make a statement. [151189]

  Mr. Ingram
  The trained strength of each Services bands are as follows:

  Regimental band

  Strength

  Naval Service1,2

  Royal Marines Britannia Royal Naval College Band

  40

  Royal Marines Commando Training Centre Band

  45

  HQ Band Service

  10

  Royal Marines School of Music

  35

  Royal Marines Band Plymouth

  70

  Royal Marines Band Portsmouth

  85

  Royal Marines Band Scotland

  45

  Army3,4

  Life Guards

  30

  Blue and Royals

  30

  Dragoon Guards

  30

  Hussars and Light Dragoons

  30

  Royal Lancers

  30

  Royal Tank Regiment

  30

  Royal Artillery

  45

  Royal Engineers

  35

  Royal Signals

  30

  Grenadier Guards

  50

  Coldstream Guards

  45

  Scots Guards

  50

  Irish Guards

  45

  Welsh Guards

  45

  Highland

  35

  Lowland

  30

  Queens (Minden)

  30

  Queens (Normandy)

  30

  Kings (Waterloo)

  35

  Kings (Normandy)

  35

  1184W

  Regimental band

  Strength

  Prince of Wales (Lucknow)

  30

  Prince of Wales (Clive)

  35

  Light Division

  40

  Royal Irish Regiment

  35

  Parachute

  30

  Army Air Corps

  30

  Royal Logistic Corps

  35

  Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

  30

  Adjutant General's Corps

  Gurkha (GURTAM)

  Royal Air Force5,6

  Central Band of the RAF

  80

  Band of the RAF Regiment

  40

  Music Detachment at Cranwell

  40

  1 Royal Marines band service data provided by DASA.

  2 Strength as at 1 December 2003 and excludes 20 personnel not assigned to a Band unit. These individuals are usually deployed as Volunteer Band Instructors.

  3 Data supplied by Corps of Army Music (CAM).

  4 Strength as at 30 January 2004.

  5 Officers Music Branch and Other Ranks Musicians data supplied by DASA.

  6 Strength as at 1 December 2003 and excludes 10 personnel based at HQ Music Services in Uxbridge.

  Note:

  All figures include Officers and Other Ranks and have been rounded to the nearest five.

  South African Defence Minister (Visit)
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether(a) ministers and (b) officials from his Department met the former South African Defence Minister, Mr. Joe Modise, when he visited the UK during 1998; and whether his Department was informed of the visit by Mr. Modise to the UK and of the purpose of his visit. [151396]

  Mr. Ingram
  The former South African Defence Minister, Mr. Joe Modise met with Ministers and officials of the Ministry of Defence both in the United Kingdom and overseas in 1997. No record has been identified of an official visit to the UK in 1998 by Mr. Modise.

  Spearfish Torpedo
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in replacing the Spearfish heavyweight torpedo. [152005]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence is currently considering potential replacements for the Spearfish torpedo as part of its Submarine Launched Underwater Weapon programme. This is in the Concept Phase of its Acquisition Cycle and a number of possible enhancements are being investigated.

  Welsh Regiments and Battalions
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) regiments based in Wales were deployed in Iraq and (b) soldiers from Welsh battalions are stationed in Iraq. [151741]

  Mr. Ingram
  The only regiment currently based in Wales to have deployed to Iraq is the 14th Signal Regiment.
  1185W
  Approximately 480 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Wales and approximately 30 territorial army soldiers from the Royal Welch Regiment, are currently deployed on Operation Telic.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Children's Centres
  Dr. Tonge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what health care is provided to children in children's centres. [151121]

  Margaret Hodge
  Children's centres provide an opportunity for the enhancement and reshaping of health services for families with young children in the most disadvantaged areas of England. Services will vary according to local need but all children's centres must provide access to child and family health services. These services will include:

  ante-natal advice and support for parents;

  information and guidance on breast feeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety;

  identification, support and care for those suffering from maternal depression, ante-natally and post-natally;

  speech and language and other specialist support; and

  smoking cessation interventions.

  Health professionals will work with other Early Years professionals in education, family support and child care to ensure children's needs are met in an integrated way.

  Access Premium
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what amount of Access Premium has been allocated to each higher education institution. [153064]

  Alan Johnson
  The amount of funding for widening access and improving retention for each higher education institution in 2003/04 is set out in table 1 of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) publication 'Recurrent Grants for 2003–04, final allocations (2003/53)'. A copy of this document is available on the HEFCE's website athttp://www. hefce.ac.uk/Pubs/hefce/2003/03_53/.

  Access to Education
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) whether he enforces the statutory guidance document on access to education for children and young people with medical needs of November 2001; [151853]

  (2) when he last had reason to intervene in a local education authority's failure to implement the statutory guidance contained within the access to education for children and young people with medical needs document of November 2001; how many times in each of the last two years he has had to intervene; and what plans he has to update these guidelines. [151854]

  Margaret Hodge
  In November 2001, the Department for Education and Skills, jointly with the Department of Health, published statutory guidance, "Access to 1186W
  Education for Children and Young People with Medical Needs", which sets out national minimum standards of education for those children and young people who cannot attend school due to illness. This is statutory guidance and local education authorities (LEAs) must have regard to it. The needs of this group of children and young people are often complex. There is therefore an expectation that LEAs should be sensible in their implementation of the guidance.

  The DfES has been working to ensure that LEAs and schools are aware of their responsibilities under the guidance. The DfES has sponsored research on mapping best practice, including self evaluation tools for those working in the field. Also, Ofsted published last year a survey report on education provision for children with medical needs. A series of seminars is planned this year to disseminate the findings and recommendations of the Ofsted report and to further raise awareness of the statutory guidance.

  The guidance flows from section 19 of the Education Act 1996, which places a duty on LEAs to provide "suitable education" for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school because they are ill or excluded. The Secretary of State has not issued any directions to LEAs in the last two years for failing to provide suitable education for children who cannot attend school due to illness.

  Feedback on the guidance from those working with children and young people with medical needs is that it has had a positive impact. There are therefore no current plans to update the guidance.

  Children's Fund
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what grants have been made from the Children's Fund since it was set up. [152017]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Children's Fund programme was launched in November 2001 to fund the delivery of preventative services through 149 partnerships for 5 to 13-year-olds at risk. £187 million was made available to Children's Fund partnerships under in the 2000 Spending Review and £450 million in the 2002 Spending Review. The funding has mainly been distributed through the local partnerships. However, £21 million has been allocated to street crime initiative; £25 million to the development of the identification, and tracking project; £5.4 million for small grants to support for example child contact centres and £2.2 million for Young Recovery Projects.

  Children's Homes
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will provide the latest available figures for the number of places for children in privately-run children's homes in each county in England. [151315]

  Margaret Hodge
  Figures on the number of places for children in privately-run children's homes in each county in England are not collected by this Department. Information at 19 January 2004 is available from the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC) and
  1187W
  their most recent figures, collected by NCSC region, are shown in the table. Information is not available at county level.

  Number of independent places in privately-run children's homes at 19 January 2004

  NCSC region

  Number

  North West

  1,000

  South East

  992

  London

  693

  South West

  660

  West Midlands

  658

  East Midlands

  287

  Yorkshire and Humber

  272

  Eastern

  252

  North East

  166

  England

  4,980

  Source:

  National Care Standards Commission.

  Children's Services
  Mr. Blizzard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much earmarked funding has been provided to local authorities for children's services in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [146732]

  Margaret Hodge
  For financial years 2003–04, 2004–05 and 2005–06, planned funding to be provided to local authorities for children's services is as follows:

  £

  2003–04

  3,698,784

  2004–05

  4,020,538

  2005–06

  4,372,191

  Figures given comprise all grants to be paid to local authorities for children's services and the Children's Social Services Formula Spending Share. Further information is available in the Local Authority Social Service Letter (2003) 7, copies of which are in the Library of the House. For planned expenditure on education services, I would refer the hon. Member to the Department of Education and Skills Annual Report for 2002–03, copies of which are also available in the Library of the House.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter to Mr. Simon Rhodes, dated 15 July 2003, which was sent by special delivery on 17 July and signed for by his representatives on 18 July (Royal Mail's reference: SU 4643 1881 8GB). [151577]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Unfortunately, the letter in question does not appear to have reached the intended recipient in our Special Educational Needs Division. I offer my apologies to the hon. Member and his constituent for that and any difficulties it may have caused. However, since then Baroness Ashton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sure Start, has sent two detailed replies dated 21 October and 19 December 2003 to the hon. Member in response to points raised.
  1188W
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he takes to ensure that documents received by Royal Mail special delivery are(a) recorded as such and (b) tracked within his Department. [151578]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  My Department has procedures in place for recording and tracking documents received by Royal Mail special delivery. Our procedures require a signature to be obtained from the end customer, as well as the mailroom, and then recorded for tracking purposes across Headquarter sites. However, procedures for special delivery documents at Sanctuary Buildings had been slightly different but have now been standardised in line with all the other Headquarter sites with immediate effect.

  Deaths in Care
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died in care since 1992; and what proportion of these deaths have been of people from ethnic minorities. [147535]

  Margaret Hodge
  The estimated number of children who died in care in England during the ten year period 1 April 1992 to 31 March 2002 was 620.

  We believe that quite a large proportion of the children who died in care were severely disabled children or children with chronic illnesses being looked after in hospices/hospitals because they are too ill to be at home.

  Information on the number of children in care by ethnic origin has only been collected for the last 2 years from a one in three sample. The number of deaths to such children in ethnic minorities over that period are very small and therefore it is not possible to produce a reliable estimate of the proportion.

  Tuition Fees
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements will be made for the repayment of fees by graduates who choose to leave the country and work overseas. [152412]

  Alan Johnson
  Well established procedures already exist for recovery of loans from graduates living and working outside of the UK. When taking out a loan, all students sign a declaration agreeing to repay, even if they move abroad, and SLC have a range of sanctions that can be imposed on any defaulters.

  Higher Education
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what amount has been set aside for centres for excellence in learning and teaching. [153069]

  Alan Johnson
  £315 million is being made available by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, over the five year period from 2004–05 to 2008–09, for Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

  Failing Schools
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) primary and (h) secondary schools were classified as failing in each year since 1996–97. [149874]
  1189W
  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 22 January 2004]The number of schools placed in special measures for each of the last seven years and in the first term of the current academic year is:

  Academic year

  Secondary

  Primary

  1996/97

  26

  150

  1997/98

  42

  210

  1998/99

  30

  141

  1999/2000

  38

  168

  2000/01

  23

  100

  2001/02

  19

  94

  2002/03

  35

  99

  Figures for autumn term 2003, following implementation of the new Ofsted Inspection Framework from September 2003

  2003/041

  Secondary

  29

  Primary

  54

  1 May reduce pending final corroboration.

  Over this period 1,137 schools have recovered from special measures. The number of schools in special measures was 515 at the end of the 1997/98 academic year. The total has now reduced to 318 at the end of autumn term 2003.

  Foundation Degrees
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what funding the Learning and Skills Council will provide to higher education institutions for foundation degrees. [152727]

  Alan Johnson
  The Learning and Skills Council does not fund Foundation Degrees. The responsibility for funding Foundation Degrees rests with the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students he plans to be studying foundation degree courses by 2010. [152652]

  Alan Johnson
  We anticipate that there will be about 50,000 places on foundation degree courses by 2006. Plans for student numbers, including those taking foundation degrees, for 2005–06 to 2007–08 will be determined as part of the current spending review which will conclude later this year.

  Further Education/Higher Education
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of young people between the ages of 16 and 21 years are studying at further education colleges, excluding A-Level and GCSE students. [152691]

  Alan Johnson
  At the end of 2002, 17 per cent. of young people aged 16–21 in England were studying at further education colleges, excluding A-Level and GCSE students.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the range of further education qualifications. [152688]
  1190W
  Alan Johnson
  A full range of qualifications accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and funded by the Learning and Skills Council is approved for use by people under 19, The full list can be accessed through the Department's website at www.dfes.gsi.gov.uk/section96.

  The Learning and Skills Council may fund any course for use by persons over the age of 19, but may only make payments to awarding bodies in respect of their fees for qualifications approved under section 97 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. A full list of the qualifications approved under section 97 can be accessed through the Department's website at www.dfes.gsi.gov.uk/section97.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what definition he uses of the terms(a) further education and (b) higher education. [152655]

  Alan Johnson
  Both further and higher education are defined in statute. The definition of further education is to be found at s.2(3) to (6) of the Education Act 1996.

  In essence 'further education' means:
  a. full-time and part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons who are over compulsory school age (including vocational, social, physical and recreational training), and
  b. organised leisure-time occupation provided in connection with the provision of such education,
  except that it does not include secondary education or higher education.

  The Act of Parliament which defines courses of higher education is the Education Reform Act 1988. Schedule 6 of the Act describes courses of higher education as:

  (a) a course for the further training of teachers or youth and community workers;

  (b)a post-graduate course (including a higher degree course);

  (c) a first degree course;

  (d) a course for the Diploma of Higher Education;

  (e) a course for the Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate of the Business and Technician Education Council, or the Diploma in Management Studies;

  (f) a course for the Certificate in Education;

  (g) a course in preparation for a professional examination at higher level;

  (h) a course providing education at a higher level (whether or not in preparation for an examination).

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on Sure Start badged higher education and further education courses. [152686]

  Margaret Hodge
  The Sure Start Unit does not badge any qualifications but works with the sector and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to agree the acceptable list of qualifications. As part of the Government's drive to improve the level of qualifications and contribute to the development of the Early Years sector workforce, the Sure Start Unit worked with universities and employers to create in September 2002 the Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (EYSEFD): a new, vocational higher education qualification at level 4 that leads to a new level of professional practice known as the 'Senior Practitioner'. The DfES, on behalf of the sector,
  1191W
  formally recognises whether universities have met the Statement of Requirement for EYSEFD. There are now 44 universities and 96 affiliated colleges across England who offer the EYSEFD.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the successor arrangements to academic review for directly funded higher education provision in further education colleges. [152510]

  Alan Johnson
  I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 657W.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the process is for accessing funds in the Higher Education Innovation Fund. [152641]

  Alan Johnson
  The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has invited higher education institutions to apply for funds from the Higher Education Innovation Fund. Guidance published on 9 December 2003 asked for applications to be submitted to HEFCE by 25 February. Assessment of applications will be complete in May and successful applicants will have clear access to funds from August 2004.

  Knowledge Exchanges
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the linkages between the research status of a higher education institution and its ability to attract high quality teaching staff. [152650]

  Alan Johnson
  Available evidence on a positive link between teaching and research is inconclusive. There are many examples of Higher Education Institutions in England which attract and deliver high quality teaching without carrying out research. My Department has commissioned a large-scale study to find out which factors are most important in affecting academics' decisions to enter or leave Higher Education Institutions. This research will be published next winter.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the cost to a higher education institution of applying for funding to establish a knowledge exchange. [152653]

  Alan Johnson
  Information on the costs and benefits associated with the proposal to establish a knowledge exchange is contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment published on 8 January alongside the Higher Education Bill. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment were placed in the Library of the House; it is also available on the Department for Education and Skills website.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on knowledge exchanges; and how much money has been set aside to pay for them. [152654]

  Alan Johnson
  £16 million is being provided for up to 20 Knowledge Exchanges within the overall distribution of the Higher Education Innovation Fund over the two years 2004–05 and 2005–06. Knowledge Exchanges will promote the critical role of less research intensive 1192W
  departments/groups in transferring technologies and knowledge, and in skills development, within local communities of practice.

  Personal Advisers
  Charles Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what sanctions have been imposed by the Connexions Service against personal advisers describing themselves as careers advisers; and if he will make a statement. [153059]

  Margaret Hodge
  I am not aware of any Connexions Partnerships imposing sanctions on people who refer to themselves as Careers advisers. We have asked Connexions partnerships to avoid a confusion of titles by referring to all practitioners, whatever their specialism, as Personal Advisers. We recognise the important role in the service played by professionals with a careers guidance qualification, but Personal Advisers offer a broader service to young people which cannot be adequately described through reference to a single specialist area.

  Research Grants
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total allocation of research grant to each higher education institution in England and Wales was in each of the past six years. [141138]

  Alan Johnson
  The available information is taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) finance records and is given in the table that has been placed in the Library.

  School Buildings
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which education authority is regarded by his Department as having the greatest need for renewal of school buildings. [152953]

  Mr. Miliband
  We are in the course of assessing data on the suitability and condition needs of school buildings provided to us by authorities as part of the asset management process and will shortly be making information available. This will help to show the relative needs of authorities' schools in regard to suitability and condition. These needs are however usually only one of the factors that are taken into account in decisions to school renew buildings.

  Student Finance
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the demographic changes to the number of students liable to pay top-up fees over each of the 10 years from 2006; and if he will make a statement. [152573]

  Alan Johnson
  Demographic changes will mean an increase in student numbers up to 2010. The number of students affected by variable fees will depend on a wide range of factors, including decisions on fee levels to be taken by institutions providing higher education to full-time undergraduates.
  1193W
  Planned total number of students 2005/06 to 2007/08 will be set as part of the current spending review which will conclude later this year.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the governance structure is of the Student Loans Company; and whether it is an incorporated body. [152660]

  Alan Johnson
  The Student Loans Company is incorporated under the Companies Acts 1985. It has been designated an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) by the Cabinet Office. The arrangements for internal governance are set out in its annual report which is placed in both Houses of Parliament Libraries.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much grant he has provided to higher education institutions for foundation degree students in this financial year. [152683]

  Alan Johnson
  The Higher Education Funding Council for England estimate that they will make £ million available to higher education institutions for foundation degree students in the current academic year.

  The Higher Education Funding Council for England is responsible for distribution of funding to higher education institutions for foundation degree courses. The Council funds higher education institutions on the basis of academic years (August to July), therefore the figures provided relate to August 2003 to July 2004.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what powers he plans to take to restrict the level of fee charged for a foundation degree; [152733]

  (2) what his policy is on the charging of tuition fees to foundation degree students. [152689]

  Alan Johnson
  The Higher Education Bill contains powers that will enable us, from 2006, to limit the level of fees for all degrees, including foundation degrees, to no more than £3,000, provided a higher education institution has an access agreement approved by the Office for Fair Access, or to a basic amount—expected to be £1,200—if a higher education institution does not have an access agreement.

  Students taking foundation degrees will be subject to tuition fees on the same basis as students on other full time undergraduate courses.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what financial support he plans to make available from his Department to mature students in higher education institutions. [152736]

  Alan Johnson
  Our proposals for 2006/07 are designed to help higher education students generally but one in particular will be of especial help to mature students. We expect a third of all those getting the grant of £2,700 to be independent students although they are a much smaller percentage of all students. Mature students will also benefit from the increases in the levels of student loans, the raising of the repayment threshold from £10,000 to £15,000 and the 25-year cap on the repayment period.
  1194W
  Existing targeted support already helps certain mature students who are eligible for a range of additional grants such as the child care grant and parent's learning allowance, for student parents, the disabled students allowance and the adult dependants grant dependants grant. In addition, student parents are eligible to receive child tax credit from the Inland Revenue.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total estimated cost is of educational maintenance allowances in each of the next three years. [152784]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The estimated cost of the national EMA scheme for each of the next three years is:

  2004–05—cost £238 million—estimated number of young people on EMA 274,000

  2005–06—cost £374 million— estimated number of young people on EMA 390,000

  2006–07—cost £462 million—estimated number of young people on EMA 439,000

PRIME MINISTER

  Antarctic
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with(a) the President of the United States and (b) others regarding the protection of the Antarctic from physical exploitation; and if he will make a statement. [152969]

  The Prime Minister
  I regularly have discussions with President Bush and others on a wide range of international issues including on the environment.

  However, I have not had any recent discussions regarding the protection of the Antarctic environment from physical exploitation.

  The 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty sets out a framework for the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, including from physical exploitation. Under the Protocol, all activities within Antarctica must be planned and conducted as to limit adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment. The Antarctic Act 1994 ensures adherence to the provisions of the Protocol within the UK.

  BBC
  Mr. Gale
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of his letter dated 19 March 2003 to Mr. Greg Dyke in his capacity as Director General of the BBC; [153478]

  (2) if he will list the telephone calls made by Mr. Alastair Campbell to members of BBC staff between 12 March 2003 and 14 April 2003. [153479]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Derbyshire (Mr. McLoughlin) in the debate on Lord Button's report on 4 February,Official Report, column 768.
  1195W

  Business Social and Environmental Impact Reports
  Andy King
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will restate his challenge of October 2000 that all the FTSE 350 companies should publish annual environmental reports by the end of 2005. [154275]

  The Prime Minister
  I still believe that our largest companies should take up the challenge of publishing annual environmental reports. The White Paper on Modernising Company Law (CM5553) published in July 2002 included a proposal to require economically significant companies to include information on environmental, social and community issues amongst others in a new Operating and Financial Review, where these issues are judged by directors to be essential to an understanding of the company's business. This should provide further encouragement for directors to consider seriously their company's impact on the environment.

  Butler Committee
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Prime Minister what selection procedures were used to appoint the chair to the committee investigating intelligence sources in the events before the invasion of Iraq; and what assessment he made of the views of prospective members of the committee on whether the Government was right to go to war when deciding on its composition. [153247]

  The Prime Minister
  Following precedent, I chose individuals of standing and relevant experience including members of the Intelligence and Security Committee to conduct this task. I am very grateful to Lord Butler and the members of his Review team for agreeing to undertake this task. I made no assessment of their views on the decision to go to war in Iraq.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he intends Lord Butler' s Committee to report on differences between(a) the intelligence gathered, evaluated and used by the Government before the conflict and (b) the intelligence and what has been discovered by the Iraq Survey Group since the end of the conflict. [154214]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary (Mr. Straw), set out the terms of reference for Lord Butler's review on 3 February 2004.Official Report, columns 625–28. It is for Lord Butler to determine, within those terms of reference, the scope of his report.

  Departmental Minute
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister what action he is taking to ensure that civil servants take full and adequate minutes of meetings involving himself. [152959]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the right hon. Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir George Young) during my evidence to the Liaison Committee on 3 February 2004.

  Freedom of Information Act
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will implement recommendation 8.1 of the Independent 1196W
  Review of Government Communications, on the use by Ministers of the right of veto with regard to the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [152960]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 19 January 2004,Official Report, columns 50–51 WS.

  Greyhounds (Northern Ireland)
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Prime Minister which Minister is responsible for the welfare of racing greyhounds in Northern Ireland; and what proposals there are to include the welfare of greyhounds in forthcoming legislation. [153530]

  The Prime Minister
  Under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 all animals are protected from unnecessary cruelty or suffering though there are no specific provisions on the welfare of racing greyhounds. This Act is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland for which the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Pearson) is currently the responsible Minister. There are no proposals to introduce legislation on the welfare of greyhounds in Northern Ireland.

  Honours System
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to improve transparency surrounding the honours system. [152957]

  The Prime Minister
  The Cabinet Secretary has asked Sir Hayden Phillips to lead a review of the honours system. This review will look at ways in which the system can be made more open and transparent, while maintaining the necessary confidentiality about individuals involved in it. I look forward to receiving their findings.

  Hutton Inquiry
  Adam Price
  To ask the Prime Minister what efforts have been made to identify the three additional sources of information within the wider intelligence community mentioned by Mr. Andrew Gilligan in his evidence to the Hutton Inquiry. [153901]

  The Prime Minister
  Mr. Gilligan's evidence to the Hutton Inquiry is a matter for him.

  Iraq
  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the complete report of the Iraq Survey Group. [153081]

  The Prime Minister
  The report is the responsibility of the United States authorities, specifically the Director of Central Intelligence. Publication of the complete report is a matter for them.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Prime Minister for what reason, following intelligence assessments by the Joint Intelligence Committee in October and December 2002 and in March 2003, the Government did not support the request by UN inspectors for more time to complete their searches. [153432]
  1197W
  The Prime Minister
  As I have said previously, Iraq was in material breach of 23 out of 27 obligations set by 9 UN Security Council resolutions over 12 years. The primary objective of UN Security Council resolution 1441 was the disarmament of Iraq and made clear that compliance must be full, unconditional and immediate, including the requirement to co-operate fully with the weapons inspectors.

  Iraq ignored that requirement; what co-operation it offered was grudging and partial, and was outweighed by the obstacles it raised to the inspectors' work. In light of this, we concluded that the UN weapons inspectors would never be able to complete the task allocated to them by the Security Council under resolution 1441.

  As I made repeatedly clear at the time, the issue was not about time, it was about full co-operation. If the Iraqi regime had been co-operating, the inspectors could have had more time.

  And as the evidence from Dr. David Kay to the US Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on Iraqi WMD and related programmes on 28 January 2004 made clear, in his opinion: "All I can say is that among an extensive body of UN—of Iraqi scientists who were talking to us, they have said: "The UN interviewed us. We did not tell them the truth. We did not show them this equipment. We did not talk about these programs. We couldn't do it as long as Saddam was in power." I suspect regardless of how long they had stayed, that attitude would have been the same". Full transcripts of this evidence have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what efforts have been made by the Government to interview(a)Scott Ritter, (b) Hans Von Sponeck, (c) Denis Halliday and (d) Tun Myat in relation to Iraqi military capabilities and intentions. [153751]

  The Prime Minister
  The Iraq Survey Group is interviewing anyone who it believes will be able to help its enquiries. It has not interviewed any of these individuals. Any relevant information which they may have had was made available to the United Nations.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements he has put in place to monitor evidence presented to the United States Administration's inquiry into the intelligence on Iraq's military programme. [153897]

  The Prime Minister
  We shall be monitoring the US inquiry closely.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Prime Minister which hon. and right hon. Members were(a) asked by him to comment on a draft version of the September dossier,(b)given a briefing by Sir John Scarlett in advance of publication and (c) given an advance copy pre-publication. [153902]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Paul Flynn) on 18 September 2003,Official Report, column 870W, and on 15 October 2003, Official Report, columns 233–34W. My right hon. Friend the Attorney-General (Lord Goldsmith) was also briefed on 19 September 2002.
  1198W
  In addition, members of the Cabinet were provided with an advance copy of the dossier prior to its publication.

  Adam Price
  To ask the Prime Minister whether a complete list of those who were asked to comment on draft versions of the 24 September dossier on Iraqi weapons of mass destruction was provided to members of the Intelligence and Security Committee for the purpose of its inquiry published in September 2003 on weapons of mass destruction and intelligence assessment. [153931]

  The Prime Minister
  No. The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) did not request such a list.

  Lisbon Agenda
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister what actions he has taken to take forward the Lisbon Agenda. [153452]

  The Prime Minister:
  The UK is one of the most active supporters of the Lisbon Agenda. We are working closely with the Irish Presidency to ensure the Spring Council delivers concrete conclusions which will push forward economic reform in Europe. We will also be using the Summit on 18 February with France and Germany to boost progress in this field.

  The Treasury will issue a detailed review of progress against Lisbon commitments in the next few weeks. Copies will he placed in the House Library.

  Minister of State (Transport)
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will dismiss the Minister of State at the Department for Transport. [153428]

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Ministerial Gifts
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the gifts received by Ministers between January 1998 and June 2001 in accordance with the recommendation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in her report of 7 July 2003. [152958]

  The Prime Minister
  In March 2003, I published a list of all gifts received by Ministers since June 2001 valued at more than £40. Copies of the list are available in the Library of the House. The Government are also committed to publishing a list of gifts valued at more than £140 on an annual basis. The list of gifts for 2003–04 will be published as soon as possible after the end of this financial year.

  The Government's position on the publication of gifts received by Ministers between January 1998 and June 2001 remains as set out in paragraph 43 of the sixth report of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (session 2002–03).

  Ministerial Visits
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister when he next plans to make an official visit to(a) Denmark and (b) Sweden. [152972]

  The Prime Minister
  I have no current plans to do so.
  1199W

  Public Holidays
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make 21 October 2005 a National Public Holiday. [153828]

  The Prime Minister
  Although such requests for public holidays are kept under constant review, at present there are no current plans to change the pattern of public holidays.

  Remembrance Wreaths
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Prime Minister which departmental budget pays for the wreath which he lays at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. [153352]

  The Prime Minister
  This is the responsibility of the Prime Minister's Office which comes under the departmental budget of the Cabinet Office.

  United States
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last spoke with the United States(a) President and (b) Secretary of State. [154081].

  The Prime Minister
  I regularly have discussions with President Bush and others on a wide range of international issues. As with previous Administrations, it is not the practice of this Government to make public details of all discussions with foreign governments.

  Water Pricing
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Prime Minister what(a) discussions and (b) correspondence he has had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the periodic review of water pricing, with particular reference to the cost of environmental measures. [152971]

  The Prime Minister
  I have regular meetings and discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on a wide range of subjects and will continue to do so. As with previous Administrations, it is not my practice to provide details of confidential discussions, under exemption 2 of the code of practice on access to Government information.

  HEALTH

    Alzheimer's
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, following the Ombudsman's ruling in the case against Cambridgeshire Health Authority on the funding of Alzheimers sufferers, he will give guidance that primary care trusts should take into account the psychological needs of people suffering from dementia and residing in residential homes in making NHS assessments. [153101]

    Dr. Ladyman
    There are no current plans to issue further guidance on continuing care.

    The current guidance (HSC: 2001/015: LAC (2001)18) makes clear at Annex C that one of the issues to consider when establishing criteria for continuing
    1200W
    care is whether the individual has 'a medical, physical or mental health condition' which may require National Health Service care.

    Angiography
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average length of waiting times for angiography were in each of the last six years. [147269]

    Miss Melanie Johnson
    The average length of waiting times for angiography for the last six years are shown in the table.

    Mean waiting time for angiography (days)

    Angiograms (finished consultant episodes)

    1997–98

    96.6

    82,408

    1998–99

    98,7

    94,631

    1999–2000

    90.7

    99,170

    2000–01

    98.4

    108,739

    2001–02

    97.8

    113,847

    2002–03

    104.1

    124,353

    The Government set explicit targets for reductions in angiography waiting times for the first time ever last year and no one will wait more than nine months by March 2004.

    £65 million from the New Opportunities Fund and £60 million from the Department of Health is being invested to enable the rapid expansion of facilities for angiography, to fund more than 89 new or replacement catheterisation laboratories. This will help meet the target of a six-month maximum wait by the end of 2005.

    Anti-depressants and Ritalin
    Mr. Laws
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost to the NHS of prescribing(a) anti-depressant drugs and (b) Ritalin was for each year since 1985–86; what his estimate is of the cost for 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [153017]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    Information on the number of prescription items and the net ingredient cost of all anti-depressant drugs, and all Ritalin drugs dispensed in the community in England, from 1985 to 2003–04 (April to September only) has been placed in the Library.

    The Department of Health does not estimate prescription figures. However, data for both antidepressant drugs and for Methylphenidate Hydrochloride appear to be a rising trend, and the data for the first half of 2003–04 suggest that the total 2003–04 figure will be higher than the 2002–03 figure.

    Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the board members of Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust in each of the last four years. [152153]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    The people who have served on the board of the trust since its establishment in June 2000 are:

    Past Board Members

    1201W

    Mr. Vijay Vasu (Chair—from establishment to April 2003)

    Mr. Terry Williams (non-executive—from establishment in 2000 to July 2003);

    Mrs. Hilda Aitken (non-executive—from establishment to November 2003)

    Mrs. Yvonne Cornell (non-executive—from establishment in 2000 to November 2003)

    Dr. Mary Springham (non-executive—from establishment in 2000 to 31 January 2004)

    Current Board Members

    Mr. Ian Kirkpatrick (Chair—from 1 August 2003)

    Dr. Faiz Alam Noor (non-executive—from January 2001)

    Mr. John Griffin (non-executive—from January 2004)

    Mr. Mark Hicks (non-executive—from January 2004)

    Ms Alison Ward (non-executive—from January 2004)

    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints have been made to Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust in each of the last four years; and how many have been upheld. [152159]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    The Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals National Health Service Trust was formed as a result of a merger of the Redbridge Health Care NHS Trust and the Havering Hospitals NHS Trust on 1 April 2001. Figures for complaints made to each organisation are shown in the table. Information on complaints upheld is not collected centrally.

    Complaints made to Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust 1999–03

    Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust

    Havering Hospitals NHS Trust

    Redbridge Health Care NHS Trust

    1999–2000

    —

    547

    566

    2000–01

    —

    540

    628

    2001–02

    1—

    —

    —

    2002–03

    975

    —

    —

    1 Not available.

    Care Direct Scheme
    Mr. Paul Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons his Department did not roll out the Care Direct scheme. [154147].

    Dr. Ladyman
    I refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on 3 June 2003,Official Report, column 64W.

    Children's Nurses
    Tim Loughton
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many different types of children's specialist nurse there are. [145692]

    Dr. Ladyman:
    The Department of Health does not hold this information centrally.

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council only records the following post-registration specialist qualifications relevant to children: school nursing and community children's nursing. There are a wide range of children's specialist nurses working in the National Health Service
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    in posts developed in response to local needs, for example: specialists in intensive care; neonatology; dermatology; child protection and diabetes.

    Correspondence
    Mr. Webb
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of the hon. Member for Northavon of 8 September 2003 (his reference PQ 1035979), on behalf of Mrs. Ruth Davis. [152117]

    Miss Melanie Johnson
    [holding answer 30 January 2004]A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 29 January 2004.

    Delayed Hospital Discharge
    Sandra Gidley
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of setting up operational, financial and computer systems to manage the fining system for bed blocking; [152761]

    (2) how many extra care management staff have been employed to manage the fining system for bed blocking, broken down by (a) strategic health authority and (b) local authority; [152762]

    (3) how much local authorities have been charged in fines for delayed discharge in January, broken down by local authority; [152763]

    (4) how many beds are classified as fineable and could potentially attract charges for delayed discharge. [152807]

    Dr. Ladyman
    The cost of fulfilling the requirements of the Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003 was estimated at £5.5 million in the regulatory impact assessment for the Bill. Most of this cost is around improving the communication between the national health service and social services so that each patient's discharge is planned as effectively as possible. Financial systems for charging will be a small part, and minimal in areas where performance is good.

    Care management staff do not manage the system of charging; they assess and arrange the care that people need. There is no central record of the number of additional care managers who have been recruited to improve the quality and timeliness of the care packages which patients receive.

    I refer the hon. Member to my response to the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) on 5 February 2004, Official Report, column 1064W on the payment of charges in January.

    Charges for delayed discharge are based on the patient, not the bed which they are occupying. so numbers will vary depending on the patients in hospital. Currently, charges are potentially payable for a patient who has been receiving acute hospital care and needs community care services from social services in order to be safely discharged. There is only a liability for a charge when that patient is delayed solely because of a lack of social services.
    1203W

    Dentistry
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of dental academics teaching dental students in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [152829]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    Information on the number of dental academics in each year since 1990 is not held centrally. A survey undertaken by Universities UK in 2001 showed that there were 476 academic posts in the 15 dental schools in the United Kingdom.

    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the problem of clinical dental technicians illegally performing dental procedures in the UK; and if he will make a statement; [152830]

    (2) how many prosecutions of clinical dental technicians working illegally in the UK there were in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [152831]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    The table shows the number of prosecutions for illegal dental practice undertaken by the General Dental Council (GDC). These do not all involve technicians.

    General Dental Council: illegal practice prosecutions 2002–04

    Total prosecutions

    Total convictions

    2000

    3

    3

    2001

    20

    19

    2002

    7

    7

    2003

    10

    9

    2004

    2

    1

    The Department is working with the GDC to provide for the registration of appropriately trained clinical dental technicians. An Order to amend the Dentists Act 1984 is being drafted under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999 which, after the necessary consultations, will be laid before Parliament later this year.

    General Practitioners
    Sarah Teather
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners there were per head of population in(a) Brent East, (b) Brent Primary Care trust area, (c) London and (d) England on the latest date for which figures are available. [149900]

    Mr. Hutton
    The latest comparative figures available for general practitioners (GP) in England, London and Brent primary care trust (PCT) is for 2001 and is shown in the table.

    Between 2001 and 2002 the number of whole-time equivalent GPs in Brent PCT has increased by 15.

    The Department of Health collects figures by PCT only, not by constituency.
    1204W

    General Medical Practitioners per 100,000 population

    Estimated whole-time equivalents

    England as at 30 September 2001

    All practitioners1

    Population

    Practitioners per 100,000 population

    England

    28,854

    49,389,736

    58.4

    Of which:

    London

    4,261

    7,307,911

    58.3

    Of which:

    Brent PCT

    167

    263,629

    63.4

    1 All Practitioners include GMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs, PMS Salaried GPs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA), PMS Other and GP Retainers.

    Notes:

    WTE data has been estimated using the results from the 1992–93 GMP Workload Survey;

    Full-time=1.00 wte; three quarter time=0.69 wte; job share=0.65 wte; half time=0.60 wte.

    Source:

    Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services Statistics 2001 ONS Population Census.

    Height and Weight Monitoring (Young Children)
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy for the(a) height and (b) weight of (i) pre-school, (ii) infant school and (iii) junior school children to be monitored on a regular basis. [154143]

    Dr. Ladyman
    Height and weight measurements in early childhood form a part of the child health surveillance programme. Intervals between checks are determined by the primary health care team in the light of professional judgement. Height and weight monitoring after school entry is undertaken on a selective basis when there is concern about a child's health or growth.

    Life Expectancy
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the effect of obesity on life expectancy; and what research his Department has commissioned into projected levels of life expectancy of the population of the UK in this century. [152181]

    Miss Melanie Johnson
    The National Audit Office report, Tackling Obesity in England, published in 2001, found that deaths linked to obesity shortened life by an average of nine years.

    The Government Actuary's Department report, published in December 2003, projected the average life expectancy at birth would increase from 75.9 years in 2002 to 81.0 in 2031 for men and from 80.5 years to 84.9 years for women over the same period.

    Mindnseek Website
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hits have been recorded for the website mindnseek.net since it was established; and what evaluation of the project has been undertaken. [149863]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    From its launch in February 2003 until October 2003 (the most recent time for which figures are available), there were 3,179,390 hits for the mindnseek website. The average time spent on the site in this time was 41 minutes.
    1205W
    Evaluation of the Read the Signs campaign, of which the mindnseek website is a component, was conducted between March and April 2003. A copy of the Report of Findings has been placed in the Library. Further evaluation of the website will be carried out as part of the overall "mind out for mental health" campaign evaluation at the end of the current financial year.

    NHS Bank
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) budget, (b) turnover and (c) outturn was for the NHS Bank in each of the last three years. [151568]

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

    NHS Bank Special Assistance for last three years

    £ million

    Budget

    Allocated

    Expenditure

    2001–02

    0

    0

    0

    2002–03

    100

    100

    100

    2003–04

    152

    152

    152

    NHS Budgets
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that primary care trusts serving areas where targets for additional housing have been set under the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's community plan will be provided with sufficient(a) revenue and (b) capital funding to meet consequential changes in demand for health services; [151635]

    (2) what steps are being taken to meet budget requirements of each primary care trust serving areas of expanding population in (a) 2003–04, (b) 2004–05 and (c) 2005–06. [151705]

    Mr. Hutton
    Revenue allocations for the provision of healthcare, made to primary care trusts (PCTs) for 2003–04 to 2005–06 were announced on 11 December 2002. There are no plans to revisit these allocations.

    Any changes in PCT population figures will be taken into account for the next round of allocations. Preparatory work for the next allocations round, covering the period up to 2007–08, will commence shortly.

    The Department of Health has started to analyse the impact on health care need of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister growth area initiative. This is ongoing work and we are still considering the appropriateness of providing additional funding for these areas.

    NHS Buildings
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made towards the target of reducing the value of NHS building backlog maintenance by 25 per cent. by 2004. [150043]

    Mr. Hutton
    NHS Estates collects data on backlog maintenance from national health service trusts through its Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC). The latest data relate to 2002–03 and these remain the 1206W
    subject of a statistical validation exercise which will be completed shortly. Once the validation exercise is complete I will write to the hon. Member.

    NHS Governance
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria the Health Ombudsman uses in deciding whether to investigate a complaint against a health authority; and what assessment the Ombudsman makes of convenors' reports in making decisions about investigating complaints. [152156]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    This is a matter for the Health Service Ombudsman.

    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he issues to health authorities on the timescale for dealing with complaints. [152157]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    Guidance on the operation the national health service complaints procedure was issued in March 1996, including details on the performance targets for dealing with complaints. The guidance is available on the Department's website at www. doh.gov.uk/complaints.

    NHS Trusts
    Mr. Hoban
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what rules govern recruitment by the Department of people appointed to run trust franchises before their contract has expired. [153272]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    [holding answer 6 February 2004]All external recruitment into the Department is governed by the provisions of the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.

    NHS Waste Site Thefts
    Ian Lucas
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on thefts of(a) controlled drugs and (b) time-expired pharmaceuticals from sites disposing of NHS waste. [150441]

    Mr. Hutton
    Controlled drugs or pharmaceuticals for disposal are defined as special waste and must only be disposed of at waste disposal sites licensed by the Environment Agency (EA) to dispose of special waste. The national health service is required to complete consignment notes as part of the waste disposal audit procedure required by the EA. Although there is an expectation that the NHS will undertake periodic checks to ensure that this waste is properly disposed of, the prime responsibility for guarding against thefts at the waste disposal sites rests with the waste disposal contractor.

    NICE
    Lady Hermon
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland about the extension of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines to Northern Ireland; what criteria are involved in deciding whether a guideline will be extended; and if he will make a statement. [152258]
    1207W
    Ms Rosie Winterton
    Officials in the Department have had preliminary discussions with their Northern Ireland counterparts about the development of links between the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and Northern Ireland. N o conclusions have yet been reached.

    NICE guidance is freely available on its website and can be adopted by any Government or health service that wishes to do so.

    Dr. Gibson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a dedicated investigation into the implementation by NHS trusts of National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance. [153220]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    We have no plans to establish such an investigation. The National Cancer Director is currently reviewing the uptake of cancer drugs approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection (CHAI) will inspect against healthcare standards, which are currently under development and these are likely to require National Health Service treatment and care to be based upon nationally agreed best practice and guidance, including that issued by NICE.

    Nurses
    Mr. Baron
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses working in the NHS have been recruited from developing countries under(a) memoranda of understanding and (b) bilateral agreements with other countries in each of the last five years. [150651]

    Mr. Hutton
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]The Department signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippine Government last year. To date, the national health service has recruited 176 nurses directly through the agreement.

    The Department has an agreement with the Ministry of Health in India. To date, the NHS has recruited 431 nurses directly as a result of this agreement.

    We have recently signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa to offer South African and English health care professionals the chance to go on time-limited placements to the other country.

    Mr. Baron
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses working within the NHS have come to the United Kingdom from developing countries in each of the last five years, broken down by country of origin. [150657]

    Mr. Hutton
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]The information requested is not collected centrally.

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register all nurses who work in the United Kingdom and produce a statistical breakdown of their register. An analysis of the register can be found on the NMC website at www.nmc-uk.org.
    1208W

    Orlistat
    Mr. Burstow
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescription items of Orlistat were dispensed in the community in England in 2003; and how many children received the drug. [152002]

    Miss Melanie Johnson
    From January to September 2003, 374,300 items of Orlistat were dispensed in the community in England. The number of items prescribed to children is not available. However, in 2002, out of the 541,400 items dispensed, an estimated 3,000 were for children.

    Permanent Vegetative State
    Nick Harvey
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many requests for withdrawal of food and fluid to patients in permanent vegetative state have been(a) made and (b) refused in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [152772]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    In proceedings where a request has been made to withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) from a patient in a permanent vegetative state (PVS), the Official Solicitor acts as a Litigation Friend of the Patient.

    The Official Solicitor has been involved in a total of 36 cases in the last 10 years, in which a declaration from the court has been obtained that it is lawful for ANH to be withdrawn from a patient in PVS. The breakdown according to the year is shown in the table.

    Year

    Number of declarations

    1993

    1

    1994

    3

    1995

    4

    1996

    2

    1997

    3

    1998

    5

    1999

    1

    2000

    7

    2001

    3

    2002

    4

    2003

    3

    There have not been any such cases which have reached the court for a decision and a declaration has not been granted.

    Prescription Charges (Exemption)
    Joan Ruddock
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used to determine which diseases warrant prescription charge exemption. [153226]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    The list of medical conditions conferring prescription charge exemption was introduced in 1968. It was agreed in discussion with the medical profession. We have no plans to change it.

    Renal Services
    Jim Dobbin
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will launch the modernisation programmes he announced to support the implementation and delivery of the first part of the Renal Services National Service Framework; whether the programmes will take account of the views of all stakeholders involved in the renal
    1209W
    field; whether his Department will be running implementation workshops for primary care trusts; and whether the programmes will be designed to help primary care trusts to meet the standards that need to be met by (a) 2006 and (b) 2014. [152965]

    Ms Rosie Winterton
    The national service framework (NSF) for Renal Services—part one: dialysis and transplantation set out plans for five modernisation programmes:

    re-designing the workforce

    re-engineering elective dialysis access surgery

    re-designing hospital access (patient transport)

    re-designing care plans for partnership and choice

    re-designing the built environment

    Work is in hand to develop the programmes together with key stakeholders.

    Expressions of interest are presently being sought from renal units, with the support of their strategic health authorities, to establish two pilot sites to develop effective workforce models for renal services, focusing particularly on elective dialysis access surgery.

    Pilot sites for improving patient transport services for people needing haemodialysis treatment will be sought later this year. This programme will complement other work to develop a framework of eligibility criteria for all people who use patient transport services.

    A patient conference on care plans and choice was held in December 2003 and the outputs from that are informing the next stage of this programme.

    A new Health Building Note on satellite dialysis units was published on 14 January and further guidance on main renal units and transplant centres will follow later this year.

    We have announced that a renal advisory group is being set up ensure that part two of the NSF is prepared with implementation in mind, and to provide national advice to support the pilot programmes, which will be key to implementation of part one. The advisory group will be able to form a view on how local arrangements are developing and how renal networks are shaping up.

    Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch)
    Mr. Chope
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health on which date the health centre at Saxon Square, Christchurch was vacated by the NHS; what steps have been taken by the NHS to dispose of the building; and how much has been spent on(a) security and (b) rates on the property since its vacation. [150535]

    Mr. Hutton
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]Efforts to dispose, by way of auction or private treaty, of this second floor leasehold accommodation continue to be hampered by the restrictive covenants contained within the lease. The health centre was vacated in 1989 and work is on-going to secure an assignee or sub tenant. Figures are available from 1999 and show that some £257 and £73,600 has been spent on security and rates respectively since that date.
    1210W

    Stroke Patients
    Helen Jones
    To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many NHS trusts have developed integrated care pathways for stroke patients;[153142]

    (2) how many stroke units have speech therapists working in that unit; and what proportion of their time was spent there in the last period for which figures are available. [153143]

    Dr. Ladyman
    We do not routinely collect information on stroke services at the level of detail requested in these questions. The most comprehensive source of information on stroke is the National Sentinel Stroke Audit, carried out by the Royal College of Physicians. The audit was commissioned by the National Health Service in 1998 and was last updated in 2002. The results can be found at http://www. rcplondon.ac.uk/pubs/strokeaudit01–02.pdf. There will be a further update of these figures later this year.

    Our major vehicle for improving standards for stroke services is through the older people's national service framework (NSF) which sets specific milestones for improvement by April 2004 of stroke services in primary care trusts, specialist services and general hospitals that care for people suffering from a stroke. Our document, Improvement, Expansion and Reform, which sets for the National Health Service a Priorities and Planning Framework for 2003–6, makes clear that implementation of the older people's NSF is a top priority, and that the 2004 milestone around specialist stroke services is a key target.

    Implementation of the NSF for older people is leading to real improvements in stroke services and making a difference to people's lives. The development of better services and improved standards in stroke care requires the right balance between national standards, provided by the NSF, national clinical guidelines and local control. It will be important to ensure that stroke care services are co-ordinated and fully integrated within a full range of other relevant local services.

  TRADE AND INDUSTRY

    Arms Exports
    Sir Menzies Campbell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list(a) arms export licences granted and (b) products exported under such licences to (i) Jamaica, (ii) Morocco, (iii) Nepal, (iv) Russia and (v) Indonesia in (A) 2003 and (B) 2004; and if she will make a statement. [151907]

    Nigel Griffiths
    Details of all export licences are published by destination in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls, copies of which are available from the Libraries of the House. Details of export licences approved in 2003 will be published later this year in the 2003 Annual Report, and details for 2004, similarly in the 2004 Annual Report next year.

    The Government do not keep records of exports made under these licences.
    1211W

    British Gas Survey
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 22 January 2004,Official Report, column 1452, what the (a) name and (b) date of publication of the British Gas survey was. [151801]

    Mr. Timms
    [holding answer 29 January 2004]The survey to which my right hon. Friend referred was the British Gas TIME 4 Survey published in December 2002.

    Broadband
    Michael Fabricant
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the(a) funding arrangements for and (b) objectives of broadband regional aggregation boards will be. [152988]

    Mr. Timms
    The broadband regional aggregation bodies ("RABs"), together with the national aggregation body ("NAB"), aim to provide better value for public sector customers seeking broadband connectivity and to enhance the availability of broadband (not least in remote and rural areas). The RABs and NAB will join up individual public sector broadband requirements and present them as consolidated requests to the market—delivering better value deals and driving up broadband availability by making it more attractive to telecom companies to make the capital investment necessary to provide broadband in new areas. The Government and public sector is expected to spend at least £1 billion on broadband over the next three years, and the RABs and NAB will help ensure that the most is made of this buying power. The set up costs of each RAB are being funded by a loan and/ or grant made by the relevant Regional Development Agency, and thereafter the costs will be covered by an appropriate mark up within the contracts that the RAB negotiates—the aggregation of demand by a RAB providing cost savings which will cover its expenses. Any profits which might accrue to a RAB would be distributed by way of rebate to the customers.

    Michael Fabricant
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether broadband regional aggregation boards are permitted to apply a levy on existing services included in their activities. [152989]

    Mr. Timms
    Broadband regional aggregation bodies ("RABs") will offer highest available value for money to public sector customers in their region and the costs will include a mark-up to cover their costs. Any public sector customer contemplating novating a contract for broadband connectivity to a RAB will need to consider whether to take the RA B's offer or stay with their existing contract if that offers better terms—no customer will be obliged to pay a levy on their existing contracts if they are not transferred to a RAB.

    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Government are taking to promote the take up of next-generation broadband networks. [153567]

    Mr. Timms
    At the end of 2003 there were over 3.2 million subscribers to broadband services in the UK growing at 40 000 per week. The majority of these subscribers were using services with downstream 1212W
    specifications of 500–600 kbps. However, most of the major providers offer broadband services for businesses and consumers at 1 or 2 Mbps and some operators offer services at even high specifications. We expect that there will be an increasing demand for higher speed services over the next few years.

    The Government are committed to make use of broadband for the delivery of public services, for example the Department for Education and Skills has set a target for all primary and secondary schools in England to have broadband connections by 2006. As part of its support for businesses adopting information and information technology, the DTI has produced a wealth of material which explains the benefits of using broadband and how it can help business become more effective.

    Business Start-ups
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impediments to the formation of spin-off firms from larger firms and universities; and what steps are being taken to tackle such impediments. [152053]

    Ms Hewitt
    The number of spin offs from UK universities has increased significantly, rising from 28 in 1995–96 to almost 250 in 2000–01. The latest Higher Education Business Interactions Survey indicates that in the academic year 2000–01 248 companies were spun out from UK universities, employing 10,710 people (an increase of 84 per cent. on the previous year) and a turnover of £195 million (an increase of 46 per cent. on 1999–2000). The Government have supported the increased levels of spin-offs by addressing the funding gap between basic university research and private sector investment, which was identified in our "Investing in Innovation" Strategy. This funding gap has been addressed through the University Challenge fund which provides seed funding for Universities to support spin-offs and has now been assimilated into Higher Education Innovation Fund round 2, which was launched in December 2003, with a deadline for bids of 25 February.

    Call Centres
    Mr. Hepburn
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of call centres from other EU countries which have been relocated abroad since 2000. [153224]

    Ms Hewitt
    There are no sources of data on international labour movements that would enable my Department to estimate the number of call centres which may have been relocated from other EU countries.

    Computer Viruses
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated cost to United Kingdom businesses was of computer viruses in each of the last five years. [153558]

    Mr. Timms
    The information is not collected in this way. The DTI works with business to produce a biennial survey of Information Security Breaches. The Survey is intended to raise awareness of the importance
    1213W
    of effective information security management. The Surveys do not set out to survey or measure the average costs of internet security breaches, such as virus attacks, but survey the costs of all information security breaches. Based on the information gathered for the 2002 Survey, the figures indicated that serious security incidents cost on average some £30,000 per incident in 2001.

    Work on the 2004 Information Security Breaches Survey is almost complete and the results will be announced at the Infosecurity Europe exhibition on 27 April. I expect the Survey to present some up to date information on the operational impact of virus attacks.

    Departmental Budget
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total budget of her Department was in each year since 1992, broken down by department. [148170]

    Ms Hewitt
    The total planned annual budgets for the Department are shown in the Departmental Report and also in the Main Estimates booklet issued by the Treasury at the start of each financial year. The Departmental Report 2003 (Cm 5916) was presented to Parliament in May 2003.

    Final budgets for each year would have been shown in the Spring Supplementary Estimates for each year, and, for comparison purposes, in the Main Estimates booklet for the following year.

    Departmental Staff
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many officials in her Department had responsibility for(a) science, (b) innovation, (c) enterprise and (d) competition for each year between 1997 and 2007 (i) in real terms and (ii) as a proportion of the overall number of officials in the Department; and if she will make a statement. [153540]

    Ms Hewitt
    We are unable to provide this information broken down in this way for 1997–2004 without incurring disproportionate cost.

    Business Relocations
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the number of jobs which may be lost in the United Kingdom over the next five years as the result of the decisions made by British companies to relocate parts of their businesses to other countries. [146127]

    Ms Hewitt
    We are currently studying a number of reports containing a variety of estimates, as well as submissions in response to the DTI consultation paper published in December 2003. Offshoring is not, however, a zero sum game and it will be important to consider not just the number of potential jobs that may be lost, but also the number that may be gained.

    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with representatives of FTSE-100 companies about decisions to relocate part of their businesses to other countries; and if she will publish the minutes of such discussions. [146128]
    1214W
    Ms Hewitt
    On Monday 2 February I hosted a round table discussion with around 50 companies, trade unions and other organisations and academics on the issue of offshoring of UK service activity to other countries. The discussions were held under Chatham House rules, so there were no minutes. There was agreement that the UK cannot compete on labour costs, but must focus on value-added elements where the UK can compete, such as quality of service, proximity to customers, local knowledge and higher skilled work. All agreed that protectionism is not the answer, that location decisions are matters for companies, but that full account needs to be taken of all factors before decisions are made. There was also widespread recognition of the need to make the UK as competitive as possible, both for indigenous firms and to continue to attract inward investment.

    Energy Policy
    Mr. Tynan
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effect of ghost capacity in the importation of gas and electricity. [R] [147517]

    Mr. Timms
    I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to electricity interconnection with France.

    According to the January 2004 update to national grid's "Seven Year Statement", the England and Wales plant margin (i.e. the excess of total generating capacity over winter peak demand) in 2003–04 is 21.6 per cent. This figure includes the 2GW Anglo-French electricity interconnector out of a total generating capacity of around 68GW.

    The 2004–05 and 2005–06 plant margins in England and Wales are currently projected to be 22.7 per cent. and 22.3 per cent. respectively. Under these circumstances, the French interconnector would account for a lower share of the plant margin than at present.

    The interconnector therefore makes a significant contribution to total generating capacity in England and Wales at times of winter peak demand.

    EU Quick Start Programme
    Mr. Redwood
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the UK is taking to comply with EU Quick Start programme objectives in broadband networks. [151496]

    Mr. Timms
    The Government believe that the Quick Start initiative is a sensible way for the community to proceed with aspects of Lisbon agenda. The Government have written to interested parties in the UK to canvass interest in the suggested broadband projects and awaits responses with interest.

    Gas/Electricity Market
    Mr. Laxton
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how electricity prices have changed for(a) industrial and commercial users and (b) domestic users since the introduction of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements. [153319]
    1215W
    Mr. Timms
    The following table sets out the changes in electricity prices since the introduction of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements.

    Percentage

    Real terms

    Current terms

    Domestic

    -9.5

    +2.1

    Industrial

    -14.3

    -7.8

    (-7.3 including CCL)

    (-0.3 including CCL)

    Notes:

    1. The percentage change is for the period Q1 2001 to Q3 2003, which are the latest data available.

    2. Prices for commercial users are not available.

    3. 'Real Terms' means that the effect of inflation has been removed by using the GDP deflator, an inflationary indicator for the whole economy.

    Source:

    ONS and DTI

    Industrial Injury Claims
    John Mann
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is being taken against claim handling companies acting as intermediaries between solicitors and miners with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and vibration white finger who charge up to 25 per cent. of the final award. [153531]

    Nigel Griffiths
    With regard to the work of claim handling agents, we have included in all our publicity material, both in the national and regional press and the Department's miners newsletter, references to the fact there should be no need for any organisations processing claims to charge claimants a fee or deduct any compensation and that if any claim handling firm suggests other arrangements claimants should seek advice elsewhere.

    The Department is aware of the concerns raised about the work of claim handling companies and Lord Falconer, as Constitutional Affairs Secretary, launched a wide-ranging independent review of the regulation of the legal services market in July last year. The review is due to report by the end of 2004 and a consultation document will be issued shortly.

    Industrial Participation Agreements (South Africa)
    Mr. Simon Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) on what date the official seconded by the British Joint Steering Committee on the Industrial Participation Agreements in South Africa was seconded to the South African Department of Trade and Industry; and on what date the secondment ends; [151391]

    (2) from what Department the official seconded by the British Joint Steering Committee on the Industrial Participation Agreements in South Africa came to the South African Department of Trade and Industry. [151392]

    Mr. Ingram
    I have been asked to reply.

    In accordance with an undertaking given by the Prime Minister to President Mbeki, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence seconded an official to the South African Department of Trade and Industry in March 2000 in the role of Offset Adviser. The secondment
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    ended in April 2002. Since that time the UK MOD has supported a part-time Offset Adviser with commercial experience, in accordance with the wishes of the South African Department of Trade and Industry.

    Mr. Simon Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will place a copy of the reports made by the official seconded by the British Joint Steering Committee on the Industrial Participation Agreements in South Africa in the Library; [151393]

    (2) how many reports on the progress of the South African industrial participation agreements have been received by the Joint Steering Committee on the Industrial Participation Agreements in South Africa since January 2000. [151394]

    Mr. Ingram
    I have been asked to reply

    The Joint Industrial Participation Monitoring Committee has received reports from the South African Department of Trade and Industry, from Armscor and from the Industrial Participation obligors at each of its meetings. These reports have covered both the National Industrial Participation and Defence Industrial Participation programmes. No formal reports were made by the official.

    Mr. Simon Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what dates the Joint Steering Committee on the Industrial Participation Agreements in South Africa has met since January 2000. [151395]

    Mr. Ingram
    I have been asked to reply.

    The Joint Industrial Participation Monitoring Committee has met on the following dates since January 2000:

    16 November 2000

    10 May 2001

    8 November 2001

    7 May 2002

    26 November 2002

    11 March 2003

    1 October 2003

    Information Technology
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific initiatives her Department is sponsoring to promote effective use of information and communication technology. [153570]

    Mr. Timms
    In recent years, DTI has been promoting the effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through the UK online for business programme.

    Specific initiatives under this programme include:
    a national network of e-business advisers, located in the Business Links
    production of a wide range of impartial, jargon-free information available on-and off-line
    a comprehensive website, offering advice and examples of best practice

    As a result of a decision to restructure business support within DTI, the activities of UK online for business will increasingly be integrated into the wider interests of the Department and the Business Link

    1217W
    Organisation. The decision to restructure has been a direct response to feedback from stakeholders and the aim will be to rationalise the wide range of schemes run by the Department into a small number of coherent and focused products.

    The strategy for DTI, in partnership with industry, will be to underline the business benefits that can be achieved through more effective, sophisticated use of ICT. Businesses need to become better users of the technologies, addressing issues relating to people and processes as well as the technology itself.

    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what initiatives her Department is sponsoring to encourage internet connections among micro and small businesses. [153571]

    Mr. Timms
    Recent evidence shows, particularly in the DTI's International Benchmarking Study 2003, that there has now been an end to the "dash for access". Broadly speaking, businesses that want internet connection have got it and the dynamics are now around speed and type of access. The key issue for business is how it can unlock real value from the smarter deployment of ICT.

    As there is still scope for greater numbers of micro and small businesses to become connected to the internet, DTI will continue to promote internet connection as part of the support and advice it gives to SMEs. However, the main focus will be to encourage a more effective, integrated use of ICT so that businesses can exploit the technology fully and gain the full set of benefits that it can bring.

    A copy of the International Benchmarking Study 2003: Business in the Information Age is available in the Libraries of the House—URN 03/147.

    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her budget in 2003–04 is for the promotion of internet use among micro and small businesses. [153573]

    Mr. Timms
    The expenditure for 2003–04 for the UK online for business programme, which promotes internet and ICT use by SMEs, is forecast to be £7 million.

    Mobile Phones (Data Protection)
    Mr. Bellingham
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from mobile phone users on the privacy of the data on them stored by network operators. [153623]

    Mr. Timms
    We have received no representations from individual users.

    However, in 2003 a consultation was held on the implementation of the EC Privacy and Electronic Communications Directive. This consultation included the question: "How should service providers gain consent to processing of traffic and location data and what information should they provide?"

    A number of interested groups responded on this issue and their views were taken into account in the final version. These comments are available via the DTI website along with a copy of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003.
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    Post Office Closures
    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers she has to delay the proposed closure of a post office. [153027]

    Mr. Timms
    None. Decisions on post office closures and relocations are an operational matter for the company. It would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene in determining individual closures. That has been the policy of successive Governments since 1969 when the Post Office was established as a statutory public corporation.

    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recourse is available to users where the Post Office has acted improperly in a proposed closure. [153030]

    Mr. Timms
    Decisions on post office closures are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. Every proposal that the company makes for the permanent closure of a post office branch is subject to public consultation in accordance with the Code of Practice on Post Office Closures and Relocations—agreed between Post Office Ltd. and Postwatch, the consumer watchdog for postal services. Postwatch are consulted on every post office closure proposal before a decision is made and there is every opportunity for those affected by a proposal, and the local MP, to make representations to the company or to Postwatch.

    Lady Hermon
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Post Office closures there have been in each Northern Ireland constituency in each year since 1997. [150672]

    Mr. Timms
    The Department does not hold such data and this is a matter that falls within the day-to-day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

    Post Offices (Stores)
    Malcolm Bruce
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which(a) convenience store companies and (b) supermarket chains have post office branches located in their stores; how many branches each organisation had located in its stores in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement on the continued availability of such branches in convenience stores. [152745]

    Mr. Timms
    We do not collect the information requested, which is an operational matter for the Post Office. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

    Printer Cartridge Remanufacturing Industry
    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures the Government have put in place to ensure the future of the printer cartridge remanufacturing industry. [153195]

    Mr. Timms
    The Government welcomes the positive contribution of the cartridge refill sector, but do not have any financial support mechanisms specifically aimed at it.
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    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Ministers in her Department have met(a) Lexmark and (b) Hewlett Packard to discuss the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive; and on what dates. [153197]

    Mr. Timms
    I have not met representatives of Lexmark, but met with Hewlett Packard representatives on 18 December 2003.

    Private Non-financial Corporations
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the percentage net rate of return of private non-financial corporations was for(a) manufacturing and (b) services for each year between 1993 and 2003. [153554]

    Ruth Kelly
    The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

    Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Stephen O'Brien, dated 9 February 2004:
    As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the profitability of UK manufacturing and service companies, in each year since 1993.
    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) First Release "Profitability of UK companies" shows the annual profitability of manufacturing companies since 1970 and service companies since 1989. Data for 2003 will be published on 31st March. This First Release, giving data up to 2002 is available free of charge from the National Statistics Website and is available in the House of Commons Library. The web address of the latest edition is: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/profit0104.pdf

    Public Bodies
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the total expenditure limit for(a) BTI, (b) the Office of Fair Trading, (c) OFTEL, (d) OFGEM, (e) Postcomm and (f) the Export Credit Guarantee Department for each year between 1997 and 2007. [151831]

    Ms Hewitt
    This information is set out in "Central Government Supply Estimates 2003–04 Supplementary Budgetary Information" (Cm 5797, May 2003). Figures are available from 1998–99 (the first year for which resource information was produced) to 2005–06 (the final year of the current Spending Review period). The title of BTI was changed in the Winter Supplementary 2003–94 to UK Trade and Investment, and from the Spring Supplementary 2003–04 the activities previously carried out by OFTEL have transferred to OFCOM (Office of Communications), a public corporation.

    Radioactive Waste Consultation Paper
    Norman Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason no hard copy of the consultation paper on proposals for intermediate level radioactive waste substitution had reached either the Vote Office or the Library four days after its official release. [153234]
    1220W
    Mr. Timms
    [holding answer 6 February 2004]A copy of the consultation document was sent to all MPs on 30 January 2004. Due to an administrative oversight, there was a short delay before copies were placed in the Libraries of the House and the Vote Office.

    Norman Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list those persons and organisations who have been sent copies of the consultation paper on intermediate level radioactive waste substitution. [153235]

    Mr. Timms
    [holding answer 6 February 2004]Around 1,600 copies of the report have been distributed to among others MPs, MEPs, the nuclear industry, local authorities and environmental groups.

    Norman Baker
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she had been informed of the financial arrangements between BNFL and NAC International when she commissioned from the latter the consultation paper on proposals for intermediate level radioactive waste substitution. [153236]

    Mr. Timms
    [holding answer 6 February 2004]The Department was aware of the financial arrangements between BNFL and NAC International when NAC were commissioned to undertake the report.

    NAC International were chosen following a competitive tendering process in line with Departmental rules.

    NAC is an international company providing consultancy services on a wide range of nuclear issues. We are advised by NAC that its work for BNFL amounts to around 0.3 per cent. of current turnover. Most of NAC's turnover is generated from work conducted outside the UK.

    Regional Development Agencies
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 28 January 2004,Official Report, column 375W, on Regional Development Agencies, how many jobs were created in each region as a result of foreign direct investment. [153513]

    Jacqui Smith
    The following information is taken from the UK Trade and Investment database, January 2004. The figures are collected on the basis of information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest, and some of these decisions are not notified to UK Trade and Investment until long after a decision is taken. There is no requirement on companies to notify inward investment decisions to UK Trade and Investment and so the figures include only those projects where UK Trade and Investment or its regional partners were involved or which have come to their notice. They are therefore likely to be an under-estimate. As well as jobs created, jobs may also be safeguarded as a result of foreign direct investment. These are not included in the following table.
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    RDA

    Number of jobs created as a result of foreign direct investment decisions announced during FY 2002–03

    Advantage West Midlands

    197

    East of England Development Agency1

    450

    East Midlands Development Agency

    1,248

    London Development Agency2

    1,511

    Northwest Development Agency

    5,925

    One North East

    703

    South East of England Development Agency

    443

    South West Regional Development Agency

    499

    Yorkshire Forward

    405

    1 East of England Development Agency does not handle inward investment directly but through a sister organisation, Invest East of England.

    2 Inward investment promotion and case handling of potential inward investors is handled by London First Centre under contract to London Development Agency. Aftercare of existing inward investors is carried out by London Development Agency, working with its sub-regional partners.

    Research Funding Gap
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to address the funding gap between public sector support for research and private sector investment in development. [152052]

    Ms Hewitt
    By 2005–06 the science budget will reach just short of £3 billion, more than double the figure for 1997–8. Moreover, the Chancellor announced in his speech on 26 January that we will make a long term plan for science funding over the next decade a central feature of our 2004 spending review. These demonstrate the Government's strong commitment to an excellent science base.

    We are pressing forward on a number of fronts to address the funding gap between research and commercial exploitation. Direct support to universities and public sector research establishments (PSREs) is being provided in the form of proof of concept and seed corn funding through programmes such as University Challenge, the second round of the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) and the Public Sector Research Exploitation fund. In addition the Government is building up the capability of the research community to interact with business and investors. The recent Lambert Review of business /HEI interaction found that this investment is already succeeding.

    R&D tax credits provide an incentive for companies to undertake R&D, both when work is subcontracted to higher education institutions or public sector research bodies and when work is done by the company itself.

    The Government's Innovation Report (published in December 2003), describes how the DTI will develop a Technology Strategy with business, the SET base, other Government Departments, RDAs, and other stakeholders to identify key technologies with future growth potential. DTI will provide some of the funding and share some of the risks of pulling through technologies in these key areas into the market. In addition, the Research Councils will make plans for increasing the rate of knowledge transfer and interaction with business.
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    Science and Society Directorate
    Sue Doughty
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 15 December 2003,Official Report, column 646W, on the Science and Society Directorate, if she will make a statement on the Government's strategy for supporting science that is of social rather than economic benefit; and what the role of the Science and Society Directorate is in promoting the value of science that is without economic benefit. [151088]

    Ms Hewitt
    In the context of the work of the Science and Society Directorate, 'science' includes engineering, technology, medicine, mathematics and the natural and social sciences all of which have social and economic benefit. Working with and through others the Directorate aims to support activities which address all of these areas such as National Science Week.

    The Government are also supporting social research directly through the Economic and Social Research Council.

    Ensuring that all of these areas are properly addressed is a key consideration when we allocate resources to the science base.

    Skills Shortages
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of skills shortages in the United Kingdom. [153568]

    Ms Hewitt
    Last week I jointly launched the National Employer Skills Survey 2003 which was the largest survey of its kind ever commissioned. A total of 72,100 interviews were conducted with employees from 27 industries. This survey provides robust and detailed statistical information about the extent, causes and implications of England's recruitment problems and skill shortages.

    NESS suggested that at any one time there are 250,000 job vacancies that are hard to fill and of these 135,000 cannot be filled because of skill shortages. The skilled trades are hardest hit by skill shortages and represent 18 per cent. of the hard to fill vacancies due to skill shortages.

    Skills gaps among those in the workforce are more acute with employers stating that almost 2½ million employees (11 per cent. of the total English workforce) are lacking skills needed to do their job effectively.

    Sunset Clauses
    Mr. David Stewart
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her policy on the use of sunset clauses in legislation; and which Acts containing such clauses relevant to her Department were passed in each year since 1997. [149334]

    Ms Hewitt
    I refer my hon. Friend to the replies that I gave to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) on 24 April 2003,Official Report, columns 110–11W, and the hon. Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink) on 1 July 2003, Official Report, column 217W.
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    Trade and Investment White Paper
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to publish a White Paper on trade and investment in 2004. [153544]

    Ms Hewitt
    I plan to publish a White Paper on trade and investment later this year.

    The document will set out the Government's policies relating to trade, investment and improving productivity in response to the opportunities and challenges of globalisation both for the UK economy and more widely, especially for developing countries.

    UK Company Profitability
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the profitability of UK companies has been, broken down by sector, in each quarter since 1997. [148179]

    Ruth Kelly
    The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

    Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Stephen O'Brien, dated 9 February 2004:
    As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the profitability of UK companies, broken down by sector, in each quarter since 1997. (148179)
    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) First Release "Profitability of UK companies" shows the quarterly profitability of private non-financial companies since 1989. It also shows the breakdown into manufacturing companies, service sector companies and oil extraction companies. This First Release is available free of charge from the National Statistics Website and is available in the House of Commons Library. The web address of the latest edition is http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/profit0104.pdf
    The ONS do not publish estimates of profitability for financial companies or for public corporations. A further breakdown of sectoral detail for private non-financial corporations is not available.

    UK Productivity
    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the productivity of UK companies has been, broken down by sector, in each quarter since 1997. [148176]

    Ruth Kelly
    The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

    Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Stephen O'Brien, dated 9 February 2004:
    As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on the productivity of UK companies in each quarter since 1997. (148176)
    The attached table shows the level of productivity, as measured by output per job, for the whole economy and for the energy, manufacturing and services sectors. The services sector figures are published as experimental statistics on the National Statistics website. All series shown are output per job indices which are referenced to 100 for the annual average of the year 2000. The data shown are from the first quarter of 1997 to the first quarter of 2003 inclusive.
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    Indices1 of output per job for the whole UK economy and for three sectors, quarterly since 1997

    Sector

    Period

    Whole economy

    Mining, Electricity, Gas and water supply

    Manufacturing

    Services

    1997 Q1

    94.3

    88.4

    89.9

    94.6

    1997 Q2

    94.0

    88.2

    89.2

    94.3

    1997Q3

    94.6

    88.3

    90.0

    95.1

    1997 Q4

    95.4

    86.5

    90.2

    96.4

    1998 Q1

    95.7

    86.7

    90.5

    96.7

    1998 Q2

    96.0

    87.9

    90.6

    97.1

    1998 Q3

    96.9

    89.9

    90.9

    98.3

    1998 Q4

    97.5

    91.9

    90.9

    99.0

    1999 Q1

    97.4

    93.5

    92.1

    98.5

    1999 Q2

    97.3

    96.3

    93.5

    98.1

    1999 Q3

    97.6

    100.0

    95.3

    97.8

    1999 Q4

    98.3

    101.9

    96.3

    98.6

    2000 Q1

    99.4

    103.7

    97.8

    99.4

    2000 Q2

    99.8

    102.8

    99.3

    99.8

    2000 Q3

    100.3

    98.7

    100.5

    100.5

    2000 Q4

    100.4

    94.9

    102.4

    100.3

    2001 Q1

    101.1

    95.2

    103.5

    100.6

    2001 Q2

    100.8

    96.7

    102.6

    100.6

    2001 Q3

    101.0

    96.2

    104.0

    100.7

    2001 Q4

    101.4

    96.5

    102.9

    101.5

    2002 Q1

    101.6

    97.4

    103.8

    101.2

    2002 Q2

    102.0

    101.2

    103.5

    101.5

    2002 Q3

    102.8

    96.5

    106.0

    102.4

    2002 Q4

    103.4

    97.8

    106.1

    103.0

    2003 Q1

    103.4

    96.2

    107.2

    103.3

    2003 Q2

    103.7

    95.0

    109.7

    103.3

    2003 Q3

    104.3

    96.6

    111.1

    104.2

    1 All indices referenced to 100 for the annual average of the year 2000.

    Mr. Stephen O'Brien
    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the productivity of UK companies with a turnover of(a) less than £1 million, (b) £1 to £20 million, (c) £20 to £50 million, (d) £50 to £100 million and (e) more than £100 million has been in each quarter since 1997. [148177]

    Ruth Kelly
    The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

    Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Stephen O'Brien, dated 9 February 2004:
    As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on the productivity of UK companies. (148177)
    The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not currently produce estimates of the productivity of UK companies by turnover size bands. Official productivity estimates are based on National Accounts output data. While it would be possible to use other data to produce measures of activity by turnover size band, such estimates would be in current prices only and would be distinct from official productivity measures. Such current price measures would not be able to be related to the official productivity measures, and could only be produced at disproportionate cost.

  DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

    Abandoned Cars
    Mrs. Spelman
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of abandoned cars were set alight in the UK in each of the four years before 2001–02 for which figures are available. [153395]

    Mr. Raynsford
    In England, the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) conducted a Municipal Waste Management Survey in 2000–01 which estimated
    1225W
    that 224,000 abandoned vehicles, recorded for the first time by the survey, were removed and destroyed by local authorities.

    An analysis of national fire statistics shows that in 2000–01 an estimated 15,400 fires occurred in vehicles that had previously been abandoned. This estimate represents 7 per cent. of all abandoned vehicles removed and destroyed, as recorded by the DEFRA survey.

    Figures on abandoned vehicles before 2000–01 are not available.

    Area-based Initiatives
    Andrew George
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what progress he has made in(a) reducing the number of area-based initiatives, (b) reducing the need for repetitive strategies of area-based initiatives, (c) reducing the administrative burden of area-based initiatives and (d) improving the ease of access by (i) target groups, (ii) community organisations, (iii) business organisations and (iv) local authority organisations to area-based initiatives in each Government Department which has such initiatives; [153590]

    (2) what steps his Department has taken to (a) reduce, (b) amalgamate and (c) devolve responsibility for area-based initiatives since the publication of the Regional Co-ordination Unit's report on area-based initiatives in October 2002. [153589]

    Yvette Cooper
    The Regional Co-ordination Unit (RCU) led a review of area-based initiatives (ABIs) in 2001 which included the commitment to significantly reduce the number of separate funding streams without reducing the total amount of funding. The RCU published a report in July 2003, outlining plans to reduce ABIs by almost 50 per cent. Copies of that 2003 report are available in the Library of the House.

    The RCU also operates a Gateway for assessing new and developing area-based initiatives to ensure that initiatives are carefully designed to achieve their goals while taking opportunities to minimise bureaucracy, and make links to other initiatives.

    Council Tax
    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will set a 2 per cent. cap on council tax increases for pensioners; and what he estimates the cost to his Department of subsidising a 2 per cent. cap would be. [154306]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to set a cap on council tax increases for pensioners. It is not possible to estimate how much such a subsidy would cost in the coming year as this depends on the level of council tax set by local authorities.

    Council Tax Bands
    Mr. Dhanda
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to consult interested parties on the possibility of increasing the number of council tax bands for dwellings valued up to £40,000. [153306]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The Local Government Act 2003 provides for a council tax revaluation in England in 2007 based on 1 April 2005 values. As the 2001 White 1226W
    Paper, "Strong Local Leadership, Quality Public Services" made clear, ahead of revaluation, the Government will listen to the views of local government and taxpayers about council tax bands. Decisions on any changes to the banding structure will be taken nearer to the time of the revaluation.

    Mr. Dhanda
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the width of council tax bands on residents of mobile homes. [153307]

    Mr. Raynsford
    The 2001 White Paper, "Strong Local Leadership, Quality Public Services", noted the concern that council tax bands were not fine grained enough to reflect difference in value at the top and the bottom of the property market and acknowledged that residents of mobile homes and other very low value property have added to calls to split band A. The Local Government Act 2003 provides for a council tax revaluation in England in 2007 based on 1 April 2005 values. The White Paper made clear that ahead of revaluation the Government will listen to the views of local government and taxpayers about council tax bands. The Balance of Funding Review has also been considering evidence on possible changes to existing bands. Decisions on any changes to the banding structure will be taken nearer to the time of the revaluation.

    Decent Homes Standard
    Jeremy Corbyn
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of(a) council owned housing and (b) housing association properties in each London borough meet the Decent Homes Standard; and what estimate he has made of the cost of meeting the standard by the target date of 2010 for each borough. [153944]

    Keith Hill
    The proportion of local authority owned dwellings in London that are decent and their estimates of cost to make decent, as reported on the 2003 HIP Business Plan statistical appendices, are in the table as follows. Information at the borough level on housing associations is not available, but using information from the 2003 Housing Corporation Regular Statistical Return for London based Housing Associations shows that they have around 15 per cent. non-decent homes.

    Decent homes standard

    Authority

    Percentage of LA dwellings that are decent at 2003

    Cost to make all dwellings decent (£000)

    Barking and Dagenham

    42

    1—

    Barnet

    58

    10,387

    Brent

    49

    25,818

    Camden

    36

    306,449

    City of London

    45

    1—

    Croydon

    60

    54,664

    Ealing

    69

    31,548

    Enfield

    69

    13,047

    Greenwich

    18

    68,477

    Hackney

    31

    1—

    Hammersmith and Fulham

    70

    39,088

    Haringey

    42

    49,486

    Harrow

    48

    11,282

    Havering

    67

    7,740

    Hillingdon

    69

    18,586

    Hounslow

    36

    39,126

    Islington

    36

    181,900

    Kensington and Chelsea

    41

    35,282

    1227W

    Decent homes standard

    Authority

    Percentage of LA dwellings that are decent at 2003

    Cost to make all dwellings decent (£000)

    Kingston upon Thames

    50

    1—

    Lambeth

    57

    1—

    Lewisham

    39

    128,414

    Merton

    68

    7,058

    Newham

    51

    143,239

    Redbridge

    74

    2,800

    Southwark

    52

    1—

    Sutton

    58

    26,726

    Tower Hamlets

    25

    202,674

    Waltham Forest

    11

    175,890

    Wandsworth

    88

    25,085

    Westminster

    32

    99,774

    1 Cost not provided.

    Source:

    2003 BPSA

    Drug Treatment Services
    Mr. Stinchcombe
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many planning applications to local authorities for drug treatment services were(a) made and (b) approved in the last year for which figures are available. [153710]

    Keith Hill
    The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

    HMOs
    Mr. Edward Davey
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on how many occasions since 1 May 1997(a) Ministers and (b) officials from (i) his Department and (ii) its predecessors have met (A) representatives of Universities UK and (B) individual vice chancellors to discuss their concerns about the mandatory houses in multiple occupation licensing scheme. [153136]

    Keith Hill
    I am not aware that there have been any such meetings, but I would be happy to meet with representatives of Universities UK and individual vice chancellors to address their concerns about mandatory Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing.

    Mr. Edward Davey
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place copies of the responses to Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation in England, a consultation paper, in the Library. [153137]

    Keith Hill
    The analysis of responses to the consultation paper on Licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation in England as well as the list of respondents to the consultation is already available in the Library of the House. However, copies of the responses will also be made available in the Library.

    Housing
    Mr. Richard Spring
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will provide further funding for debt-free local authorities which did not receive transitional Local Authority Social Housing Grant funding. [153025]

    Keith Hill
    Local Authority Social Housing grant was abolished from 1 April 2003 as part of the measures outlined in 'Sustainable Communities: building for the future' in order to allow a more strategic use of resources. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister 1228W
    announced additional funding for the transitional arrangements on 21 October 2003. In all £432 million has been made available to debt free local authorities and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to provide further additional transitional funding. Local authorities remain able to provide social housing through resources allocated to them and the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme provides Social Housing Grant to registered social landlords.

    Tom Cox
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions took place with representatives of housing associations in the London Borough of Wandsworth on the decision by the Housing Corporation to reduce the number of housing associations that receive development funding. [152975]

    Keith Hill
    The Housing Corporation is currently piloting a partnering programme with a number of Associations. It consulted widely on the pilot prior to its commencement. The consultation included both local authority and housing association representatives.

    The eligibility criteria for the pilot were publicly available and associations were invited to bid to the Housing Corporation through the partnering route.if they could bring added value to the development programme.

    The scheme is a pilot and other Associations are still able to bid through the traditional route, and will be funded if projects meet national and regional housing strategy objectives, represent value for money and are deliverable, subject to available funding.

    The outcome of the pilot might reduce the number of associations developing, however there have been no specific discussions about reducing the number and there have been no decisions made on the future number of developing associations.

    Tom Cox
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many housing associations within the Greater London area will cease to receive development funding from the Housing Corporation in 2004. [152976]

    Keith Hill
    The Housing Corporation, in conjunction with Regional Housing Boards including London, are still assessing and considering the bids received for funding through the approved development programme (ADP) for 2004–05 and 2005–06. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not yet taken decisions on which bids to approve.

    Tom Cox
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many properties have been provided in(a) the Greater London area and (b) the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last five years by the Housing Corporation in its London approved development programme. [152977]

    Keith Hill
    The number of homes provided in the London region and the London Borough of Wandsworth in each of the last five years through funding via the Housing Corporation Approved Development Programme is shown in the following table.
    1229W

    London (a)

    Wandsworth (b)

    1998–99

    8,518

    271

    1999–2000

    6,675

    210

    2000–01

    6,700

    140

    2001–02

    6,289

    130

    2002–03

    5,501

    116

    Total

    33,683

    867

    Source:

    Housing Corporation Outturn statements

    Local Authority Grants
    Mr. Dhanda
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what relationship his Department has found between the change in central government grants that local authorities have received in 2003–04 and the changes in council tax that they have implemented. [153304]

    Mr. Raynsford
    General grants (Revenue Support Grant, Non-Domestic Rates and Principal Formula Police Grant) increased by 5.9 per cent. on a like for like basis between 2002–03 and 2003–04. In the same period the average Band D area council tax increased by 12.9 per cent. Data for individual authorities can be found at http://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/0304/changess.xls for grants and at http://www.local.odpm. gov.uk/finance/ctax/ctax034.htm. for council tax.

    Mobile Phone Masts
    Mr. John Taylor
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to amend safety limits on mobile phone masts to take account of recent UK and European research. [153232]

    Keith Hill
    The Government does not have any plans to amend the radio frequency public exposure guidelines. Our advice is based on the Stewart Report on health effects of mobile phones and base stations, which recommended a precautionary approach to the development of mobile phone technology. The Government accepted the precautionary approach and has therefore introduced measures to ensure that people's exposures from base stations meet the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines are five times tougher than they had been for the public.

    On 14 January the National Radiological Protection Board's independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation published a report entitled "Health Effects from Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields". The Advisory Group reviewed the evidence for health effects from radiofrequency transmissions, especially that published since the Stewart Report on Mobile Phones and Health in 2000. Their report confirmed that "Exposure levels from living near to mobile phone base stations are extremely low, and the overall evidence indicates that they are unlikely to pose a risk to health." However, the Advisory Group also concluded that continued research is needed.

    The Government is keeping the whole area of mobile phone technologies under review in the light of further research.
    1230W
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will give local authorities powers to determine the suitability of sites for mobile telephone transmitters. [153810]

    Keith Hill
    Local planning authorities already have powers to determine the suitability of sites for mobile phone base stations. Current planning guidance on telecommunications is set out in the revised Planning Policy Guidance Note 8: Telecommunications.

    The installation of any telecommunications mast in designated area such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, conservation areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and of a mast of more than 15 metres in height elsewhere, is subject to a full planning application. Certain types of development, such as the installation of ground-based masts of up to 15 metres in height, are subject to a prior approval procedure. Prior approval procedures allow the local planning authority the opportunity to say whether it wishes to approve details of the siting and appearance of the installation. If the authority considers that the development will pose a serious threat to amenity, it is able to refuse approval.

    The Government also strongly encourages telecommunications operators and local planning authorities to carry out annual discussions about rollout plans for each authority's area. Pre-application discussions on a specific development proposal should be set in the context of the operator's strategy for telecommunications development in the area.

    Planning Permission (Windows)
    Mr. Nigel Jones
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to require planning permission for reinstatement of windows which overlook other premises. [153741]

    Keith Hill
    The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to require planning permission for the reinstatement of windows. There is a right to install or replace windows in dwellinghouses without needing to apply for planning permission; this has relieved local councils of a potentially large administrative burden. However, where development requires specific planning permission, Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 says that it might be material to consider the question of 'overlooking' or loss of privacy experienced by a particular resident.

    Public Sector Leasehold
    Mr. Lepper
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the development of a code of good practice for public sector residential leasehold management. [152294]

    Keith Hill
    The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no current plans to develop a code of good practice for public sector residential leasehold management.

    Mr. Lepper
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will consult on the accounting requirement provisions contained in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. [152295]
    1231W
    Keith Hill
    The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister intends to consult on regulations relating to the accounting provisions set out in sections 152 and 156 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 in April 2004.

    Mr. Lepper
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how often the Public Sector Leasehold Working Party has met; when it last met; and when he expects it to meet again. [152296]

    Keith Hill
    The Public Sector Leasehold Working Party first met in February 2002. Since then six meetings have been held, the last of which was on 16 May 2003. Dates for future meetings have not been decided.

    Mr. Lepper
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the terms of reference of the Public Sector Leasehold Working Party are; to whom it reports; and if he will make a statement. [152297]

    Keith Hill
    The terms of reference for the public sector leasehold working party are:

    1. To identify and review problems faced by social sector leaseholders in relation to the repair or renovation of Local Authority and RSL stock; in particular, any arising from:

    (a) the practical application of forthcoming amendments to Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (to be made by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, when enacted) in relation to costs incurred under long term agreements;

    (b) the framing of regulations under the proposed subsections 7, 8, 9 and 10 and the financial limits to be applied;

    (c) the extent to which leaseholders are required to meet the cost of such works, with particular reference to long standing dilapidation, improvements, grounds and roads and utility services;

    (d) the effect of existing measures to minimise the cost to leaseholders, including the capping of service charges;

    (e) any differences in treatment between different schemes and the rationale for such differences;

    (f) social landlord accounting practices, service charge statements and the maintenance and auditing of Housing Revenue Accounts and analogous funds;

    (g) differences in services supplied by private sector and social landlords, and the services for which public sector leaseholders should reasonably be expected to pay;

    (h) the particular problems of managing social housing stock with minority leaseholder tenure and consider possible solutions.

    2. To consider possible changes to address issues identified under 1. above.

    The Working Party reports ultimately to me through the Head of Housing Private Sector Division.

    Retail Premises (Mezzanine Floors)
    Mr. Willis
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to require a full planning application for the approval of mezzanine retail floor space within existing retail premises; and if he will make a statement. [153837]

    Keith Hill
    Section 55(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 excludes from the definition of development works which do not affect the external appearance of a building. As a result, unless the planning permission has a condition specifying the maximum floor space permitted or expressly excludes the provision of a mezzanine floor, or the development 1232W
    is an intensification in the use amounting to a material change in the use, the planning system has no control over such proposals.

    As part of the debates in Committee on the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Bill, an amendment has been proposed to change section 55(2) to bring such developments within planning control. Ministers have indicated that they take this issue seriously and will consider it further before the next stage of the Bill.

    Thames Gateway (Housing)
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the transport infrastructure projects which are required in order to facilitate the provision of 120,000 additional homes in the Thames Gateway in such a way as is consistent with the concept of sustainable communities; and which of those projects has received the Government's commitment that the necessary public funding will be made available. [153492]

    Keith Hill
    My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 30 July 2003 that the Government would commit support that would enable the development of at least 120,000 homes in the Thames Gateway by 2016. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be supporting development across the Gateway, with particular focus on five strategic locations; East London Gateway, Greenwich Peninsula to Woolwich, Barking Reach, Thurrock and Ebbsfleet/North Kent Thameside.

    In his statement, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister identified the transport infrastructure projects that are critical to supporting growth. These include domestic services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, extensions to the Docklands Light Rail (DLR) network and bus transit systems for East and South East London and Kent Thameside.

    My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has approved a consultation exercise by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) on a proposed Integrated Kent Franchise that incorporates CTRL Domestic Services. The Government have asked Kent County Council to develop their proposals for Kent Fastrack Phase 2 and made a provisional offer of up to £200 million PFI credits to support the Thames Gateway Bridge. The Mayor has announced that he is committed to taking forward the highlighted London schemes, however this remains subject to planning and funding.

    Bob Spink
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of the 120,000 new homes envisaged for the Thames Gateway he estimates will not be deliverable without a major enhancement of flood defences; to what extent further development in the Thames Gateway may be prevented without major enhancement of flood defences; and when the Government expects to(a) agree and (b) begin to implement a programme of major enhancement of flood defences in the Thames Gateway. [153511]

    Keith Hill
    Growth in the Thames Gateway will be largely concentrated on previously developed land in existing urban areas. Concentration of the development on priority areas substantially reduces the requirement for extra flood defences since most of the Thames
    1233W
    Estuary is already protected to a greater than 1:1000 year level (possibility of 0.1 per cent. of flooding in any one year) until 2030. This includes a generous allowance for future sea level rise until 2030 and is a far higher standard of protection than in most other parts of the UK.

    There are some parts of the Gateway that do not benefit from defences to this standard, notably the Medway Estuary. However, where development is proposed in such areas, we will ensure that appropriate defence measures are put in place to provide flood risk protection standards as required by Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 on 'Development and Flood Risk'. We shall also seek to ensure that the appropriate design and siting of development is considered through an assessment of flood risk that is required for all Office of the Deputy Prime Minister funded development in the Gateway.

    The Environment Agency is currently conducting a major study, entitled 'Thames Estuary 2100', of flood risk management for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is expected that this will take approximately six years to report, and that proposals for the renewal and possible enhancement of flood defences in the Thames Gateway will be implemented between 2015 and 2035. Much of this improvement would have been required even if no extra housing had been envisaged.

    Wind Farms
    Mr. Laurence Robertson
    To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what changes he is making to planning guidance with regard to applications to build wind farms; and if he will make a statement. [153368]

    Keith Hill
    The Government's proposals for the handling of all types of renewable energy projects through the planning system were set out in draft Planning Policy Statement 22 (PPS22) published for public consultation on 5 November 2003. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House. The consultation period ended on 30 January. The final version of PPS22 will not be published until careful consideration has been given to all the consultation responses received.

  TRANSPORT

    Air Traffic Control (Heathrow)
    Mr. Ben Chapman
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to conduct research into air traffic control delays at Heathrow airport. [152985]

    Mr. McNulty
    This is a matter for BAA, as airport operator, and National Air Traffic Services (NATS), as the BAA's contracted supplier of airport air traffic control services.

    Airline Safety
    Mr. Tyler
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what action the Civil Aviation Authority intends to take about official under-reporting of oil fume exposures by aircrews; [153410]
    1234W
    (2) what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority has details of all (a) defect reports, (b) air safety reports and (c) mandatory occurrence reporting reports during 2003 regarding fume, smoke or oil leak incidents relating to the (i) BAE 146 and (ii) Boeing 757 aircraft. [153414]

    Mr. McNulty
    The CAA receives over 9,000 mandatory occurrence reports each year and is not aware of any under reporting of oil fume exposures by aircrew.

    The current statutory framework ensures that the Civil Aviation Authority receives the data it requires on incidents that can affect flight safety. The Air Navigation (General) Regulations 1993 prescribe the mandatory reporting to the Authority of any hazardous, or potentially hazardous, defects encountered during aircraft operations or maintenance. Specifically Article 17(c) requires the reporting of any occurrence involving the impairment during a flight of the capacity of a member of the flight crew to undertake properly his or her functions. In addition, the Civil Air Publication CAP 382 "Mandatory Occurrence Scheme" gives detailed information and guidance that backs up the Air Navigation (General) Regulations 1993. Appendix B of CAP 382 includes a requirement to report each occurrence of smoke or noxious fumes in the aircraft that resulted in the use of emergency equipment or procedures.

    Mr. Tyler
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps(a) his Department and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority have taken to ensure that (i) aircrews and (ii) passengers are fully aware of the need to seek appropriate medical advice and assistance to avoid long term ill health following cabin fume incidents. [153411]

    Mr. McNulty
    The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology's report on Air Travel and Health, November 2000, looked into the health aspects of air travel including cabin air quality. Several studies on cabin air have been carried out but have revealed no evidence that fumes would be a hazard to the long-term health of passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority is not aware of any adverse long-term health effects in flight crew that can be traced back to the cabin environment.

    Mr. Tyler
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research the Civil Aviation Authority has undertaken on the chronic low dose effects of repeat inhalation by aircrews of organophosphates and other substances leaking from engine oil into aircraft air supplies. [153413]

    Mr. McNulty
    The Civil Aviation Authority has recently investigated cabin air contaminants after a small number of events where flight crew reported the presence of fumes in the cockpit. Other, more broadly-based, international research into aircraft cabin air quality has not shown the presence of organophosphates or any other dangerous engine oil-related substances leaking into the cabin air system on a regular, repeated or continuous basis.

    Crew Relief Costs Scheme
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department will revise the Crew Relief Costs scheme eligibility criteria to align them with
    1235W
    shipping policy objectives to support the UK register and British seafarers employed in the short-sea sector as set out in the shipping strategy paper, "British Shipping: Charting a New Course", published in December 1998. [152951]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Revision of the eligibility criteria for the Crew Relief Costs scheme requires primary legislation. It will be implemented when parliamentary time is available.

    Freight Facilities Grant
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Government plan to extend the Freight Facilities Grant scheme to include coastal and short-sea shipping. [152950]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The scheme already covers coastal and short-sea shipping.

    Liquefied Petroleum Gas
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to promote the exclusion from congestion charging schemes of liquefied petroleum gas powered road vehicles. [153729]

    Mr. Jamieson
    We plan to consult on local congestion charging guidance later this year. This will cover the scope for exemptions and concessions at both a national and local authority level, reflecting experience gained in London and Durham.

    Number Plate Fraud
    Mr. Donohoe
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many drivers were victims of number plate fraud, and as a result had to re-register their vehicle, in(a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003. [153218]

    Mr. Jamieson
    DVLA issues vehicles with replacement registration numbers for a variety of reasons. No separate figures are available for those replaced as a result of number plate fraud, but it is estimated that the problem is not widespread and that numbers are extremely low.

    Mr. Donohoe
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress the Government are making in combating vehicle number plate fraud. [153219]

    Mr. Jamieson
    New measures have been introduced to prevent people from obtaining number plates to which they are not entitled. Since 1 January 2004, all suppliers of number plates have been required to register with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and to keep records of sales. Purchasers are required to produce evidence of their identity as well as the vehicle registration document or suitable alternative.

    We are now working on measures to make number plates more secure and to ensure that they can be clearly and visibly linked to the vehicle on which they are displayed. A consultation paper on number plate security was issued in 2003 and in the light of comments received from the industry, the police and the general public, a shortlist of proposals is being drawn up for further action.
    1236W

    Pensioner Transport Concessions
    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many pensioners benefit from free travel on public transport; [153501]

    (2) how many pensioners are not entitled to free travel on public transport. [153502]

    Mr. McNulty
    In England, there are six areas where pensioners (men aged 65 and over, women aged 60 and over) are offered free concessionary travel on local bus services. These are the London boroughs, Merseyside, West Midlands, Crawley, Reading and Redditch. We estimate that 1.8 million pensioners are eligible for free bus travel in these areas. The remaining 7.3 million pensioners in England are entitled to at least the statutory half-fare minimum requirement on bus services, though local authorities can offer more generous schemes and many provide concessions between half fares and free travel, such as flat fares. Some authorities offer the choice of free travel with a charge for the annual concessionary travel pass as an alternative to the statutory minimum half fare with a free annual pass. Some local authorities offer free travel to older age groups, for example, those aged 75 and over. Some local authorities also extend their concessionary fare schemes to cover other forms of public transport—including the free schemes in the London boroughs, Merseyside, West Midlands and Crawley.

    From 1 April 2003, concessionary fares became available to men aged 60 to 64, bringing them into line with women of the same age. This includes 230,000 men who live in the six free travel areas, though West Midlands PTA is now providing half fares to men and women who reach their 60th birthday on or after 1 April 2003, who will not receive free fares until they are 65. A further 940,000 men live in other areas where at least half fares or better, are available.

    Figures are based on Office for National Statistics 2002 population estimates.

    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to stop the system of public transport concessions for pensioners being based on postcode. [153621]

    Mr. McNulty
    We do not intend to change the current arrangements for providing local authority concessionary travel for pensioners. The statutory requirement for concessionary fares ensures an equitable minimum level of half-fares on local buses, with a free pass for all pensioners in England. This minimum requirement was introduced in 2001 and has benefited many people where previously there was no scheme at all, or a scheme that offered less than half-fares. Above the minimum requirement, it remains for local authorities to make more generous provision, at their discretion and in the light of their own financial priorities and local circumstances.

    From 1 April 2003 men aged 60 and over have benefited from existing schemes in their area.

    Mr. Jim Cunningham
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will estimate the cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners. [151637]
    1237W
    Mr. McNulty
    [pursuant to his reply, 29 January 2004, Official Report, c. 468W]We have made no estimate of the total cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners on all forms of public transport. However, we estimate that the additional cost of providing free travel on all local bus services for pensioners would be more than £300 million per year. This does not include the costs of free travel on other forms of public transport. Local authorities in England currently spend around £500 million per year on concessionary travel for all men and women aged 60 and over, disabled people and in some areas, children, on all forms of public transport including, as well as buses, London Underground, other metro and tram systems, some national rail services and ferries.

    Railways
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the average number of miles to major overhaul was for each category of train rolling stock in(a) 1997 and (b) 2002; [153115]

    (2) what steps he is taking to satisfy himself that train rolling stock is receiving timely and appropriate heavy preventive maintenance and major overhaul. [153119]

    Mr. McNulty
    The information is not available in the form requested because maintenance regimes are complex and specific to individual types of rolling stock. All, however, are agreed between the manufacturer, the rolling stock leasing company and the train operating company, must meet Railway Group Standards and must ensure the level of reliability necessary to provide the service required by the franchise agreement with the Strategic Rail Authority.

    Lawrie Quinn
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the role of independent economic regulation in the rail industry. [154173]

    Mr. Darling
    The railway is and will continue to be a public-private sector partnership. The Government attaches considerable importance to investor confidence and the need to preserve and protect the rights of private sector investors and lenders and their ability to plan and finance their businesses.

    The review which I announced on 19 January 2004, Official Report, columns 1075–78, will not change the Government's acceptance of the Regulator's determination of Network Rail's income for the next five years as set out in his December 2003 Final Conclusions and any further conclusions he may reach; and the Government will ensure that the Strategic Rail Authority has sufficient funds to meet its resulting commitments. As I made clear in my statement of 15 December 2003, Official Report, columns 122–24WS, regulatory promises will be honoured, and the Government recognises, and is content, that only the Regulator can re-open his determinations.

    The independence of economic regulation has already been clearly set out in my statement of 19 January. The Government also rules out any change to the rights of third parties, which will be protected. There is no question of weakening the effectiveness of economic regulation. The Government recognises that maintaining fully effective and independent economic
    1238W
    regulation is critical for retaining investor confidence. There will be no diminution in the regulatory protection of the private sector investors in the railway.

    The review announced on 19 January will consider how Government can control the total public expenditure on the railways, while respecting the principles set out above. It will also need to consider whether options for changes to the industry structure might imply consequential changes to the details of economic regulation.

    Railways are essential to the economy of Britain. Whatever the institutional structure, the Government will need to be at least as closely involved as it currently is in expenditure decisions and in making financial commitments to the industry and those who finance it; so that lenders to the industry enjoy at least the same strength of financial support from Government as they do today.

    Railways (Subsidy)
    Mr. Lazarowicz
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total amount of Government subsidy for the railways was in 2002–03. [152536]

    Mr. McNulty
    In 2002–03, central Government support to the rail industry was £2,284 million.

    Road Accidents
    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the number of road traffic accidents in which use of cannabis was a contributory factor. [151136]

    Mr. Jamieson
    In a research study on the incidence of drugs and alcohol in a sample of 1,184 road accident fatalities between 1996 and 1999, TRL Report 495, it was found that 13 per cent. of car drivers had traces of cannabis in the body. However, presence of a drug in the body cannot alone be directly related to any contributory role in accidents. In the case of cannabis the research also noted that it may remain traceable in the blood stream for up to four weeks after it is taken by regular users, whereas its effect on driving is probably limited to a few hours at most.

    Routine accident statistics do not record drugs as a contributory factor. But under a pilot scheme on contributory factors begun in 1999 it was assessed that drugs of any kind were a factor in about one per cent. of injury accidents.

    Mr. Paul Marsden
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the number of(a) fatalities and (b) injuries as a result of road traffic accidents on the A54 road between Shrewsbury and Telford for each month over the last 12 months; [151371]

    (2) if he will list the number of (a) fatalities and (b) injuries as a result of road traffic accidents on the A458 road between Shrewsbury and Welshpool for each month over the last 12 months; [151372]

    (3) how many (a) fatalities and (b) injuries there were as a result of road traffic accidents on (i) the A5 between Shrewsbury and Oswestry and (ii) the A49 between Shrewsbury and Ludlow, in each of the last 12 months. [151445]
    1239W
    Mr. Jamieson
    The following tables are taken from figures provided by West Mercia Police.

    M54/A5, from M54 J4 (Telford) to A5 Baileys Roundabout (Shrewsbury)—2003

    Month

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    January

    0

    0

    1

    1

    February

    0

    0

    4

    4

    March

    0

    0

    0

    0

    April

    0

    0

    2

    2

    May

    0

    0

    5

    5

    June

    0

    0

    1

    1

    July

    0

    0

    3

    3

    August

    0

    0

    2

    2

    September

    0

    0

    0

    0

    October

    0

    0

    0

    0

    November

    0

    1

    0

    1

    December

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Total

    0

    2

    18

    20

    A458 Trunk Road from Churncote Roundabout, Shrewsbury to Welsh Border—20031

    Month

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    January

    0

    0

    0

    0

    February

    0

    0

    1

    1

    March

    0

    0

    8

    8

    April

    0

    1

    2

    3

    May

    0

    1

    6

    7

    June

    0

    0

    3

    3

    July

    0

    0

    1

    1

    August

    0

    0

    1

    1

    September

    0

    0

    0

    0

    October

    0

    0

    0

    0

    November

    0

    0

    6

    6

    December

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Total

    0

    2

    28

    30

    1The section of A458 between the Welsh Border and Welshpool is the responsibility of the Welsh National Assembly.

    A5 from Baileys Roundabout Shrewsbury to Welsh Border—2003

    Month

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    January

    0

    0

    4

    4

    February

    0

    1

    3

    4

    March

    0

    1

    2

    3

    April

    0

    0

    1

    1

    May

    0

    0

    2

    2

    June

    0

    1

    4

    5

    July

    0

    1

    3

    4

    August

    1

    4

    11

    16

    September

    0

    0

    3

    3

    October

    0

    1

    3

    4

    November

    0

    1

    3

    4

    December

    0

    0

    2

    2

    Total

    1

    10

    41

    52

    A49 from Baileys Roundabout Shrewsbury to Worcestershire/Shropshire County Boundary—2003

    Month

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    January

    0

    0

    5

    5

    February

    0

    0

    9

    9

    March

    0

    1

    5

    6

    April

    0

    0

    5

    5

    May

    0

    0

    2

    2

    June

    0

    0

    6

    6

    July

    0

    1

    3

    4

    August

    0

    0

    6

    6

    September

    0

    0

    7

    7

    October

    0

    0

    3

    3

    1240W

    A49 from Baileys Roundabout Shrewsbury to Worcestershire/Shropshire County Boundary—2003

    Month

    Fatal

    Serious

    Slight

    Total

    November

    0

    2

    14

    17

    December

    0

    0

    5

    5

    Total

    1

    4

    70

    75

    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) serious injuries and (b) fatalities caused by road accidents have occurred in (a) Southend and (b) Southend West in each of the last 20 years. [153477]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Information on road accidents and casualties is not available for Parliamentary Constituencies except at disproportionate cost. Figures for the Southend unitary authority (and borough of Southend prior to 1 April 1998) are shown in the following table.

    Fatalities and serious injuries: Southend Unitary Authority: 1983–2002

    Casualties

    Year1

    Killed

    Seriously injured

    1983

    12

    181

    1984

    14

    200

    1985

    11

    232

    1986

    7

    204

    1987

    25

    213

    1988

    11

    156

    1989

    12

    163

    1990

    12

    143

    1991

    8

    97

    1992

    6

    104

    1993

    4

    91

    1994

    5

    111

    1995

    5

    106

    1996

    4

    110

    1997

    6

    121

    1998

    4

    103

    1999

    11

    75

    2000

    6

    100

    2001

    5

    82

    2002

    6

    94

    11983 1 April 1998 borough of Southend, 1 April 1998–2002 Southend Unitary Authority.

    Road Humps
    John Mann
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to issue a traffic guidance note on road humps. [152247]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The Department for Transport plans to publish, for consultation, a local transport note giving guidance on traffic calming (including road humps) in autumn 2004.

    Mr. Edwards
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the damage to vehicles from speed humps; and what compensation is available to the owners of vehicles damaged by speed humps. [153145]

    Mr. Jamieson
    In the mid 1990s, investigations were carried out into the grounding of vehicles on road humps. These revealed that installing road humps 75 mm in height (compared to 100 mm) substantially reduced the risk of vehicles grounding with little or no
    1241W
    erosion in the speed reductions achieved. Following anecdotal claims of damage, the Department commissioned, in 2001, TRL to look at the impact of repeated crossing of road humps on vehicles and their occupants. The results of this work will be published later this year.

    Section 90E of the Highways Act 1980 expressly provides that, where road humps or traffic calming measures have been constructed in accordance with the statutory requirements, they are to be treated as part of the highway and not as an obstruction. The road humps should either comply with minimum standards set out in the Highway (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 or otherwise be authorised by the Secretary of State (there is an additional special procedure for authorising road humps in London). If a road hump is not so constructed, it may constitute an obstruction or nuisance in which case an individual may be able to obtain compensation for damages that are attributable to the presence of the hump in the road. A court would determine such liability, if it exists, in accordance with common law principles.

    Ryanair Decision
    Mr. Tyler
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what implications for the air services at publicly owned airports in the UK he has identified in the decision of the European Commission in the case affecting Ryanair; and if he will make a statement. [153412]

    Mr. McNulty
    We will consider carefully all aspects of the case affecting Ryanair at Charleroi once we have received the full text of the European Commission's decision. I note from the Commission's press notice that the decision does not rule out the possibility of start-up funding for new routes at regional airports, provided certain conditions are met.

    Sea Cadet Training Posts
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many sea cadet training posts have been funded by the Government in each of the last six years. [152948]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The following numbers of new starters have been funded under the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme in the last six years.

    Number

    1989–99

    498

    1999–2000

    513

    2000–01

    472

    2001–02

    480

    2002–03

    557

    2003–04

    1566

    1Estimate. Will be confirmed by year-end return process.

    Seafarer Training
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Government have spent on seafarer training in each of the last six years. [152949]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The following amounts of funding have been provided under the Support for Maritime Training Scheme (SMarT) in the last six years.
    1242W

    £ million

    1989–99

    1.8

    1999–2000

    5.7

    2000–01

    6.3

    2001–02

    6.4

    2002–03

    7.3

    2003–04

    16.4

    1To date. Will be confirmed during year-end reporting process.

    Shipping Strategy Paper
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to carry out an assessment of the progress made in implementing the shipping strategy paper, "British Shipping: Charting a New Course", published in December 1998. [152952]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The progress made in implementing the actions from "British Shipping: Charting a New Course" is monitored during meetings of the Shipping Task Force.

    Speed Cameras
    Mr. Damian Green
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which safety camera partnerships moved cameras for reasons of effectiveness between 1 January and 31 December 2003. [149989]

    Mr. Jamieson
    All Safety Camera Partnerships regularly move cameras between their approved fixed camera housings and deploy mobile camera units flexibly between approved locations at different times.

    Mr. McLoughlin
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much money was raised in fines from speed cameras in the last year for which records are available in(a) the East Midlands and (b) West Derbyshire; [150887]

    (2) how much money raised in fines from speed cameras during the last year for which records are available was spent in (a) the East Midlands and (b) West Derbyshire; and how that money was spent. [150886]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The amounts of fixed penalty receipts from speed and red traffic light cameras in the areas covered by the Government Office for the East Midlands for the latest year for which figures are available are:

    2001–02

    Fine receipts

    Reimbursed to partnership

    To HMT

    East Midlands

    Derbyshire

    654,000

    502,126

    151,874

    Leicestershire1

    n/a

    n/a

    n/a

    Lincolnshire

    855,480

    486,891

    368,589

    Northamptonshire

    2,967,640

    2,247,838

    719,802

    Nottingham

    812,640

    778,536

    34,104

    1Leicestershire did not join the scheme until April 2002.

    Note:

    Figures for speed cameras alone are not separately available.

    It is not possible to identify West Derbyshire separately from the county. All fine income surplus to that returned to the partnerships to cover their safety camera activity is passed to the Consolidated Fund.
    1243W
    Mr. Pope
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who appointed the members of the Lancashire Safety Camera partnership; what the length is of their term of office; and to whom they are accountable. [151266]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Safety Camera Partnerships comprise representatives of local police authorities, local highways authorities and magistrates' court committees. The Chief Officer of these organisations appointed the members of the Lancashire Safety Camera Partnership. Each authority and its organisation is subject to their respective provisions for accountability and terms of appointment.

    Mr. Burns
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed cameras(a) there are and (b) there have been in each of the last five years in (i) Essex and (ii) the west Chelmsford constituency. [151356]

    Mr. Jamieson
    [holding answer 28 January 2004]The Essex Safety Camera Partnership covers the whole of the county. Separate information is not available for the west Chelmsford area. Details of the number of speed camera locations, for the Essex partnership are:

    Fixed locations

    Mobile locations or routes

    1999

    28

    44

    2000

    28

    110

    2001

    28

    259

    2002

    37

    219

    2003

    54

    318

    Police authorities also have operational discretion to deploy cameras exceptionally at other locations, including "community concern sites" where there is evidence of speeding causing concern to local residents.

    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the safety camera partnerships in Wales and the revenue that they have raised for each year since they were created. [151747]

    Mr. Jamieson
    There are two Safety Camera Partnerships in Wales. The North Wales Partnership joined the cost recovery scheme in October 2001. In that year conditional offer fixed penalty fines for speeding and red light offences were £648,780. The South Wales Safety Camera Partnership joined the scheme at its inception in April 2000.

    Conditional offer fixed penalty fines for speeding and red light offences were £1,567,000 in South Wales in 2000–01 and £1,876,240 in 2001–02.

    Mr. Evans
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic speed cameras there are in each of the areas covered by each of the police forces in Wales; and what the estimated revenue from them is in the current financial year. [152538]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Information on camera activity in safety camera partnerships is not available by constituency areas. The number of approved camera sites in the North and South Wales partnerships for the current financial year is:

    North Wales—66

    South Wales—357

    These figures cover both fixed and mobile speed camera sites but exclude red traffic light cameras.
    1244W
    The South Wales Partnership consists of three police force areas—South Wales, Gwent and Dyfed and Powys.

    The 2003–04 operational cases for the two partnerships included the following estimated fixed fine receipts:

    Total estimated fine receipts (£)

    North Wales

    4,280,400

    South Wales

    7,980,000

    Mr. Baron
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 22 January 2004,Official Report, column 1377W, on speed cameras (Essex), whether the sum of £1,846.480 includes the costs of purchasing speed cameras. [152694]

    Mr. Jamieson
    [holding answer 3 February 2004]Yes.

    Speed Restrictions
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria are used to determine speed restrictions in built up areas. [152158]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The Government provides guidance to local authorities on the setting of local speed limits. The guidance on 20 mph zones and 20 mph speed limits is contained in Circular Roads 05/99. That on other speed limits is in Circular Roads 1/93. Copies of both may be found in the House of Commons Library and on the DfT website.

    Tonnage Tax Scheme
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to widen the training requirement for entry into the tonnage tax scheme to include a requirement for the employment of British officers. [152945]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Members of the Shipping Task Force have been invited to submit proposals for an employment link in tonnage tax. We expect to have first sight of the proposals in the next few weeks and they will be considered without commitment.

    Train Services (Lancashire)
    Mr. Hoyle
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the most recent figures are for(a) reliability, (b) punctuality, (c) public performance measures and (d) complaints for each train operator operating services in Lancashire. [153499]

    Mr. McNulty
    The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) measures train performance by the Public Performance Measure (PPM), which combines reliability and punctuality. It is published, by train operator, in the SRA's quarterly National Rail Trends (NRT). The latest publication covers performance to the year ending 30 September 2003 and is placed in the Library of the House.

    Until March 2003, complaints data, by train operator, were published in the SRA's six-monthly "On Track" publication. Copies of "On Track" are placed in the Library of the House. In future, complaints data, by

    1245W
    train operator, will appear annually in Quarter 4 of NRT, which will also act as an annual compendium of statistics. This will be published in the summer.

    Transatlantic Air Services
    Mr. David Marshall
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress between the European Commission and the United States Administration on liberalisation of transatlantic air services. [153795]

    Mr. McNulty
    The next round of EU/US negotiations is to be held in Washington on 17 to 19 February. Some good progress has been made at earlier rounds, but major issues remain unresolved.

    Transport and Works Act
    Mr. Damian Green
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the decision-making process for applications made under the Transport and Works Act 1992; and if he will make statement. [149987]

    Mr. Jamieson
    My Department consulted publicly last September on a package of measures designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the TWA process and we are currently considering the comments received with a view to implementing improvements during the course of the year. A key feature of our proposed changes is that they are designed to secure better and fuller information at an earlier stage. This will, in turn, help to ensure that we can reach decisions more quickly upon receipt of an inspector's report. We also intend to consult in the next few months on changes to the model clauses for TWA Orders, which will help to ensure that applications are in better shape when they come in.

    Transport for the Elderly
    Dr. Murrison
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the effect of the availability of transport on the well-being of elderly people. [153997]

    Mr. McNulty
    The Department has a wide-ranging research programme looking into the transport needs of older and disabled people as well as other vulnerable groups in society. We recognise that a lack of mobility can prevent older people from participating in social activities and lead to low morale, depression and loneliness. It can also impact upon others, such as carers, social services and health agencies. A recent—January 2001—study indicated that the requirements of older people are similar to those of other members of society and major concerns include accessibility of vehicles, safety, reliability and cost.

    We are making significant headway in all these areas, in particular in the provision of accessible public transport vehicles—for example, over a third of buses used on scheduled services are now fully accessible—and have introduced a provision under the Transport Act 2000 that guarantees pensioners and disabled people an entitlement to at least half-fares or better on local bus services, with the travel pass being free of charge.

    Vehicle Excise Duty
    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the extent to which vehicle excise duty reflects the environmental impact of different models of vehicle. [152069]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The graduated Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) regime, which was introduced in March 2001, is designed to encourage motorists to choose less polluting vehicles by giving clear signals to them about the environmental impacts of their car purchasing decisions. Its primary aim is to incentivise the purchase of the most fuel-efficient cars, as a way of helping to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from the transport sector. It is also designed to reflect the different emissions of local air pollutants from diesel, petrol and alternatively fuelled cars. As with all taxes, the Government keeps VED under review, and since the introduction of the scheme we have introduced a number of modifications to give greater incentives to those who purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles. As the Chancellor announced in his Pre-Budget Report in December 2003, the Government is currently considering how the effectiveness of the scheme might be further improved.

    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on the level at which vehicle excise duty is charged. [152070]

    Mr. Jamieson
    During the last 12 months my department dealt with 265 pieces of correspondence concerning VED from Members of Parliament the public and organisations.

    Most of the correspondence dealt with two matters:

    (a) enforcement of VED, and

    (b) whether existing exemptions from payment of VED might be extended to particular groups of motorists or classes of vehicle.

    Very little of this correspondence deals with the level of VED charged. Where it does however, it tends to be by way of suggestions that certain, generally larger vehicles, should be taxed more heavily.

    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on vehicle excise duty. [152071]

    Mr. Jamieson
    Vehicle Excise Duty is a tax on mechanically propelled vehicles. It raises about £4.5 billion annually and has two purposes in addition to the raising of revenue:

    (a) Through the licensing process it ensures checking of insurance and MOT documents, and;

    (b) It provides an opportunity to influence vehicle purchase e.g. on environmental and road friendliness grounds.

    Cars registered since 1 March 2001 are taxed mostly according to their CO2 emissions, with VED set for the lowest emitting petrol cars at £55, ranging up to £165 for the highest emitting diesel cars. UK lorry rates are related to vehicle weight and configuration and are some of the lowest in Europe.
    1247W
    There are a number of concessionary VED rates and exemptions which are sometimes subject to discussion with the various interest groups. While there will always he room for debate at the margins, the Government believes the balance is broadly right between those paying VED at the normal rate for the vehicle, those paying at concessionary rates and those who are exempt from VED.

    We have considerably tightened the enforcement of VED through the "continuous registration" package of measures. By introducing continuous registration and using modern technology, we are improving the accuracy of the register to the benefit of law enforcement and the honest motorist. To deal with short term evasion we have introduced fines for those over a month overdue with relicensing, while tackling those vehicles already outside the system of registration and licensing with enhanced enforcement using wheel clamping and ANPR cameras.
    1248W
    This should enhance the quality of the DVLA vehicle register so assisting the police in the fight against crime, and also assist local authorities track down and enforce costs against those who abandon vehicles.

    Mr. Laurence Robertson
    To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will re-introduce the rolling 25-year rule for exempting vehicles from excise duty; and if he will make a statement. [153366]

    Mr. Jamieson
    The Chancellor of the Exchequer takes decisions on transport taxation, including vehicle excise duty, on a Budget-by-Budget basis, taking a range of economic, social and environmental factors into consideration. The Government acknowledge the role historic vehicle enthusiasts play in maintaining that part of the country's history and heritage, but need also to recognise the poorer environmental performance of older vehicles. The current exemption for vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973 is designed to strike the right balance between environmental and heritage needs.
    1249W

  HOME DEPARTMENT

    Tagging
    Mr. Drew
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are tagged for the purpose of a curfew order. [151780]

    Paul Goggins
    At midnight on 31 December 2003, a total of 8,733 people were currently tagged for the purpose of a curfew.

    Anti-social Behaviour
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what advice he has given to(a) police and (b) local councils on (i) the need to liaise with each other, (ii) the protocols for publishing intentions in the local press and (iii) operational protocols in respect of anti-social behaviour legislation; [152427]

    (2) what guidance he has issued to (a) local councils and (b) the police on the use of anti-social behaviour legislation to disperse groups of youths. [152428]

    Ms Blears
    We have issued a "Together Campaign Pack" which provides information and tools for local authorities, police and other practitioners to run campaigns against anti-social behaviour in their area. It encourages practitioners to keep the public and partner organisations informed and involved in the work they are doing to tackle anti-social behaviour.

    We have also issued Home Office Circular number 04/2004 describing the owers to disperse groups contained in Part 4 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The circular provides information to assist the police and local authorities in the use of the new powers. The National Centre for Policing Excellence (NCPE) has been asked to produce further guidance on these new powers. We hope to publish the guidance later this year.

    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a code of practice for police operations in respect of recent anti-social behaviour legislation. [153077]

    Ms Blears
    We have published "A Guide to the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003", copies of which were sent to all Chief Constables in England and Wales and Members of Parliament. In addition, we have produced some detailed guidance on the measures in the Act for practitioners, including the police. Examples of these include:Notes of Guidance to Accompany Part One of the Act, The Power to Close Premises' where drugs are used unlawfully.
    Home Office Circular 04/2004 on the use of the powers to disperse groups contained in Part 4 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.
    Home Office Circular 01/2004 on the purpose and effect of the firearms provisions contained in Part 5 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.
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    Information on when further guidance will be issued on other measures in the Act is contained in the Guide to the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

    Bribery
    John Austin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign nationals are being held without trial or charge in HM Prison Belmarsh; for how long each has been held; how many hours a day they are allowed out of their cell for(a) meals, (b) religious worship, (c) recreation and (d) association; and if he will make a statement. [151472]

    Paul Goggins
    31 foreign nationals are being held at Belmarsh prison in the circumstances my hon. Friend describes. These persons are detained in respect of extradition or immigration matters. Those detained under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 are free to leave the country at any time. The date of arrival into custody for each is as follows:

    9 November 1995

    15 July 1999

    6 November 2000

    21 November 2000

    17 April 2001

    17 May 2001

    4 July 2001

    25 July 2001

    19 December 2001 (three persons)

    8 February 2002

    23 April 2002

    27 September 2002

    24 October 2002

    14 January 2003

    24 May 2003

    12 August 2002

    13 November 2002

    23 November 2002

    27 December 2002

    30 January 2003

    1 September 2003

    5 September 2003

    1 October 2003

    17 October 2003

    7 November 2003

    4 December 2003 (two persons)

    28 December 2003

    29 December 2003

    The general regime at Belmarsh allows prisoners to be out of their cells for an average of 7¼ hours per day. This will include meals, religious worship, recreation and association. Some prisoners will be allowed out of cell for greater periods of time due to the nature of their work.

    Burglary (Sentences)
    Vera Baird
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average sentence for(a) house burglary and (b) burglary of a premises other than a house was in each of the last six years. [152121]

    Paul Goggins
    The available information, relating to the average custodial sentence length for persons sentenced for domestic and other burglary (including aggravated burglary) in England and Wales, 1997 to 2002, is contained in the table.

    Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

    Average custodial sentence length imposed at all courts on persons convicted of offences of burglary, England and Wales, 1997 to 20021

    Average custodial sentence length (months)

    In a dwelling

    In a building other than a dwelling

    Burglary

    Aggravated burglary

    Burglary

    Aggravated burglary

    1997

    18.1

    45.5

    8.4

    30.7

    1998

    17.9

    246.0

    8.6

    38.8

    1999

    18.3

    45.5

    7.9

    39.2

    2000

    18.7

    48.6

    8.3

    49.0

    2001

    19.7

    350.2

    8.4

    40.9

    2002

    20.9

    350.1

    8.8

    45.0

    1 These data are on the principal offence basis.

    2 Excludes one person sentenced to life.

    3 Excludes three persons sentenced to life.

    Coroners
    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans to regulate the basis on which coroners decide on the re-opening of a case. [151716]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 29 January 2004]We do not intend to regulate this, as it is primarily a judicial matter which should therefore be left to the discretion of the coroner.

    Correspondence
    Mr. Webb
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter of 18 August 2003 from the hon. Member for Northavon, reference M4678/3, on behalf of Mrs. Davies, regarding victims of crime. [151709]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 24 January 2004]Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC replied to the hon. Member on 2 February 2004.

    Crime/Police Statistics (Southend)
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many murders there were in Southend in each of the last 10 years; and how many resulted in convictions. [152200]

    Ms Blears
    [holding answer 3 February 2004]Published information on homicide relates to England and Wales only. The latest available is given in Home Office Statistical Bulletin number 01/04, 'Crime in England and Wales 2002/2003 Supplementary 1252W
    Volume 1:Homicide and Gun Crime', a copy of which should be available from the Library or internet site http://www.homeoffice gov.uk/rds/hosbpubsl.html.

    Criminal Behaviour
    Mrs. Claire Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to tackle the problem of persistent offenders. [150352]

    Paul Goggins
    The Persistent Offender Scheme came into effect in April 2003. It is an obligatory component of Local Criminal Justice Boards' action plans to increase the number of offences brought to justice, aimed at targeting a small group of prolific offenders who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime. Areas have devised their own premium service protocols which include elements of proactive policing, improved investigations and case management, priority court listings, and strategies for rehabilitation. As well as targeting core persistent offenders, who are 18 or over and have been convicted of 6 or more recordable offences in the last year, as part of their wider crime reduction strategies areas are also using the scheme flexibly to target persistent offenders defined on the basis of local intelligence. As well as targeting core persistent offenders, who are 18 or over and have been convicted of 6 or more recordable offences in the last year, as part of their wider crime reduction strategies areas are also using the scheme flexibly to target persistent offenders defined on the basis of local intelligence.

    The Scheme is supported by an information system that is shared between criminal justice agencies, enabling persistent offenders to be tracked as their cases progress through the criminal justice system, and attrition points in the system to be identified and targeted for intervention.

    On 13 November 2003, criminal justice areas were notified of the outcome of a review of the Persistent Offender Scheme. Among the key actions being implemented as part of the response to the review are: changes to the performance measurement framework, including giving credit for performance relating to local persistent offenders; and updated guidance to the National Probation Service on the Scheme, which was issued on 22 December 2003.

    The National Probation Service is piloting 15 Intensive Supervision and Monitoring Schemes (ISMs) for persistent offenders in local probation/police areas. All Schemes involve joint working between probation and police. In addition, some Schemes are testing mechanisms for involving the prison service in prerelease work with persistent offenders. ISMs target the most prolific offenders in a locality, based on police intelligence. They provide intensive surveillance and supervision of offenders, offering fast access to services and support for rehabilitation, alongside swift action and penalties for non-compliance. They involve other partner agencies such as providers of housing, education and training, alcohol and drug abuse treatment groups and employment services.

    In addition, the Government has given the courts new secure remand and tagging powers for 12 to 16-year olds who repeatedly offend on bail, funded the Youth

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    Justice Board's intensive supervision and surveillance programmes for the most prolific young offenders and renewed its commitment to maintain the time from arrest to sentence for persistent young offenders at or below 71 days.

    Criminal Injuries Compensation
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will extend compensation to victims who were abused or injured by someone living in their household before October 1979. [146284]

    Paul Goggins
    No. Revision of the 'Pre-1.10.79 same roof' rule has been considered whenever changes to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme have been mooted. However, successive Administrations have always refused to change it.

    David Davis
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of time taken to settle applications for criminal injuries compensation was in 2003. [149553]

    Paul Goggins
    The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority advise that in the year ending 31 December 2003 the average time between the date an application was received and the date the applicant was notified of the decision on that application was, for the 74,175 cases so determined, 288 days.

    David Davis
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for criminal injuries compensation were received in each of the past four years; and what the average award was for each of those years. [149554]

    Paul Goggins
    The following information has been provided by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

    The Tariff Scheme (effective for all cases received on or after 1 April 1996)

    Number of applications

    Money awards

    Nil awards

    Average award

    1999–2000

    78,742

    39,700

    36,217

    2,904

    2000–01

    76,510

    36,924

    33,789

    3,001

    2001–02

    78,202

    39,813

    35,005

    3,150

    2002–03

    73,928

    42,283

    36,965

    3,717

    The Old (Common Law Damages) Scheme

    Money awards

    Nil awards

    Average award

    1999–2000

    3,795

    3,309

    23,907

    2000–01

    2,087

    985

    44,745

    2001–02

    1,538

    536

    71,318

    2002–03

    405

    319

    169,034

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish all the responses to his consultation paper, "Compensation and Support for Victims of Crime". [150139]

    Paul Goggins
    Our intention is to publish a summary of the responses. All responses will be acknowledged and respondents told that the outcome of the consultation will be published.
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    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was paid by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in each of the last 10 years, broken down by type of crime; and what proportion was paid to victims of crimes(a) when the criminal was arrested, (b) when the criminal was arrested and charged and (c) when the criminal was arrested, charged and successfully prosecuted, in each year. [150140]

    Paul Goggins
    The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) provides compensation at the taxpayers' expense to blameless victims of crimes of violence and those injured in trying to apprehend criminals or prevent crime. It does not compensate victims of other types of crime.

    Claims are determined on the basis of applications and supporting information submitted by applicants, and upon the outcome of such other inquiries about the applicant's injuries and other aspects of eligibility as the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) considers it necessary to make.

    Payment of compensation under the scheme is not conditional upon the offender having been charged or convicted or even identified. The burden of proof required under the scheme is 'the balance of probabilities' (the civil burden of proof) rather than `beyond reasonable doubt' (the level of proof required in criminal courts).

    CICA do not keep statistics about whether or when those who inflicted injury upon CICS claimants were arrested, charged or successfully prosecuted.

    The amount of compensation paid to victims in each of the last 10 years under the scheme was as follows:

    £ million

    1993–94

    165

    1994–95

    175

    1995–96

    179

    1996–97

    209

    1997–98

    202

    1998–99

    194

    1999–2000

    205

    2000–01

    208

    2001–02

    233

    2002–03

    232

    These figures represent the cash actually paid over in each year. However, in 2000–01 the basis of government accounting changed from a cash to an accruals basis, under which the recorded spend now is the amount of money committed in the year, irrespective of when payments were actually made.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has collated on(a) moneys paid out by and (b) funding sources of equivalents to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in other EU countries. [150780]

    Paul Goggins
    Information about the amount of compensation paid and the number of applications received during one year under the state compensation
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    schemes in each EU Member State is given at paragraph 3.8 of the European Commission's Green Paper, 'Compensation to crime victims' (reference COM(2001)536) issued on 28 September 2001. The paper can be accessed via the Internet at http://europa.eu.int/comm/off/green/index.en.htm and then clicking on the document just mentioned. Further information about compensation schemes in other European countries can be found in 'Victims of Crime in 22 European Criminal Justice Systems' by M. E. I. Brienen and D. H. Hoegen published in 2000 ISBN:90–5850–004–7); and in 'Repairing the Irreparable: State compensation to crime victims in the European Union' by Julia Mikaelsson and Anna Wergens published in 2001 (ISBN 91–974139–1–7).

    Mr. Evans
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether foreigners who are victims of crime in the UK are eligible for the criminal compensation scheme.[150804]

    Paul Goggins
    Yes. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme operates in England, Scotland and Wales. Anyone sustaining injury there as a result of violent crime is eligible to apply. There is a separate scheme in Northern Ireland, modelled closely on the GB Scheme.

    Criminal Records Bureau
    Tim Loughton
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have now been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau; and how many checks are outstanding. [143063]

    Ms Blears
    As of 31 January 2004 the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) had issued 3,283,723 Disclosures. The first million Disclosures were issued by the CRB within 10 months, the second million within six months and the third million within five months. This reflects the CRB's increased capacity to handle over 50,000 Disclosure applications per week.

    As of 31 January 2004 the CRB has 107,219 applications outstanding (excluding those that have been returned to the customer). 03,840 of these applications are less than four weeks old with only 987 applications, approximately one per cent.of the overall total, still being processed after six weeks

    Curfew Orders (Southend)
    Mr. Amess
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many home curfew orders have been made in Southend in each of the last five years. [152162]

    Paul Goggins
    The available information is contained in the table and relates to offenders sentenced to a curfew order at court.

    Statistics on court proceedings for 2003 will be published in the autumn.
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    Number of offenders sentenced to a curfew order for all offences at South East Essex Petty Sessional Area1 including those sentenced at the Crown Court where South East Essex PSA was the committing court2, 1998 to 2002

    Number

    1998

    —

    1999

    —

    2000

    8

    2001

    6

    2002

    13

    1 Covers Southend and some parts of Rayleigh, Benfleet and Canvey.

    2 These data are on the principal offence basis.

    Mental Health
    Tim Loughton
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of people who have been killed in each of the last 10 years at the hands of people receiving treatment for mental health problems. [143057]

    Paul Goggins
    Information on the mentally disordered state of the offenders, or whether they were receiving treatment at the time is not held centrally. The available information is in the form of currently recorded homicides where the apparent circumstances of the offence involved a mentally disturbed suspect. From 1992 to 1997 the statistics record homicides by calendar year and from 1997–98 financial years are used. There is duplication between 1997 and 1997–98, but it is standard practice to provide both periods.

    The number of victims is given in the following table.

    Number of victims

    1992

    12

    1993

    34

    1994

    46

    1995

    39

    1996

    36

    1997

    42

    1997–98

    39

    1998–99

    28

    1999–2000

    22

    2000–01

    16

    2001–02

    32

    Data as for 8 October 2002, figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts or as further information becomes available.

    Detention and Training Orders
    Dr. Stoate
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances magistrates can impose a detention and training order on an offender aged 12 to 14 years who has been convicted of breaching an anti-social behaviour order. [150993]

    Paul Goggins
    A court sentencing an offender aged 12–14 for breach of an anti-social behaviour order can make a Detention and Training Order in the same circumstances as for other criminal offences attracting custody. That is, where:it decides that the effect of the breach either in itself or in combination with associated offences, is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified; or

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    the anti-social behaviour involves a violent or sexual offence and only a custodial sentence.

    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the changes in the costs of introduction of the detention and training orders. [151132]

    Paul Goggins
    We estimate the average cost of a Detention and Training Order to be £27,000. That is an average for all sentence lengths and all types of establishment (Young Offender Institutions, Secure Training Centres and Local Authority Secure Children's Homes). It includes both the custodial and the community parts of the Order.

    Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of drug treatment and testing orders. [150353]

    Paul Goggins
    The evidence shows that Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) do work and that the longer offenders remain in treatment, the more likely they are to reduce their levels of offending and drug misuse (National Treatment Outcome Research Study 2001). An evaluation of the 3 DTTO pilots found that, on average, offenders committed 75 per cent. fewer offences while on the order and reduced their spend on drugs by over 90 per cent.

    A two-year follow up reconviction study of offenders from the three DTTO pilot sites found that:
    There was a significant reduction in the average number of convictions per year in the two years following the order in all three pilot sites; and
    Those who had completed DTTOs had a reconviction rate of only 53 per cent. compared with 91 per cent. for revokees, and reduced their annual conviction rate to levels significantly below those of the previous five years.

    Eastern European Immigrants
    Bob Spink
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what research he has based his estimates of the likely levels of immigration from Eastern European countries after accession to the EU in May. [153096]

    Beverley Hughes
    The Home Office commissioned research by University College London to look at the impact of EU accession (published in 2003 and available on the Home Office website (RDS On-line Report 25/03). In this report the authors reviewed the literature on potential migration flows following enlargement, analysed the experience of previous enlargements and developed their own model to estimate net migration from the new member states to the UK. This research was peer reviewed by scientific experts in the field.

    The findings were broadly in line with previous research, in particular, reports by the European Commission in 2000 ("European Commission information note on free movement in the context of workers") and the former Department for Education and Employment in 1999 ("Assessment of possible migration pressure and its labour market impact following EU enlargement to Central and Eastern Europe").
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    Electronic Tagging
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are on electronic tags, broken down by(a) sex, (b) offence, (c) length of sentence and (d) region. [149091]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]Figures for those on home detention curfew at the end of November 2003, having been released from prison are given in the following tables broken down by sex, offence, sentence length and region.

    Number on Home Detention Curfew, by offence, at end November 2003

    Total

    Male

    Female

    Violence against the person

    656

    617

    39

    Robbery

    343

    300

    43

    Burglary

    447

    419

    28

    Theft and handling

    381

    327

    54

    Fraud and forgery

    217

    173

    44

    Drugs offences

    695

    578

    117

    Other offences

    719

    673

    46

    Offence not recorded

    131

    126

    5

    Total

    3,589

    3,213

    376

    Number on Home Detention Curfew, by sentence length, at end November 2003

    Number

    Three to less than six months

    362

    Six to less than 12 months

    500

    12 to less than 18 months

    555

    18 months to less than two years.

    512

    Two years to less than four years

    1,660

    Total

    3,589

    Estimated number on Home Detention Curfew, by region, at end November 2003

    Number

    Northern

    1,146

    Southern

    574

    London and Eastern

    868

    Midlands and Wales

    1,001

    Total

    3,589

    The figures by region are estimates, and represent contractor regions.

    Mrs. Iris Robinson
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his conclusions are arising from trials involving electronic tagging of juvenile sex offenders. [150749]

    Paul Goggins
    There have been no trials of electronic tagging for juvenile sex offenders in England and Wales.

    Fines
    Mr. Frank Field
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) fines and (b) other financial penalties were imposed by the courts for criminal offences during 2000–01, broken down by police authority in England and Wales; and how many of these were paid fully and on time. [152186]
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    Paul Goggins
    The number of offenders ordered to pay a fine or compensation order or who have received a confiscation order (monetary) for all offences at all courts, England and Wales 2000–01, by Police Force Area is contained in the table.

    Details on the number of these financial penalties paid fully and on time, is not available centrally.

    Number of offenders sentenced to pay a fine, or compensation order or who have confiscation order (monetary) at all courts for all offences, by England and Wales 2000–011

    Police Force Area

    Fine

    Compensation order

    Confiscation order

    Avon and Somerset

    25,763

    2,467

    18

    Bedfordshire

    9,267

    659

    6

    Cambridgeshire

    5,652

    919

    8

    Cheshire

    20,387

    2,028

    8

    Cleveland

    12,397

    1,531

    4

    Cumbria

    9,318

    1,387

    10

    Derbyshire

    19,099

    1,733

    41

    Devon and Cornwall

    24,123

    2,641

    9

    Dorset

    10,026

    1,076

    11

    Durham

    8,385

    1,558

    8

    Essex

    32,515

    2,963

    5

    Gloucestershire

    10,699

    851

    7

    Greater Manchester

    83,566

    5,432

    91

    Hampshire

    32,869

    3,605

    19

    Hertfordshire

    16,095

    2,173

    4

    Humberside

    15,851

    1,703

    29

    Kent

    16,207

    2,489

    29

    Lancashire

    34,402

    3,765

    10

    Leicestershire

    20,066

    1,432

    29

    Lincolnshire

    14,103

    1,388

    9

    London, City of

    8,067

    214

    1

    Merseyside

    29,560

    1,206

    56

    Metropolitan Police

    140,011

    17,573

    263

    Norfolk

    9,341

    1,297

    5

    Northamptonshire

    9,949

    915

    16

    Northumbria

    34,817

    3,775

    15

    North Yorkshire

    9,230

    1,471

    8

    Nottinghamshire

    17,309

    2,266

    13

    South Yorkshire

    25,764

    2,400

    24

    Staffordshire

    11,547

    2,045

    4

    Suffolk

    10,050

    1,253

    5

    Surrey

    13,117

    1,423

    3

    Sussex

    21,438

    2,778

    30

    Thames Valley

    33,015

    3,217

    35

    Warwickshire

    12,682

    788

    11

    West Mercia

    18,860

    2,379

    18

    West Midlands

    54,163

    6,008

    60

    West Yorkshire

    50,347

    4,388

    13

    Wiltshire

    10,559

    1,319

    8

    Dyfed Powys

    8,921

    983

    2

    Gwent

    15,624

    1,392

    29

    North Wales

    12,555

    1,501

    9

    South Wales

    28,923

    2,121

    20

    England and Wales

    1,006,6

    104,512

    1,003

    1 These data are on the principal offence basis (but including primary and secondary schools).

    Mr. Frank Field
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued in the most recent period for which figures are available, broken down by police authority in England and Wales; what the total value of these penalty notices was; what proportion of these were paid in full and on time; and what proportion of those fined paid their penalty in full and on time. [152189]

    Ms Blears
    [holding answer 30 January 2004]Information on fixed penalty notices issued for road traffic offences by police force area can be found in the annual Home Office publication 'Offences relating to motor vehicles, England and Wales Supplementary 1260W
    tables'—Tables 20(a) to 20(c) refers. The latest issue covers 2001. Copies are available from the Library. The total value of fixed penalty notices issued is not collected centrally.

    Data are also collected centrally on the disposal, (ie. paid, fine registration certificate issued etc.) of fixed penalty notices issued for road traffic offences. However because of the time taken for the procedures for payment to be enforced the data are collected approximately nine months later than the period of issue. Tables 21(a) and 21(b) of the above 2001 publication details 2000 data by number and percentage of fixed penalty notices by result. Tables 20(a) to 20(c) of the 2000 publication cover that period. Information is not available on the number of fines paid in full and on time.

    Over 6,000 penalty notices for disorder were issued in the year-long pilots in four police force areas which started in mid-2002. A Home Office Research Findings covering the evaluation of the pilots will be published shortly.

    Highdown Prison
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to address the shortfall of officers at HM Prison Highdown in Surrey. [151154]

    Paul Goggins
    Local recruitment campaigns for Prison Officers at Highdown and surrounding prisons have been held. Eight new officers are in the process of initial training at Highdown and will become fully operational on 7 March. In the Kent, Surrey and Sussex area a further 18 potential recruits are undergoing final checks into their suitability for posts in the Prison Service, some of whom are expected to be posted to Highdown. A further recruitment exercise is scheduled to begin in March.

    Highdown is also currently operating a Contracted Supplementary Hours system which provides the equivalent of 14 additional officers.

    Home Detention Curfew
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has collated on the use of the satellite global positioning system for monitoring those on Home Detention Curfew programmes. [148897]

    Paul Goggins
    The Home Office is aware of two pieces of research conducted by the Florida Department of Corrections, Bureau of Research and Data Analysis: A Report on Community Control, Radio Frequency (RF) Monitoring and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Monitoring (October 2002) and A Controlled Study of the Effects of Electronic Monitoring and Officer Caseload on Outcomes for Offenders on Community Control (March 2003). Officials have also visited programmes in Florida and Texas that use satellite global positioning systems to monitor offenders. The Home Office is testing tracking equipment using satellite global positioning systems and plans to pilot the use of this technology to track offenders later this year. No decisions have been taken about the categories of offenders who will be subject to tracking in the pilots.
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    Identity Card
    John Barrett
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards will be put in place to ensure people who lose or have their identity cards stolen will be able to access basic services for which an identity card will be required. [152647]

    Beverley Hughes
    An identity card, although very helpful to public services as a reliable means of proving identity, would not become mandatory until a specific further Parliamentary decision on a move to compulsion. Where the identity card is used to access public services we will want to ensure that procedures are in place to help those whose card has been lost or stolen, especially in cases of emergency.

    John Barrett
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what lessons have been learned from countries with operational identity card schemes on combating identity card fraud; and if he will make a statement; [152679]

    (2) whether the operation of identity cards in Australia was examined in estimating the annual cost of the proposed UK identity card scheme; and if he will make a statement. [152646]

    Beverley Hughes
    Identity card schemes exist in all other EU countries with the exception of Denmark and Ireland.

    Home Office officials have had detailed discussions with colleagues involved in the operation of identity card schemes in Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands and comprehensive information has been supplied by each of the EU member states on the operation of their card schemes.

    From these discussions, it is clear that the keys to an effective card scheme are the security of the issuing process, the physical security of the document itself and consistent procedures for using the card. Lessons learned from other countries, including those such as

    Establishment

    January 2002

    February 2002

    March 2002

    April 2002

    May 2002

    June 2002

    July 2002

    August 2002

    Ashfield

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Brinsford

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Brockhill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Bullwood Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Castington

    7

    3

    4

    1

    1

    4

    0

    1

    Eastwood Park

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Feltham

    2

    3

    2

    0

    2

    2

    3

    5

    Hindley

    0

    0

    0

    0

    4

    5

    1

    4

    Holloway

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Huntercombe

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lanacaster Farms

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    New Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Onley

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Pare

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Stoke Heath

    2

    4

    2

    1

    1

    1

    3

    4

    Thorn Cross

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Warren Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Werrington

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Wetherby

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1262W
    Australia, Canada and the USA that do not have identity cards, will help inform the delivery planning of the United Kingdom identity cards scheme.

    John Barrett
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects identity cards to become compulsory following the introduction of the proposed identity card scheme. [152681]

    Beverley Hughes
    I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas) on 26 January 2004,Official Report, column 212W.

    John Barrett
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of requiring electors to show a valid identity card in order to cast a vote at UK elections following the introduction of the proposed identity card scheme; and if he will make a statement. [152682]

    Beverley Hughes
    In Northern Ireland voters are already required to produce proof of their identity before they vote. The Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 introduced electoral identity cards in Northern Ireland as one of the four ways in which individuals can prove who they are when going to vote at an election in Northern Ireland.

    There are no plans to extend this by requiring electors throughout the United Kingdom to show a valid identity card in order to cast a vote. However, discussions are continuing between the Home Office and other Departments on how production of an identity card might be linked to services for which they are responsible in the future.

    Juvenile Prisoners
    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times unfurnished cells have been used in each of the prisons holding juveniles in each month since 1 January 2002. [144359]

    Paul Goggins
    Date on the number of times juveniles have been placed in unfurnished cells in each of the juvenile establishments since l January 2002 is set out in the following tables.
    1263W

    Establishment

    September 2002

    October 2002

    November 2002

    December 2002

    January 2003

    February 2003

    March 2003

    April 2003

    Ashfield

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Brinsford

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Brockhill

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Bullwood Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    Castington

    0

    2

    4

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Eastwood Park

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Feltham

    3

    1

    3

    2

    0

    0

    3

    5

    Hindley

    3

    3

    1

    0

    1

    1

    0

    0

    Holloway

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Huntercombe

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lanacaster Farms

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    New Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Onley

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Pare

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Stoke Heath

    2

    5

    4

    0

    2

    0

    0

    1

    Thorn Cross

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Warren Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Werrington

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Wetherby

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Establishment

    May 2003

    June 2003

    July 2003

    August 2003

    September 2003

    October 2003

    November 2003

    Total

    Ashfield

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Brinsford

    0

    0

    1

    1

    3

    0

    0

    6

    Brockhill

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    3

    Bullwood Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    3

    Castington

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    27

    Eastwood Park

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Feltham

    6

    4

    1

    1

    4

    3

    5

    60

    Hindley

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    21

    Holloway

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Huntercombe

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lanacaster Farms

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    New Hall

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    1

    4

    Onley

    0

    0

    0

    0

    3

    2

    1

    8

    Pare

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Stoke Heath

    2

    1

    2

    1

    1

    0

    1

    40

    Thorn Cross

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Warren Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Werrington

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Wetherby

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Mentally Disordered Offenders
    Tim Loughton
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the mentally disordered offenders listed in the 2003 Statistics published by the Home Office on 27 November 2003 were deaf; and what proportion were from a black and ethnic minority background. [147694]

    Paul Goggins
    The requested information is not held centrally and is therefore not available. Mechanisms have been put in place to collect information on the ethnicity of restricted patients. This information will be published as soon as is practically possible.

    Motoring Offences (Fine Defaulters)
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people serving custodial sentences for motoring offences are doing so because of defaulting on fines. [151155]

    Paul Goggins
    At the end of November 2003, there were six people in prison who had defaulted on the payment of a fine for motoring offences.
    1264W

    National Offender Management Service
    Mr. Austin Mitchell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the continuing responsibilities will be of(a) the National Probation Service and (b) the National Probation Directorate within the structures of the National Offender Management Service. [148000]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 19 January 2004]The future responsibilities of the National Probation Service and the National Probation Directorate have yet to be finalised. We are committed to maintaining local involvement in the delivery of correctional services. We do not yet have a final view on how best this can be achieved within the new structure and this is a specific issue on which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for views.

    Mr. Austin Mitchell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the relationship will be between local probation areas, regional offender managers, national offender managers and the chief executive within the arrangements of the National Offender Management Service. [148001]
    1265W
    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 19 January 2004]The Chief Executive of National Offender Management Service (NOMS) will lead the new service. The National Offender Manager will report directly to the Chief Executive and will be responsible for reducing re-offending and managing the budget for offender services. The Regional Offender Managers will report to the National Offender Manager and will have responsibility for end-to-end management of offenders in the nine English regions and Wales.

    The relationship between local probation areas and NOMS have yet to be finalised. We are committed to maintaining local involvement in the delivery of correctional services. We do not yet have a final view on how best this can be achieved within the new structure and this is a specific issue on which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for views.

    Mr. Austin Mitchell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the role of offender managers at the area level will be within the structure of the National Offender Management Service. [148002]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 19 January 2004]The regional offender manager's role will be to provide dedicated end-to-end management of offenders regardless of whether they have received a custodial or community sentence or indeed a combination of the two. The offender manager will be able to provide interventions appropriate to the offender, purchasing these from the public, private, not for profit and voluntary sectors.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional staff will be employed in the National Offender Management Service to administer the new service at(a) national and (b) regional level. [150716]

    Paul Goggins
    The structure of the National Offender Management Service is yet to be finalised. It is too early to say how many staff will be needed in the new structure at either national or regional level.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the budget is for establishing the National Offender Management Service during(a) the current year and (b) each of the next three financial years. [150717]

    Paul Goggins
    The cost of establishing the National Offender Management service will be met from within existing Home Office provision in 2003–04 and 2004–05. Funding for 2005–06 onwards will be agreed as part of the current spending review.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the role will be of offender managers at area level under the new National Offender Management Service structure. [150718]

    Paul Goggins
    The regional offender manager's role will be to provide dedicated end-to-end management of offenders regardless of whether they have received a custodial or community sentence or indeed a combination of the two. The offender manager will be able to provide interventions appropriate to the offender, purchasing these from the public, private, not for profit and voluntary sectors.
    1266W
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the National Probation Service and its Directorate will continue to function under the new arrangements for the National Offender Management Service. [150719]

    Paul Goggins
    For the time being the National Probation Service and its Directorate will continue to function as they are at the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from within their areas regardless of whether the service is from the public, private or voluntary sector. We do not as yet have a finalised view as to the future of the 42 boards within this framework and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has therefore specifically sought the views of key stakeholders.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the relationship will be between the(a) local areas, (b) regional offender managers, (c) national offender managers and (d) the Chief Executive of the National Offender Management Service. [150720]

    Paul Goggins
    The Chief Executive of the National Offenders Management Service (NOMS), Martin Narey, will lead the new service. The National Offender Manager will report directly to the Chief Executive and will be responsible for reducing re-offending and managing the budget for offender services. The Regional Offender Managers will report to the National Offender Manager and will have responsibility for end-to-end management of offenders in the nine English regions and Wales.

    The relationship between local probation areas and NOMS have yet to be finalised. We are committed to maintaining local involvement in the delivery of correctional services. We do not yet have a final view on how best this can be achieved within the new structure and this is a specific issue on which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has asked for views.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether local probation areas will become an integral arm of the National Offender Management Service with substantial day to day operational freedom. [150721]

    Paul Goggins
    Individual probation areas will continue to function as they are for the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from within the areas regardless of whether the service is from the public, private or voluntary sector. We do not as yet have a finalised view as to the future of the 42 boards within this framework and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has therefore specifically sought the views of key stakeholders.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who the employer will be of probation and prison staff under the National Offender Management Service. [150722]
    1267W
    Paul Goggins
    For most staff in prisons and probation the changes outlined in "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" are unlikely to have an immediate impact. They will continue to be employed by the probation boards and prison service. In time the relationships will change but those changes have yet to be finalised and will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements with staff and unions.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the National Offender Management Service will set up consultation committees with magistrates within the new structure for NOMS; what the line of accountability will be for prison and probation officers; whether probation areas will continue to have a role within multi-agency public protection panels; whether inter-agency work will be the subject of competitive tendering; and whether the supervision and potential recall of ex-prisoners will be opened up to competition. [150759]

    Paul Goggins
    The structure of the National Offender Management Service is yet to be finalised. As part of the implementation of the Reducing Crime—Changing Lives reforms the implementation team will consider the introduction of consultative committees and develop the details of contestability within the National Offender Management Service.

    For most staff in prisons and probation the reforms are unlikely to have an immediate impact. They will continue to be employed by the probation boards and prison service. In time the relationships will change but those changes have yet to be finalised and will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements with staff and unions.

    Individual probation areas will continue to function as they are at the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from within their areas regardless of whether the service is from the public, private or voluntary sector. Inter-agency work to protect the public and address rehabilitation will remain a crucial element of the work of the National Offender Management Service.

    Mr. Jim Cunningham
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure the burden of administration for front line staff of the National Offender Management Service does not increase. [151193]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 29 January 2004]The Government is committed to the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, particularly in regard to demands on front line staff. The National Offender Management Service implementation team will seek to reduce the administrative demands on front line staff wherever possible.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are expected to be employed by the National Offender Management Service(a) in headquarters and (b) in the regional offices. [151423]
    1268W
    Paul Goggins
    The structure of the National Offender Management Service is yet to be finalised.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the arrangements for collective bargaining will be within the structure of the National Offenders Management Service. [147626]

    Paul Goggins
    The structure of the National Offender Management Service is yet to be finalised. Once this is done, the Department will put in place appropriate mechanisms to allow collective bargaining to take place.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether individual probation areas will continue to function and have day-to-day operational freedom within the structure of the National Offenders Management Service. [147628]

    Paul Goggins
    For the time being individual probation areas will continue to function as they are at the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders and will contract with providers of services from within their areas regardless of whether the service is from the public, private or voluntary sector. We do not as yet have a finalised view as to the future of the 42 boards within this framework and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has therefore specifically sought the views of key stakeholders.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the lines of accountability of probation staff will differ under the structure of the National Offenders Management Service. [147629]

    Paul Goggins
    For most staff in prisons and probation the changes outlined in "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" are unlikely to have an immediate impact. They will continue to be employed by the probation boards and Prison Service. In time the relationships will change, but those changes have yet to be finalised and will be subject to the usual consultation arrangements with staff and unions.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role probation areas will continue to have within Multi-agency public protection panels within the National Offenders Management Service structure; and what steps will be taken to ensure that the work is adequately funded. [147630]

    Paul Goggins
    For the time being individual probation areas will continue to function as they are at the moment. However, as the new organisation develops, offender managers from the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) will assume end-to-end responsibility for offenders, including a continuing role within Multi-agency Public Protection Panels. The future of the Probation Boards within NOMS is an issue on which we are seeking the views of key stakeholders.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether inter-agency public protection work within the structure of the National Offenders Management Service will be the subject of competitive tendering in future. [147631]
    1269W
    Paul Goggins
    The details of contestability within correctional services will be developed as part of the "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" reforms. Inter-agency work to protect the public and encourage rehabilitation will remain a crucial element of the work of the National Offender Management Service.

    John McDonnell
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the 42 probation areas under the National Offenders Management Service arrangements. [147661]

    Paul Goggins
    Although all probation staff will come within the ambit of the new National Offenders Management Service (NOMS), they will for the time being continue to be employed by the probation boards. We are committed to ensuring local delivery of correctional services but do not yet have a firm view on how this can be best achieved within the new single service. The future of the 42 probation boards is therefore a specific issue on which my right hon. friend the Home Secretary has asked for views.

    Mr. Gerrard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether consultative committees with local magistrates will be introduced within the structure of the National Offenders Management Service. [147720]

    Paul Goggins
    The introduction of consultative committees within the structure of the National Offender Management Service will be considered by the implementation team as part of the implementation of the "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" reforms.

    Mr. Gerrard
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there will be a single employer under existing National Negotiating Committee arrangements for the purposes of collective bargaining within the structure of the National Offenders Management Service. [147722]

    Paul Goggins
    The structure of the National Offender Management Service is yet to be finalised. Once this is done, the Department will put in place appropriate mechanisms to allow collective bargaining to take place.

    Mrs. Brooke
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the National Offenders Management Service will work on a regional level closely with complementary services, including the police. [147765]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 19 January 2004]Yes. As the report "Reducing Crime—Changing Lives" makes clear, we believe the tasks of integrating the management of offenders whilst in custody or under supervision in the community is best managed at regional level where effective links can be forged and joint strategies developed with complementary services including police, health, education and employment. There will be 10 regional offender managers responsible for this in the nine English regions and Wales.

    Open Prisons
    Mr. McLoughlin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets have been set for the transfer of prisoners from closed prisons to open prisons; and how many(a) Category A prisoners,
    1270W
    (b) Category B prisoners and (c) Category C prisoners were reclassified as Category D prisoners in (i) 2003 and (ii) 2002. [148878]

    Paul Goggins
    There are no binding targets for the transfer of prisoners from closed prisons to open prisons. There are agreed delivery levels for the transfer of prisoners from Category C conditions to open conditions, which are monitored by Area Managers but not enforced. Governors and Area Managers work to ensure that all prisoners assessed as suitable for open conditions are moved there as soon as possible. Any move to open conditions is subject to the prisoner being approved to do so through a risk assessment.

    The total number of prisoners in prisons in England and Wales at 30 June 2002 and 30 June 2003 who had been reclassified to a Category D classification during the previous 12 months is shown in the table.

    (i) 30 June 2003

    (ii) 30 June 2002

    Total number of prisoners reclassified as Category D1

    2,900

    2,300

    1All category D prisoners are re-categorised from category C irrespective of their original classification on entry to prison.

    Parole Board
    Mr. Carmichael
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to improve communication links between the Parole Board of England and Wales and external bodies; what plans he has to enable the Board to have telephone listings independently of the Prison Service; and what plans there are to provide resources to the organisation to enable it to act as an autonomous body [152000]

    Paul Goggins
    The Parole Board for England and Wales is an independent body and is responsible for developing good links with other agencies within the Criminal Justice System.

    The Parole Board only very recently informed officials in the sponsoring unit of the difficulties it was experiencing with the telecommunications service, and that its contact numbers are not independently listed from those of the Prison Service. Now that the sponsoring unit is aware of the problem, it will do all it can to assist the Board with this matter.

    The Parole Board already has resources available to it, given as grant-in-aid payments, in order that it can carry out its functions competently and in its capacity as an independent body. The grant-in-aid agreed for Board for 2003–04 was £4.76 million compared with £3.73 million for 2002–03, which represents a 28 per cent. increase.

    Police Statistics (Wales)
    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers, (b) special constables and (c) community support officers there were in Wales broken down by (i) police force, (ii) constituency and (iii) local authority area for each year since 1997. [151735]
    1271W
    Ms Blears
    The tables give the number of police officers and special constables from 1997 to 2003 for each police force area in Wales. Data on Community Support Officers and for territorial areas within police forces were collected for the first time in 2003 by the Research Development and Statistics Directorate.

    March 1997

    March 1998

    March 1999

    March 2000

    March 2001

    March 2002

    March 20032

    Police Officer Strength1

    Dyfed-Powys

    1,005

    1,002

    1,026

    1,040

    1,055

    1,132

    1,149

    Gwent

    1,243

    1,233

    1,247

    1,264

    1,274

    1,333

    1,341

    North Wales

    1,369

    1,396

    1,391

    1,403

    1,444

    1,506

    1,539

    South Wales

    2,976

    2,986

    2,981

    2,926

    3,154

    3,222

    3,239

    Total

    6,592

    6,617

    6,646

    6,632

    6,927

    7,194

    7,268

    Special Constables1

    Dyfed-Powys

    283

    254

    237

    202

    191

    157

    152

    Gwent

    157

    119

    113

    119

    137

    142

    130

    North Wales

    341

    358

    400

    247

    207

    125

    133

    South Wales

    361

    366

    338

    267

    254

    277

    173

    Total

    1,142

    1,097

    1,088

    835

    789

    701

    588

    Community Support Officers1

    Dyfed-Powys

    0

    Gwent

    30

    North Wales

    0

    South Wales

    0

    1Full time equivalents

    2 Comparable strength (previously published figures exclude officers on career breaks and maternity leave

    Police Force Area

    Basic Command Units

    March 2002 Police officer strength

    March 2003 Police officer strength

    Dyfed-Powys

    Carmarthenshire

    334

    331

    Dyfed-Powys

    Ceredigion

    151

    153

    Dyfed-Powys

    Pembrokeshire

    234

    234

    Dyfed-Powys

    Powys

    254

    274

    Gwent

    Blaenau Gwent

    279

    131

    Gwent

    Caerphilly

    283

    321

    Gwent

    Newport Torfaen and

    295

    282

    Gwent

    Monmouthshire

    223

    282

    North Wales

    Central

    339

    404

    North Wales

    Eastern

    397

    437

    North Wales

    Western

    345

    380

    South Wales

    Bridgend

    235

    254

    South Wales

    Cardiff

    651

    805

    South Wales

    Merthyr Tydfil

    142

    144

    South Wales

    Neath and Port Talbot

    241

    232

    South Wales

    Rhondda Cynon Taff

    363

    381

    South Wales

    Swansea

    464

    500

    South Wales

    Vale of Glamorgan

    195

    220

    Prisons
    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many seizures of alcohol were made in London prisons in the last 12 months. [151424]

    Paul Goggins
    The information requested cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to upgrade existing prison cells over the next five years. [151690]

    Paul Goggins
    The Prison Service is currently working to a three year programme of ongoing refurbishment of prison places. At any one time approximately 2,000 places are out of use on account of building 1272W
    Figures are not available by constituency or local authority area but are available by police force basic command unit (BCU). A table of BCUs in Wales giving police strength for 2002 (collected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary) and 2003 is included.
    refurbishment works. There are also programmes to provide privacy screens in cells that may be used for double occupancy.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list fires started by prisoners in 2003; at which prisons the incidents took place; and what the cost was in each case. [151152]

    Paul Goggins
    In 2003 there were 980 fires in prisons. The possible cause of 674 (69 per cent.) of these was recorded as malicious ignition.

    While many of the fires started by prisoners are dealt with quickly, resulting in little damage, occasionally larger fires do occur and a very small number of these result in serious damage to cells.

    The following table shows all establishments and indicates for each, the number of fires that occurred in 2003 for which malicious ignition was recorded as the `possible cause'.

    Figures for the cost in each case is not available.

    Number of fires in 2003 where the 'possible cause' has been recorded as malicious ignition

    Askham grange

    1

    Acklington

    0

    Albany

    4

    Altcourse

    3

    Ashfield

    17

    Ashwell

    2

    Aylesbury

    3

    Bedford

    2

    Belmarsh

    4

    Birmingham

    6

    1273W

    Number of fires in 2003 where the 'possible cause' has been recorded as malicious ignition

    Blakenhurst

    18

    Blantyre House

    1

    Blundeston

    4

    Brinsford

    5

    Bristol

    8

    Brixton

    15

    Brockhill

    12

    Buckley Hall

    5

    Bullingdon

    4

    Bullwood Hall

    3

    Camphill

    3

    Canterbury

    0

    Cardiff

    1

    Castington

    7

    Channings Wood

    3

    Chelmsford

    5

    Coldingly

    0

    Cookham Wood

    9

    Dartmoor

    3

    Deerbolt

    3

    Doncaster

    11

    Dorchester

    0

    Dovegate

    12

    Dover

    1

    Downview

    1

    Drake Hall

    1

    Durham

    8

    East Sutton Park

    6

    Eastwood Park

    0

    Elmley

    3

    Erlestoke

    0

    Everthorpe

    0

    Exeter

    2

    Featherstone

    2

    Feltham

    13

    Ford

    0

    Forest Bank

    17

    Foston Hall

    1

    Frankland

    0

    Full Sutton

    3

    Garth

    8

    Gartree

    0

    Glen Parva

    4

    Gloucester

    6

    Grendon/Springhill

    0

    Guys Marsh

    1

    Haslar

    2

    Hatfield

    1

    Haverigg

    2

    Hewell Grange

    0

    Highdown

    6

    Highpoint

    11

    Hindley

    23

    Hollesley Bay

    0

    Holloway

    11

    Holme House

    1

    Hull

    7

    Huntercombe

    9

    Kingston

    1

    Kirkham

    1

    Kirklevington Grange

    0

    Lancaster

    1

    Lancaster Farms

    2

    Latchmere House

    0

    Leeds

    6

    Leicester

    8

    Lewes

    8

    Leyhill

    1

    Lincoln

    5

    Lindholme

    7

    Littlehey

    4

    Liverpool

    13

    1274W

    Number of fires in 2003 where the 'possible cause' has been recorded as malicious ignition

    Long Lartin

    2

    Low Newton

    11

    Lowdham Grange

    0

    Maidstone

    3

    Manchester

    11

    Moorland

    4

    Morton Hall

    0

    New Hall

    9

    North Sea Camp

    2

    Northallerton

    3

    Norwich

    22

    Nottingham

    11

    Onley

    6

    Pare

    29

    Parkhurst

    7

    Pentonville

    15

    Portland

    1

    Preston

    8

    Ranby

    5

    Reading

    0

    Risley

    8

    Rochester

    2

    Ryehill

    2

    Send

    3

    Shepton Mallet

    2

    Shrewsbury

    1

    Stafford

    2

    Standford hill

    1

    Stocken

    1

    Stoke Heath

    6

    Styal

    10

    Sudbury

    0

    Swaleside

    20

    Swansea

    1

    Swinfen Hall

    0

    The Verne

    1

    The Mount

    1

    Thorn Cross

    1

    Usk/Prescoed

    0

    Wakefield

    2

    Wandsworth

    21

    Warren Hill

    0

    Wayland

    6

    Wealstun

    5

    Weare

    0

    Wellingborough

    3

    Werrington

    0

    Wetherby

    10

    Whatton

    0

    Whitemoor

    4

    Wincester

    7

    Wolds

    6

    Woodhill

    2

    Wormwood Scrubs

    14

    Wymott

    2

    Total

    674

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the current retirement age of 65 years for serving prison officers. [152710]

    Paul Goggins
    The current maximum retirement age for serving prison officers is 60 years. A small number of prison officers are retained beyond 60 for exceptional operational reasons.
    1275W
    No decision has been made to extend the retirement age for prison officers, although all options are currently being considered.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prison officers failed their annual control and restraint test in the past 12 months; and what their ages were. [152711]

    Paul Goggins
    There is no annual control and restraint test in the Prison Service. Prison establishments are required to maintain an appropriate level of officers trained at basic level control and restraint, and those officers selected to fulfil this requirement all undertake initial and refresher training courses. However, these courses do not include a test.

    Officers who deal with incidents of concerted indiscipline attend an advanced control and restraint training course. Again, officers are not formally tested at the end of this training. However, to gain admission to the course, an officer must be identified by his or her line manager as having an aptitude for the role; and is required to undertake a fitness test. From 1 January to 31 December 2003, a total of 4,353 officers undertook this fitness test, including officers from private prisons. The overall pass rate was 98.6 per cent, with 62 officers, aged between 18 and 65, failing. Their age distribution was as follows:

    Age

    Number of advanced for advanced C and R training who failed the fitness test

    18–25

    5

    26–34

    12

    35–44

    35

    45–54

    8

    55–65

    2

    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he intends to fund the prison service in the next(a) five and (b) 10 years. [150181]

    Paul Goggins
    The budget plans for the years 2003–04 to 2005–06 are set out in the table. These figures are published in tables 2 and 3 of Section 6 of the Home Office Annual Departmental Report 2003. Both in-year and future year budgets are subject to review and amendment.

    Establishment

    A 1999

    B 1999

    A 2000

    B 2000

    A 2001

    B 2001

    A 2002

    B 2002

    A 2003

    B 2003

    Acklington

    1

    7

    0

    5

    0

    1

    0

    2

    1

    3

    Albany

    0

    0

    0

    2

    1

    2

    0

    2

    0

    3

    Altcourse

    3

    16

    2

    35

    3

    46

    0

    45

    3

    43

    Ashfield

    0

    6

    3

    79

    2

    75

    4

    123

    2

    62

    Ashwell

    0

    3

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Askham Grange

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Aylesbury

    8

    71

    1

    26

    4

    31

    2

    11

    2

    15

    Bedford

    1

    2

    1

    6

    2

    11

    4

    16

    2

    12

    Belmarsh

    4

    49

    2

    63

    8

    107

    7

    74

    0

    52

    Birmingham

    5

    48

    1

    37

    2

    50

    1

    53

    2

    58

    Blakenhurst

    3

    33

    6

    40

    1

    21

    0

    10

    5

    22

    Blantyre House

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Blundeston

    0

    3

    0

    2

    0

    5

    1

    2

    0

    2

    Brinsford

    1

    24

    0

    38

    0

    31

    1

    24

    0

    31

    Bristol

    2

    24

    1

    18

    1

    27

    2

    48

    2

    22

    Brixton

    3

    34

    2

    37

    5

    31

    4

    70

    4

    46

    Brockhill

    0

    9

    0

    10

    0

    16

    1

    12

    1

    5

    Buckley Hall

    0

    6

    0

    8

    0

    8

    0

    11

    1

    36

    1276W

    Table: Budget Plans for the Prison Service 2003–06

    £ millions

    Financial year

    Resource budget plans

    Capital budget plans

    2003–04

    2,331.462

    294.796

    2004–05

    2,403.303

    268.730

    2005–06

    2,520.342

    166.730

    The budgets for years 2006–07 to 2008–09 and beyond are yet to be finalised.

    Mr. Oaten
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are employed in the(a) Prison Service headquarters and (b) National Probation Directorate headquarters. [151422]

    Paul Goggins
    At the beginning of November 2003 there were 2,403 (full-time equivalent) staff employed at Her Majesty's Prison Service Headquarters (including operational area offices). Of these, 1,330 were employed in central London offices.

    In December 2003, the National Probation Directorate employed 445 staff.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list attacks on(a) prison officers and (b) probation officers in each of the last five years, broken down by (i) prison and (ii) probation service area. [151153]

    Paul Goggins
    Information regarding assaults on probation officers is not collected centrally, for the previous or the new probation areas, and cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost. Information on the numbers of assaults on prison officers reported to Prison Service headquarters by prisons is given in the table below, which distinguishes between serious and minor assaults. Serious assaults are shown in column A for each prison and each year with minor assaults being shown in column B. Serious assaults are those that result in detention in outside hospital as an inpatient, medical treatment for concussion or internal injury, fractures, scalds and burns, stabbing, crushing, extensive or multiple bruising, black eye, broken nose, lost or broken tooth, cuts requiring suturing, bites, temporary or permanent blindness or sexual assault. Minor assaults may involve no injury.
    1277W

    Establishment

    A 1999

    B 1999

    A 2000

    B 2000

    A 2001

    B 2001

    A 2002

    B 2002

    A 2003

    B 2003

    Bullingdon

    2

    32

    2

    18

    2

    16

    1

    23

    4

    22

    Bullwood Hall

    0

    3

    0

    2

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    0

    Camp Hill

    2

    4

    3

    7

    1

    3

    4

    6

    5

    10

    Canterbury

    1

    0

    0

    1

    0

    3

    0

    3

    1

    6

    Cardiff

    0

    5

    0

    5

    0

    17

    0

    14

    0

    11

    Castington

    1

    51

    5

    48

    0

    35

    1

    52

    2

    47

    Channings Wood

    0

    1

    0

    0

    1

    4

    0

    3

    0

    4

    Chelmsford

    0

    9

    6

    34

    3

    24

    3

    22

    2

    14

    Coldingley

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Cookham Wood

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    14

    Dartmoor

    0

    21

    0

    22

    2

    30

    2

    10

    0

    8

    Deerbolt

    0

    10

    0

    8

    1

    11

    2

    8

    0

    5

    Doncaster

    0

    42

    0

    15

    0

    29

    2

    30

    0

    25

    Dorchester

    0

    3

    0

    2

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    4

    Dovegate

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    7

    1

    24

    5

    39

    Dover

    3

    17

    1

    14

    0

    7

    0

    0

    5

    7

    Down view

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    1

    10

    1

    6

    Drake Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    Durham

    2

    6

    3

    14

    2

    29

    2

    22

    2

    29

    East Sutton Park

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Eastwood Park

    1

    2

    0

    5

    0

    6

    0

    5

    0

    11

    Edmunds Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    9

    Elmley

    0

    11

    0

    15

    1

    19

    2

    23

    3

    25

    Erlestoke

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Everthorpe

    0

    4

    2

    2

    0

    0

    0

    2

    1

    2

    Exeter

    1

    4

    0

    2

    2

    11

    1

    12

    2

    10

    Featherstone

    0

    6

    0

    8

    1

    8

    2

    16

    1

    7

    Feltham

    4

    43

    3

    28

    3

    97

    5

    82

    7

    101

    Ford

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    3

    Forest Bank

    0

    0

    1

    37

    2

    41

    2

    37

    2

    62

    Foston Hall

    1

    3

    0

    1

    0

    3

    1

    28

    0

    14

    Frankland

    0

    11

    1

    7

    1

    5

    1

    9

    0

    4

    Full Sutton

    2

    4

    0

    2

    2

    10

    1

    7

    2

    11

    Garth

    0

    5

    1

    6

    1

    2

    1

    8

    0

    10

    Gartree

    0

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Glen Parva

    1

    22

    1

    23

    1

    25

    3

    40

    1

    27

    Gloucester

    3

    17

    1

    13

    2

    8

    3

    10

    0

    13

    Grendon

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Guys Marsh

    1

    3

    0

    9

    1

    11

    0

    1

    3

    6

    Haslar

    0

    0

    0

    3

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Hatfield

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Haverigg

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    2

    3

    5

    Hewell Grange

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Highdown

    1

    63

    3

    44

    4

    47

    1

    58

    2

    44

    Highpoint South

    3

    11

    1

    8

    1

    32

    4

    44

    3

    19

    Hindley

    1

    11

    1

    6

    0

    4

    0

    25

    0

    23

    Hollesley Bay

    1

    16

    5

    14

    4

    22

    0

    18

    0

    4

    Holloway

    13

    85

    6

    155

    5

    86

    1

    77

    4

    86

    Holme House

    1

    8

    1

    9

    0

    15

    1

    13

    1

    20

    Hull

    2

    19

    1

    9

    3

    12

    4

    13

    2

    27

    Huntercombe

    1

    10

    3

    15

    1

    8

    0

    15

    1

    18

    Kingston

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    1

    Kirkham

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    1

    0

    0

    Kirklevington

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lancaster Castle

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    0

    Lancaster Farms

    1

    22

    2

    16

    1

    18

    4

    17

    3

    11

    Latchmere House

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Leeds

    0

    57

    0

    31

    2

    76

    4

    56

    3

    111

    Leicester

    0

    11

    1

    17

    0

    15

    1

    14

    0

    14

    Lewes

    2

    9

    0

    12

    1

    19

    1

    10

    1

    32

    Leyhill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Lincoln

    1

    5

    1

    6

    4

    16

    0

    20

    1

    14

    Lindholme

    0

    1

    0

    1

    1

    3

    1

    5

    2

    29

    Littlehey

    1

    13

    0

    21

    1

    8

    2

    5

    3

    8

    Liverpool

    1

    28

    2

    20

    1

    24

    2

    36

    1

    44

    Long Lartin

    0

    2

    1

    4

    3

    4

    1

    7

    2

    5

    Lowdham grange

    2

    17

    1

    8

    0

    3

    0

    4

    0

    3

    Low Newton

    0

    5

    1

    16

    2

    25

    0

    27

    2

    16

    Maidstone

    0

    1

    0

    1

    1

    2

    0

    2

    1

    5

    Manchester

    2

    24

    2

    37

    0

    33

    0

    53

    3

    56

    Moorland

    1

    26

    3

    14

    1

    20

    3

    20

    3

    19

    Morton Hall

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    5

    0

    4

    0

    1

    New Hall

    1

    5

    0

    9

    1

    30

    0

    24

    0

    21

    1278W 1279W

    Establishment

    A 1999

    B 1999

    A 2000

    B 2000

    A 2001

    B 2001

    A 2002

    B 2002

    A 2003

    B 2003

    Northallerton

    0

    6

    1

    8

    0

    4

    0

    6

    0

    11

    North Sea Camp

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    2

    1

    1

    0

    2

    Norwich

    3

    24

    5

    21

    4

    21

    2

    23

    3

    23

    Nottingham

    0

    12

    1

    21

    1

    16

    0

    12

    0

    15

    Onley

    3

    54

    0

    38

    3

    60

    12

    61

    7

    81

    Pare

    5

    17

    0

    12

    0

    15

    1

    26

    2

    54

    Parkhurst

    4

    7

    1

    7

    4

    18

    6

    8

    2

    17

    Pentonville

    4

    78

    0

    56

    2

    99

    3

    102

    8

    86

    Portland

    3

    6

    3

    29

    3

    13

    2

    21

    1

    14

    Preston

    3

    8

    0

    7

    2

    7

    1

    10

    3

    9

    Ranby

    0

    3

    1

    3

    0

    1

    4

    7

    1

    7

    Reading

    0

    1

    1

    0

    0

    4

    0

    6

    1

    7

    Risley

    3

    16

    0

    1

    0

    1

    1

    14

    1

    17

    Rochester

    3

    9

    5

    17

    3

    19

    1

    5

    1

    14

    Rye Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    18

    1

    17

    3

    19

    Send

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    2

    1

    1

    1

    4

    Shepton Mallet

    1

    2

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    1

    Shrewsbury

    0

    5

    0

    4

    0

    3

    0

    3

    0

    11

    Stafford

    3

    13

    3

    9

    0

    6

    1

    8

    3

    8

    Standford Hill

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Stocken

    0

    2

    1

    6

    1

    4

    0

    10

    0

    9

    Stoke Heath

    1

    20

    1

    52

    1

    62

    0

    47

    7

    16

    Styal

    0

    12

    1

    6

    0

    17

    0

    4

    1

    6

    Sudbury

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    2

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Swaleside

    3

    14

    3

    19

    3

    27

    3

    28

    5

    15

    Swansea

    1

    5

    1

    1

    0

    1

    0

    5

    1

    5

    Swinfen Hall

    1

    12

    0

    3

    3

    12

    0

    7

    1

    8

    The Mount

    0

    2

    0

    2

    1

    4

    0

    5

    1

    13

    The Verne

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    1

    0

    1

    The Weare

    0

    7

    2

    6

    0

    2

    0

    9

    2

    10

    Thorn Cross

    0

    4

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    1

    1

    3

    Usk

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Wakefield

    2

    12

    1

    6

    1

    8

    0

    7

    0

    7

    Wandsworth

    4

    90

    2

    49

    3

    54

    3

    78

    4

    66

    Warren Hill

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    Wayland

    0

    4

    0

    4

    0

    4

    0

    7

    1

    11

    Wealstun

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    2

    0

    0

    0

    2

    Wellingborough

    0

    2

    0

    2

    1

    1

    0

    1

    0

    1

    Werrington

    0

    1

    1

    5

    0

    8

    0

    5

    1

    20

    Wetherby

    1

    7

    2

    16

    1

    20

    2

    8

    0

    11

    Whatton

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    1

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Whitemoor

    0

    8

    1

    10

    2

    34

    3

    22

    1

    14

    Winchester

    1

    5

    2

    5

    1

    4

    2

    11

    0

    12

    Wolds

    1

    20

    4

    27

    2

    10

    0

    13

    1

    7

    Woodhill

    2

    22

    0

    13

    0

    9

    0

    16

    1

    29

    Wormwood Scrubs

    1

    26

    1

    21

    1

    38

    2

    54

    10

    35

    Wymott

    0

    7

    0

    3

    0

    3

    0

    0

    0

    1

    Total

    145

    1671

    128

    1728

    141

    2100

    151

    2262

    191

    2320

    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are in place to ease the problem of prison overcrowding. [148891]

    Paul Goggins
    Funding has been provided for around 3,000 additional public sector prison places to be built at existing prisons by 2006. Two new private sector prisons providing 1,290 places are also due to be opened at Ashford (near Heathrow) and Peterborough in June 2004 and March 2005 respectively. This will increase the total useable capacity of the prison estate to around 78,700 by 2006.

    On the 6 January a radical reform of the management of offenders was announced with the publication of the document 'Reducing Crime-Changing Lives'. The overriding purpose of the reforms is to improve the management of offenders and reduce re-offending. Offenders for whom prison is the right penalty will continue to be sent to prison. But there are many offenders for whom tough non-custodial penalties will
    1280W
    be more appropriate. Our proposals will provide sentencers with a full range of penalties and advice on what is most likely to be effective in reducing re-offending in particular circumstances.

    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the connection between prison and homelessness; and what steps he is taking to ensure that prisoners have help finding accommodation on their release. [148894]

    Paul Goggins
    The Prison Service undertook a large-scale survey in March and April 2003 of sentenced prisoners nearing release. 29 per cent. said they did not have accommodation arranged on release, compared to 33 per cent. in a similar survey undertaken in November and December 2001.

    The Prison Service is investing an additional £14.5 million a year in its Custody to Work initiative. This is geared to increasing the number of prisoners securing employment and accommodation on release.

    1281W
    The initiative is helping to support the development and delivery of housing advice -and support services in some prisons.

    The Government are drawing up a national rehabilitation action plan responding to the July 2002 Social Exclusion Unit report on reducing re-offending by released prisoners. The action plan, which we expect to publish in the early part of this year, will include the development of a national strategy to improve accommodation outcomes for offenders.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the original budget allocations were for HM Prison Brixton for each of the years from 1997 to 2003. [152707]

    Paul Goggins
    The following table shows the final budget allocations for Brixton for each year between 1997 and 2003. Original budget allocations by establishment are not held beyond the end of each year. Total budget allocations in the three years 1997–2000 were on a cash basis, in 2000–03 they were on a resource basis and in 2000–01 included the budget for property costs (depreciation and interest charges) but these have been excluded from the following figures.

    £

    Budget allocations

    1997–98

    17,490,813

    1998–99

    17,677,121

    1999–2000

    17,488,467

    2000–01

    18,093,685

    2001–02

    18,311,290

    2002–03

    18,995,678

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the survey to identify new sites for prisons will be completed. [152703]

    Paul Goggins
    A survey to identify potential sites for new prisons that are available on the open market commenced last November. The results are currently being analysed and the Prison Service hopes to be in a position to proceed with negotiations for purchase of the most suitable sites later in the spring.

    Mrs. Brooke
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to ensure that prisons maintain accurate records of foreign national prisoners in the establishment. [151077]

    Paul Goggins
    As part of the reception procedure in prisons the nationality of all prisoners is recorded in their core record.

    Mrs. Brooke
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding the women's foreign national support group Hibiscus received from the Home Office in each year since 1997. [151078]
    1282W
    Paul Goggins
    Hibiscus receives money from a variety of sources. The Prison Service has funded Hibiscus's activities since 1998–99. The amounts funded, by various orisons and HO groups are as follows:

    £

    1998–99

    20,000

    2001–02

    54,354

    2002–03

    54,096

    2003–04

    80,346

    Mrs. Brooke
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special training and guidance is provided for prison officers working in prisons with a large proportion of foreign national prisoners. [151083]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]Prison staff are trained to deal with the different needs of all prisoners, including foreign nationals.

    The Prison Service recently signed a new contract with Language Line, a 24 hour telephone interpreting service, which is available for prisoners and includes training for staff. A number of prisons holding large numbers of foreign national prisoners work with the voluntary organisation Hibiscus who run training days in their establishments.

    In order to ensure that Foreign National prisoners are informed about prison life, Prisoner Information Books are made available in different languages. These are to be replaced by the Foreign Prisoners Resource Pack, which is due to be published soon. This pack will contain a section for staff in prisons to ensure that they are aware of the relevant information.

    The Prison Service continues to work in partnership with other agencies to minimise any language or cultural difficulties experienced by foreign national prisoners.

    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many female prisoners are from Wales, broken down by offences for which they are held; [150466]

    (2) how many life sentence prisoners are being held in prisons in England (a) whose last place of residence before sentence was in Wales and (b) who have requested a transfer to prison in Wales; [150467]

    (3) how many young offenders from Wales there were in penal institutions at the latest date for which figures are available; [150469]

    (4) how many (a) male and (b) female prisoners from Wales are held in prison in England, broken down by offences for which they are held; [150471]

    (5) how many prisoners there are in each Welsh prison. [150472]

    Paul Goggins
    Information on a prisoner's place of residence prior to being sentenced/remanded in custody is not held centrally. The information provided as follows cover prisoners on remand who were committed
    1283W
    by courts in Wales and prisoners under sentence who were sentenced by courts in Wales.

    Young people are aged under 21 but include some 21-year-olds who were aged 20 or under at conviction who have not been reclassified as part of the adult population.

    As at 30 November 2003, there were 179 life sentence prisoners in prisons in England, who were sentenced from courts in Wales. Information is not held centrally on the number of life sentenced prisoners who have requested a transfer to prison in Wales.

    As at 30 November 2003, the population of young people in prison in England and Wales included 112 remand prisoners committed by courts in Wales, and 505 sentenced prisoners sentenced by courts in Wales.

    The number of male and female prisoners in prison in England, as at 30 November 2003, by offence group, who were committed or sentenced from courts in Wales is given in the tables.

    Remand prisoners in prison in England at 30 November 2003, who were committed by courts in Wales by offence and sex

    Female

    Male

    Violence against the person

    10

    21

    Sex offences

    2

    4

    Burglary

    2

    16

    Robbery

    2

    12

    Theft and handling

    11

    10

    Fraud and forgery

    0

    4

    Drug offences

    3

    19

    Other offences

    6

    16

    Population of adult prisoners at end of June

    Establishment

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

    Cardiff

    576

    618

    581

    519

    616

    644

    682

    Swansea

    252

    266

    245

    230

    187

    361

    360

    Usk/Prescoed

    258

    202

    276

    278

    312

    322

    374

    Pare

    0

    450

    534

    468

    558

    477

    543

    Population of young people in prison at end of June

    Establishment

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

    Cardiff

    145

    89

    120

    1

    0

    1

    0

    Swansea

    77

    59

    76

    65

    0

    0

    0

    Usk/Prescoed

    49

    23

    16

    17

    17

    9

    10

    Pare

    0

    244

    242

    345

    360

    450

    459

    Population includes prisoners on authorised absence

    Operational Capacity on the last Friday in June

    Establishment

    1997

    1998

    1999

    2000

    2001

    2002

    2003

    Cardiff

    716

    716

    722

    707

    638

    669

    669

    Swansea

    350

    326

    346

    346

    201

    366

    368

    Usk

    187

    206

    206

    211

    220

    220

    242

    Prescoed

    128

    128

    128

    128

    128

    128

    170

    Pare

    0

    850

    920

    920

    948

    968

    1,028

    Pare prison opened in November 1997.
    1284W

    Sentenced prisoners in prison in England at 30 November 2003, who were sentenced by courts in Wales by offence and sex

    Female

    Male

    Violence against the person

    35

    355

    Sex offences

    1

    192

    Burglary

    9

    186

    Robbery

    21

    142

    Theft and handling

    21

    73

    Fraud and forgery

    6

    13

    Drug offences

    30

    182

    Other offences

    17

    156

    Offence not recorded

    0

    3

    The prison population, as at 30 November 2003, in each prison in Wales is given in the table.

    Prison population of prisons in Wales, 30 November 2003

    Cardiff

    661

    Pare

    945

    Swansea

    346

    Usk/Prescoed

    397

    Mr. Wiggin
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) adult prisoners, (b) young offenders and (c) prison spaces there were in each prison in Wales for each year since 1997. [151730]

    Paul Goggins
    The number of adults and young people in prison, and the operational capacity of each prison from June 1997 to June 2003, is given in the following tables.

    Young people are defined as those aged under 21 but include some 21-years-olds who were aged 20 or under at conviction who have not been reclassified as part of the adult population.
    1285W
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to whom the Ombudsman for Prisons and Probation will report the findings of his investigations into deaths of(a) prisoners, (b) probationers and (c) detainees in immigration removal centres. [150728]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 26 January 2004]Details of the new arrangements have yet to be finalised. It is proposed that the Ombudsman will send his reports to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, the relevant Service, the family of the deceased, and the Coroner.

    Probation Service
    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evaluation his Department made of the restructuring of the Probation Service following its restructuring in April 2001. [150714]

    Paul Goggins
    The structural changes introduced under the Criminal Justice Act 2000 and implemented from April 2001 were managed as a change programme overseen by National Director (latterly the Director General) of the National Probation Service (NPS) based within the Home Office.

    The strategy for the change programme was set out in a three-year strategic document, "A New Choreography". The Office of Government Commerce independently reviewed the initial programme in October 2001. They commended the restructure and noted early performance improvements. Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Probation has covered issues relevant to restructuring, such as governance, training and race equality, in recent reports.

    Service-wide performance improvements have continued and these are monitored in regular NPS performance reports.

    Mrs. Gillan
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of offenders under the management of the Probation Service have been serviced by non-qualified probation personnel over the last 12 months. [150715]

    Paul Goggins
    The information requested is not held centrally.

    Offenders may be supervised by a variety of people who deliver both statutory and non-statutory interventions. These will include probation staff and others from partnership agencies. All probation staff who supervise offenders have been assessed and trained for this work. Probation officers and probation service officers have professional qualifications as do specialist staff, such as psychologists.

    Mr. Jim Cunningham
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many probation field staff were employed in(a) Coventry, (b) the West Midlands and (c) England in each year since 2000. [151190]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 29 January 2004]The information requested is as follows.
    1286W

    Number of Probation Field Staff1,2

    31 December 20003

    31 December 2001

    31 December 2002

    30 June 2003

    (a) Coventry

    15

    17

    24

    431

    (b) West Midlands

    541

    774

    645

    706

    (c) England and Wales

    8,462

    9,665

    510,439

    11,128

    1 Figures include Senior Probation Officers, Senior Practitioners, Probation Officers, Trainee Probation Officers and Probation Service Officers employed in all functions excluding Prisons and Courts.

    2 Figures shown as full time equivalent (FTC)

    3 The figures for December 2000 also exclude those employed within Family Court Welfare. This service transferred during 2001 into Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS).

    4 Information provided by West Midlands Probation Area at 31 December 2003

    5 Figures for December 2002 include Sussex figures at June 2002.

    Mr. Jim Cunningham
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on funding available for the provision of intensive services to offenders on release by the Probation Service. [151192]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 29 January 2004]The National Probation Service (NPS) is funding or part funding 15 intensive supervision and monitoring schemes (ISMs) which aim to reduce reoffending by persistent offenders. ISMs operate as part of a community sentence or a post custodial licence. Funding was provided for two years by the NPS and the Criminal Justice System Reserve (CJS) which will expire in April 2004. After that areas are expected to have made their own arrangements to fund the projects locally. It is also expected that some continuation funding will be available from the CJS Reserve for an additional year.

    Persistent offenders are defined as those who are aged 18 or over and have been convicted of six or more recordable offences in the last year. ISM schemes target the most prolific offenders in a locality. These are the most serious of persistent offenders. Therefore, in addition to six convictions in the last year, those selected will also usually be the target of local police intelligence.

    ISM schemes provide intensive surveillance and supervision of offenders, offering fast access to services and support for rehabilitation, alongside swift action and penalties for non-compliance. They incorporate a partnership between police and probation, two agencies that have historically worked in different areas of criminal justice, through the joint aims of apprehending offenders at the same time as addressing offenders' needs. As part of these projects, the police and probation services also work together with other partner agencies such as: providers of housing, education and training, alcohol and drug abuse treatment groups, leisure facilities and employment services.

    The ISMs are subject to independent evaluation, which is due to report in spring 2004. A number of areas operate similar schemes to the probation funded ISMs. Plans to deal with persistent offenders will be included as part of the regional resettlement strategies which are to be developed over the next 12 months.

    Public Bodies
    Keith Vaz
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who the members of the(a) Horserace

    1287W
    Totalisator Board, (b) Service Authorities for the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad, (c) Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England and (d) Parole Board to the Prison Service were on 1 January; what their term of office is in each case; and whether they are remunerated. [151812]

    Paul Goggins
    The information requested is set out in the table and lists the members of the following bodies on 1 January 2004, their term of office and whether they are remunerated. Excluded are data for(a) Horserace Totalisator Board as this body is now under the Department of Culture, Media and Sport's remit, and (b) Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England, which now falls under Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Body/Member

    Length of term

    Remunerated

    NCS Service Authority

    Paul Lever

    2 years

    Yes

    Caroline Burton

    2 years

    Yes

    Jennifer Harvey

    2 years

    Yes

    Home Office representative

    2 years

    No

    ACPO1 representative

    4 years

    No

    ACPO representative

    4 years

    No

    APA2 representative

    4 years

    Yes

    APA representative

    4 years

    Yes

    HMCE3 representative

    4 years

    No

    NCIS Service Authority

    Paul Lever

    2 years

    Yes

    Caroline Burton

    2 years

    Yes

    Jennifer Harvey

    2 years

    Yes

    Home Office representative

    2 years

    No

    ACPO representative

    4 years

    No

    ACPO representative

    4 years

    No

    APA representative

    4 years

    Yes

    HMCE representative

    4 years

    No

    Head of Serious Crime, Security Service

    4 years

    No

    Scottish representative

    4 years

    No

    Northern Ireland representative

    4 years

    No

    Parole Board

    Janet Lindsay Addyman

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Akintunde Akinkunmi

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Michael Alcock

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Kofi Appiah

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Ann Faith Barker

    3 years

    Yes

    Claire Barkley

    3 years

    Yes

    Fiona Barrie

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Arnold Barrow

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Peter Benson

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Colin Berry

    7 years 2 months

    Yes

    Inigo Bing

    3 years 3 months

    No

    John Boal

    3 years

    No

    Louise Bowers

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Sally A. R. Brady

    3 years

    Yes

    David Brown

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Mark Brown

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Penny Buller

    9 years 3 months

    Yes

    Sir Alexander Butterfield

    3 years

    No

    John Quentin Campbell

    3 years

    No

    Margaret Carey

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Lawrence P. Chesterman

    3 years

    Yes

    Barry Chipchase

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Tia Cockrell

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Jeremy Connor

    6 years 2 months

    No

    Thomas Cook

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Allan Gerald Corless

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Graham W. A. Cottle

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Keith Charles Cutler

    3 years

    No

    Susan Lesley Davenport

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Jo C. Dobry

    3 years

    Yes

    Paul Dodgson

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Roland Doven

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Mark Dyer

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Esmond Faulks

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Mathew Fiander

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Peter Fingret

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Giles Charles Forrester

    3 years 3 months

    No

    1288W

    Body/Member

    Length of term

    Remunerated

    Diana Fulbrook

    3 years

    Yes

    William Gage

    3 years

    No

    Jane Margaret Geraghty

    3 years

    Yes

    Stephen M. J. Goode CBE

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    John Keith Harding CBE

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    W. Gareth Hawkesworth

    3 years

    No

    Michael Philip Hennesse

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Debbie Hill

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Lesley Hilton

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Estelle J. Hindley

    6 years 2 months

    No

    Julia Holman

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Trevor J. Hoyland

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Judith Caroline Hughes QC

    3 years 3 months

    No

    C. Chris Hunter

    3 years

    Yes

    Kyrie Llinos James

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Geoffrey Kamil

    6 years 3 months

    No

    B. Mary Kane

    9 years 3 months

    Yes

    Ardash Kaul

    3 years

    Yes

    Andrew Keen

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Ian Keitch

    8 years

    Yes

    Anwar William Khan

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Assia King

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Roy David King

    3 years

    Yes

    Dora Kohen

    6 years 1 month

    Yes

    Brenda P. M. Large

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Timothy Lawrence

    6 years 2 months

    No

    Sarah Lightfoot

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Robin James Lipscombe

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Rachael Loveridge

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Kerry P. M. Macgill

    3 years

    Yes

    Judith M. Mackenzie

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Robert B. Mathers

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    David Charles Mawson

    3 years

    Yes

    Hamish McClelland

    8 years 3 months

    Yes

    Linda E. McHugh

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    John Graeme McNaught

    6 years 2 months

    No

    Christopher Metcalf

    3 years 3 months

    No

    David Mole

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Anne Molyneux

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Angela Montgomery

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Heather M. Morgan

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    David Wynn Morgan

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Steven C. Murphy

    3 years

    Yes

    David Mylan

    3 years

    Yes

    D. E. Paul Nicholson

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Richard O'Flynn

    3 years

    Yes

    Richard B. L. Osborn

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Tanya Ossack

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Sarah Page

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Peter Palmer

    3 years

    Yes

    J. Graham Park CBE

    8 years 3 months

    Yes

    Barbara Ann Parn

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Sylvia Peach

    3 years

    Yes

    Anthony Pembrooke

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Judith Pitchers

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    David Philip Pugsley

    6 years 2 months

    No

    Malcolm Rae

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Alistair John Reeve

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Steven Robbins

    3 years

    No

    John Mervyn Roberts

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Andrew F. Rutherford

    3 years

    Yes

    John Sadlik

    9 years 3 months

    Yes

    Gwyneth Ann Sampson

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Audrey O. H. Sander

    6 years 3 months

    No

    Girish Chander Shetty

    9 years 3 months

    Yes

    Alan Douglas Smith

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    James Spencer QC

    3 years 3 months

    No

    John Wilfred Staples

    6 years 2 months

    Yes

    Nigel A. Stone

    9 years 3 months

    Yes

    Margaret Stone

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Marion Swan

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Barbara Swyer

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Diana Tamlyn

    7 years 1 month

    Yes

    Kay Christina Terry

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Anthony Thornton QC

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Lynne D. Tolan

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Jo M. Turnbull

    3 years

    Yes

    Susan Vivian-Byrne

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Helen Ward

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    Brian Watling QC

    3 years 3 months

    No

    Mollie Jane Weatheritt

    6 years

    Yes

    Tessa West

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Alan Keith Whiffen

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    1289W

    Body/Member

    Length of term

    Remunerated

    Richard G. Whitfield

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Peter Wilshaw

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Simon Wood

    6 years 3 months

    Yes

    Anne J. Worall

    3 years

    Yes

    Yaa F. Yeboah

    3 years 3 months

    Yes

    1Association of Chief Police Officers.

    2Association of Police Authorities.

    3HM Customs and Excise

    Rehabilitation Programmes
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which rehabilitation programmes have been the most effective in reducing the reconviction rate; and what plans he has to extend these programmes to all prisons. [148907]

    Paul Goggins
    Prisoners are imprisoned for many different kinds of offences, ranging widely in character and seriousness. No one programme is likely to be effective in reducing re-offending on the part of all offenders. The Correctional Services Accreditation Panel accredits programmes which are based on the international evidence about what is likely to be effective in reducing re-offending. Cognitive skills programmes, sex offender treatment programmes, drug treatment programmes and therapeutic communities have all been accredited, as well as programmes designed to address violent offending and domestic violence specifically. These interventions are subject to ongoing evaluation, including research into their impact on reconviction rates.

    Over 100 prison establishments currently run accredited programmes and although the overall number is increasing there are no plans at present to extend them to every prison, as they are not suitable for all prisoners, particularly those serving short sentences. All prison establishments, however, are required to provide constructive regimes which address offending behaviour, improve educational and work skills and promote law abiding behaviour in custody and after release. Other activities which support rehabilitation and address prisoners' resettlement needs include learning and skills, prison work, involvement in pre-release programmes, housing advice and support services, Jobcentre Plus prison surgeries and job search training and support.

    The establishment of a new single National Offender Management Service will focus on reducing re-offending and equipping offenders to turn away from crime. Regional offender managers will, in the future, be responsible for commissioning offender management services and interventions to reduce re-offending.

    Risk of Sexual Harm Orders
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many risk of sexual harm orders have been issued. [150331]

    Paul Goggins
    The Sexual Offences Act 2003, which provided for the risk of sexual harm orders, is not due to come into force until May 2004. As a result no risk of sexual harm orders have yet been made.
    1290W

    Sentences
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on changes in sentence lengths since 1991. [150350]

    Paul Goggins
    Information on trends in sentencing is contained in chapter 4 of Criminal statistics, England and Wales, 2002 (Cm 6054) published in December 2003.

    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to ensure consistency of sentencing practice. [150354]

    Paul Goggins
    The recent Criminal Justice Act 2003 created the Sentencing Guidelines Council. The purpose of the council is to produce robust and comprehensive sentencing guidelines. By providing an important bridge between what legislation provides and how that legislation is used, the guidelines will assist the courts in their task of effecting consistent and just disposals in all cases.

    Mrs. Brooke
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will ask the Sentencing Guidelines Council to consider reducing overall sentencing lengths for offences not involving violence, drugs or sexual matters. [152752]

    Paul Goggins
    It is the role of the Sentencing Guidelines Council to issue guidance on all aspects of sentencing so as to promote consistent and just sentencing by the courts within the framework provided by Parliament. The guidance will be issued following an evaluation period and will be proportionate in severity to the nature of the offence.

    It will be for the Council to make its proposals, and there will be opportunities for criminal justice professionals, the public and Parliament to make their views known to the Council. While no type of criminal behaviour can be condoned or minimised, the Home Secretary has made clear that custody should be reserved for serious offenders.

    Serious Criminal Offenders (Travel)
    Mark Tami
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals were charged with serious criminal offences and allowed to travel outside in each of the last five years. [150802]

    Paul Goggins
    This information is not held centrally.

    Sex Abuse Guidelines
    Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the updated guidelines on anonymity for those accused of historical sex abuse were sent to police forces; [148881]

    (2) what the terms of guidelines on anonymity for those accused of historical sex abuse (a) were before and (b) are since recent amendments were put into effect. [148882]

    Paul Goggins
    The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has amended its guidelines to all police forces to give greater prominence to the rules that govern the release of information about anyone suspected of, but not yet charged with, an offence. The
    1291W
    guidance underlines that suspects should not be named before charge and goes on to highlight the possible dangers of doing so, in that not only is there the risk of causing irreparable damage to a suspect's reputation, but also that unwarranted disclosure could leave a force open to civil proceedings. Updated guidance was sent to all police forces via the ACPO intranet in October 2003 and may be viewed on www.acpo.police.uk. We have asked that a copy of previous guidance be sent to my hon. Friend.

    Speeding
    Mr. Jim Cunningham
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for increases in fines for drivers caught speeding; and how the extra money raised will help victims of(a) crime and (b) road traffic accidents. [149095]

    Paul Goggins
    [holding answer 21 January 2004]I would refer my hon. Friend to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 12 January 2004,Official Report, column 18WS. This announced the publication of a consultation paper entitled 'Compensation and Support for Victims of Crime', which set out proposals to provide a wide range of support for victims of crime and to amend the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

    A central plank of the proposals was to make all offenders pay for their crimes and to help all victims.

    One of the key proposals was to add a surcharge to all criminal convictions, and to fixed penalty notices for criminal offences. The surcharge would be additional to the fine or any other penalty imposed, and would be payable by those who were convicted of a criminal offence, those who receive a penalty notice for disorder, and those who receive a fixed penalty notice for a road traffic offence, including drivers breaking the law by speeding.

    The money raised through the surcharge would go into a new Victims' Fund, as would monies raised in the other ways described in the consultation paper. The money from that fund would be spent directly on services for victims of crime including, for example, victims of rape and sexual assault, victims of domestic
    1292W
    violence and hate crime, and the many seriously injured victims of road traffic incidents and the bereaved relatives of victims.

    We welcome comment on all the ideas and proposals set out in the consultation paper. Subject to the outcome of this consultation exercise, we propose to legislate to make the changes, where necessary, through amendments to the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill currently before Parliament.

    Wetherby Young Offenders Institution
    Miss McIntosh
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 14 January 2004,Official Report, column 762W, on HMYOI Wetherby, what the reasons were for the increase in (a) costs per prisoner and (b) cost per prisoner place at HMYOI Wetherby. [151131]

    Paul Goggins
    Baseline funding for HMYOI Wetherby has risen from £6.7 million in 1998–99 to £10.2 million in 2002–03. The change from cash to resource based accounting over this period reflects part of this increase, but the major structural and regime changes at HMYOI Wetherby following its re-role to a juvenile only establishment have been the main reason for increased funding. This increase has led to a greatly improved regime generating improved numeracy and literacy among prisoners, better opportunities for training and employment, increased employability through practical and vocational activities and the addressing of offending behaviour issues.

    Women Prisoners
    Mr. Hancock
    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women prisoners there are; and how many are imprisoned for offences relating to drugs. [145289]

    Paul Goggins
    The number of females in prison in England and Wales on 30 January 2004 was 4,378.

    At the end of May 2003 (the most recent published data covering the detail required to answer the question) there were 176 females on remand for drugs offences and 1,318 females under sentence for drugs offences, out of a total female population of 4,495.

CABINET OFFICE

  Civil Servants
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many civil servants, broken down by grade, there

  Permanent staff in post by Department and responsibility level as at 1 January 1997 and 1 April 2003

  1 April 2003

  Headcount

  Department

  SCS Level

  Grade 6

  Grade 7

  SEO

  HEO

  EO

  AO

  AA

  Other

  Total

  Cabinet Office

  190

  420

  70

  430

  380

  370

  110

  —

  1,960

  COI

  10

  10

  40

  120

  100

  50

  30

  10

  —

  360

  Security and Intelligence Services

  30

  60

  200

  620

  1,210

  1,740

  680

  150

  —

  4,690

  DCMS

  30

  20

  80

  130

  ..

  120

  100

  —

  —

  480

  MOD

  190

  280

  900

  2,020

  4,810

  6,290

  9,060

  6,670

  10,740

  40,950

  Royal Fleet Auxiliary

  —

  60

  110

  190

  110

  50

  —

  —

  1,990

  2,500

  Armed Forces Personnel Admin Agency

  ..

  ..

  10

  20

  50

  50

  40

  10

  —

  180

  Army Base Repair Organisation

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,000

  2,000

  Army Trng. &Rec. Agency

  ..

  20

  30

  100

  470

  1,210

  1,080

  480

  980

  4,370

  Army Personnel Centre

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  80

  120

  470

  150

  ..

  830

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  ..

  ..

  20

  10

  30

  70

  10

  ..

  —

  150

  DARA

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4,120

  4,120

  Defence Bills Agency

  ..

  —

  ..

  10

  30

  110

  380

  100

  ..

  630

  Def Comms and Services Agency

  ..

  20

  80

  310

  680

  1,030

  640

  200

  250

  3,220

  Defence Dental Agency

  —

  ..

  30

  ..

  10

  20

  80

  30

  10

  170

  Defence Estates

  10

  40

  150

  330

  260

  280

  290

  70

  120

  1,530

  Defence Science and Tech. Lab.

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,090

  3,090

  Def Geog Img Intel Agency

  —

  ..

  20

  70

  200

  230

  190

  60

  40

  800

  DHE

  ..

  ..

  20

  60

  110

  280

  340

  20

  60

  890

  Defence Intel and Security Centre

  —

  —

  10

  10

  30

  20

  40

  30

  20

  140

  British Forces Post Office

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  60

  70

  210

  30

  380

  DPA

  40

  100

  330

  1,060

  1,060

  490

  480

  150

  90

  3,800

  DSDA

  ..

  10

  10

  60

  200

  620

  540

  220

  2,880

  4,530

  Defence Trnspt and Mvmnts Agency

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  20

  30

  100

  10

  140

  290

  Defence Vetting Agency

  ..

  ..

  ..

  10

  130

  30

  70

  50

  —

  290

  Disposal Services Agency

  ..

  —

  ..

  10

  20

  20

  20

  ..

  —

  70

  Duke of Yorks Royal Military School

  —

  ..

  ..

  ..

  50

  ..

  20

  ..

  20

  110

  Met Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  —

  —

  2,130

  2,130

  MOD Police

  ..

  20

  40

  220

  550

  2,650

  50

  30

  3,560

  Naval Manning Agency

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  20

  10

  50

  20

  —

  110

  Naval Recruitment and Training Agency

  ..

  ..

  20

  60

  120

  340

  170

  190

  160

  1,060

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  ..

  ..

  10

  20

  60

  170

  370

  100

  ..

  730

  Queen Victoria School

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  30

  10

  10

  10

  10

  70

  RAF Personnel Mngmnt Agency

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  30

  110

  70

  —

  220

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  —

  —

  30

  40

  380

  510

  430

  380

  300

  2,080

  Service Childrens Education

  ..

  ..

  30

  80

  550

  30

  20

  —

  —

  720

  UK Hydrographic Office

  —

  —

  —

  ..

  —

  —

  —

  ..

  960

  960

  Veterans Agency

  ..

  20

  10

  20

  50

  270

  330

  170

  —

  880

  DMETA

  10

  ..

  10

  20

  60

  100

  170

  140

  160

  650

  Warship Support Agency

  10

  50

  180

  540

  1,010

  1,100

  1.04

  660

  650

  5,240

  ODPM

  130

  80

  470

  300

  640

  680

  560

  90

  —

  2,940

  DfES

  130

  100

  630

  680

  1,310

  1,270

  890

  210

  —

  J5,220

  DEFRA

  160

  120

  500

  780

  1,470

  1,440

  1,770

  690

  10

  6,940

  Central Science Laboratory

  ..

  20

  60

  70

  140

  170

  170

  40

  ..

  670

  CEFAS

  ..

  20

  30

  80

  110

  140

  160

  20

  —

  560

  Pesticide Safety Directorate

  ..

  ..

  20

  30

  60

  30

  30

  20

  —

  180

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency

  ..

  20

  50

  140

  120

  240

  470

  320

  —

  1,360

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  ..

  ..

  10

  20

  10

  20

  40

  10

  —

  120

  Home Office

  180

  230

  660

  1,110

  2,410

  6,300

  4,140

  2,140

  20

  17,180

  Charity Commission

  10

  —

  40

  60

  140

  180

  110

  40

  —

  580

  HM Prison Service

  70

  180

  470

  2,160

  530

  4,570

  7,370

  25,810

  2,970

  44,110

  Crown Prosecution Service

  50

  170

  390

  1,780

  910

  1,590

  1,700

  850

  —

  7,440

  Legal Secretariat

  10

  10

  ..

  ..

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  —

  30

  Treasury Solicitors Department

  50

  120

  130

  50

  30

  80

  60

  20

  ..

  540

  CPSI

  ..

  10

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  10

  —

  —

  40

  DCA

  90

  80

  270

  290

  530

  380

  290

  50

  —

  1,980

  Court Service

  20

  30

  130

  190

  970

  2,030

  4,790

  2,100

  —

  10,250

  Public Guardianships Office

  ..

  10

  10

  80

  30

  110

  50

  10

  —

  310

  HM Land Registry

  40

  190

  160

  430

  1,850

  3,340

  2,440

  490

  —

  8,940

  1294W
  are in the office and the agencies for which the Office is responsible; and what the figures were in January 1997. [150259]

  Mr. Alexander
  The breakdown requested is shown for all departments in the following tables. Some departments and agencies have changed names and/or structure following Machinery of Government changes between the two dates.

  The numbers and totals are rounded to the nearest ten from the raw data. Any numbers less than five are represented by "..", whereas entries in the tables represented by "—" signify no data.
  1295W

  Permanent staff in post by Department and responsibility level as at 1 January 1997 and 1 April 2003

  1 April 2003

  Headcount

  Department

  SCS Level

  Grade 6

  Grade 7

  SEO

  HEO

  EO

  AO

  AA

  Other

  Total

  Department of Trade and Industry

  250

  280

  690

  440

  1,180

  950

  930

  190

  70

  4,970

  Companies House

  ..

  ..

  20

  30

  80

  190

  540

  280

  —

  1,130

  Employment Tribunals Service

  ..

  ..

  10

  30

  20

  130

  530

  —

  —

  720

  Insolvency Service

  ..

  10

  60

  160

  370

  200

  510

  170

  ..

  1,490

  Nat Weights and Measures Lab

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  20

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  60

  Patent Office

  30

  10

  110

  110

  280

  110

  280

  110

  —

  1,020

  Radiocommunications Agency

  10

  20

  30

  60

  140

  190

  130

  20

  —

  590

  SBS

  10

  20

  40

  20

  70

  50

  50

  10

  —

  270

  ACAS

  10

  20

  50

  200

  310

  190

  120

  ..

  —

  900

  ECGD

  20

  10

  60

  40

  100

  70

  60

  20

  —

  390

  DVLA

  ..

  30

  40

  110

  310

  660

  2,600

  1,920

  —

  5,660

  DSA

  ..

  10

  20

  30

  130

  1,530

  140

  370

  —

  2,220

  Highways Agency

  30

  50

  200

  590

  180

  370

  300

  30

  —

  1,750

  Planning Inspectorate

  10

  200

  100

  40

  70

  110

  140

  60

  ..

  740

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  ..

  —

  10

  20

  30

  10

  30

  10

  —

  110

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  ..

  10

  30

  90

  230

  1,280

  540

  200

  160

  2,530

  Health and Safety Executive

  50

  130

  630

  1,290

  620

  530

  1,020

  —

  —

  4,260

  OFWAT

  10

  10

  10

  100

  ..

  10

  100

  —

  —

  240

  OS

  10

  20

  50

  160

  350

  930

  260

  —

  10

  1,780

  DfT

  80

  30

  270

  220

  420

  400

  450

  70

  —

  1,940

  HM Treasury

  90

  —

  270

  340

  —

  140

  170

  20

  ..

  1,040

  Customs and Excise

  100

  140

  400

  1,760

  5,340

  7,950

  5,510

  1,750

  ..

  22,950

  GAD

  30

  ..

  10

  ..

  30

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  100

  Inland Revenue

  270

  1,000

  1,930

  2,430

  6,930

  16,730

  32,240

  17,070

  ..

  78,610

  Valuation Office

  10

  80

  300

  790

  880

  900

  300

  970

  ..

  4,230

  ONS

  40

  30

  240

  230

  650

  810

  1,140

  330

  ..

  3,470

  Royal Mint

  ..

  10

  10

  20

  120

  60

  80

  10

  500

  810

  DWP

  130

  190

  600

  860

  2t240

  5,420

  7,580

  3,170

  —

  20,190

  Child Support Agency

  10

  20

  60

  110

  470

  2,760

  7,680

  1,240

  —

  12,360

  Pension Services

  20

  50

  60

  180

  730

  4,740

  10,780

  1,460

  —

  18,000

  Northern Ireland Office

  30

  —

  30

  10

  40

  40

  30

  30

  —

  190

  Privy Council Office

  ..

  —

  ..

  —

  ..

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  30

  Scottish Executive

  180

  —

  630

  —

  —

  2,190

  1,500

  —

  —

  4,500

  Fisheries Research Services

  ..

  —

  30

  —

  ..

  200

  100

  —

  —

  330

  HM Inspectorate of Education

  10

  —

  80

  —

  —

  10

  60

  —

  —

  160

  Scottish Agricultural Scientific Agency

  ..

  —

  20

  ..

  —

  60

  60

  —

  —

  140

  Scottish Courts Service

  ..

  10

  20

  70

  90

  250

  290

  280

  —

  1,000

  Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

  ..

  —

  30

  —

  —

  150

  60

  —

  30

  270

  Scottish Prison Service

  10

  10

  30

  80

  680

  2,050

  1,410

  260

  ..

  4,530

  Scottish Office Pensions Agency

  ..

  —

  ..

  —

  —

  60

  180

  —

  —

  240

  Student Awards Agency Scotland

  —

  ..

  ..

  —

  —

  30

  100

  —

  —

  130

  Crown Office and PFS

  50

  30

  110

  250

  180

  140

  700

  ..

  —

  1,450

  General Register Office [Scotland]

  ..

  ..

  10

  —

  —

  100

  120

  —

  —

  220

  National Archive for Scotland

  ..

  —

  10

  —

  —

  50

  90

  —

  —

  150

  Office SOS for Scotland

  10

  —

  30

  —

  —

  30

  40

  —

  —

  100

  Registers of Scotland

  ..

  —

  30

  60

  270

  440

  360

  210

  —

  1,370

  National Assembly for Wales

  90

  40

  270

  290

  750

  840

  840

  370

  10

  3,500

  Cadw

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  20

  40

  90

  10

  50

  230

  OHMCI

  ..

  50

  —

  ..

  10

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  90

  Wales Office

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  10

  10

  10

  10

  ..

  50

  Source:

  Data has been extracted from Mandate with exception of Cabinet Office which is separately supplied.

  Permanent staff in Post by Department and Responsibility Level as at 1 January 1997 and 1 April 2003

  1 January 1997

  Headcount

  Department

  SCS Level

  Grade 6

  Grade 7

  SEO

  HEO

  EO

  AO

  AA

  Other

  Total

  Cabinet Office

  100

  50

  220

  120

  220

  420

  480

  260

  20

  1,890

  Security and Intelligence Services

  30

  40

  150

  400

  960

  2,020

  910

  530

  —

  5,030

  DCMS

  20

  10

  50

  90

  ..

  70

  70

  30

  ..

  340

  MAFF

  100

  110

  300

  590

  850

  1,260

  1,600

  1,300

  120

  6,230

  ADAS

  20

  30

  150

  360

  470

  170

  360

  30

  90

  1,670

  Pesticide Safety Directorate

  ..

  ..

  20

  30

  60

  40

  20

  20

  —

  200

  Veterinary Laboratories Agency

  ..

  10

  40

  120

  80

  160

  340

  270

  ..

  1,020

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  ..

  ..

  20

  20

  10

  20

  20

  20

  —

  100

  IBAP

  10

  ..

  20

  40

  110

  220

  420

  130

  —

  960

  Home Office

  110

  60

  410

  490

  1,350

  3,490

  1,890

  1,260

  60

  9,150

  Forensic Science Service

  ..

  10

  70

  130

  160

  170

  240

  90

  —

  860

  Passport Records Agency

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  50

  170

  600

  690

  —

  1,530

  HM Prison Service

  70

  160

  460

  660

  1,090

  3,970

  24,500

  5,260

  2,820

  39,000

  Crown Prosecution Service

  50

  170

  540

  1,360

  390

  1,330

  1,340

  850

  ..

  6,030

  Legal Secretariat

  10

  ..

  ..

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  —

  20

  Treasury Solictors Department

  40

  60

  80

  20

  30

  60

  60

  20

  ..

  380

  Government Property Lawyers (TSOL)

  10

  20

  20

  10

  10

  20

  30

  10

  —

  110

  LCD

  40

  30

  90

  70

  190

  210

  190

  80

  ..

  880

  Court Service

  20

  20

  110

  220

  730

  1,940

  4,710

  2,160

  —

  9,920

  1296W 1297W

  Permanent staff in Post by Department and Responsibility Level as at 1 January 1997 and 1 April 2003

  1 January 1997

  Headcount

  Department

  SCS Level

  Grade 6

  Grade 7

  SEO

  HEO

  EO

  AO

  AA

  Other

  Total

  Public Guardianships Office

  ..

  10

  10

  30

  90

  170

  190

  60

  —

  560

  HM Land Registry

  30

  140

  50

  290

  550

  2,340

  3,250

  1,830

  —

  8,470

  Public Record Office

  ..

  ..

  20

  40

  50

  80

  120

  130

  ..

  440

  Department, of Trade and Industry

  210

  110

  640

  360

  970

  1,060

  1,350

  570

  ..

  5,270

  Companies House

  10

  —

  10

  20

  60

  130

  350

  350

  —

  930

  Insolvency Service

  ..

  10

  60

  110

  350

  210

  360

  240

  —

  1,340

  Nat Weights and Measures Lab

  ..

  —

  ..

  10

  10

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  50

  Patent Office

  30

  10

  140

  80

  50

  140

  190

  120

  —

  740

  Radiocommunications Agency

  10

  10

  30

  60

  100

  180

  90

  50

  —

  520

  ACAS

  10

  10

  20

  110

  220

  60

  150

  30

  —

  590

  ECGD

  10

  ..

  40

  30

  90

  100

  80

  50

  30

  440

  Office of Fair Trading

  10

  ..

  50

  20

  70

  110

  90

  50

  —

  400

  OFGAS

  10

  ..

  10

  10

  20

  30

  10

  10

  —

  100

  OFER

  10

  ..

  30

  10

  50

  50

  50

  30

  —

  240

  DOE (exc. PSA)

  130

  60

  450

  270

  600

  700

  760

  290

  —

  3,270

  Building Research Estab

  10

  20

  110

  150

  —

  170

  110

  60

  ..

  630

  DVLA

  ..

  20

  20

  40

  150

  400

  1,570

  1,630

  ..

  3,830

  DSA

  ..

  ..

  10

  20

  130

  1,450

  130

  460

  —

  2,200

  Fire Service College

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  30

  20

  40

  30

  50

  180

  Highways Agency

  30

  40

  180

  330

  270

  340

  370

  110

  ..

  1,670

  QEII Conference Centre

  ..

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  10

  20

  10

  —

  60

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  —

  ..

  20

  50

  150

  720

  210

  240

  200

  1,580

  Health and Safety Executive

  90

  130

  580

  1,100

  450

  430

  830

  560

  —

  4,160

  OFWAT

  10

  10

  10

  10

  30

  50

  50

  20

  —

  190

  HM Treasury

  80

  10

  160

  250

  —

  130

  250

  70

  ..

  950

  National Investment and Loans Office

  ..

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  30

  GCIS (CCTA)

  ..

  10

  30

  50

  30

  20

  30

  ..

  ..

  170

  GAD

  30

  ..

  ..

  ..

  20

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  80

  Inland Revenue

  220

  750

  1,850

  1,500

  5,170

  11,710

  17,900

  14,030

  —

  53,120

  Contributions Agency

  ..

  10

  40

  100

  420

  2,200

  3,330

  1,610

  —

  7,710

  Valuation Office

  20

  130

  290

  730

  660

  790

  790

  1,140

  —

  4,550

  ONS

  30

  20

  160

  170

  470

  750

  1,060

  420

  ..

  3,080

  Registry of Friendly Societies

  10

  10

  20

  20

  20

  40

  40

  20

  ..

  170

  Royal Mint

  10

  10

  10

  20

  100

  100

  100

  30

  620

  990

  Department of Social Security

  80

  60

  200

  150

  520

  560

  760

  510

  —

  2,830

  Benefits Agency

  20

  280

  190

  480

  2,550

  19,160

  42,830

  13,390

  —

  78,900

  Child Support Agency

  ..

  10

  30

  90

  350

  2,170

  4,330

  990

  —

  7,960

  IT Services Agency

  10

  20

  80

  240

  490

  650

  450

  70

  —

  2,000

  Northern Ireland Office

  20

  ..

  20

  10

  30

  40

  40

  50

  —

  210

  Privy Council Office

  ..

  —

  ..

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  ..

  —

  30

  Lord Advocates Department

  10

  ..

  —

  —

  ..

  ..

  10

  ..

  —

  20

  Crown Office and PFS

  50

  210

  ..

  10

  50

  150

  250

  390

  20

  1,140

  Registers of Scotland

  ..

  ..

  20

  50

  190

  430

  210

  230

  ..

  1,140

  National Assembly for Wales

  60

  20

  130

  110

  280

  470

  480

  420

  20

  1,990

  Cadw

  ..

  ..

  10

  10

  20

  30

  40

  10

  60

  180

  OHMCI

  10

  30

  ..

  ..

  —

  10

  ..

  —

  60

  Source:

  The data have been extracted from Mandate with the exception of Cabinet Office data which are an estimate based on historical unpublished data.

  Tuesday 10 February 2004

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Church Repairs (VAT)
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners whether a Church of England cathedral entering into bankruptcy can reclaim VAT paid on church repairs. [152995]

  Sir Stuart Bell
  Under the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme—whose extension until March 2006 the Church of England and other UK faith groups welcome—listed churches and cathedrals can recover the equivalent of 12.5 per cent. on the cost of repairs carried out to those buildings after April 2001, in effect reducing the VAT burden to 5 per cent. The grant scheme makes no special provision in respect of bankruptcy.
  1298W
  On the question of the interaction of the bankruptcy laws and the law relating to charitable corporations such as cathedrals, I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the City of York (Mr. Bayley) on 2 February 2004.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her best estimate is of the staff time costs in replacing stolen, lost and damaged traps used in the operational Krebs triplets areas. [153925]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  It is not possible to quantify the staff input into individual components of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial.
  1299W
  For the average number of field staff employed in operations associated with the culling trial, and total cost of the Wildlife Unit by financial year, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 22 January 2004, Official Report, column 1366W.

  Fallen Stock
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost to farmers in Lancashire for disposal of fallen cattle stock will be. [153442]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  No assessment has been made of costs to Lancashire farmers. However, we recognise that many livestock farmers will face increased costs as a result of the ban on on-farm burial of fallen stock. That is why the Government and the farming industry are working together to set up a voluntary low cost national scheme which will assist farmers in meeting those costs.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long the subsidy for the removal of fallen stock will last. [153443]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Defra and the devolved Administrations will subsidise the National Fallen Stock Scheme on a digressive basis for its first three years of operation only. Thereafter, the scheme will be expected to be self-financing.

  Fish (Toxic Chemicals)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tests are carried out and with what regularity for the accumulation of toxic chemicals in(a) fresh water fish, (b) saltwater fish and (c) shellfish landed in England. [153112]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The Department does not carry out regular testing for the accumulation of toxic chemicals in landed fish and shellfish. However, the Food Standards Agency carries out periodic surveys of species of fish and shellfish used as food, taken from retail sources, markets or from producers. Analysis for contaminants such as organic chemicals and metals is undertaken as the need arises.

  The Environment Agency and CEFAS1 carry out monitoring under the National Maritime Monitoring Programme (NMMP) of marine fish and shellfish for a number of hazardous substances. These include regular monitoring for lead, mercury, cadmium, organochlorines and pesticide residues, and special surveys on particular substances of concern where information is needed. In addition the Agency monitors shellfish waters and shellfish in accordance with the requirements of the Shellfish Waters Directive (79/923) for a similar range of hazardous substances, PCBs and faecal coliform levels. The Environment Agency does not routinely monitor freshwater fish for toxic chemicals but it does commission reports in response to identified areas of particular concern.

  1Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment 1300W
  has been made of the effect on younger fish in a fishery where the stocks are significantly below the optimum economic carrying capacity of a relatively high proportion of large cod, where all other factors are constant. [150919]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The effect of this factor is likely to be very small, because the proportion of large cod in the North Sea cod stock is actually very low, and large cod do not usually compete with small cod for the same species or size of food organisms, so that releasing adult food does not necessarily benefit small fish.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what escape behaviour(a) haddock and (b) whiting exhibit to avoid towing gear. [150090]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Most fish (including haddock and whiting) tend to be herded to the mouth of the net. Once at or near to the mouth of the trawl the fish turn and swim in the same direction as the trawl for a period of time.

  When a fish becomes tired it usually will fall back into the trawl cod end. In falling back into the trawl, haddock tend to rise upwards as well as backwards. Whiting also tend to rise up when falling back but not as far as haddock.

  Many fish will also swim for a period inside the cod end. Both whiting and haddock will actively try and escape through large meshes or escape panels if they are fitted in or near to the cod end and if the fish have the energy to do so.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the ground gear specifications are for a GOV trawl. [150121]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The GOV trawl is a general purpose trawl with a high headline of 5–6 metres. The design, specification and operation of the GOV trawl are agreed internationally and co-ordinated by International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the relationship is between the size of herring stocks and the health of cod fisheries in the North Sea, with reference to(a) the fishing effort directed at and (b) stock levels of sand eels. [150476]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The North Sea herring stock collapsed because of the very high rate of fishing by the unregulated herring fishery in the 1960s, but recovered quite rapidly when the fishery was closed. The herring collapsed well before the principal increase in sandeel fishing effort. The main factor in the decline of the cod stock since the 1970s is the high fishing rate on cod, coupled with reduced cod recruitment since the 1980s. This occurred during a period when sandeel abundance fluctuated but did not decline.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the safety implications arising from the designation of the restricted fishing area in the North Sea in respect of vessels being required to dump haddock catch when they enter the area to avoid bad weather. [152168]
  1301W
  Mr. Bradshaw
  The cod protection area established at the December 2003 Council does not cover waters within 12 miles of the coast and thus excludes the areas in which vessels in bad weather are mostly likely to seek refuge; any vessels with a special haddock permit that do seek refuge in the offshore cod protection area will be required to cease their fishing activities until they have left the area again, but they will not be required to dump their haddock catch.

  Poultry Imports
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many EU countries refuse to import infected chicken, broken down by disease; what plans the UK has to ban the import of infected chickens; and what measures she is taking to ensure that no infected chickens are imported into the UK. [153122]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Under EU law neither chickens nor chicken meat infected with any disease to which poultry is susceptible may be imported into any member state. All chickens and chicken meat imported into the EU must undergo veterinary checks at an approved Border Inspection Post before import is allowed, to ensure that the import requirements have been complied with.

  In view of the outbreaks of Avian Influenza in several South Asian countries, the Government have, as an additional precaution, specifically banned import from all the affected countries of all live birds, unprocessed poultry meat (other than poultry meat from Thailand certified as produced from animals slaughtered before 1 January 2004), and other bird products capable of transmitting the avian influenza virus.

  Ridgeway
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of introducing a single Traffic Restriction Order (TRO) for all those parts of the whole Ridgeway where she and the relevant local authorities have agreed that such a TRO would be appropriate; and what estimate she has made of the total cost were each local authority to impose a separate TRO for its own section of the Ridgeway. [154378]

  Alun Michael
  The costs of Traffic Regulation Orders vary considerably depending on the number and type of objections and whether public inquiries are held. The costs of introducing a single Traffic Regulation Order, as opposed to individual Traffic Regulation Orders on the Ridgeway, cannot be estimated with any certainty. In any event, we think it right that responsibility for such Orders rests generally with local authorities.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Bangladesh over the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in that country; and if he will make a statement. [153522]
  1302W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are concerned about the situation of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Bangladesh, and raise this regularly with the Bangladeshi Government. I discussed the issue with the High Commissioner for Bangladesh in London on 22 January. I also met representatives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (UK) on 29 January to hear their concerns. Our High Commissioner in Dhaka raised the issue with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on 22 and 30 December 2003, and the EU troika raised it with the State Minister on 23 December 2003. Our High Commission in Dhaka is monitoring the situation closely, and we will continue to raise the issue when appropriate.

  Boulos Rezek-Allah
  Mr. Dhanda
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with(a) the Egyptian Foreign Minister and (b) the Egyptian Ambassador to the Court of St. James's in connection with the treatment of Mr. Boulos Rezek-Allah. [153305]

  Mr. Rammell
  None. However officials from the British Embassy in Cairo have discussed religious issues with the Coptic Church in Egypt and raised our concerns with the Egyptian authorities where appropriate.

  Eritrea
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation of Christians in Eritrea, with particular reference to Evangelicals. [153995]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are concerned about the restrictions on religious freedom in Eritrea. I raised this issue most recently with the government of Eritrea during my visit to Asmara from 13 to 14 January. I also raised it with the Eritrean Foreign Minister and the Eritrean Ambassador in London last December. Our Ambassador in Asmara raises the issue regularly, both bilaterally and in conjunction with our EU partners.

  EU Enlargement
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the EU to negotiate with(a) Ukraine and (b) Russia in relation to loss of markets arising from accession of the 10 new member states. [153791]

  Mr. MacShane
  We expect that Russian and Ukrainian exporters will benefit significantly from access to the markets of the enlarged EU and that Russia and Ukraine will experience an overall increase in levels of trade.

  The EU has regular meetings with Russia and Ukraine within the framework of the EU/Russia and EU/Ukraine Partnership and Co-operation Agreements. Both Russia and Ukraine have raised the matter of trade relations with the enlarged EU during recent talks, and the EU has undertaken to address their concerns in this area.
  1303W
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which EU member states have agreed to unrestricted admission of workers from the newly joining states from May. [153003]

  Mr. MacShane
  After Accession on 1 May, nationals from the 10 new EU member states will be able to travel freely throughout the EU. However, except for nationals of Malta and Cyprus, they will not automatically be allowed to work in the existing member states. Those existing member states may open their labour markets to nationals from the new member states if they so choose. The Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark and the UK have said that they will do this.

  Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands have subsequently set out certain conditions for workers for accession states to enjoy this freedom. In the case of Sweden and the Netherlands these proposals remain under discussion and have yet to be implemented.

  Italy and Portugal have yet to decide whether, when or how to grant free movement of workers from the new member states.

  We are right to open up the UK labour market to those who genuinely want to come here and work. It makes sense for citizens of the new member states to be able to work and contribute to our economy and pay taxes. They will expand the range of skills and supply of workers in the UK economy; and be able to work here legally, paying taxes and national insurance, not confined to the black market.

  As stated in the Explanatory Memorandum for the European Union (Accessions) Act 2003 (Command Paper 5805), safeguards are available if in the event that there are "disturbances to the labour market which could seriously threaten the standard of living or level of employment in a given region or occupation".

  Iraq
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign arid Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the areas where the Government has identified an inaccurate or false declaration by the former Iraqi Government in the declaration on its proscribed weapons of mass destruction programmes submitted to the United Nations Security Council on 7 December 2002, specifying the page number in each case. [152311]

  Mr. MacShane
  A careful examination of Iraq's declaration was undertaken in December 2002 and January 2003 and its contents were compared with the outstanding disarmament issues reported by UNSCOM upon their withdrawal from Iraq and against intelligence assessments available at the time. The results of this examination showed that there was no new information contained in the declaration, and that it therefore failed to address any of the outstanding issues. This failure was borne out by subsequent discoveries by UNMOVIC inspection teams in early 2003, and later by the Iraq Survey Group.
  1304W
  The Iraqi Declaration itself remains a document confidential to the United Nations Security Council. It would not, therefore, be appropriate to go into the detail of the specific contents of any part of the declaration. Huge quantities of documents remain to be translated.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the(a) content and (b) implications of the resignation speech of Dr. David Kay as the leader of the Iraq Survey Group. [152317]

  Mr. MacShane
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced that an inquiry will be instigated to look into the question of the intelligence received concerning Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and how it was interpreted. Dr. Kay's statement will clearly be of interest to the inquiry.

  Sir Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the legal personality is of the Coalition Provisional Authority; and if he will make a statement. [152339]

  Mr. Straw
  As noted in Security Council Resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established to exercise the specific authorities, responsibilities and obligations under international law of the occupying powers. The authority of the CPA is set out in CPA Regulation No. 1, copies of which will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Sir Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what capacity and on whose behalf UK secondees to the Coalition Provisional Authority are acting; who pays their(a) salaries and (b) expenses; to whom they are answerable for their activities; and if he will make a statement. [152340]

  Mr. Straw
  Staff seconded by HMG to the Coalition Provisional Authority are working in several areas of governance, assisting in reconstruction and building Iraqi government capacity. They are acting on behalf of the Coalition Provisional Authority. They remain answerable to HMG for what they do. HMG pays their salaries, travel costs and other incidental expenses. The US government funds the provision of food and other basic services to all Coalition Provisional Authority staff.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many technically trained Arabic speakers are members of the Iraq Survey Group; how many of the Arabic speakers are from the United Kingdom; and what estimate he has made of how long it will take to translate each of the documents obtained by the ISG on Iraq's military programmes that are deemed relevant to weapons of mass destruction. [153058]

  Mr. MacShane
  There are currently 320 technically-trained Arabic speakers with the Iraq Survey Group, of whom three are from the United Kingdom.

  The Iraq Survey Group is still collecting documents. The time that it will take to translate such documents will vary according to the condition of any such documents and whether they are hand-written or typed. The best estimate available is that translation will take

  1305W
  on average one hour per page of text. It is not possible, however, to give any firm indication of how long any translation work might take or of what the eventual total volume of documents requiring translation might be.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures are in place to ensure that women will be fairly represented in the first Iraqi parliament. [153255]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) is overseeing the drafting of a Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) to be completed by the end of February 2004. We are encouraging the IGC to ensure that the TAL includes provisions for the fair representation of women in the Transitional National Assembly.

  Mrs. Spelman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether gender criteria will be applied to the selection of candidates for the forthcoming Iraqi parliament. [153256]

  Mr. Rammell
  This is a matter for the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC), which is overseeing the drafting of a Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) to include criteria for the selection of candidates to the Transitional National Assembly (TNA). We are encouraging the IGC to use the TAL to promote the fair representation of women in the TNA.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he first became aware to which Iraqi weapons the 45-minutes claim in the Iraq weapons of mass destruction dossier applied. [154182]

  Mr. Straw
  I first became aware of 'the 45-minute claim' when I read early drafts of the Government's dossier and the Joint Intelligence Committee's assessment dated 9 September 2002. The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) in their report of 9 September 2003 (CM 5972) published, at paragraph 50, the relevant passage from the assessment. This stated: "Intelligence also indicates that chemical and biological munitions could be with military units and ready for firing within 20–45 minutes." The ISC also commented (para 57): "The JIC did not know precisely which munitions could be deployed from where to where and the context of the intelligence was not included in the JIC Assessment". I became aware that the intelligence behind this assessment referred to battlefield weapons in June 2003.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Nigeria's development of nuclear ballistic missiles. [152852]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Government is concerned at reports of Nigerian interest in procuring ballistic missiles and associated technology. We have made our concerns known to the Nigerian Government. With our partners, we continue to work towards halting the proliferation of such weapons and programmes.
  1306W

  North Korea
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to North Korea about human rights. [153071]

  Mr. Rammell
  We are very concerned about reports of serious human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and raise the issue regularly with the DPRK authorities. We encourage DPRK to comply with the recommendations set out in the Resolution adopted at last year's UN Commission on Human Rights. Most recently, Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials raised human rights with DPRK diplomats on 2 February.

  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit North Korea. [153072]

  Mr. Rammell
  Foreign engagements for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before the day of travel and occasionally not until they are under way.

  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of North Korea about their(a) ownership and (b) testing of (i) chemical and (ii) biological weapons. [153994]

  Mr. Rammell
  As a State Party to the Biological Weapons Convention, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is obliged to comply with the ban on developing, testing and stockpiling biological and toxin weapons. DPRK is not a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, but the EU has recently urged all non-signatories, including DPRK, to accede immediately. We have also recently raised reports of chemical testing on DPRK prisoners with DPRK Embassy officials. We are committed to combating the proliferation of WMD wherever it may occur, and will continue to urge the DPRK to comply with its international obligations.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan about the recent revelations by Abdul Qadeer Khan on his disclosure of nuclear weapons secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea. [154375]

  Mr. Rammell
  There has, so far, not been any appropriate opportunity for any detailed discussion of this issue with the Government of Pakistan.

  We welcome assurances given by the President and the Government of Pakistan that Pakistan will not be involved in any proliferation of nuclear weapons technology.
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  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the announcement by Abdul Qadeer Khan that he has passed on nuclear weapons technology. [154376]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Government condemns the proliferation of nuclear weapons technology from any source.

  We welcome the fact that this route for the proliferation of nuclear technology suitable for the production of fissile material has been closed off. Government counter-proliferation experts continue to assess the impact of Dr. Khan's announcement.

  Sudan
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of the human rights situation in the Sudan. [153993]

  Mr. Mullin
  We monitor closely the human rights situation in Sudan. The application of "Hudud" (amputation) punishments and suppression of freedom of the press are issues that we raise regularly with the government. But we are also particularly concerned by reports of human rights abuses in Darfur, western Sudan, where fighting continues.

  The promotion of human rights through advocacy with the government and support for Non Governmental Organisations remains one of our priorities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development discussed the human rights situation with the President of Sudan and others during his visit to Khartoum on 10 December 2003.

  Uganda
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the situation in Uganda; what recent representations he has made with regard to(a) the pace of democratisation and the introduction of multi party democracy, (b) the need for a political solution to the war against the Lord's Resistance Army, (c) ending the use of child soldiers, (d) ending the use of illegal detention centres, (e) ending the use of special military tribunals to try civilian opponents of the Government, (f) ending Uganda's role in training and arming militia armies in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the internal tribal militias and (g) bringing State security organisations under parliamentary supervision; and if he will make a statement. [153523]

  Mr. Mullin
  We are encouraging the Government of Uganda to open up political space and look forward to publication of the Constitutional Review Commission's recommendations for political change.

  We regularly urge President Museveni to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict with the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). We deeply deplore the use of child soldiers by the LRA. We are also concerned at UN reports that the Ugandan army has been recruiting underage soldiers. We have recently raised this issue with senior army commanders.
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  We are aware of reports of incidences of arbitrary arrest and the lack of due legal process, especially in northern Uganda. We take seriously reports of human rights abuses, including harassment of the opposition and raise our concerns with the Ugandan authorities. The EU regularly raises alleged Government use of detention centres.

  We welcomed Ugandan withdrawal of its remaining troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on 2 June, in compliance with UNSCR 1468 (2003). The UK urges all neighbouring states to support the Transitional National Government and not to interfere in the DRC peace process.

  We and EU partners regularly press the Ugandan Government to ensure due process of law and that state security agencies are subject to the proper scrutiny.

  Ukraine
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Ukraine. [153780]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Ukrainian Foreign Minister called on my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 12 January. During their talks, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the Foreign Secretary to visit Ukraine. Foreign engagements for the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers are kept under constant review. It is not practice to announce such visits until they are firm. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not possible until very shortly before the day of travel and occasionally not until they are under way.

  I had a useful and productive visit to Ukraine last September, details of which were carried on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk).

TRANSPORT

  Anti-terrorist Measures
  Patrick Mercer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are being taken to improve the screening of freight containers for terrorist material. [152372]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The United Kingdom has a comprehensive security regime in place that it designed to protect the public while minimising the effect on trade and freedom of movement.

  My Department works closely with HM Customs and Excise and others to enhance the existing security provisions relating to freight containers. For obvious reasons, it is not our practice to provide details of these measures. As part of this process the UK has signed up the US Container Security Initiative, whereby intelligence is shared between US and host nation Customs' officials. This operation is running in 19 countries and is proving very effective.

  Our existing national regime will be augmented later this year with the implementation of the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) global maritime security regime, and within this the UK has identified containerised freight as being an area of specific interest.
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  BAe 146 Aircraft
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2003,Official Report, column 1010W, on BAe 146 aircraft, whether he expects the Air Accident Investigation Branch to publish in February its report of the investigation of a series of cabin air quality incidents involving BAe 146 aircraft and other similar incidents. [153908]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Air Accident Investigation Branch intends to publish its report shortly.

  Central Railway
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a further statement on(a) the Government's policy on the Central Railway project and (b) the timescale for Ministers to consider and decide upon the request by Central Railway plc for the Government to support a hybrid bill. [153144]

  Mr. McNulty
  No timetable has been set. We are considering Central Railway's proposals carefully and will respond in due course.

  M20
  Jonathan Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Highways Agency last assessed the skid resistance of the M20 from junctions 3 to 5; and whether the results determined when future resurfacing would take place. [152511]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The skid resistance of the M20 from junctions 3 to 5 was reassessed in 2003 and results indicated that the surfacing meets the skidding resistance standard. This section of the M20 was resurfaced in 1999 with a new thin surface, as part of the Highways Agency's quieter surfacing programme on concrete carriageways. The Highways Agency would expect the surface to have a life in excess of eight years.

  Ministerial Meetings
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what dates Ministers in his Department have held meetings with members and officials of the United States Administration since 1 January 2003; where each meeting was held; which Ministers were involved in each meeting; which United States Administration department attended each meeting; and which members and officials from the United States Administration attended each of these meetings. [152961]

  Mr. McNulty
  Ministers in the Department for Transport have not had any meetings with members and officials of the United States Administration since 1 January 2003.

  Railways
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of train rolling stock leasing expenditure goes to profit. [153114]

  Mr. McNulty
  The contractual terms agreed between the rolling stock leasing companies (ROSCOs) and the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) do not cover profit levels. The reporting of profits is a matter for the ROSCOs themselves.
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  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received on(a) financing methods for and (b) the cost of new train rolling stock; [153120]

  (2) what changes he plans to the supervision of the train rolling stock leasing market. [153121]

  Mr. McNulty
  The review of the railway industry announced by the Secretary of State on 19 January is directed specifically at the control of costs and the possibility of structural change. Rolling stock leasing arrangements will be among the issues to be considered as part of the review.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  British Federation of Film Societies
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what funding was received by the British Federation of Film Societies from the UK Film Council in each year from 1997; [152774]

  (2) what the planned funding to the British Federation of Film Societies from the UK Film Council is for each year until 2006; and if she will make a statement. [152775]

  Estelle Morris
  The UK Film Council has awarded the British Federation of Film Societies (BFFS) £100,000 for each of the years 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04. Prior to this, the BFFS received funding from the British Film Institute.

  The UK Film Council has recently completed an extensive consultation on its funding and policy priorities for April 2004 to March 2007. The consultation document, "Three Years On", proposes that the UK Film Council continues to fund the BFFS at £100,000 per annum until 2006–07. The continuation of this funding would be dependent on a year-by-year assessment of the BFFS' performance against agreed performance targets relating to diversity and inclusion.

  Golden Jubilee
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money was spent on the Golden Jubilee celebrations. [150389]

  Mr. Caborn
  The provisional figure for the amount of public money spent on the Golden Jubilee celebrations is £14.9 million.

  Licensing Act
  Judy Mallaber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when her Department will issue working guidelines on the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003. [153453]

  Mr. Caborn
  Statutory Guidance is to be issued to licensing authorities under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003. This section requires that a draft of the Guidance must be laid before, and approved by resolution of, each House of Parliament before it is issued. The statutory Guidance will be laid before Parliament shortly for its approval.
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  Lotteries
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the rationale was for the decision not to abolish the maximum stake for lotteries. [153018]

  Estelle Morris
  The draft Gambling Bill removes restrictions on the size of stake in society lotteries, subject to the overriding principle that every ticket in the same lottery should cost the same, as recommended by the Gambling Review Body. In 2002 we doubled the legal limits on the size of prizes and on the maximum proceeds in society lotteries. But the draft Bill provides for such limits to remain, since removing them altogether would allow society lotteries to compete head-to-head with the National Lottery, which would potentially reduce both the overall size of prize pools and amounts raised for good causes.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to bring the regulation of prize competitions into line with that of society lotteries. [153019]

  Estelle Morris
  We announced the outcome of our consultation about the law on prize competitions and lotteries on 5 June 2003. We do not intend that prize competitions should be regulated in the same way as society lotteries. The law must however provide for a clear and enforceable distinction between the two and the draft Gambling Bill that we published in November contains legal tests that should enable this distinction to be made.

  Copies of our statement, of the draft Bill and its accompanying documents are in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Olympic Games Bid
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will discuss with Sport England the use of Rivington in the Chorley constituency for(a) cycling, (b) road racing, (c) mountain biking and (d) individual time trials as part of the 2012 Olympic Games bid. [153854]

  Tessa Jowell
  The bidding company, London 2012, is responsible for selecting the venues for the bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games and these were announced on 16 January. They were chosen to best fit the needs of the athletes, the Olympic Sports Federations and the requirements of the International Olympic Committee. Should the bid succeed, sporting facilities across the UK will have the opportunity to be used by national teams for training camps.

  Public Service Broadcasting
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to hold meetings with broadcasters to encourage them to provide viewing cards for digital access to public service broadcasting channels; and if she will make a statement; [153322]

  (2) what plans her Department has to monitor the availability of free-to-view channels to satellite customers who do not subscribe to pay-to-view services; and if she will make a statement. [153323]
  1312W
  Estelle Morris
  This is primarily a matter for the broadcasters. Until May last year, the BBC paid for `solus' viewing cards enabling customers who did not wish to pay a subscription to receive the public service broadcasting channels by satellite. However, following the move of its broadcast services to a new satellite, all of the BBC's digital channels are now available via satellite without the need for a viewing card. It has therefore stopped paying for the provision of solus cards.

  Following representations from the Government, an agreement was reached between the other main broadcasters and BSkyB to ensure that existing solus card viewers could continue receiving the other public service channels after their current cards expired in 2003. Viewers were able to purchase a new card, valid until at least 31 December 2005, for a one-off fee of £20 + VAT. This offer was extended until 31 January 2004.

  We understand that the broadcasters have no current plans to provide solus cards to new satellite customers. However, the Government remain committed to ensuring that analogue terrestrial broadcasting signals are maintained until everyone who can currently get the main public service broadcasting channels (BBC1 and 2, ITV1, Channel 4/S4C and Five) can receive them free-to-view via at least one of the digital platforms.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Select Committees
  Jon Trickett
  To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what his estimate is of the total amount of staff hours spent in 2003–04 in support of(a) select committees of the House other than the Committee of Public Accounts and (b) the Committee of Public Accounts; what the budget allocated to each is in 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [153383]

  Sir Archy Kirkwood
  I refer the hon. Member to Part 10 of the Sessional Return for 2002–03, which was published yesterday as House of Commons Paper 1 of this Session. This gives details of the staff who serve each committee. In addition, the Committee of Public Accounts is supported by the National Audit Office which has a staff of 811 in total. There is no budgetary allocation to individual committees; however, expenditure attributable to each committee appears in the Sessional Return.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Action for Southern Africa
  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the decision to reject the funding application from Action for Southern Africa. [153769]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) was unsuccessful in securing a grant from the Development Awareness Fund last year for the following reasons.
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  There was no real evidence that there was a demand for the project from the intended beneficiaries.
  The project relied too heavily on DFID funding (80 per cent.) and, at the time, of applying, the remaining 20 per cent. had not been secured from other donors.
  There were concerns that the target audiences were spread too widely and as a consequence, the messages conveyed would lack focus.

  Feedback covering these concerns was given to ACTSA in May 2003 with an invitation to contact the Department with a view to working with them in the future.

  Project title (Contract purpose)

  Country

  Current value1 (£)

  1999

  PR Unit Support For Parastatal Sector Reform Commission (PSRC) (Public Relations Unit)

  Tanzania

  430,625

  1999

  Privatisation Project Phase 3 and 4 Managing Consultant

  Guyana

  1,718,736

  1999

  Privatisation Agency Support Project Consultancy

  Zimbabwe

  560,752

  1999

  Technical Assistance for Public Enterprise Reform in Orissa

  India

  3,667,571

  1999

  Assistance to the Palestinian Negotiations Affairs Department

  West Bank and Gaza

  9,131,555

  1999

  Additional Support to the Privatisation Board

  Bangladesh

  106,241

  1999

  UK-Ireland Privatisation and Regulation Study Tour

  Tanzania

  11,145

  1999

  Medium Term Programme of Capacity Building for PURC (Public Utilities Regulatory Commission)

  Ghana

  1,559,960

  1999

  Initial Support to the Budgetary Processes of the Government of Macedonia

  Macedonia

  44,315

  2000

  Rehabilitation of Cyclone Damaged Lift Irrigation Points in Orissa

  India

  1,296,327

  2000

  Seminar on Export Credits and Developing Countries

  United Kingdom

  102,594

  2000

  Lead Adviser to Parastatal Sector Reform Commission (PSRC)

  Tanzania

  229,966

  2000

  Russia Trade Policy Project (Technical Support)

  Russia

  1,199,986

  2001

  Conference on Disinvestment (Organisation of Conference)

  India

  70,000

  2001

  Support for Public Sector Undertaking Reforms and Social Safety Net in Madhya Pradesh

  India

  80,000

  2001

  PSRC: Water Privatisation and Regulation Study Tour (Parastatal Sector Reform Commission)

  Tanzania

  54,924

  2001

  Communications Film for Department of Disinvestment

  India

  89,500

  2001

  Consultants for Standards, Technical Regulatory Barriers Programme (Problems of access to EU market experienced by developing countries)

  Global (Non Project Specific)

  92,870

  2002

  Trade Training for DFID Staff

  United Kingdom

  20,075

  2002

  Pilot Training and Capacity Building in International Watercourse Law

  Kyrgyz Republic

  151,008

  2002

  Trade Training for DFID Staff-Bangkok

  United Kingdom

  32,328

  2002

  Support for Capacity-Building in the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank

  Afghanistan

  3,277,815

  2003

  Support Services for Public Enterprise Restructuring in South Africa

  South Africa, Republic of

  6,363,435

  2003

  Support to Water Sector Regulation by PURC-Ghana (Public Utilities Regulatory Commission)

  Ghana

  1,079,100

  2003

  Andhra Pradesh Economic Restructuring Programme-Public Enterprise Reforms, Phase II

  India

  416,435

  2003

  Economic Support within 1st Military Division Hq Basra

  Iraq

  55,510

  2003

  Economic Development within 1st Military Division Hq Basra

  Iraq

  119,848

  2003

  Support to the Office of the Prime Minister and to the Cabinet Office, (capacity building support to the Palestinian National Authority)

  West Bank and Gaza

  100,400

  2003

  ITD-DFID Staff Training (International Trade Department)

  Global (Non Project Specific)

  288,685

  2003

  Asia Trade Consultancy (A paper for DFID on the regional trade issues in Asia)

  United Kingdom

  44,200

  2003

  International Lawyer within 1st Military Division Hq Basra

  Iraq

  131,868

  2003

  Economic Support to Coalition Provisional Authority South (CPAS)

  Iraq

  111,255

  2003

  Secondment of Negotiations Support Staff to the Office of Prime Minister

  West Bank and Gaza

  75,800

  2003

  Legal Adviser within Coalition Provisional Authority South (CPAS)

  Iraq

  72,925

  1Original contract value plus cost of any increases or extensions.

  Burundi
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Kirundo region of Burundi. [153348]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  Months of drought throughout 2003 have affected the 2004 agricultural season especially in the Bugabira and Ntega districts. 29,000 households in Bugabira district and 18,900 households in Ntega district and neighbouring zones of Kirundo are facing this problem. The Food and Agricultural
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  Adam Smith Institute
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the purposes were of each of the contracts awarded by his Department to the Adam Smith Institute in each of the last four years. [153277]

  Hilary Benn
  The following table sets out the purpose of our contracts with Adam Smith International Ltd. in each of the last four years. All contracts with Adam Smith International Ltd. have been awarded and managed in line with DFID's standard procurement procedures.

  Organisation field crops evaluation report informs us that beans, potatoes and maize have been strongly affected by the prolonged lack of rain. Cassava mosaic disease has affected the cultivation of cassava, one of the main foodstuffs.

  Humanitarian international NGOs and agencies working in the food security sector are looking at the situation. The World Food Programme is organising food distribution in Kirundo from 16 February. The Food and Agricultural Organisation has increased the number of Seeds Protection Rations beneficiaries from 15,000 to 24,000 households, set up the distribution of

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  potato cuttings and is providing additional support to provincial committees working on local solutions to the cassava mosaic disease.

  Liberia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made on the demobilisation of child soldiers in Liberia; and if he will make a statement. [153345]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The United Nations estimates that there are approximately 15,000 Children Associated with Fighting Forces (CAFF) to be demobilised in Liberia. Currently, about 190 children have been demobilised and are held in four Interim Care Centres (ICCs), which will allow them to be separated from adult fighters, and where they will receive specialised care and assistance. The ICCs are positioned in Monrovia, Buchanan and Tubmanburg, and are run by Save the Children UK, Don Bosco Homes and Samaritan's Purse International Relief. UNICEF have recently arranged, with UNDP and UNMIL, for children at the ICCs to be formally demobilised and to be registered and issued with their Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR) numbers. We understand that this exercise will start during the week of 9 February. We have provided £300,000 to UNICEF to establish five Interim Care Centres.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to ensure long-term(a) economic stability (b) investment and (c) economic growth in Liberia. [153347]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The conditions for the establishment of long-term economic stability, investment and growth will depend on peace and security, and a successful programme, by the National Transition Government of Liberia (NTGL), of reconstruction. The recent, successful, Liberia Reconstruction Conference showed strong support from the international community for the Results Focussed Transition Framework, agreed by the NTGL and the international community as the basis for an extensive reconstruction programme.

  We have committed £6 million for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DDRR); our share of EU programmes in 2003 and 2004 is about £13 million. These amounts are in addition to our contribution to humanitarian programmes of £10.6 million to date.

  Palestinian Christians
  Ann Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what humanitarian efforts are being made to ensure that non-governmental organisations are able to support small Palestinian Christian communities in gaining access to food, water and medical treatment. [153308]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  DFID, and the wider international community, have supported a wide range of initiatives to help meet the urgent needs of Palestinians, as economic and social conditions have seriously deteriorated. Helping maintain access to water, health, and relief services is a vital aspect of this. We and our partners target our support to Palestinians 1316W
  most in need, rather than specific communities. We work closely with a number of partners including the Palestinian Authority and local and international NGOs. Our support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency also plays a significant role in delivering basic services to refugees in many of the most disadvantaged communities.

  Swaziland
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will break down by aid project the sum which his Department spent bilaterally in Swaziland in 2002–03. [153134]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  DFID is currently supporting two projects in Swaziland through its bilateral programme a rural water supply programme (on which DFID spent £119,000 in 2002–03) and a programme of assistance to the Coalition of Non-Government Organisations (on which DFID spent £101,000 in 2002–03). During 2002–03 DFID also made payments totalling £222,000 on nine other bilateral projects which closed during that year.

  In addition to these payments, the published statistics for DFID support to Swaziland include other items such as payments made to non-government organisations through the Small Grants Scheme and Joint Funding Scheme, and contributions to the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme in respect of Swaziland.

  DFID is also supporting Swaziland through a number of regional initiatives. In particular, we are supporting work on HIV/AIDS, through the International Partnership against AIDS in Africa, and through the Southern African Development Community. Since this support is routed through regional organisations, it does not appear in the statistics for bilateral support to Swaziland.

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what plans he has to ensure the continuation of funding for treatment of tuberculosis in all high burden countries under the World Health Organisation DOTS treatment scheme; [151624]

  (2) what plans he has to increase access to the World Health Organisation DOTS scheme; and if he will make a statement; [151625]

  (3) what action he is taking to improve the rates of successful treatment of tuberculosis in high burden countries. [151626]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable tragedy, yet it kills approximately two million people each year and continues to threaten health, prosperity and social stability. 92 per cent. of cases and deaths occur in low income and lower middle income countries. The World Health Organisation has set TB-control goals for 2005: to detect 70 per cent. of all new infectious TB cases worldwide and to successfully treat 85 per cent. of all cases detected. However, without a dramatic increase in the response, the international community will at best only achieve this target in 2013. Effective control will require concerted action at
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  international and country levels to increase access to the WHO-recommended DOTS treatment strategy, which combines five elements: political commitment, microscopy services, drug supplies, surveillance and monitoring systems and use of highly efficacious regimes with direct observation of treatment. We work through the World Health Assembly and other channels to ensure that WHO appropriately prioritises the goal of increasing access to medicines for the poorest in line with the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals.

  DFID is committed to expanding the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment services for TB, particularly to poor communities and to women. The UK is a member of the co-ordinating Board of the global Stop TB partnership, and in 2002–03, we provided £0.99 million to the partnership, which included a contribution to the cost of the important evaluation of the Global TB Drug Facility (GDF).

  We also support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria as a new mechanism to complement existing initiatives for these diseases, and have pledged US$280 million through to 2008 to the Fund. The Global Fund has already approved grants totalling US$2.1 billion, which will be used to provide direct support to programmes in developing countries, including the treatment of TB in over 40 countries. Additionally, we fund TB Knowledge and Research Programmes at £1.3 million per year.

  To achieve the 2005 targets for DOTS implementation, the international community must address the broader health sector, including human resources for health, primary health care provision, private sector and corporate sector contributions, and working within poverty alleviation strategies. DFID has committed over £1.5 billion since 1997 to support the strengthening of health systems in developing countries.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the Government gives India to combat tuberculosis. [152973]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  Tuberculosis is a major health issue in India. Around 500,000 people die from TB each year, which disproportionately affects the poor. The Government are supporting the Government of India's programme to improve the provision of tuberculosis treatment services in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

  DFID is providing £20.5 million over five years, to bring about a sustainable improvement in the quality and effectiveness of TB services, ensuring that they are accessible to everyone, especially poor people. DFID funds are used to purchase drugs and microscopes, to train staff, to fund the World Health Organisation in providing technical support, and to improve management systems. The work in Andhra Pradesh, as well as that supported by other donors across India, is contributing to the development of a national policy framework for TB care.

  In addition, at international level the UK has pledged US$280 million through to 2008 to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. These funds will be used to provide direct support to programmes in
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  developing countries, including the treatment of TB. The Global Fund Board has approved proposals for TB programmes in India totalling $38 million.

  The UK is also an active member of the global Stop TB partnership which helps to raise the commitment and resources needed to expand, adapt and improve efforts to control and eliminate TB. In 2002–03 DFID provided £0.75 million to the partnership.

  Zambia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on cholera levels in Zambia. [153349]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  There have been 3,965 reported cases of cholera, and 196 recorded deaths from cholera in Zambia in 2003–04 so far.

  The Government have responded by establishing treatment centres in affected areas and mobilising drugs and personnel. Cholera awareness campaigns and contact tracing have been initiated and infection control measures stepped up. Other Government ministries have been mobilised. The Zambian armed forces will soon begin deliveries of safe water. Wells are being disinfected and free distribution of chlorine to disinfect water at the household level is planned.

  In 2003, DFID contributed to district health recurrent costs to the sum of £7.5 million, including the funding of epidemic preparedness plans. DFID is currently arranging for the purchase of needed chlorine. Other agencies supporting the response are WHO, UNICEF, Red Cross and MSF.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Economy
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the prospects for the Scottish economy. [152892]

  Mr. Darling
  The prospects for the Scottish economy are good. There is a growing consensus among business surveys pointing towards a continued strengthening of business activity in Scotland in both services and manufacturing. Furthermore, independent forecasters predict that the Scottish economy will experience above-trend growth in 2004 and 2005.

  Cannabis
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he had with(a) the Scottish Executive and (b) the Home Office regarding assessment of cannabis street prices in Scotland. [152893]

  Mrs. McGuire
  Scottish Executive ministers keep in regular contact with their UK counterparts to ensure a co-ordinated approach to drugs related issues. Scottish police forces monitor the street prices of drugs across Scotland, which are subject to local variations and fluctuations, as in other parts of the UK.

  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the reclassification of cannabis. [152896]
  1319W
  Mrs. McGuire
  The legislation governing the classification of drugs is reserved to the UK Government and is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The Home Office is working closely with the Scottish Executive to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the reclassification of cannabis, which took effect on 29 January.

  Rail Services
  Mr. Savidge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what issues relating to Scotland will be considered during the Rail Review. [152894]

  Mr. Darling
  Scotland will benefit from the Review looking at all aspects of improving the structure and organisation for Britain's railways. The Review should also look at how we can devolve more decisions on rail to Scotland.

  Mr. Lazarowicz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Scottish Ministers regarding rail services in the Edinburgh area. [152895]

  Mr. Darling
  I have regular discussions with Scottish Executive Ministers on transport and my other responsibilities.

  Higher Education
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from the First Minister on higher education. [152897]

  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend has frequent exchanges with the First Minister on a range of issues, including higher education.

  Electoral System
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the voting system used in elections for the Scottish Parliament. [152898]

  Mr. Darling
  I refer my hon. Friend to the announcement I made yesterday (9 February) during Second Reading of the Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill on my proposal to establish a commission to review electoral arrangements in Scotland, including whether changes might be required regarding the method of voting in Scottish Parliament elections.

  Population
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on the projected decline of Scotland's population. [152899]

  Mrs. McGuire
  My right hon. Friend has received no representations on this issue. Matters related to population projections for Scotland are for the Scottish Executive.

  Population projections for Scotland are made by the General Register Office for Scotland, an associated department of the Scottish Executive. 2002-based population projections for Scottish areas are available on its website at www.gro-scotland.gov.uk
  1320W

  Barnett Formula
  Sir Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the future of the Barnett Formula. [152900]

  Mr. Darling
  No such discussions have taken place. The Government have no plans to replace or to review the Barnett formula. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, confirmed this in reply to an oral question on 13 November 2003,Official Report, columns 401–02.

  Postal Services/Post Offices
  Mr. Alan Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues regarding the future of postal services and post offices in Scotland. [152901]

  Mrs. McGuire
  I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues on a wide range of issues, including postal services in Scotland.

DEFENCE

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much it costs to train a pilot to fly Apache helicopters; and how long the training takes. [153977]

  Mr. Ingram
  The basic Conversion to Type course for qualified Army pilots on the Apache helicopter at the School of Army Aviation, Middle Wallop, is 26 weeks. A current estimate of cost for this course for one pilot (the course has yet to complete) is £600,000. Once qualified, pilots then progress to a Conversion to Role course which will take place at Dishforth and Wattisham, and is run by the Air Manoeuvre Training Advisory Team (AMTAT). This course is of 26 weeks duration and an estimate of cost is £550,000.

  Army Leavers
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many commanding officers have been instructed to offer soldiers due to leave in September the opportunity to leave the Army up to nine months early. [153070]

  Mr. Caplin
  Approximately 270 Commanding Officers have been told that individuals who have already given notice to terminate their engagement before 30 September 2004 may be given the option to leave sooner if this is acceptable both to the individual and their unit. There will be no compulsion on any individual.

  Aviation Noise
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish the study into helicopter noise at RAF Shawbury which began in summer 2002, carried out by the Centre of Aviation Medicine. [153954]

  Mr. Ingram
  The study has just been completed and is due to be released on Friday 13 February 2004. I have asked for a copy to be sent to the hon. Member.
  1321W
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish the report on military aviation noise conducted by the Directorate of Safety Environment and Fire Policy. [153967]

  Mr. Caplin
  It is planned to publish the report at Easter time.

  Communications
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the reliability of secure satellite communications links available to the UK commanders during Operation Telic; what commercial facilities were utilised; and at what cost. [147275]

  Mr. Ingram
  Secure satellite communications links provided to UK commanders during Operation Telic included both military links through the SKYNET system, and commercial links supporting the Operational Strategic CIS Architecture (OSCA). The overall reliability of secure satellite communications links was high. Some difficulties in maintaining strategic communications links did occur but these did not significantly affect the operational outcome.

  £1.5 million was spent on acquiring the commercial satellite communications hardware for OSCA. A further £9.8 million has been incurred on communications services provided by Cable & Wireless and INMARSAT up to December 2003. The costs attributable to OSCA are included in the overall procurement and running costs for the system totalling £33 million up to December 2003.

  Deaths in Service
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many service personnel who lost their lives accidentally in non-combat situations outside the UK in each year since 1990, are recorded as(a) deaths from road traffic accidents and (b) deaths from other accidents; [149660]

  (2) how many service personnel who lost their lives in combat situations outside the UK in each year since 1990 are recorded as (a) killed in combat, (b) killed in friendly fire or other accidents, (c) self-inflicted deaths and (d) deaths from other causes; [149658]

  (3) how many service personnel who lost their lives in non-combat situations outside the UK in each year since 1990, are recorded as (a) self-inflicted deaths, (b) accidental deaths and (c) deaths from other causes; [149659]

  (4) how many service personnel have lost their lives outside the UK in each year since 1990; and how many of these are recorded as deaths in (a) combat situations and (b) non-combat situations. [149657]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Defence 2004
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budgeted cost was of the Defence 2004 display 1322W
  scheduled to be held at RAF Fairfield; how many troops were to have been involved; and if he will make a statement on its cancellation. [153013]

  Mr. Caplin
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]The planned expenditure for Defence 2004, which was to have taken place during the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford (not Fairfield) in July, was £1.85 million. It would have required approximately 3,300 military personnel for up to a week.

  As I said in my written statement on 30 January 2004, Official Report, column 22WS, the decision to cancel Defence 2004 was taken because of the continued high level of operational commitments and the associated demands upon Service personnel and their families. The Services will, however, continue to fully support RIAT and we will be working closely with the RAF Benevolent Fund Enterprises who organise the event, to help ensure that RIAT continues its tradition of great success.

  Defence Equipment
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks, (b) Warrior Armoured Personnel Carriers, (c) AS-90s and (d) Multiple Launch Rocket Systems are based in Germany. [153519]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are currently 172 Challenger II Main Battle Tanks, 361 Warrior Vehicles (all variants) and 50 AS90 based in Germany. There are no Multiple Launch Rocket Systems based in Germany at this time.

  Defence Finance
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the planned funding in cash terms is for each of his Department's management groups for financial years 2003–04 to 2006–07; [153024]

  (2) what the planned funding is in cash terms for his Department's executive agencies for financial years 2003–04 to 2006–07. [153022]

  Mr. Ingram
  Since the introduction of Resource Accounting and Budgeting, the Department has required its Management Groupings (including on-vote agencies) to construct their plans on a resource basis, rather than in cash terms. Spending Review 2002 set out the Departmental Expenditure Limit in resource terms for the years 2002–03 to 2005–06. Figures for 2006–7 will be agreed during Spending Review 2005.

  Cash requirements are planned and accounted for at Departmental rather than Management Grouping level and details of the Net Cash Requirement for FY2003/4 can be found in the Central Government Supply Estimates 2003–04 (HC648 Main Supply Estimates and HC15 Winter Supplementary Estimate).

  Departmental Reports and Accounts
  Mr. Soames
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the dates of publication of(a) the annual report and accounts and (b) the corporate plan for his Department's executive agencies were in each year since financial year 1997–98. [153028]
  1323W
  Mr. Caplin
  All Defence Agencies are required to lay their Annual Reports and Accounts before Parliament. The table as follows gives the publication dates for all Defence Agencies for financial year 2002–03. Since 1997–98 a number of Defence Agencies have changed or merged. Detailed publication dates for these previous years are not held centrally in the precise format required and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Further information on all parliamentary business is however published in the House of Commons Votes and Proceedings, available on the United Kingdom

  Date laid before Parliament

  Agency

  (a) Accounts FY2002–03

  (b) Key Targets FY 2003–04

  ABRO

  15 July 2003

  8 July 2003

  Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency

  15 July 2003

  9 April 2003

  Army Personnel Centre

  10 July 2003

  17 July 2003

  Army Training and Recruiting Agency

  16 December 2003

  17 July 2003

  British Forces Post Office

  11 December 2003

  12 June 2003

  Defence Aviation Repair Agency

  17 November 2003

  8 July 2003

  Defence Analytical Services Agency

  16 July 2003

  4 April 2003

  Defence Bills Agency

  11 July 2003

  29 April 2003

  Defence Communications Services Agency

  29 January 2004

  7 November 2003

  Defence Dental Agency

  15 July 2003

  31 March 2003

  Defence Estates

  16 July 2003

  2 July 2003

  Defence Geographic and Imagery Intelligence Agency

  16 December 2003

  6 November 2003

  Defence Housing Executive

  16 July 2003

  2 July 2003

  Defence Intelligence and Security Centre

  31 October 2003

  6 November 2003

  Defence Medical Training Organisation1

  15 July 2003

  231 March 2003

  Defence Procurement Agency

  4 December 2003

  9 July 2003

  Defence Science and Technology Laboratory

  14 July 2003

  16 October 2003

  Defence Secondary Care Agency

  15 July 2003

  n/a

  Defence Storage and Distribution Agency

  15 July 2003

  12 June 2003

  Defence Transport and Movements Agency

  16 July 2003

  12 June 2003

  Defence Vetting Agency

  16 July 2003

  28 April 2003

  Disposal Services Agency

  16 July 2003

  3 July 2003

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  29 October 2003

  16 July 2003

  Medical Supplies Agency

  16 July 2003

  19 November 2003

  Met Office

  23 June 2003

  11 June 2003

  Ministry of Defence Police

  16 July 2003

  26 June 2003

  Naval Manning Agency

  16 July 2003

  22 May 2003

  Naval Recruiting and Training Agency

  16 July 2003

  4 June 2003

  Pay and Personnel Agency

  16 July 2003

  29 April 2003

  Queen Victoria School

  29 January 2004

  16 July 2003

  RAF Personnel Manning Agency

  16 July 2003

  9 July 2003

  RAF Training Group Defence Agency

  13 November 2003

  17 July 2003

  Service Children's Education

  22 January 2004

  17 July 2003

  UK Hydrographic Office

  10 July 2003

  25 June 2003

  Veterans Agency

  16 July 2003

  28 October 2003

  Warship Support Agency

  10 December 2003

  15 October 2003

  1The Defence Medical Training Organisation and the Defence Secondary Care Agency merged at 1 April 2003 and formed the Defence Medical Education and Training Agency.

  2Refers to key targets for the newly formed Defence Medical Education and Training Agency.

  Dr. David Kelly
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions on which Dr. David Kelly spoke to the media(a) on an authorised basis and (b) on an unauthorised basis while employed by his Department. [152293]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer my hon. Friend to the documents labelled MOD/5/0054 to MOD/5/0060, which are available on the Hutton Inquiry website and which list Dr. Kelly's contacts with journalists over the past two years. This was copied from information supplied by 1324W
  Parliament Website at http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm/cmvote/cmvp0307.htm.

  All Defence Agencies are required to produce key targets annually. These are published in Parliament and then incorporated by agencies into their plans, which are published in a variety of formats and are usually available on agency websites or through the agencies themselves. Dates of publication for individual agency plans in the precise format requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Dates of key targets published for financial year 2003–04 are given as follows.

  Dr. Kelly to MOD on 17 July 2003. The Ministry of Defence does not have access to any other records that might have provided further information.

  Evidence relating to unauthorised disclosures to Andrew Gilligan, Susan Watts, Peter Beaumont, Julie Flint, and Gavin Hewitt was heard in the course of Lord Hutton's inquiry.

  Engagements
  Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates since 1 January 2002 Sir Kevin Tebbit held meetings with Mr. Earl Anthony Wayne,
  1325W
  Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs of the United States State Department; and where each meeting took place. [152963]

  Mr. Caplin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 16 December 2003,Official Report, column 843W.

  Iraq
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provision has been made for personnel to send gifts back to the United Kingdom; what weight limits and costs are involved; and if he will make a statement. [144471]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 17 December 2003]British Armed Forces personnel deployed overseas, with the exception of those in the Gulf, may send parcels home up to a maximum weight of 30 kilograms at a concessionary rate equivalent to United Kingdom second class post. Personnel in the Gulf can currently send parcels of up to two kilograms per item to the UK also at concessionary rates.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy was in March 2003 on whether use by Iraq of battlefield chemical and biological weapons would generate the very serious consequences to which he referred in debate on 26 March 2003,Official Report, column 302. [154325]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Government's policy is to reserve the right to respond appropriately to any use of such weapons. This was also the policy in March 2003.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost has been to public funds of the British contingent in the Iraq Survey Group; what the projected future costs are; and if he will make a statement. [154282]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence identifies the costs of Operations in terms of the net additional costs it has incurred. The costs that the Department would have incurred regardless of the operation taking place, such as wages and salaries, are not included. Savings on activities that have not occurred because of the operation—training exercises for example—are taken into account in arriving at the net figures.

  The net additional costs incurred by United Kingdom personnel attached to the Iraq Survey Group cannot be differentiated from the total net additional cost of UK personnel deployed to the Gulf region. For example, stock accounting records will identify the recipient of stock as entitled UK military personnel, not whether they are engaged in peacekeeping work or in the search for WMD. Therefore, it is not possible to identify costs related solely to the UK's Iraq Survey Group personnel.

  Military Equipment (Gulf)
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the performance of military equipment in the Gulf. [142976]
  1326W
  Mr. Hoon
  The Ministry of Defence's report on Operation Telic, "Lessons for the Future", closely reflects the conclusions of the independent report by the National Audit Office that"the logistic effort for the Operation was huge and key to success"
  and that
  "key equipments… performed well".

  Both reports recognise that there are areas for improvement. This includes, in the logistic area, developing a more robust in-theatre asset-tracking system.

  Missile Defence
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the United Kingdom has spent on all aspects of ballistic missile defence in each year since 1997. [154103]

  Mr. Hoon
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 January 2004,Official Report, column 920W, to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch).

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average number of days a year was in the last five years that the nuclear submarine berths(a) at Loch Ewe and (b) in Broadford Bay were occupied; what change in occupancy is projected; and if he will make a statement. [152753]

  Mr. Ingram
  The berths at Loch Ewe and Broadford Bay can be used by nuclear submarines and surface vessels. Occupancy of the berths by nuclear submarines is recorded in hours. The average number of hours per year over the last five years when the berths have been occupied by nuclear submarines is 13.2 hours for Loch Ewe and 2.4 hours for Broadford Bay. Surface ship occupancy is recorded in days. The average number of days per year over the last five years when the berths have been occupied by surface vessels is 48.6 days for Loch Ewe and nil for Broadford Bay. There are no plans to change the usage pattern.

  Royal College of Defence Medicine
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Royal College of Defence Medicine has for the Selly Oak Hospital site in Birmingham. [153884]

  Mr. Caplin
  We are currently considering options for the future provision of accommodation for our medical personnel in Birmingham. Preliminary discussions have taken place with University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust (UHBT), but at present the MOD has no plans for the Selly Oak Site.

  Security Passes
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many security passes have been reported by staff in his Department as(a) lost and (b) stolen in the last 12 months. [151520]

  Mr. Caplin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 28 January 2004,Official Report, column 371W, to the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten).
  1327W

  Special Investigations Branch
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is responsible for responding to reports of the Special Investigations Branch; and what options are available for further action to be taken. [147710]

  Mr. Ingram
  Upon completion of a Special Investigation Branch (SIB) investigation, a report is produced which is passed to the Commanding Officer of the unit involved. The Commanding Officer is then advised by the relevant service legal branch, as to the options available to him, such as whether the matter could be dealt with summarily by the Commanding Officer himself, or a more senior officer in the chain of command, or whether the case should be passed to the relevant service Prosecuting Authority. Service Prosecuting Authorities then decide whether to proceed to Court Martial based on their responsibilities under prosecuting guidelines issued by the Attorney-General.

  In addition, the report produced by the Special Investigation Branch may be used to inform a Board of Inquiry.

  Surplus Military Equipment
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will publish regulations governing the disposal of surplus military equipment; [153004]

  (2) whether surplus military equipment with a security classification of restricted and above is disposed of by sale or auction; and what safeguards are applied; [153005]

  (3) what safeguards there are on the end use of surplus military equipment disposed of by sale or auction. [153006]

  Mr. Ingram
  There are many regulations governing the disposal of surplus military equipments ranging from internal Ministry of Defence procedures focusing on the supply chain decision-making process to those national and international regulations such as the Basel Convention. Particular procedures would be dependent on the type of equipment involved and there are numerous disposal instructions in existence. This information is not held centrally and, without being more specific, could be provided only at disproportionate cost. National and international procedures are in the public domain.

  The MOD ensures that most sensitive surplus military equipment is destroyed. However, certain classified material may be resold by the MOD's Disposal Services Agency (DSA) either directly on a Government-to-Government basis, to the original equipment manufacturer or via some of the DSA's marketing agreements with industry. Safeguards are in place to ensure that all exports (direct or subsequent via a marketing agreement) are covered by an appropriate export licence. The DSA's contractors that hold classified material (for sale) will have appropriate MOD security clearance and, additionally, the Official Secrets Act would apply. No such material would be sold at auction.
  1328W
  All surplus equipment sold directly by the DSA on a Government-to-Government basis contain conditions that require the end user Government to seek MOD approval prior to subsequent resale to a third party.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) ships, (b) aircraft and (c) military vehicles have been disposed of by (i) sale and (ii) auction in the past six years. [153007]

  Mr. Ingram
  The major former Royal Naval ships (named capital ships) sold by the Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Agency (DSA) in the last six years are listed as follows. None was sold by auction.

  Financial year1998–99

  HMS Soberton

  HMS Egeria

  HMY Britannia

  Financial year1999–2000

  HMS Kellington

  Financial year 2000–01

  HMS Wilton

  HMS Bicester

  HMS Orkney

  HMS Birmingham

  HMS Beaver

  RFA Olwen

  RFA Olna

  Financial year 2001–02

  HMS Bulldog

  HMS Berkeley

  HMS Orwell

  HMS Herald

  Financial year 2002–03

  HMS Beagle

  HMS London

  HMS Coventry

  HMS Shetland

  HMS Alderney

  HMS Anglesey

  HMS Lindisfarne

  HMS Guernsey

  HMS Sheffield

  Financial year 2003–04

  None

  Surplus aircraft sold by the DSA in the past six calendar years are set out in the following table, broken down by sale and auction.

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Jet Provost

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  5

  Sale

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  5

  Auction

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  0

  Jetstream

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Meteor

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1329W

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Schleicher

  Valiant Glider

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Varsity

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Victor

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Andover

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  BAC 1–11

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  BAE 146

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  —

  Buccaneer

  1

  —

  3

  1

  —

  —

  Sale

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Auction

  0

  —

  2

  0

  —

  —

  Bulldog

  —

  6

  28

  73

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  0

  17

  39

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  6

  11

  34

  —

  —

  Chipmunk

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Canberra

  1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  3

  2

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Chieftan

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Devon

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Gnat

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HS 125

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Sale

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Auction

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Harrier

  2

  6

  —

  2

  11

  2

  Sale

  2

  6

  —

  2

  11

  2

  Auction

  0

  0

  —

  0

  0

  0

  Hunter

  2

  2

  7

  —

  1

  —

  Sale

  1

  2

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Auction

  1

  0

  6

  —

  0

  —

  Jaguar

  4

  —

  —

  3

  2

  —

  Sale

  3

  —

  —

  3

  2

  —

  Auction

  1

  —

  —

  0

  0

  —

  Schempp-Hirth Janus-C

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Javelin

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  l

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1330W

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Gazelle

  4

  2

  8

  20

  4

  12

  Sale

  2

  2

  4

  10

  4

  12

  Auction

  2

  0

  4

  10

  0

  0

  Lynx Helicopters

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  —

  Sioux Helicopters

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  —

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wessex Helicopters

  14

  2

  4

  3

  6

  7

  Sale

  7

  2

  2

  2

  6

  7

  Auction

  7

  0

  2

  1

  0

  0

  Whirlwind

  1

  1

  2

  —

  —

  2

  Sale

  1

  1

  2

  —

  —

  2

  Auction

  0

  0

  0

  —

  —

  0

  VC10

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Sale

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Auction

  —

  —

  0

  —

  —

  0

  Lightning

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shackleton

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tornado

  —

  1

  2

  7

  15

  4

  Sale

  —

  1

  2

  7

  15

  4

  Auction

  —

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Puma

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  Hercules

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  2

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  0

  —

  0

  Sea King

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  —

  Viking Glider

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Sale

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Auction

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  —

  Phantom

  4

  —

  6

  10

  —

  —

  Sale

  4

  —

  6

  10

  —

  —

  Auction

  0

  —

  0

  0

  —

  —

  Merlin

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sale

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Auction

  0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  As there were approximately 23,000 surplus military vehicles sold in the last six years, itemised sales figures could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Trident
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost, in real terms, of the Trident submarine fleet, including missiles and warheads, for each year since its initial deployment; and what the overall cost was of acquiring(a) the submarines and (b) the missiles and warheads. [154106]
  1331W
  Mr. Hoon
  The cost, in real terms. of the Trident submarine fleet, including missiles and warheads, for each year since its initial deployment has ranged between 2 per cent. and 4 per cent. of the annual defence budget.

  The overall cost of acquiring (a) the submarines is £5,481 billion and (b) the missiles and warheads is £3,727 billion.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

  Pre-legislative Scrutiny
  Tony Wright
  To ask the Leader of the House if he will make an assessment of the effect of scrutiny of draft Bills on the quality of legislation. [153634]

  Mr. Hain
  I am convinced that the scrutiny of draft Bills leads to better legislation, but it would be difficult to find objective measures by which to assess the quality of legislation and the changes made following pre-legislative scrutiny.

  Gunpowder Plot
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has made for the House to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. [153635]

  Mr. Hain
  A group of officials from both Houses are developing a proposal for an exhibition concerning the Gunpowder Plot to be held in Westminster Hall during 2005. It is hoped that the proposal will be put to the House of Commons Commission, and to the Westminster Hall authorities, in March.

  Modernisation Committee
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Leader of the House if he will propose to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons that it examine ways of simplifying House documents. [153637]

  Mr. Hain
  I am aware that many Members find the form of some House documents inaccessible and I believe there is scope for further modernisation. The Modernisation Committee is considering the accessibility of the House's publications in its current inquiry on Parliament's engagement with the public, and may wish to return to the subject in the future.

  Standing Committees
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Leader of the House if he will reduce the number of Standing Committees in which Government Bills have precedence. [153638]

  Mr. Hain
  I have no plans to propose such a change to the Standing Orders.

  When circumstances require it, the Government gives precedence to a Private Member's Bill in a Standing Committee where Government Bills are entitled to precedence.
  1332W

  Remembrance Wreaths
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Leader of the House whether the cost of poppy wreaths laid by hon. Members on Remembrance Sunday is an allowable expense against the incidental expenses provision. [153351]

  Mr. Hain
  No, but if the hon. Member wishes, it is open to him to make representations to the Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances, who advise on detailed rules for the incidental expenses provision and other allowances.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

  Witnesses
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what measures the Government have taken to encourage and support victims and witnesses of crimes to give evidence in court. [153656]

  Mr. Leslie
  Last July. the Government published a National Strategy setting out steps we are taking to deliver improved services to victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system. At its heart is the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill, introduced last November, which contains a range of measures aimed at encouraging more witnesses to come to court and give evidence.

  Supreme Court
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the locations being considered for a new supreme court. [153658]

  Mr. Leslie
  A wide range of options for the location of the new Supreme Court is being considered, both commercial sites and those already on the Government estate. An evaluation is currently being conducted to identify the preferred building solution. Until this process has been completed, it could be prejudicial to our commercial position to disclose details.

  Industrial Action
  Kevin Brennan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent industrial action within the Department. [153659]

  Mr. Lammy
  Members of the PCS union in the DCA were called out on strike on 29 and 30 January. The Department had contingency plans in place, and this ensured that the impact on overall levels of service was minimised.

  Community Legal Service
  Ms Keeble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps are being taken to develop the Community Legal Service. [153660]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Legal Services Commission, on behalf of my Department, is examining new ways of delivering services through the Partnership Initiative
  1333W
  Budget and Methods of Delivery Pilots. These programmes will increase access to provision of legal and advice services for those most in need. An independent review is taking place to evaluate the impact of the CLS after three years of live operation. The report is due by 31 March 2004. Informed by the report's recommendations, Ministers will then decide how to build on the success of the CLS since its introduction.

  John Mann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the current backlog of cases is in the Community Legal Service. [153357]

  Mr. Lammy
  I take the 'backlog of cases' to mean the applications for civil representation received by the Legal Services Commission but not yet processed. The figures as at 30 January 2004 were as follows:

  Family applications: 2,667

  Non-Family applications: 584

  Civil amendments/authorities applications: 2,313

  Emergency applications: 346

  For comparison purposes, the average number of applications received per week is currently as follows:

  Family applications: 2,133

  Non-Family applications: 522

  Civil amendments/authorities applications: 3,210

  Emergency applications: 989

  Anti-social Behaviour Orders
  Claire Ward
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what training and guidance the Lord Chancellor is giving to magistrates on the implementation of Anti-social Behaviour Orders. [153661]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Judicial Studies Board (JSB) issued a set of magistrates' training materials addressing the original anti-social behaviour provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The training materials were revised and reissued in November 2002 and again in May 2003.

  Fines (East Sussex)
  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the collection of fines imposed by magistrates' courts. [153665]

  Mr. Leslie
  Following the action plan I announced last June to improve fine enforcement performance, clear progress has been made and MCCs are on track to hit the 75 per cent. payment rate target set for this year.

  Norman Baker
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what percentage of fines handed down by courts in East Sussex were collected in the last year for which figures are available. [153480]

  Mr. Leslie
  Information on fines imposed and collected is provided by the 42 magistrates courts committees (MCCs) in England and Wales. Separate data of fines handed down by courts in East Sussex are not available.
  1334W
  As set out in the report "Magistrates' Courts Business Returns, Annual Report 2002–2003" published on 25 June 2003, Sussex Magistrates Courts Committee's payment rate was 62 per cent.—£3,958,078 was collected from a total of £6,402,558 for enforcement in Sussex.

  Charitable Trusts
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs for what reason individual trustees have to disclose their date of birth when making the annual return to the Charity Commission. [154374]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  I have been asked to reply.

  This is a matter for the Charity Commission as the Government Department responsible for the regulation of charities in England and Wales. The Chief Charity Commissioner will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

  Electoral Law
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the procedure for declaration of donations by independent candidates in elections. [153657]

  Mr. Leslie
  The Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 established a new system for governing the regular disclosure of donations to registered political parties, a system which did not extend to independent candidates as—by definition—they have no organised party base behind them. Nevertheless, all individuals are required separately by the Representation of the People Act 1983 to record election expenses and campaign income received from the moment they officially become election candidates, whether party nominees or independents. Donations of more than 50 have to be reported in these election expenses returns to Returning Officers.

  Law Commission Reports
  Dr. Palmer
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when the Government will respond to(a) the Law Commission report on limitation of actions, ref. (2001) Law Com No. 270, (b) the consultation issued in September 2002 on the Law Commission report on third party rights against insurers, ref. Law Com No. 272, (c) claims for wrongful deaths, ref. (1999) Law Com No. 263 and (d) liability for psychiatric injury ref. (1998) Law Com No. 249. [153415]

  Mr. Lammy
  The information is as follows:

  (a)In July 2002, the Government announced their acceptance in principle of the recommendations for reform of the 1980 Act contained in the Law Commission report "Limitation of Actions", subject to further consideration of certain aspects. Legislation will be introduced to implement those recommendations which are accepted when an opportunity arises.

  (b) The Government will publish the post-consultation report on Third Parties—Rights Against Insurers this month.
  1335W
  (c) and (d) The Government are currently considering the proposals in the Law Commission reports on damages in light of developments since their publication, with a view to consulting further as appropriate.

  Legal Aid
  John Mann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the current(a) method and (b) level of funding for legal aid; and if he will make a statement. [153353]

  Mr. Lammy
  My Department and the Legal Services Commission are continually reviewing the methods and levels of funding for legal aid, to ensure that those who need help the most continue to receive help while providing the best value for money for the taxpayer. In addition, my Department formally announced in June a review of supply, demand and purchasing arrangements within the legal aid system. Due to concern that there could be a shortage of high quality legal aid lawyers, the review will establish the costs, fees and conditions necessary to attract and maintain well-qualified legal aid lawyers. The report by the consultants conducting the review was received in December 2003. It addressed alternative procurement methods for legal services. The final report is about to be published.

  John Mann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many people used legal aid in the last year for which figures are available. [153355]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Legal Services Commission is unable to answer the question in the form requested as its systems record the number of acts of assistance rather than the number of clients assisted, which is not necessarily reflective of the number of individuals involved. The total acts of assistance for 2002–03 was 2,658,000.

  John Mann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what percentage of the legal aid budget in 2003–04 has been spent on criminal cases. [153356]

  Mr. Lammy
  In the present financial year 2003–04, to December 2003, legal aid expenditure on criminal cases amounted to 56 per cent. of total legal aid expenditure.

  Legal Services
  John Mann
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of enabling providers other than solicitors to offer legal services directly to the public. [153358]

  Mr. Lammy
  The Government have commissioned an independent review of the regulation of legal services aimed at promoting competition and innovation and improving services for consumers. We are reviewing future demand for legal services and the suppliers needed particularly in the publicly funded sector. We have already decided to open up the probate market to new providers, which should enable consumers to benefit from better and more cost effective services. A1336W
  full regulatory impact assessment of opening up the probate market will be provided when commencement orders are laid before Parliament.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Benefits
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the impact of general practitioner fees on deterring those on low incomes from appealing against a benefits decision; and if he will make a statement. [153376]

  Maria Eagle
  General Practitioners (GPs) have an important role in providing advice on fitness for work, and supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of their patients; however, there is no need for a person to have evidence from their GP in order to appeal a benefit decision, and GPs are under no statutory obligation to provide medical evidence to their patients for the purposes of an appeal.

  Appeal tribunals carry out an independent judicial function and will have available the medical evidence on a person's file, including the reports from Medical Services' doctors; in many cases a person's file will often already include factual information provided by their GP.

  Carer's Allowance
  David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in(a) the East Midlands and (b) England and Wales receive carer's allowance. [152809]

  Maria Eagle
  The information requested is in the following table.

  Pensioners in receipt of Carers Allowance, at 31 August 2003

  In payment

  East Midlands

  1,590

  England

  18,360

  Wales

  1,400

  Notes:

  1. Figures taken from a 100 per cent. sample at 31 August 2003.

  2. Pensioners are defined as those aged 60/65 + at 31 August 2003.

  3. Figures have been given for all people with Carers Allowance in payment.

  Source:

  IAD Information Centre.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Weir
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many appeals against refusal of Disability Living Allowance have been considered by the Appeals Service in each of the last 12 months in(a) the Angus constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the rest of the United Kingdom; [152570]

  (2) how many successful appeals there have been against refusal of Disability Living Allowance in each of the last 12 months in (a) the Angus constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the rest of the UK. [152571]
  1337W
  Maria Eagle
  This is a matter for Christina Townsend, Chief Executive of the Appeals Service. She will reply to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Christina Townsend to Mr. Michael Weir, dated 10 February 2004:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions regarding:
  1) the number of appeals against the refusal of disability living allowance that have been considered by the Appeals Service in each of the last 12 months in (a) the Angus constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the rest of the United Kingdom

  Disability Living Allowance Appeals lodged and received by the Appeals Service: January 2003 to December 2003, by month

  Scotland1

  Total DLA claimants: 2003

  Lodged

  Received

  Cleared at hearing

  Cleared in favour of appellant

  Percentage cleared in favour of appellant

  Year 2003

  12,565

  13,900

  11,805

  6,720

  56.9

  January 2003

  1,040

  1,125

  1,075

  630

  58.6

  February 2003

  273,700

  1,190

  1,020

  1,015

  585

  57.6

  March 2003

  1,165

  1,205

  940

  575

  61.2

  April 2003

  1,065

  1,020

  995

  570

  57.3

  May 2003

  277,700

  1,140

  970

  960

  570

  59.4

  June 2003

  1,250

  1,150

  1,080

  625

  57.9

  July 2003

  1,190

  1,015

  930

  540

  58.1

  August 2003

  281,200

  1,220

  1,180

  885

  470

  53.1

  September 2003

  1,265

  1,270

  935

  500

  53.5

  October 2003

  1,255

  1,485

  1,085

  590

  54.4

  November 2003

  715

  1,230

  1,095

  610

  55.7

  December 2003

  70

  1,230

  810

  455

  56.2

  1 Scotland figures are those of the regional centre —Glasgow

  Great Britain1

  Total DLA claimants: 2003

  Lodged

  Received

  Cleared at hearing

  Cleared in favour of appellant

  Percentage cleared in favour of appellant

  Year 2003

  74,775

  83,505

  69,880

  36,850

  52.7

  January 2003

  6,510

  7,795

  6,050

  3,160

  52.2

  February 2003

  2,468,900

  7,400

  6,595

  5,615

  3,015

  53.7

  March 2003

  6,970

  7,215

  6,390

  3,570

  55.9

  April 2003

  6,445

  6,040

  5,665

  3,060

  54.0

  May 2003

  2,497,600

  6,275

  5,905

  6,035

  3,205

  53.1

  June 2003

  7,125

  6,390

  6,030

  3,300

  54.7

  July 2003

  7,660

  7,015

  5,890

  3,170

  53.8

  August 2003

  2,527,700

  6,925

  6,105

  5,480

  2,855

  52.1

  September 2003

  7,415

  7,660

  5,915

  3,050

  51.6

  October 2003

  7,250

  8,720

  6,130

  3,100

  50.6

  November 2003

  4,155

  7,175

  5,895

  2,965

  50.3

  December 2003

  645

  6,890

  4,785

  2,400

  50.2

  1 The "Great Britain" figure will include a small number of cases from outside Great Britain. The Appeals Service hears appeals for Great Britain, not the United Kingdom.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are subject to change as more up to date data becomes available.

  2. Figures for the latest months may rise significantly as information feeds through to the Appeals Service.

  3. Figures are rounded to the nearest five, except for total DLA claimants (2003), which are rounded to the nearest hundred, and are only available quarterly.

  4. The information for Angus parliamentary constituency is not available.

  Source:

  IAD Information Centre, 100 per cent. sample.

  Hepatitis C
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to propose legislation to prevent people eligible for compensation under the ex-gratia hepatitis C payment scheme losing their social security benefits. [152525]
  1338W
  2) the number of successful appeals there have been against the refusal of disability living allowance in each of the last 12 months in (a) the Angus constituency, (b) Scotland and (c) the rest of the United Kingdom.

  The information is not available in the requested format. However such information as is available is attached in two tables. The first table shows disability living allowance appeals lodged, received, cleared at hearing and cleared in favour of the appellant in Scotland; the second table gives the same figures for Great Britain.
  I hope this reply is helpful.

  Mr. Pond
  [holding answer 3 February 2004]Amendments to existing regulations are being prepared to ensure that any payments received under the Hepatitis C Ex-Gratia Payment Scheme are disregarded for the purposes of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit. Proposals for the Housing
  1339W
  Benefit and Council Tax Benefit regulations were sent to the Local Authority Associations for consultation on 23 January. The regulations will be laid before Parliament once all necessary procedures have been completed, and an announcement will be made in due course.

  Logic Software
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) when the new Logic Integrated Medical Assessment software will be made available for public access; and if he will make a statement; [153434]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the capability of the Logic Integrated Medical Assessment software to assess claimants whose condition is variously assessed as physical, mental or both in origin according to different authorities; [153436]

  (3) if he will make a statement on the capability of the Logic Integrated Medical Assessment software to assess claimants with symptoms which differ widely from the accepted definition of the client's condition; [153437]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the implications of tying the Personal Capability Assessment into the Logic Integrated Medical Assessment software for which SchlumbergerSema own the copyright; what assessment he has made of the impact on the contract renewal process in 2005; and if he will make a statement. [153438]

  Maria Eagle
  The Logic Integrated Medical Assessment (LiMA) software, developed by Medical Services, supports doctors who have been trained and approved to carry out Incapacity Benefit Personal Capability Assessments. It is based on fully researched, evidence-based medical protocols providing reliable, up to date medical opinion on the conditions most often seen in people claiming Incapacity Benefit. LiMA guides the doctor through the medical assessment process, prompting appropriate questions and ensuring thorough and appropriate assessment of the customer's physical and/or mental conditions.

  LiMA analyses data about the individual customer, which the doctor has input following interview, observation, and focused clinical examination; and presents the doctor with a logical choice of descriptors that are consistent with the data and with up to date medical knowledge. Doctors can use clinical judgement to override the descriptor choices suggested by LiMA, but they must provide full justification for doing so.

  The LiMA software is only functional as an interactive process during a medical examination for the Personal Capability Assessment. It cannot be used independently of the process, and is therefore not accessible to the public. As an internal guidance system it does not fall within Open Government guidelines on access to information.

  The medical protocols that support LiMA are drawn from standard medical texts available through any public library.
  1340W
  SchlumbergerSema (now Atos Origin) do not own the copyright of the LiMA software. The current Medical Services contract provides that Intellectual Property Rights for Evidence Based Medicine and the LiMA software are vested in the Department.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of claimants have been found incapable of work under the Logic Integrated Medical Assessment (LIMA) software since the pilots were introduced; what proportion of claimants were found incapable of work without the use of the LIMA software in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [153435]

  Maria Eagle
  The information is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  New Deal for Young People
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have entered the New Deal for Young People(a) four times, (b) five times, (c) six times, (d) seven times, (e) eight times, (f) nine times and (g) 10 times or more; whether these people are included in the long-term unemployed statistics; and if he will make a statement. [152668]

  Mr. Browne
  The information is in the table.

  New Deal for Young People (NDYP)—Number of people who have entered the programme. four times and more

  Number of times on the programme

  Number of people

  Four

  5,680

  Five

  400

  Six

  20

  Notes:

  1. There are no recorded instances of people participating in NDYP more than six times.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Source:

  DWP Information and Analysis Directorate

  People on the New Deal for Young People (NDYP) Gateway receive Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and, unless they have joined under the early entry criteria, will be counted in the claimant unemployment statistics as in receipt of JSA for six months or more. People on one of the four NDYP options are undertaking full-time activity designed to address their barriers to work and receive a New Deal allowance rather than JSA. People participating in NDYP follow-through receive JSA and will, in most cases, be counted in the claimant statistics as in receipt of JSA for up to six months.

  Unemployment statistics are also collected through the Labour Force Survey (LFS). People on NDYP Gateway and follow-through will be classified as International Labour Organisation (ILO) unemployed if they satisfy the ILO conditions of being available for and actively seeking work. Those on NDYP options may be counted as in employment, ILO unemployed, or economically inactive depending on their labour market activity. The duration of those counted as ILO unemployed reflects a person's own assessment of their period of unemployment.
  1341W
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many participants on the New Deal for Young People full-time education or training option were on courses lasting(a)0–3 months, (b) 3–6 months, (c) 6–12 months and (d) over 12 months, in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [152669]

  Mr. Browne
  Information on the length of courses undertaken by young people on the New Deal full-time education and training option is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Information on the number of people participating on the New Deal for young people full-time education and training option in the 12 months to September 20031, and the duration of time spent on that option, is in the table.

  1Latest available figures.

  New deal for young people full time education and training option

  Duration on the option (months)

  Number of people

  0–3

  7,940

  3–6

  10,590

  6–12

  5,040

  12+

  190

  Note:

  It is the policy of New Deal for young people (NDYP) that nobody should be placed on an NDYP full time education and training (FTET) course for longer than a year, and an individual's training on this option is not funded for longer than 12 months.

  In a small number of cases, people may leave their FTET option early, return to claim jobseekers allowance within 13 weeks, and then complete this option. This can result in some individuals appearing to be on the FTET option for longer than 12 months, even though their time on the option would be a maximum of 12months.

  Source:

  DWP Information and Analysis Directorate.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in co-ordination with HM Inland Revenue to track whether leavers from New Deal programmes remain in employment 12 months after leaving; and if he will make a statement. [153458]

  Mr. Browne
  We announced the launch of the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study on the 16 December. The study will link benefit and programme information held by this Department with employment records from the Inland Revenue and will be used to evaluate the Department's policies for helping people into work and keeping them in work.

  The Study will improve our understanding of what happens to people who leave our benefits and programmes, including the New Deal, to enter employment, and will enable us to assess how long they remain in employment.

  The Study is now under way and first publication of figures is expected at the end of the year.

  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average cost per place on each of the four options in the New Deal for Young People was in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [147818]
  1342W
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when Jobcentre Plus expects to complete its New Deal for Young People unit cost model. [147930]

  Mr. Browne
  The information is not available.

  At the time of my previous answer to the hon. Member for Chesterfield (Paul Holmes) on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 551W, it was anticipated that a unit costing system would now be available to produce reliable cost information on the full range of Jobcentre Plus activities, including information about the cost per place of New Deal for Young People. However, delays in developing the Resource Management System, which included a suite of unit costing systems, mean that at this time we are still unable to carry out this level of detailed costing analysis for Jobcentre Plus and other business units within the Department. A less sophisticated model, which records cost at a less detailed level, is close to completion and is planned to be operational from April 2004.

  New Deal for Young People has now successfully helped more than 460,000 young people into jobs and continues to represent value for money to the taxpayer.

  Public Bodies
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) who the members of the(a) Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions, (b) Chaseley Trust, (c) Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board, (d) Far East (Prisoner of War and Internees) Fund and (e) Industrial Injuries Advisory Council were on 1 January; what their term of office is in each case; and what their remuneration is; [151357]

  (2) who the members of the (a) Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority, (b) Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation, (c) Social Security Advisory Committee and (d) War Pensions Committee were on 1 January; what their term of office is in each case; and what their remuneration is. [151363]

  Maria Eagle
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  The Central Advisory Committee on War Pensions, Chaseley Trust, Far East (Prisoner of War and Internees) Fund, Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation and War Pensions Committees fall under the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. Information on these bodies has also been placed in the Library.

  Staff Salaries
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the(a) lowest, (b) highest and (c) average salary is for full-time members of staff in (i) his Department, (ii) Jobcentre Plus, (iii) the Child Support Agency, (iv) the Pension Service, (v) the Disability and Carers Service and (vi) the Appeals Service. [151446]
  1343W
  Maria Eagle
  The information is in the following table:

  Lowest, highest and average salaries in DWP, 2003

  £

  DWP Business

  Lowest

  Highest

  Average

  DWP Corporate Centre

  9,900

  124,800

  23,549

  Jobcentre Plus

  9,900

  124,800

  19,047

  Child Support Agency

  9,900

  124,800

  16,871

  The Pension Service

  9,900

  124,800

  17,427

  Disability and Carers Service

  9,900

  124,800

  17,363

  The Appeals Service

  9,900

  124,800

  17,734

  DWP overall

  9,900

  124,800

  18,890

  Notes:

  1. The lowest salary is the minimum of the Band A (Administrative Assistant) national pay scale on 30 June 2003,before implementation of the proposed 2003 pay award. The highest is the maximum current Senior Civil Service (SCS) salary in DWP as a whole—including the highest in each Business may identify individuals' salaries. They are basic rates and exclude allowances, bonus payments and pension contributions.

  Staff numbers and salary bands in DWP 2003

  DWP Corporate Centre staff

  Jobcentre Plus staff

  Child Support Agency staff

  The Pensions Service staff

  Clerical support

  4,806

  46,152

  7,262

  13,031

  Management

  5,594

  33,673

  3,307

  6,136

  Senior management

  631

  525

  82

  126

  Senior civil service

  135

  54

  13

  23

  Total

  11,166

  80,404

  10,664

  19,316

  Disability and Carers Service staff

  Appeals Service staff

  DWP staff

  Minimum salary (£)

  Maximum salary (£)

  Clerical support

  4,331

  622

  76,204

  9,900

  18,550

  Management

  2,538

  217

  51,465

  15,220

  34,870

  Senior management

  31

  12

  1,407

  32,210

  60,990

  Senior civil service

  1

  2

  228

  52,403

  124,800

  Total

  6,901

  853

  129,304

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. Clerical support covers staff employed in Band A/Administrative Assistant, Typist, Personal Secretary, Band B/Administrative Officer, Typing Manager and Senior Personal Secretary.

  2. Management covers staff employed in Band C/Executive Officers, Band D/Higher Executive Officers, Chief Typing Managers, Social Fund Inspectors and Band E/Senior Executive Officers.

  3. Senior Management covers staff employed in Band F/Grade 7 and Band G/Grade6.

  4. Specialist staff e.g. accountants, lawyers, statisticians and support grades who do not fit within the broad descriptions have been excluded from the above data. Permanent Secretaries have also been excluded.

  5. All staff numbers are Whole Time Equivalents.

  6. Band minimum and band maximum for staff below SCS are 2002 rates. The 2003 pay settlement has not yet been finalised or fully implemented. For staff below SCS the minimum is the rate for the national payband and the maximum is the rate for the Inner London payband.

  Source:

  DWP Payroll Systems (Dataview December 2003)

PRIME MINISTER

  Honours System
  Mr. Mackay
  To ask the Prime Minister when firm proposals for the reform of the honours system will be laid before Parliament. [153664]

  The Prime Minister
  I expect to receive Sir Hayden Phillips' report on his review of the honours system within the next few months. I shall, at the appropriate time, make a statement to Parliament about it.

  Iraq
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the intelligence document
  1344W
  2. The average salaries are for staff in grades Band A (AA) to Band G (Grade 6) before implementation of the proposed 2003 pay award, and current SCS salaries. Average salaries include allowances such as recruitment and retention allowance and the employer's occupational pension contribution, but exclude overtime. Data on Permanent Secretaries have been excluded from the table.

  3. The figures above encompass all pay zones (national, inner and outer London, and specified locations).

  Source:

  DWP Payroll Systems (FAMIS and Rebus) as processed by DWP Financial Services (ASAP), October 2003.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the salary bands for full-time members of staff who are on(a) clerical support, (b) management, (c) senior management and (d) senior civil service grades in his Department and each of its agencies; and how many staff are employed in each of those bands. [151447]

  Maria Eagle
  The information is in the table.

  on which he based his conclusion, placed before the Hutton Inquiry by his former director of communications, that Iraq could produce a nuclear weapon in between one and two years; [152532]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 2 February, Official Report, column 729, what the original intelligence to which he refers was that the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee relied upon in respect of his acceptance of the proposals made in his e-mail of 19 September 2002; and whether he had been informed of the contents of this intelligence when he authorised his former director of communications to press for changes in the Iraq weapons of mass destruction dossier. [153918]

  The Prime Minister
  The conclusions on the dossier were those of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) as
  1345W
  both Lord Hutton and the Intelligence and Security Committee have made clear. As Lord Hutton makes clear,
  "Mr. John Scarlett, the Chairman of the JIC, had the overall responsibility for the drafting of the dossier".

  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to publish intelligence material.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what response he made to the queries posed by the right hon. Member for Dewsbury in her comments on the draft Iraq weapons of mass destruction dossier in September 2002; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [153929]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Paul Flynn) on 18 September 2003,Official Report, column 870W and on 15 October 2003, Official Report, columns 233–34W.

  As Lord Hutton found in his report
  "the dossier was prepared and drafted by a small team of the assessment staff of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). Mr. John Scarlett, the Chairman of the JIC, had the overall responsibility for the drafting of the dossier. The dossier, which included the 45 minutes claim, was issued by the Government on 24 September 2002 with the full approval of the JIC".

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what the source was of the 45–minute claim about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction; and whether this intelligence information was shared with allied intelligence services, including those of the United States, between its receipt by the United Kingdom and its use in the Iraq weapons of mass destruction dossier. [153980]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 18 September 2003,Official Report, columns 952–53W.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he was informed of the e-mail by Mr. Jonathan Powell, published on page 657 of Lord Hutton's Report, on the evidence of an imminent threat from Iraq contained in the Draft Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction Dossier, dated 17 September 2002, before he authorised the publication of the final version of the dossier. [153996]

  The Prime Minister
  No. As Lord Hutton said in his Report, the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) had overall responsibility for the dossier of 24 September and accepted only drafting suggestions which were consistent with the intelligence known to the JIC.

  Lembit ÖOpik
  To ask the Prime Minister whether(a) the Secretary of State for Defence and (b) other Ministers informed him (i) orally and (ii) in writing that they believed the weapons of mass destruction which could be deployed within 45 minutes were battlefield weapons; [154082]

  Richard Ottaway
  To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 4 February 2004,Official Report, column 772, when he indicated when it had come to his attention that the 45 minute assertion related to battlefield mortar shells or small calibre weaponry; [154017]
  1346W
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Prime Minister on what date he first became aware to which Iraqi weapons the 45–minutes claim in the Iraq's weapons of mass destruction dossier applied. [154181]

  The Prime Minister
  No. As my Official Spokesman said on Thursday 5 February, I first became aware of this around the time that the Intelligence and Security Committee had been examining the issue.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Prime Minister whether the Iraqi regime was warned(a) before and (b) during the recent conflict that any use of battlefield chemical and biological weapons would meet with a response using (i) weapons of mass destruction and (ii) nuclear weapons. [154252]

  The Prime Minister
  No. The Government have made clear in the past that we reserve the right to respond appropriately to any use of such weapons, using the range of options available to us. The UK does not possess biological or chemical weapons. We would never use our nuclear weapons in a manner contrary to international law.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave to the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer) on 3 March 2003, Official Report, column 578.

  Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he was informed of the possible range of battlefield weapons of mass destruction; and what types of armament he understood to be defined as battlefield weapons. [154253]

  The Prime Minister
  Yes. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Aldershot (Mr. Howarth) on 15 September 2003,Official Report, column 515W.

TREASURY

  Atrazine
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what quantities of Atrazine have been imported through each British port in the last 12 months. [153909]

  John Healey
  Atrazine is classified in commodity code 29336910, which is a set of related chemicals. The full description for this group is: Atrazine(ISO); propazine (ISO); hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1.3,5-triazine (hexogen, trimethylenetrinitramine).

  Imports of goods under this commodity code from non-EU countries through British ports in the last 12 months, for which figures are available are shown in the following table.

  Imports, December 2002 to November 2003

  Port

  Net mass (kgs)

  Liverpool

  2,093

  Felixstowe

  40,000

  Total

  42,093

  Source:

  Overseas Trade Statistics, HMCE
  1347W

  Benefit and Tax Errors
  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on incompatibilities between working tax credit and council tax benefits processing systems, which may have resulted in errors in assessing eligibility. [152253]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Local authorities have made changes to their IT systems to ensure that working tax credit and child tax credit are taken into account when assessing entitlement to council tax benefit. Taxpayers are required to notify their local authority of the amount of tax credits that they receive. Arrangements are in place between the Inland Revenue and local authorities to enable relevant information about tax credits to be provided when requested.

  Benefit Fraud
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of benefit fraud have been identified by Inland Revenue payroll cleanse operations in each of the last five years; how many of these were referred to the Department for Work and Pensions; and if he will make a statement. [153289]

  Dawn Primarolo
  When the Inland Revenue Payroll Cleanse Unit identifies potential benefit fraud cases they refer them all to the Department for Work and Pensions for their action. The numbers of potential fraud cases referred over the last five years are as follows:

  Number

  1999–2000

  21,151

  2000–01

  19,297

  2001–02

  7,102

  2002–03

  11,336

  2003 to 31 January 2004

  11,486

  Decent Homes Standard
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what effect he estimates the Inland Revenue ruling of 24 October 2003 will have on Bridgend's ability to achieve the 2010 decent homes standard; and whether additional Government support will be available to meet this target; [154228]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the effect on the welfare of tenants of Valleys to Coast Housing Ltd. if the Inland Revenue's ruling of 24 October 2003 is upheld. [154229]

  Dawn Primarolo
  On 24 October the Inland Revenue gave a preliminary view on the tax implications of contracts developed by a major accountancy firm. Discussions are continuing.

  Health Statistics
  David Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the latest figures for the death rate from(a) cancer and (b) coronary heart disease are for the (i) East Riding of Yorkshire and (ii) United Kingdom; and what they were in 1997. [154166]
  1348W
  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to David Davis, dated 10 February 2004:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question concerning the latest figures for the death rate from (a) cancer and (b) coronary heart disease for the (i) East Riding of Yorkshire and (ii) United Kingdom; and what they were in 1997. (154166)
  Death rates are included in the attached table for 1997 and 2002, the latest year for which figures are currently available.

  Death rates1 from cancer and coronary heart disease2 in the East Riding of Yorkshire local authority and the United Kingdom,31997 and 20024

  Death rates per 100,000 population

  1997

  2002

  Cancer

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  194

  176

  United Kingdom

  203

  189

  Coronary Heart Disease

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  153

  111

  United Kingdom

  163

  128

  1Rates per 100,000 population standardised to the European Standard Population.

  2 The cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) for1997, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) for 2002. The codes used are listed below: Cancer (malignant neoplasms)—ICD-9 140–208: ICD-10 C00–C97; Coronary Heart Disease—ICD-9 410–414; ICD-10 120–125.

  3 Usual residents of these areas.

  4 Deaths occurring in each calendar year in England and Wales, and deaths registered in each calendar year in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Higher Education Spending
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the right hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East and Wallsend (Mr. Brown) in the last 10 days regarding future higher education spending; and what the outcome was of those discussions. [153695]

  Mr. Boateng
  Treasury Ministers have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals, including Members of both Houses of Parliament, as part of the process of policy development and analysis. As with previous Administrations, it is not this Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Ministerial Code.

  Income Tax
  John Barrett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was raised from income tax in(a) the City of Edinburgh local authority area, (b)) Scotland and (c) the United Kingdom in 2003. [153374]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The most recent information on income tax liability is given in the following table.
  1349W

  Income tax liability (£ billion) in 2000–01

  (a) City of Edinburgh UA

  1.0

  (b) Scotland

  7.3

  (c) United Kingdom

  105.6

  Estimates are based upon the Survey of Personal Incomes 2000–01, and represents liability arising in that year.

  John Barrett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the percentage collection rate of income tax in(a) the City of Edinburgh local authority area, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK for 2003; and if he will make a statement. [153375]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue does not hold details of the percentage collection rate of income tax on a local or regional basis.

  The following table shows the national percentage rate as at the end October 2002. These are the latest figures available. The Department's accounting year runs to the end of October and the figures are a snapshot of the position at that time. The figures also include arrears of income tax carried forward from earlier years.

  Income tax

  Total liabilities (£ million)

  125,701.3

  Receipts (£ million)

  120,890.3

  Percentage collected

  96.17

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was raised from income tax in(a) the North West and (b) Lancashire in the last year for which figures are available. [153879]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The most recent information on income tax liability is given in the table.

  Income tax liability in 2000–01

  £ billion

  (a) North West

  9.3

  (b) Lancashire

  1.6

  Estimates are based upon the Survey of Personal Incomes 2000–01.

  Ivory
  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many prosecutions have resulted from seizures of ivory and ivory products in each of the last five years. [153055]

  John Healey
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 6 February 2004,Official Report, column 1082W.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what disposal methods have been used for ivory tusks and products seized by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise since 1999. [153056]

  John Healey
  Ivory tusks and products seized by Customs are destroyed by incineration, apart from small quantities donated on request for medical and 1350W
  other scientific research or to museums and zoos for educational purposes. In addition, Customs retain a few samples for public education and staff training purposes.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2004,Official Report, column 496W, on ivory, what type of ivory products were seized; and what information he has collated on the country of origin in each case. [153093]

  John Healey
  I very much regret that my answer of 28 January 2004,Official Report, column 354W, inadvertently contained an incorrect figure. The table gives the corrected information.

  Ivory tusks

  Other items containing ivory

  Calendar year

  Number of seizures

  Number of items seized

  Number of seizures

  Number of items seized

  Total number of seizures

  2003

  7

  22

  23

  126

  30

  2002

  4

  5

  18

  74

  22

  2001

  6

  8

  27

  649

  33

  2000

  6

  19

  19

  84

  25

  1999

  7

  12

  11

  13

  18

  Total

  30

  66

  98

  946

  128

  The 1,012 ivory items seized by HM Customs and Excise since 1999 consisted of the following:

  Number

  Elephant tusks

  17

  Knives

  2

  Jewellery

  66

  Statues

  33

  Carved ivory

  44

  Piano keys

  411

  Other parts of musical instruments

  8

  Furniture

  7

  Other ivory pieces

  258

  In addition, Customs seized the following items, which are treated as ivory for the purposes of recording seizures:

  Number

  Rhino horn

  1

  Walrus tusk

  3

  Hippo tusk

  15

  Other tusks

  30

  Hippo teeth

  117

  Information on the country of origin of the products seized is not available.

  National Insurance
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of those who are due to receive delayed deficiency notices from the National Insurance Contributions Office for each year since 2000 have received the notices; and if he will make a statement. [153285]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue has started writing to people whose national insurance account shows shortfalls for the years 1996–97 to 2001–02. As
  1351W
  the letters may cover any or all of those years, it is not possible to identify separately the letters which relate just to the years since 2000. In total, 10.2 million letters will be issued. As of 1 February 2004, £1.2 million had been sent out. It is anticipated that all letters will be sent out by September.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether investigations into the submission by employers of(a) incorrect and (b) invalid national insurance numbers have ever been suspended; and if he will make a statement. [153286]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Such investigations are carried out on a daily basis as part of the Inland Revenue's normal work procedures to ensure that, where possible, national insurance contributions sent in by employers are properly recorded on employees' individual national insurance accounts. There has not been any suspension of this activity.

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many end of year returns which could not be linked to a national insurance account have been left unallocated at the end of each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [153287]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue estimate that around 55 million end of year contribution returns are received each year. Around 4 per cent. of these contain incomplete or incorrect identifying details and cannot be allocated to an individual national insurance account without further information. Most of these non-matching items have no or little impact on people's benefit entitlements. The Inland Revenue works with employers to trace and match contributions, concentrating on cases where they are likely to have a significant impact on entitlement.

  The number of end of year returns not linked to a national insurance account as at 31 March 2003 is given in the table. The numbers outstanding as at 31 March 2002 and earlier years are not available.

  Number

  1997–98

  1,776,278

  1998–99

  2,690,708

  1999–2000

  2,205,116

  2000–01

  2,312,424

  2001–02

  2,359,896

  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is a margin of error allowed by the National Insurance Contributions Office when calculating national insurance figures; and if he will make a statement. [153290]

  Dawn Primarolo
  In the vast majority of cases national insurance records are updated accurately. In some cases where the information received is inaccurate, the Inland Revenue takes all reasonable action to investigate and correct the records, but operates administrative tolerances where the costs of investigating would be excessive compared to the amounts involved. In these cases the amount recorded on the employee's national insurance account always reflects the higher value so that they do not lose out on future benefit entitlement.
  1352W
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what backlogs there are in the handling of national insurance data in the National Insurance Contributions Office; and if he will make a statement. [153291]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The National Insurance Contributions Office is on track to meet all its targets for processing national insurance data in 2003–04.

  Payroll Giving
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many employers provided Payroll Giving schemes in(a) July 1998 and (b) July 2003; [153447]

  (2) how many FTSE 250 companies offered Payroll Giving schemes in (a) December 1998 and (b) December 2003. [153448]

  John Healey
  Payroll Giving schemes allow employees to make donations to charities directly from their pay packets. The Government introduced improvements to the Payroll Giving scheme in Budget 2000. At that time, a 10 per cent. supplement on all donations made through Payroll Giving schemes was introduced for a three-year period, until April 2003. This was extended until April 2004.

  There are no centrally held figures for the number of employers (or FTSE 250 companies) providing Payroll Giving schemes. The Association of Payroll Giving Agencies provides data to the Inland Revenue on the number of new Payroll Giving contracts set up. From these figures, it is estimated that there were 8,947 Payroll Giving schemes at 30 June 1998, which had increased to 12,782 by 30 June 2000. A further 3,299 new schemes had been set up by 30 June 2003. However, this does not give an accurate figure for the number of employers offering schemes as some employers operate more than one scheme and some schemes may be dormant.

  The Inland Revenue has measured employee access to Payroll Giving schemes through NOP surveys. In July 1999, this indicated that around one in five employees (5.75 million) had access to a Payroll Giving scheme. In July 2003, the proportion was about the same (one in five), but the growth in employment means that this equates to six million employees.

  Research and Development Tax Credit
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce a research and development tax incentive in Northern Ireland. [154124]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The research and development tax credit is available to companies for qualifying expenditure on research and development, including those in Northern Ireland. As announced at the Pre-Budget Report, following consultation, the Government intend to simplify and extend the coverage of research and development tax credits.

  Thalidomide Trust
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to instruct the Inland Revenue to allow the Thalidomide Trust to make all distributions tax exempt under section 329 of the Finance Act 1996. [153527]
  1353W
  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue applies the law as set down by Parliament. It would not be appropriate for Ministers to instruct the Inland Revenue to apply the law in a particular way. Discussions between the trustees of the Thalidomide Trust and officials of the Inland Revenue are currently taking place on this issue. While no conclusion has yet been reached the Government believe we should await the outcome of those discussions.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the rate of unemployment in each(a) county and (b) Lancashire constituency was in each year since 1995; and if he will make a statement. [153510]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Lindsay Hoyle, dated 10 February 2004:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about unemployment rates in Lancashire. (153510)
  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) following the standard International Labour Organisation definitions. Table 1 gives unemployment rates for the administrative county of Lancashire for the twelve month period ending February of

  Table 2—Percentage of resident working age population claiming JSA annual averages1

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Administrative county

  Lancashire

  4.2

  3.2

  2.8

  2.7

  2.4

  2.1

  2.0

  1.9

  Parliamentary constituencies2

  Blackpool North and Fleetwood3

  5.9

  4.7

  3.9

  3.6

  3.4

  3.2

  2.8

  2.6

  Burnley

  3.6

  2.9

  2.6

  2.9

  2.4

  2.2

  2.2

  2.0

  Chorley

  3.8

  2.6

  2.1

  2.1

  1.9

  1.7

  1.6

  1.4

  Fylde

  2.7

  1.9

  1.5

  1.4

  1.3

  1.3

  1.4

  1.2

  Hyndburn

  3.6

  2.9

  2.7

  2.5

  2.1

  1.9

  2.0

  2.0

  Lancaster and Wyre

  3.6

  2.8

  2.4

  2.3

  2.0

  1.7

  1.5

  1.3

  Pendle

  3.8

  2.8

  2.6

  2.9

  2.7

  2.4

  2.2

  2.1

  Preston

  7.1

  5.5

  4.6

  4.3

  3.9

  3.4

  3.3

  3.1

  Ribble Valley

  2.2

  1.5

  1.1

  1.1

  1.0

  0.9

  0.8

  0.8

  Rossendale and Darwen4

  3.3

  2.4

  2.3

  2.5

  2.2

  2.0

  1.9

  1.7

  South Ribble

  3.2

  2.2

  1.8

  1.8

  1.6

  1.3

  1.3

  1.3

  West Lancashire

  5.8

  4.6

  4.3

  4.2

  3.5

  3.1

  3.1

  2.9

  1 The percentage of resident working age population of an area. The population denominators are based on output area data from the 2001 census.

  2 Based on 1995 constituency boundaries available from January 1996

  3 Part in Blackpool Unitary Authority

  4 Part in Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority

  Note:

  The data are not seasonally adjusted

  Source:

  Jobcentre Plus administrative system

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Brownfield Land
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which brownfield sites in Northumberland are on English Partnerships' Register. [153812]
  1354W
  each year from 1997 to 2002. Comparable information is not available for earlier years. The LFS sample size is too small to give reliable information about unemployment in each constituency in Lancashire.
  As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to sampling variability.
  ONS also compiles statistics of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for local areas including Parliamentary Constituencies. Table 2 gives the annual average percentage of resident working age population who are ISA claimants in the administrative county of Lancashire and for each Constituency in Lancashire for the years 1996 to 2003. Comparable figures for Counties and Parliamentary Constituencies based on the 1995 boundaries are only available from 1996. The data are not seasonally adjusted.

  Table 1—Unemployment rates1 in the administrative County of Lancashire

  Twelve month period ending February

  Per cent

  1997

  5.6

  1998

  4.9

  1999

  4.2

  2000

  5.4

  2001

  4.4

  2002

  3.8

  1 Unemployed as a percentage of the economically active population

  Note:

  These LFS estimates have not been interim-adjusted to reflect the 2001 Census results

  Source:

  ONS Labour Force Survey

  Keith Hill
  The English Partnerships Register is based on the National Land Use Database (N LUD) of Previously Developed Land, which shows an estimated total of 600 hectares of brownfield land in Northumberland. Of the total, 350 hectares are vacant or derelict and 250 hectares are currently in use hut are known to have potential for redevelopment. Information on individual sites is owned by the local authorities which
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  supplied it and is available to public sector bodies through the NLUD website on signature of a licence. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working with English Partnerships, the Information and Development Agency (IDeA) and Ordnance Survey on a system of licensing which will make the information generally available on similar terms.

  Care Homes (Sprinklers)
  Ross Cranston
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to take steps to make it compulsory for care homes for the elderly to be installed with sprinklers; and if he will make a statement. [153595]

  Mr. Raynsford
  I refer my hon. Friend to the written statement given by the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Mr. Hope), on 4 February 2004,Official Report,column 41WS.

  Community Projects
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the work of the Active Community Unit; and what its budget is for each financial year from 2001–02 to 2005–06. [152915]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government's commitment to engaging with communities to strengthen civil society and build civil renewal has been reflected in the work of what is now the Active Communities Directorate in the Home Office. Last year, the work of the Active Community Unit was expanded to incorporate a Charities Unit and a Civil Renewal Unit. Through the new Active Communities Directorate, the Home Office aims to build strong, thriving communities where everyone, regardless of age, race or social background has a stake in society.

  A vibrant voluntary and community sector is central to delivering this vision. The Government's commitment to work with the sector is set out in the Compact and has been underpinned through recent spending reviews. From 2001 to 2006, an extra £155 million is being invested in supporting volunteering. From 2003 to 2006, an extra £218 million is being invested in strengthening the sector's ability to deliver high quality and effective services. This includes the £125 million futurebuilders programme, which is being distributed by an independent provider under contract to the Home Office. These additional investments are mainly programme spending received by the voluntary and community sector and volunteering initiatives.

  The overall budget for the work on Active Communities for each financial year from 2001–02 to 2005–06, rounded to the nearest million pounds, is as follows:

  £ million

  Core funds

  Spending review commitments

  Futurebuilders fund

  2001–02

  21

  25

  —

  2002–03

  22

  35

  —

  2003–04

  21

  60

  10

  2004–05

  21

  63

  57

  2005–06

  21

  65

  58

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  Fire Service
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress has been made in the procurement of a replacement radio system for the fire service; when he expects that the contract will be awarded; and when he expects the new system to be operational. [154347]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Following evaluation of the responses received to the Invitation to Submit Proposals for a radio system for the Fire and Rescue Services, negotiation has begun with those suppliers who were short listed. It is planned to award the Firelink contract in July 2004 with roll-out due to be completed by the end of December 2007.

  Housing Development Strategy (Islington)
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the London borough of Islington on a housing development strategy that would ensure an increase in the number of properties for rent by the council and housing associations; and if he will make a statement. [153942]

  Keith Hill
  I have had no specific discussions with Islington on this issue. Officials at the Government Office for London have recently agreed as fit for purpose Islington's 2004–07 Housing Strategy. This sets out their need for affordable, including social, housing and the steps they are taking to meet the demand.

  Islington Council
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of objections to the methods of consultation used by Islington council on an arm's length management organisation; and if he will make a statement. [153945]

  Keith Hill
  The London borough of Islington applied to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister in January for approval under section 27 of the Housing Act 1985 to delegate its housing management functions to its Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO). The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering the consultation undertaken by the borough and all the representations received as part of the assessment of this application.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will rank each county council and unitary authority according to the per capita level per authority, listing the grant amount in each case. [154377]

  Mr. Raynsford
  Two tables have been made available in the Library of the House. The first table shows the per capita 2004–05 formula grant for shire counties, ranked in order. The second table shows the per capita 2004–05 formula grant for unitary authorities (i.e. London boroughs (including the City of London), metropolitan districts, and shire unitary authorities).

  Two tables have been provided since shire counties do not provide the same services as unitary authorities. Unitary authorities provide a broadly equivalent service to both shire counties and shire districts in two-tier shire areas.
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  However care should be taken even when comparing only shire counties or only unitary authorities.

  Shire counties that are in areas where Local Government Re-organisation has occurred do not have responsibility for fire services, whereas the other shire counties do.

  The City of London has additional responsibility for police services within its area and the Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly have responsibility for fire services within their areas. Within the London area, responsibility for public transport lies with Transport for London.

  Social Housing
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action his Department has taken to ensure that all social sector homes have(a) adequate loft and cavity wall insulation, (b) an efficient heating system and (c) a minimum energy efficiency rating. [153278].

  Keith Hill
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a Public Service Agreement to provide that all social sector tenants have the opportunity of a decent home by 2010. The decent homes standard has four criteria, one of which relates to thermal comfort and requires the home to have efficient heating as well as effective insulation.

  Delivery of the decent homes target will involve carrying out improvement works to the thermal comfort of 1.26 million dwellings and will ensure that all social sector homes have effective insulation and efficient heating. Of these 77 per cent. fail on insulation, 17 per cent. fail on heating and 6 per cent. fail on both.

  In addition, all new social sector homes grant-funded by the Housing Corporation are required to achieve an EcoHomes 'Pass' rating, which goes beyond the minimum standards for energy efficiency of all new developments that are set out in part L of the Building Regulations. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to further amendments to Part L which will increase the energy efficiency of new dwellings and which should be in place by 2005.

  There is no requirement that social homes meet a minimum energy efficiency rating.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what studies his Department has commissioned into the standards of(a) insulation and (b) heating systems in social sector housing. [153279]

  Keith Hill
  The English House Condition Survey provides a comprehensive range of data on insulation and heating standards in the social sector stock. The latest data are from the 2001 survey. Information from the 2002–03 combined survey will be available in November 2004.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the adequacy of the decent homes standard set for social housing. [153280]

  Keith Hill
  When the decent homes target was first set, a definition was established so that those responsible for delivery were working to a common outcome, resources 1358W
  required for delivery could be established and progress tracked. A decent home is one which:

  meets the current statutory minimum standard for housing (fitness standard)

  is in a reasonable state of repair

  has reasonably modern facilities and services

  provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort

  The standard is a minimum standard. It is the standard that triggers action and is not the standard that we expect work to be done to. The guidance on implementation of the standard encourages landlords, in partnership with their tenants, to go beyond the basic requirements of the decent homes standard where possible.

  Resources available to tackle poor condition housing are limited and therefore we focussed the definition on the essentials to provide a warm, wind and weather tight home.

  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) council houses and flats and (b) social housing units were built in each of the last 25 years. [153596]

  Keith Hill
  National numbers, based on reports from local authorities and National House-Building Council, are published in Housing Statistics 2003 (Tables 2.5a–2.5f), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received concerning the proportion of social housing to be included in new developments in Greater London; and if he will make a statement. [153947]

  Keith Hill
  The issue is frequently raised in the context of individual planning cases and sometimes in relation to borough unitary development plans and associated supplementary planning guidance. The issue was discussed at the examination in public of the draft London Plan in April 2003. Since then, the House Builders' Federation have raised the issue in discussions with officials in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

  Travellers
  Andrew Selous
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in circumstances when unauthorised developments by travellers and gipsies are permitted by planning inspectors or the Secretary of State because of the traveller and gipsy status of the inhabitants, what requirements his Department places on those inhabitants to maintain a traveller or gipsy lifestyle; and what this lifestyle must consist of. [153723]

  Keith Hill
  For the purposes of planning law, a gipsy is a person of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or origin. Nomadic implies a connection between the person's travels and their means of making or seeking their livelihood. Gipsy status may be a material consideration taken into account in deciding whether to grant planning permission for a caravan site established without it. Planning permission is not simply granted because of the gipsy status of the inhabitants. Court decisions mean that nomadic and gipsy status are not necessarily lost where travel is periodic, seasonal or ceases temporarily. However, a person who retired
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  permanently from travelling for whatever reason (e.g. ill-health) would cease to be a gipsy for planning law purposes and would be in breach of a planning condition limiting the use of a caravan site to gipsies. Enforcement of planning control is a matter for the local planning authority.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Bribery
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what procedures the UK Trade and Investment Business Group has in place to prevent corruption and bribery on projects supported under the Overseas Projects Fund. [151514]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Overseas Projects Fund (OPF) provides financial assistance towards the pre-contractual costs incurred by British companies when pursuing major overseas projects. The scheme closed to new applications on 7 July 2003. British companies receiving assistance under the OPF Scheme must provide UKTI with regular reports of their pre-contractual activities and submit auditor's reports in respect of the claims for reimbursement of the eligible costs they incur. In any cases where the claims give rise to any need for further clarification this is sought from the company prior to making a payment. Before the award of OPF, the post in the country where the project is located provides UKTI with an evaluation of both the project and the company involved.

  UKTI staff administering the OPF Scheme have internal guidance on bribery and corruption, details of which are in my reply to the hon. Member on 4 February 2004, Official Report, column 876W.

  Broadband
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans Ofcom has to support alternative service providers offering sustainable broadband solutions by amending the charges applied to these providers for activation and service migration in the broadband market. [152394]

  Mr. Timms
  These are matters for the Office of Communications (Ofcom). I have, therefore, asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to respond directly to the hon. Member. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the means by which community broadband networks can access advice and financial support from her Department for their campaigns. [154120]

  Mr. Timms
  The joint DTI/Defra Rural Broadband Unit has recently published a toolkit to help rural communities and businesses understand the issues surrounding access to broadband.

  DTI and Defra are supporting the Community Broadband Network (CBN) which aims to offer a collaboration network for those setting up community-owned projects. The CBN is a partnership that includes
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  RuralNet and the Phone Co-op and will create a market place to help bring together those who need advice with those who have the experience.

  DTI are supporting a "broadband place" on the UK Villages website. This will see a dedicated broadband 'space' on all pages serving the 32,000 communities on that website and will enable communities around the UK to share advice and experiences of broadband.

  The regional development agencies and devolved administrations are able to offer support and advice for community broadband campaigns. For example, the South-East England Development Agency has produced an online toolkit to support the development of wireless community broadband networks. htto:// www.seeonline.net/broadband/communityselfhelp.

  Competitiveness (Environmental Targets)
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the target for the reduction of carbon emissions on the overall competitiveness of UK industry. [153541]

  Mr. Timms
  The Department has published a number of assessments of the impact of meeting carbon reduction targets on the competitiveness of UK industry. Modelling work undertaken for the 2003 energy White Paper looked at the implications of 20 per cent. and 30 per cent. reductions in CO2 emissions by 2020. The assessment is available at annex F of www.dti.gov.uk/energy/whitepaper/phase2.pdf.

  Further work has also recently been published looking at the trade and regional implications of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme which is due to start in January 2005. This is available at: www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/euetsimplications.pdf.

  Electricity Supply
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of(a) projected supplies and (h) projected usage of electricity for the coming years; and if she will make a statement. [153369]

  Mr. Timms
  Latest DTI projections of future electricity demand are set out in updated energy projections published in July 2003 and available on the DTI website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/projections.pdf.

  NETA places strong incentives on suppliers to contract for their customers' demand and also places strong incentives on generators to deliver the power that they have contracted to deliver.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to secure the continuity of the electricity supply. [153922]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government attach great importance to reliable electricity supplies—reliable supply is one of the four key goals of energy policy as set out in the Government's Energy White Paper.
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  We are confident that a market-based approach for provision of electricity will work—there has been evidence of that this year, as mothballed plant has been brought back in response to earlier projections that of inadequate capacity. Indeed, National Grid Transco recently announced that the winter generation margin had increased to 21.6 per cent., indicating the ability of the electricity market to deliver secure supplies, including the maintenance of secure supplies during the recent cold weather.

  If the market is to work, it needs confidence that Government will not intervene—we have said we will not intervene in the market except in extreme circumstances, to protect safety. That remains our position. But we are not complacent and, through JESS, we and Ofgem continually monitor developments and look for ways to improve the operation of the market.

  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has in place to ensure that the power cuts that affected(a) areas of London and Kent on 28 August 2003 and (b) the West Midlands on 5 September 2003 will not re-occur. [153921]

  Mr. Timms
  Officials in my Engineering Inspectorate monitor power failures attributed to the national grid and they liaise with staff in the transmission companies to ensure adequate remedial measures are put in place. At my request, inspectors recently completed a formal investigation of the major interruptions on 28 August and 5 September 2003.

  The investigation has highlighted a number of issues in connection with the power cuts. The inspectors' conclusions and recommendations are being passed to the electricity companies concerned, so that they can take the necessary action to enhance the robustness of their networks, and so make such occurrences less likely. The Engineering Inspectorate will be holding discussions with the companies concerned and monitoring the action they take. It has powers to ensure compliance with any recommendations made.

  Home Computing Initiatives
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with representatives of the Swedish Government about home computing initiatives, with particular reference to the annual tax exemption on loaned computers announced by the Chancellor in 1999. [153341]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  I understand that Inland Revenue officials have had contact in the past with officials in the Swedish Ministry of Finance to obtain information about the benefits tax exemption that applies to computers in Sweden.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much money has been spent in each of the last five years on promoting internet use among micro and small businesses. [153572]
  1362W
  Mr. Timms
  Through the Information Society Initiative and its successor the UK online for business programme, the Government has spent the following on promoting the use of the Internet and ICT:

  £ million

  1999–2000

  10.1

  2000–01

  13.9

  2001–02

  15.1

  2002–03

  13.1

  2003–04

  17

  1 Forecast outturn.

  Internet Shopping
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's support for the Internet Shopping Is Safe campaign; and what assessment she has made of the campaign's contribution to consumer confidence in e-commerce. [152944]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The Government have been pleased to lend their support to the Interactive Media in Retail Group's (IMRG) Internet Shopping Is Safe Campaign on past occasions.

  The Government welcome private sector initiatives to promote e-commerce. Business has an important role to play in spreading good practice and in raising consumer awareness about safe internet use.

  My Department has made no assessment of the impact of the IMRG campaign on consumer confidence in e-commerce.

  The Government are continuing their efforts to improve consumers' access to better information about online shopping through their Safe Internet Shopping initiative.

  Labour Disputes
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the average cost of working days lost due to labour disputes in(a) the public sector and (b) the private sector for each year between 1995 and 2003; and if she will make a statement. [151712]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  [holding answer 29 January 2004]I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 2 February 2004.Official Report, columns 635–36W.

  Manufacturing Advisory Service
  Mr. Kidney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Manufacturing Advisory Service; and whether her Department will continue to fund this service in future years. [153433]

  Jacqui Smith
  I receive regular reports on the performance of the Manufacturing Advisory Service. These highlight the great success that the service has achieved as a source of practical advice and support to manufacturers in England and Wales since its launch in April 2002. More than 5,400 companies have benefited from initial diagnostic visits by the service's expert
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  advisers; of these, over 1,100 have gone on to undertake in-depth projects, resulting in productivity improvements averaging 38 per cent. and an annualised added value benefit approaching £38 million.

  The Department's funding for the Manufacturing Advisory Service, which is at least matched by the English Regional Development Agencies and the Welsh Development Agency, will amount to £4.7 million in 2003–04 and £3.4 million in 2004–05. We are in the process of discussing with the Regional Development Agencies how the service will be funded in future years.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much imported nuclear waste has been dealt with by NIREX; what revenue NIREX has received for dealing with that waste; and if she will make a statement. [153373]

  Mr. Timms
  None. The UK does not allow the import of radioactive waste, and Nirex has no role in handling spent nuclear fuel from overseas.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the costs that will he incurred as a result of her plans for intermediate level waste substitution. [153560]

  Mr. Timms
  The costs associated with ILW substitution are dealt with in the Regulatory Impact Assessment at Appendix 2 of the Consultation document, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much additional nuclear waste she estimates will be stored in the United Kingdom as a result of her plans for intermediate level waste substitution. [153561]

  Mr. Timms
  The NAC International report estimates that the volume of overseas intermediate level radioactive waste (ILW) retained in the UK as a result of ILW substitution would be about 1.4 per cent. of the UK's total ILW. This amounts to approximately 3,000m3. This would be partially offset by a reduction in high level waste that would otherwise be retained in the UK of about 50m3.

  Overseas Projects Fund
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and industry if she will list the companies which have received support from the Overseas Projects Fund since 1997, stating in each instance(a) the amount received by each company and (b) the project for which the support was provided. [151515]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Overseas Projects Fund (OPF) Scheme closed to new applications on 7 July 2003. The scheme provides financial assistance towards the pre-contractual costs incurred by British companies when pursuing major overseas projects. It does not provide finance for the project involved. Since 1 January 1997, 100 companies have received OPF funding of 1364W
  £21 million in respect of 154 projects. Disclosure of individual OPF awards to companies could compromise their efforts to win overseas business. (Exemptions 13 and 14 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information apply—third party confidentiality and information given in confidence).

  Printer Cartridge Remanufacturing Industry
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has met representatives from the printer cartridge remanufacturing industry to discuss the scope of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. [153196]

  Mr. Timms
  DTI Ministers have not received any requests for meetings with representatives of the printer cartridge remanufacturing industry.

  Productivity
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of enterprise areas on(a) the overall productivity of UK businesses and (b) reducing disparities in regional productivity. [153575]

  Jacqui Smith
  Enterprise areas were announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the 2002 pre-Budget report. A range of policy measures, some of which are currently still under development or subject to new legislation, will benefit enterprise areas. It is too early for an assessment of the contribution of these measures to economic regeneration or productivity to have been made.

  Wind Turbines
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the effects of low frequency noise from wind turbines on human health; and if she will make a statement. [153742]

  Mr. Timms
  Currently planning authorities take into account the recommendations and methodologies for the measurement of noise in the case of wind farms, as set out in the report "ETSU-R-97: The Assessment and Rating of Noise from Wind Farms".

  The methodologies applied during the planning application stage to satisfy authorities that noise emission levels will fall within accepted levels do not include the measurement of infrasound as we are not aware of any scientifically validated evidence that infrasound emitted from wind turbines affects human health.

  Project Funding
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding has been provided by her Department to help finance(a) the Rethinking Construction Initiative, (b) the Sustainable Technologies Initiative, (c) the UK Online for Business Initiative, (d) the Waste and Resource Action Programme, (e) the Euroim II Initiative, (f) the Feasibility Studies Initiative for SMES, (g) the Local Partnership Fund and (h) the Technology Partnership Initiative in each financial year since the inception of each; what funding has been

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  allocated to finance each in future financial years; and if she will estimate the extent to which businesses have benefited from each initiative to date. [149447]

  Expenditure (£000)

  Rethinking Construction Initiative(a)

  Sustainable Technologies Initiative

  UK Online for Business(c)

  WRAP(d)

  EUROIM II

  Local Business Partnership Fund(e)

  Technology Partnership Initiative

  1999–2000

  n/a

  132

  —

  —

  —

  —

  350

  2000–01

  n/a

  213

  13,900

  —

  18

  —

  500

  2001–02

  1,494

  312

  15,100

  650

  49

  23

  500

  2002–03

  1,696

  821

  13,100

  5,000

  20

  259

  500

  2003–04

  1,723

  1,170

  7,000

  5,000

  65

  314

  450

  2004–05

  —

  2,107

  —

  n/a

  38

  —

  —

  2005–06

  —

  1,554

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2006–07

  —

  1,354

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2007–08

  —

  (b)1,786

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2008–09

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. Funded by former DETR 1998 to June 2001. These data are not readily available.

  2. Shows funding in years 2007–08 and 2008–09.

  3. UK online for business was established in September 2000 as a successor programme to the Information Society Initiative.

  4. Expenditure in 2000–01 includes the period April to August 2000, when the ISI was still in force.

  5. Funding for 2004–05 will be announced shortly.

  6. The Local Partnership Fund is not a DTI scheme. Expenditure figures have been provided for the Local Business Partnership Fund.

  7. Some historic expenditure data have been omitted from this reply due to the disproportionate cost of providing it.

  8. Forecast expenditure reflects outstanding legal commitments.

  Benefits to business:

  (a) Rethinking Construction Initiative

  In the four years to 2003 projects involved in the demonstration projects programme (worth £7 billion) have achieved:

  cost savings of 6 per cent. compared to the industry average, equating to £420 million;

  a 61 per cent. lower accident rate than the industry average, projected as a £360 million cost saving; and

  2 per cent. higher profits than the industry average, equating to £140 million.

  (b) Sustainable Technologies Initiative

  The Sustainable Technologies Initiative supports collaborative research and technological development to improve the sustainable economic growth of UK business.

  (c) UK Online for Business

  UK online for business programme has helped several hundred thousand businesses, with over 250,000 interactions per year. The programme has provided advice, publications, tools, case studies and research to help companies understand and adopt e-business.

  A recent survey showed high levels of customer satisfaction: 89 per cent. of customers using the help desk facility said they would use the service again, and 87 per cent. using the call centre said they would use the service again. Satisfaction levels with UK online for business publications were also high at 86 per cent.

  (d) Waste and Resources Action Programme

  Numerous businesses have benefited from receiving advice and financial support from WRAP. Further details can be obtained from the WRAP Annual Report and Accounts, which are available at: www.wrap.org.uk
  1366W
  Ms Hewitt
  The following table shows the level of funding provided to 2002–03 and the projected spend in future years.

  (e) Euroim II

  EUROIM II helps businesses in the industrial minerals sector to find partners and prepare proposals for research and development support from EU programmes.

  (f) Feasibility Studies Initiative for SMEs

  This is not a specific DTI initiative, although feasibility studies are a key feature of the new Grant For Investigating An Innovative Idea.

  (g) Local Partnership Fund

  The Local Partnership Fund is not a DTI scheme.

  DTI supports Local Business Partnerships through the Local Business Partnership Fund. This aims to develop a culture of education and dialogue with enforcers, and reduce the cost to business of implementing regulation by helping businesses to understand their responsibilities and making it easier for them to comply.

  (h) Technology Partnership Initiative

  The Technology Partnership Initiative promotes the UK environmental technology and services sector overseas and is a means of introducing UK companies to international markets.

  Public Bodies (Membership)
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who the members of the(a) Northern Ireland Committee on Telecommunications, (b) Economic and Social Research Council, (c) Medical Research Council, (d) Natural Environment Research Council and (e) Horticulture Research International were on 1 January; what their term of office is in each case; and what their remuneration is. [151302]

  Ms Hewitt
  The information is as follows.

  (a) The Northern Ireland Committee on Telecommunications ceased to exist on 31 December 2003.
  1367W
  (b) The Economic and Social Research Council consists of the following members:

  Members

  Period of Appointments

  Alan Alexander

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Patricia Broadfoot

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Frances Cairncross1

  1 April 2001 to 31 March 2004

  Andrew Chesher

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Helen Dent

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Fiona Devine

  31 January 2003 to 31 July 2005

  Ian Diamond2

  1 January 2003 to 31 December 2006

  Hayden Ellis

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2004

  Paul Johnson3

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2004

  Jonathan Adair Turner

  12 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Robin Wensley

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Stephen Wilks

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Alan Wilson

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2004

  Andrew Winckle

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  1 Chair.

  2 Chief Executive.

  3 This member is a Government official and does not receive remuneration from the Councils for this work.

  Note:
  Frances Cairncross has been reappointed for the period 1 April 2004 to 30 March 2007.

  The Chair is paid £8,000 per annum and the members £6,000 per annum. The Chief Executive is not paid as a Council member and currently receives £81,800 per annum. He is also eligible for a bonus of up to 20 per cent. of salary.

  (c) The Medical Research Council consists of the following members:

  Members

  Period of Appointments

  David Armstrong

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Ernest Armstrong1

  1 March 2001 to 28 February 2005

  Colin Blakemore2

  1 October 2003 to 30 September 2007

  William Castell

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2005

  Anthony Cleaver3

  1 October 2002 to 30 September 2006

  Kay Davies

  1 October 2002 to 31 July 2005

  Richard Denton

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2004

  Peter Fellner

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2007

  Derek Flint

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2006

  Ruth Hall

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Ian MacLennan

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2004

  Richard North

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  John Pattison1

  1 September 1999 to 31 July 2004

  Generva Richardson

  1 March 2000 to 29 February 2004

  Nancy Rothwell

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2004

  John Savill

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2005

  1 These members are Government officials and do not receive remuneration from the Councils for this work.

  2 Chief Executive.

  3 Chair.

  Note:

  The Chair is paid £8,000 per annum and the members £6,000 per annum. The Chief Executive is not paid as a Council member and currently receives £110,000 per annum. He is also eligible for a bonus of up to 20 per cent. of salary.

  (d) The Natural Environment Research Council consists of the following members:

  Members

  Period of Appointments

  Valerie Brown

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2005

  Howard Dalton1

  1 April 2002 to 31 March 2006

  Trevor Davies

  1 November 2001 to 31 July 2005

  Michael Depledge

  15 September 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Lesley Glover

  1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004

  Colin Hicks1

  4 December 2002 to 30 November 2006

  Edwin Jenner

  1 April 2002 to 31 March 2005

  1368W

  Members

  Period of Appointments

  John Lawton2

  1 October 2002 to 30 September 2005

  Robert Margetts3

  1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006

  Karen Morgan

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2005

  Sara Parkin

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  Judith Petts

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  David Read

  1 August 2002 to 31 July 2005

  David G. Roberts

  1 August 2003 to 31 July 2006

  1 This member is a Government official and does not receive remuneration from the Councils for this work.

  2 Chief Executive.

  3 Chair.

  Note:

  The Chair is paid £8,000 per annum and the members £6,000 per annum. The Chief Executive is not paid as a Council member and currently receives £91,000 per annum. He is also eligible for a bonus of up to 20 per cent. of salary.

  (e) Appointments to Horticulture Research International are made by Defra. Details are set out in Defra's response to parliamentary question number 150839.

  Union Modernisation Fund
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the planned budget is of the Union Modernisation Fund for each year between 2004 and 2009. [153550]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  We have not yet set the fund's budgets for individual years because our planning is at an early stage. I envisage that total spend from the fund will be of the order of £5 million to £10 million. I do not expect any expenditure from the fund before 2005–06 and I have not yet decided when it will close.

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the Union Modernisation Fund will be(a) discretionary and(b) for helping workplace representatives to understand corporate accounts and corporate strategies; and if she will make a statement. [153551]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  Our ideas to establish a fund are in their early stages. However, we plan to undertake a full public consultation on the draft rules of the fund in the autumn. When we have finalised the detailed rules of the fund after those consultations, we will be able to answer the particular questions you raise.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  "Schools for the Future"
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will announce his decisions on the next round of "Schools for the Future". [153131]

  Mr. Miliband
  We aim to announce successful projects in the first wave of Building Schools for the Future shortly. A written statement will be made to Parliament. Later this year, we expect to make announcements about subsequent waves of funding.

  Behaviour Improvement Programme
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer of
  1369W
  8 January 2004,Official Report, column 470W, to the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Luff), which local education authorities have received funds under the Behaviour Improvement Programme; and how much money they have received in each year since 1997 to enable them to tackle pupil behaviour. [148322]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 19 January 2004]: The following tables provide information relating to local education authorities in the first and second phases of the Behaviour Improvement Programme (BIP). As well as BIP funding, they provide details of other DfES funding allocated through Standards Fund grants that was most relevant to pupil behaviour and attendance as

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Behaviour grants

  Behaviour grants

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC— School learning mentors and LSUs grant

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC— learning mentors and LSUs grant

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC— learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Phase 1 BIP LEAs

  Barking and Dagenham

  53,100

  64,450

  181,537

  —

  324,154

  448,000

  424,200

  768,000

  Birmingham

  51,120

  208,564

  1,431,850

  2,660,963

  2,745,445

  8,511,400

  3,297,300

  10,474,400

  Bolton

  144,060

  138,600

  249,648

  —

  450,438

  —

  524,510

  —

  Bradford

  117,600

  126,765

  370,910

  1,212,970

  1,038,324

  3,846,000

  1,259,400

  4,688,000

  Brent

  156,900

  155,000

  —

  —

  149,399

  580,000

  550,700

  994,000

  Camden

  72,600

  97,300

  274,044

  345,033

  338,762

  1,102,900

  449,850

  1,316,900

  City of Bristol

  65,040

  101,625

  300,403

  —

  601,542

  734,000

  650,900

  1,258,000

  City of Nottingham

  —

  125,012

  300,231

  —

  759,446

  810,000

  919,738

  1,389,000

  Enfield

  285,240

  175,280

  299,300

  —

  441,845

  —

  582,050

  893,000

  Greenwich

  84,000

  117,250

  341,588

  543,479

  600,907

  1,791,000

  739,550

  2,210,000

  Hackney

  92,400

  150,000

  351,785

  395,438

  567,223

  1,422,300

  637,250

  1,792,300

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  12,000

  31,750

  155,545

  235,290

  288,194

  789,000

  372,500

  975,000

  Haringey

  205,560

  144,885

  249,459

  456,762

  553,976

  1,609,800

  740,500

  2,023,800

  Hounslow

  39,960

  38,000

  102,463

  —

  375,727

  —

  455,450

  674,000

  Islington

  189,600

  130,500

  305,285

  368,499

  473,002

  1,315,600

  579,700

  1,646,600

  Kensington and Chelsea

  99,300

  3,780

  133,339

  137,743

  152,181

  826,800

  152,762

  1,143,800

  Knowsley

  76,800

  24,375

  291,054

  507,285

  775,415

  1,682,500

  908,550

  2,076,500

  Lambeth

  118,020

  137,093

  316,149

  339,617

  542,372

  1,347,900

  640,450

  1,744,900

  Leeds

  256,320

  302,250

  473,013

  1,363,727

  1,087,851

  4,434,200

  1,335,350

  5,440,200

  Lewisham

  114,900

  121,440

  280,279

  527,111

  583,335

  1,752,800

  685,400

  2,166,800

  Liverpool

  209,280

  178,000

  398,101

  1,344,798

  1,494,998

  4,211,800

  1,797,800

  5,122,800

  Manchester

  107,160

  122,513

  434,635

  1,080,735

  1,432,680

  3,603,400

  1,673,000

  4,499,400

  Newham

  91,200

  178,500

  336,066

  773,793

  839,869

  2,539,900

  1,124,650

  3,121,900

  Oldham

  —

  —

  205,517

  —

  469,200

  —

  573,500

  815,000

  Reading

  —

  —

  69,636

  —

  146,801

  —

  152,700

  —

  Rochdale

  127,680

  135,000

  193,750

  —

  502,491

  626,000

  589,700

  1,073,000

  Salford

  44,880

  48,452

  198,530

  478,338

  580,082

  1,615,700

  641,623

  2,002,700

  Sheffield

  —

  102,172

  255,330

  1,009,575

  926,995

  3,235,800

  1,007,900

  3,973,800

  Slough borough council

  —

  125,100

  126,622

  —

  162,144

  —

  191,500

  —

  Southwark

  87,840

  67,389

  427,031

  544,656

  802,783

  1,870,400

  974,000

  2,342,400

  Tower Hamlets

  247,860

  185,183

  340,939

  775,891

  954,690

  2,400,100

  1,189,250

  2,915,100

  Waltham Forest

  151,560

  151,050

  259,372

  508,202

  521,261

  1,682,300

  627,050

  2,371,300

  Westminster

  47,100

  45,000

  207,372

  315,512

  328,063

  640,900

  370,000

  640,900

  Wolverhampton

  215,880

  209,677

  279,733

  —

  455,057

  —

  565,550

  714,000

  £

  2002–03

  2003–04

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  Phase 1 BIP LEAs

  Barking and Dagenham

  435,064

  849,325

  816,667

  907,415

  1,400,335

  Birmingham

  3,132,435

  11,045,215

  875,000

  11,452,940

  1,442,000

  Bolton

  534,475

  —

  875,000

  —

  1,442,000

  Bradford

  1,206,891

  4,936,502

  875,000

  5,114,004

  1,442,000

  Brent

  564,522

  1,098,266

  875,000

  1,172,742

  1,442,000

  Camden

  466,081

  1,404,027

  875,000

  1,466,261

  1,442,000

  City of Bristol

  671,287

  1,374,994

  816,667

  1,458,560

  1,400,335

  City of Nottingham

  936,896

  1,509,621

  816,667

  1,595,780

  1,400,335

  Enfield

  611,153

  1,657,990

  875,000

  1,755,126

  1,442,000

  Greenwich

  742,741

  2,324,551

  816,667

  2,406,373

  1,400,335

  Hackney

  628,813

  1,868,779

  816,667

  1,923,407

  1,400,335

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  384,403

  1,035,888

  875,000

  1,079,380

  1,442,000

  1370W
  well as inclusion more generally. Details of expenditure on behaviour-specific measures are not collected centrally and cannot therefore be disaggregated.

  The grants have been spent on a wide range of measures to support schools and pupils, including learning mentors, learning support units, education welfare officers, behaviour and education support teams, additional time for senior school staff to focus on behaviour and attendance issues, electronic registration systems for schools, enhanced pupil referral units and other forms of alternative provision for excluded pupils, additional services on school sites to increase community involvement and support for parents of disaffected pupils.
  1371W

  £

  2002–03

  2003–04

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour LSUs grant programme

  Haringey

  768,714

  2,129,796

  875,000

  2,205,507

  1,442,000

  Hounslow

  455,500

  1,256,024

  816,667

  1,332,470

  1,400,335

  Islington

  583,574

  1,720,802

  875,000

  1,773,803

  1,442,000

  Kensington and Chelsea

  315,861

  1,173,608

  816,667

  1,194,900

  1,400,335

  Knowsley

  894,445

  2,175,852

  875,000

  2,246,817

  1,442,000

  Lambeth

  644,551

  1,811,866

  816,667

  1,859,699

  1,400,335

  Leeds

  1,321,814

  5,734,182

  875,000

  5,944,170

  1,442,000

  Lewisham

  667,643

  2,271,569

  875,000

  2,346,405

  1,442,000

  Liverpool

  1,812,723

  5,415,053

  875,000

  5,623,805

  1,442,000

  Manchester

  1,724,048

  4,722,977

  875,000

  4,882,674

  1,442,000

  Newham

  1,098,115

  3,290,486

  875,000

  3,410,904

  1,442,000

  Oldham

  568,717

  1,503,257

  875,000

  1,584,154

  1,442,000

  Reading

  160,335

  —

  875,000

  56,661

  1,442,000

  Rochdule

  590,596

  1,174,239

  875,000

  1,246,552

  1,442,000

  Salford

  657,043

  2,091,173

  875,000

  2,154,368

  1,442,000

  Sheffield

  990,027

  4,166,982

  875,000

  4,304,969

  1,442,000

  Slough borough council

  193,933

  —

  875,000

  —

  1,442,000

  Southwark

  989,651

  2,451,420

  875,000

  2,529,292

  1,442,000

  Tower Hamlets

  1,224,114

  3,088,501

  816,667

  3,212,359

  1,400,335

  Waltham Forest

  648,442

  2,174,202

  875,000

  2,246,275

  1,442,000

  Westminster

  376,153

  707,227

  875,000

  754,604

  1,442,000

  Wolverhampton

  592,328

  1,328,161

  875,000

  1,408,276

  1,442,000

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  Behaviour grunts

  Behaviour grunts

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Phase 2 BIP LEAs

  Barnsley

  120,420

  144,032

  226,442

  —

  410,952

  —

  515,400

  702,000

  Blackburn and Darwen

  —

  43,375

  259,554

  —

  491,733

  —

  531,120

  526,000

  Blackpool

  —

  99,950

  143,058

  —

  295,408

  —

  329,400

  376,000

  Doncaster

  70,980

  60,265

  254,912

  —

  538,892

  —

  632,150

  904,000

  Baling

  118,140

  —

  155,241

  —

  489,099

  631,000

  638,800

  1,082,000

  Gateshead

  18,300

  21,700

  93,588

  —

  369,175

  524,000

  460,930,

  898,000

  Halton

  —

  60,727

  110,380

  —

  303,634

  408,000

  337,250

  699,000

  Hartlepool

  70,020

  87,910

  152,496

  —

  217,050

  312,000

  268,000

  535,000

  Hull

  67,200

  129,249

  241,296

  —

  703,101

  770,000

  856,840

  1,320,000

  Leicester

  —

  125,000

  327,835

  —

  560,257

  798,000

  654,350

  1,368,000

  Luton

  —

  —

  171,747

  —

  428,344

  —

  478,691

  646,000

  Middlesbrough

  34,440

  78,550

  208,821

  —

  427,000

  528,000

  518,199

  906,000

  Newcastle

  106,800

  149,250

  182,288

  —

  559,043

  746,000

  702,650

  1,279,000

  North Tyneside

  173,040

  175,304

  317,220

  —

  349,879

  490,000

  403,350,

  840,000

  Redcar and Cleveland

  59,100

  165,750

  233,484

  —

  312,014

  512,000

  395,300.

  877,000

  Rotherham

  —

  46,350

  113,477

  589,083

  444,873

  1,844,600

  548,550

  2,233,600

  Sandwell

  —

  106,250

  308,205

  —

  550,000

  —

  735,650

  991,000

  Sefton

  94,500

  53,500

  183,546

  —

  525,220

  362,000

  592,250

  1,088,000

  Solihull

  16,800

  —

  42,405

  240,646

  68,110

  278,150

  272,440

  South Tyneside

  20,980

  93,350

  119,237

  —

  372,100

  508,000

  416,600

  871,000

  St. Helens

  —

  40,849

  140,237

  —

  303,340

  534,000

  366,000

  915,000

  Stockton

  63,000

  —

  122,544

  —

  355,503

  557,000

  428,600

  955,000

  Stoke

  72,000

  93,060

  171,242

  —

  533,590

  676,000

  641,165

  1,159,000

  Sunderland

  —

  86,500

  202,926

  —

  673,264

  966,000

  819,000

  1,656,000

  Wandsworth

  205,800

  118,130

  231,103

  385,498

  417,970

  1,311,100

  457,450

  1,615,100

  Wirral

  115,980

  47,000

  221,297

  —

  684,558

  1,035,000

  907,600

  1,774,000

  £

  2002–03

  2003–04

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  Phase 2 BIP LEAs

  Barnsley

  511,429

  1,288,961

  —

  1,354,647

  1,400,000

  Blackburn and Darwen

  529,450

  964,205

  —

  1,012,923

  1,400,000

  Blackpool

  341,660

  692,942

  —

  730,043

  1,400,000

  Doncaster

  623,873

  1,674,751

  —

  1,770,287

  1,400,000

  Ealing

  659,070

  1,204,856

  —

  1,292,611

  1,400,000

  Gateshead

  462,240

  979,835

  —

  1,038,289

  1,400,000

  1372W 1373W

  £

  2002–03

  2003–04

  School inclusion: pupil support grant

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  EIC—learning mentors and LSUs grant

  Behaviour improvement programme

  Halton

  331,430

  758,690

  —

  801,326

  1,400,000

  Hartlepool

  268,520

  583,094

  —

  617,446

  1,400,000

  Hull

  861,780

  1,436,525

  —

  1,519,757

  1,400,000

  Leicester

  687,184

  1,489,018

  —

  1,575,459

  1,400,000

  Luton

  500,618

  1,190,790

  —

  1,253,496

  1,400,000

  Middlesbrough

  534,536

  977,844

  —

  1,029,161

  1,400,000

  Newcastle

  722,975

  1,409,663

  —

  1,502,993

  1,400,000

  North Tyneside

  393,724

  927,376

  —

  989,787

  1,400,000

  Redcar and Cleveland

  375,535

  946,362

  —

  995,906

  1,400,000

  Rotherham

  553,997

  2,351,711

  —

  2,436,076

  1,400,000

  Sandwell

  731,915

  1,824,926

  —

  1,922,015

  1,400,000

  Sefton

  577,962

  1,615,924

  —

  1,711,583

  1,400,000

  Solihull

  292,058

  355,985

  —

  639,353

  1,400,000

  South Tyneside

  395,770

  943,890

  —

  995,954

  1,400,000

  St. Helens

  375,174

  992,792

  —

  1,048,358

  1,400,000

  Stockton

  420,955

  1,037,292

  —

  1,096,071

  1,400,000

  Stoke

  654,928

  1,262,134

  —

  1,335,802

  1,400,000

  Sunderland

  859,950

  1,810,263

  —

  1,920,450

  1,400,000

  Wandsworth

  461,599

  1,689,983

  —

  1,743,470

  1,400,000

  Wirral

  952,480

  1,995,629

  2,085,364

  1,400,000

  Notes:

  1. The gaps in:

  (a) the Behaviour Grants columns relate to new LEAs created by local government reorganisation and LEAs that were unsuccessful in their bids for these competitive grants;

  (b) the School Inclusion: Pupil Support (SIPS) Grant columns reflects the fact that Brent did not accept its SIPS allocation in 1999–2000;

  (c) the Excellence in Cities (EIC) columns reflects the fact that EIC grants were phased in over a number of years.

  2. The SIPS Grant ended in 2002–03.

  3. BIP phase I commenced September 2002. BIP phase 2 commenced in April 2003.

  Condover Hall School
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on Condover Hall school. [149773]

  Mr. Miliband
  Further to my previous answers about Condover Hall and to answers given previously by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, the situation at the school is unchanged. Condover Hall is proposed for closure as from July this year. We understand RNIB is in discussion with Local Education Authorities placing children at the school about suitable alternative provision.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Spelthorne, dated 9 December 2003, regarding the funding of nursery education at Knowle Park Infant School, Staines; and if he will make a statement. [154196]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  My noble Friend the Baroness Ashton replied to the hon. Member's letter of 9 December on 6 January.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will provide a substantive reply to the hon. Member for Spelthorne to his letter of 27 November 2003, departmental reference 2003/0068433PO. [154344]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary replied to the hon. Member's letter of 25 November on 12 January.
  1374W

  Criminal Justice Skills Council
  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the plans for a criminal justice skills council include computer forensic and security skills; and if he will make a statement. [152990]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Proposals for a Justice Sector Skills Council (SSC) are due to be considered by the Sector Skills Development Agency's Licence Assessment Panel on 11 February. The proposed SSC covers:

  Community Justice

  Custodial Care

  Police Forces—including Investigative Skills

  Customs and Excise

  Asset Recovery Agency

  Court Service (E and W)

  Crown Prosecution Service (E and W)

  Crown Office and Procurator fiscal (Scotland)

  Scottish Court Service

  NI Court Service

  Dept of Public Prosecutions

  Judges and Magistrates

  Computer Forensics—the use of software in the detection of crime, forms part of investigative skills covered by the Police Force area of the Justice SSC footprint. This is different from molecular or biological forensic analysis carried out in the laboratory which is covered by SEMTA, the SSC for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies.

  Employers in the security sector are still considering how best they might connect to the Skills for Business network.
  1375W

  Education Review (Gloucestershire)
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from(a) parents and (b) other involved parties about the secondary schools and sixth form review in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement. [153401]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]: The Department has received approximately 100 letters from parents and other interested parties about the review of school provision in Gloucestershire. The review, and any decision on how to proceed, are matters for local decision. The Secretary of State has no role in the process.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with representatives of grammar schools in Gloucestershire following the county's education review; and if he will make a statement. [153402]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]: The Secretary of State has not met any representatives of grammar schools from Gloucestershire. The local authority's review and any reorganisation proposals which may follow will fall to be decided by the local School Organisation Committee, or the Adjudicator if the Committee cannot reach a unanimous decision. The Secretary of State has no role in that decision making process.

  Faith Schools
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what regulations govern the teaching of religious education in faith schools, with particular reference to the teaching of faiths other than that of the religious group sponsoring the school. [153252]

  Mr. Miliband
  The regulations governing religious education in faith schools are set out in Schedule 19, paragraphs 3–6 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1988.

  In summary, this sets out that for voluntary controlled schools, the religious education offered is to be in accordance with the LEA's locally agreed syllabus. However, if parents so request, arrangements should be made for religious education to be provided for their children in accordance with any trust deed or the practice followed before the school became controlled.

  For voluntary aided and special agreement schools, the religious education offered is to be determined by the governors in accordance with the trust deed or (where such provision is not made by a trust deed) in accordance with the tenets of the religion or religious denomination, or in line with practice before the school became a voluntary school. But provision in accordance with the LEA's locally agreed syllabus may be made where parents request it and their children cannot conveniently attend a school where that syllabus is in use, unless the LEA is satisfied that it would be unreasonable to make such provision.

  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) primary and (b) secondary faith schools there are, broken down by denomination. [153271]
  1376W
  Mr. Miliband
  The number of primary and secondary faith schools by denomination is as follows:

  Primary

  Secondary

  Church of England

  4,513

  207

  Roman Catholic

  1,718

  356

  Christian1

  16

  17

  Jewish

  27

  6

  Methodist

  27

  1

  Muslim

  4

  0

  Sikh

  1

  1

  Seventh Day Adventist

  0

  1

  Quaker

  1

  0

  Greek Orthodox

  1

  0

  1 Non-denominational.

  Further/Higher Education
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much money in his Department's allocation for support for further and higher education is held in ring-fenced budgets for specific initiatives. [152658]

  Alan Johnson
  The Department allocates funds for education and training in the post-16 learning and skills sector to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Assumed funding for further education in 2003–04, excluding learner support funds, is £4.7 billion. This includes funding of £187 million for special initiatives to improve quality and delivery and £216 million earmarked for capital investment.

  The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) allocates funds to higher education institutions. For the 2003–04 academic year, HEFCE are allocating total funds of around £5.5 billion, of which £451 million relates to 'special funding' which supports initiatives that are not funded through their recurrent funding methodology, such as the Arts and Humanities Research Board and the Higher Education Innovation Fund; and £364 million is for earmarked capital funding.

  In November 2002 we announced the consolidation of a number of further and higher education funding streams into core funding. In further education we consolidated the funding of pay and staff qualification initiatives into core funding and in higher education we mainstreamed four ring fenced funds 'Golden Hellos', the Promising Researcher Fellowship Scheme, Additional Capital for leading research institutions and Knowledge Exchanges into larger funding allocations. We continue to monitor the number of special funding allocations to ensure that they are appropriately targeted and that demands on institutions are proportionate to the sums involved.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of his Department's budget for further and higher education is allocated to grants for higher and further education institutions. [152659]

  Alan Johnson
  Around 92 per cent. of assumed total spending by the Department on further education in England in 2003–04 goes to institutions, the remainder being spent on student support quality assurance and development in FE. Around 77 per cent. of the total
  1377W
  spending by the Department on higher education in England in 2003–04 goes to institutions, the remainder being spent on student support and other small programmes.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the organisations operating in the field of(a) further and (b) higher education, apart from individual higher education institutions, which receive funding from his Department. [152693]

  Alan Johnson
  In further education, the bodies apart from individual FE institutions receiving funding from the Department are:

  Learning and Skills Council

  Ofsted

  Adult Learning Inspectorate

  Learning and Skills Development Agency

  National Institute for Adult and Continuing Education (NIACE)

  Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

  Capita

  Sector Skills Development Agency

  Institute for Employment Studies

  Confederation of British Industry

  Centre for Enterprise

  Association of Colleges

  Cambridge Training and Development

  London Language and Literacy Unit (LLLU)

  Manchester LEA

  Association of Learning Providers

  Basic Skills Agency

  Institute of Education, University of London

  Thurrock Primary Care NHS Trust

  Centre for British Teachers (CfBT)

  TUC Learning Services

  TOPSS England.

  Tuition fees and total income for HE institutions in England and Wales. 1999/00 to 2001/02

  1999/2000 Of which:

  HE Institution

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  Total England

  10,464,649

  2,190,748

  196,709

  35,981

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  77,625

  23,765

  2,524

  103

  Aston University

  45,953

  7,782

  2,012

  0

  Bath Spa University College

  18,000

  3,631

  0

  0

  The University of Bath

  82,198

  15,356

  1,426

  0

  Birkbeck College

  42,389

  8,047

  595

  0

  The University of Birmingham

  244,937

  41,479

  3,828

  0

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  4,604

  873

  63

  0

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  28,504

  6,726

  152

  88

  The Arts Institute at Bournemouth2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Bournemouth University

  47,653

  17,753

  1,517

  0

  The University of Bradford

  64,593

  11,777

  2,448

  5,207

  Bretton Hall

  10,556

  2,276

  0

  27

  The University of Brighton

  72,250

  24,014

  852

  0

  The University of Bristol

  176,922

  24,151

  1,268

  0

  Brunel University

  79,289

  18,074

  334

  169

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

  39,678

  10,665

  127

  39

  1378W
  Mark Haysom, the Learning and Skills Council's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with a list of all organisations, other than FE institutions, operating in the field of further education that receive funding from the council. A copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library.

  In higher education, the bodies receiving funding from the Department or the Higher Education Funding Council for England are:

  Higher Education Funding Council for England

  Teacher Training Agency

  Foundation Degree Forward

  Sector Skills Development Agency

  The Office of the Independent Adjudicator

  Quality Assurance Agency

  Arts and Humanities Research Board

  Student Loans Company

  SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities)

  Sector Skills Development Agency

  The British Council

  UKCOSA (The Council for International Education)

  The UK Socrates-Erasmus Council

  The UK NARIC (National Academic Recognition and Information Centre)

  The Better Regulation Review Group

  E-Universities Worldwide

  Joint Information Systems Committee

  UK Education and Research Networking Association

  HE Academy

  Leadership Foundation

  Educational Grants Advisory Service

  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total income of each higher education institution was in England and Wales in each of the past three financial years; and how much of the total income came from student tuition fees in each case. [141137]

  Alan Johnson
  The available information is taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Finance Records and is given in the table.
  1379W

  Tuition fees and total income for HE institutions in England and Wales. 1999/00 to 2001/02

  1999/2000 Of which:

  HE Institution

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  The University of Cambridge

  372,072

  37,586

  5,062

  0

  The Institute of Cancer Research4

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  39,850

  15,464

  477

  0

  The University of Central England in Birmingham

  86,595

  27,387

  672

  143

  The University of Central Lancashire

  87,722

  23,670

  764

  426

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  5,462

  1,161

  98

  20

  University of Gloucestershire

  36,732

  7,097

  909

  40

  Chester College of HE

  21,826

  9,702

  122

  0

  University College Chichester

  15,655

  3,582

  321

  0

  City University

  75,832

  33,656

  4,220

  0

  The College of Guidance Studies5

  1,261

  152

  0

  49

  Conservatoire for Dance and Drama2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Coventry University

  81,217

  24,337

  84

  0

  Cranfield University

  106,690

  12,967

  33,098

  0

  Cumbria Institute of the Arts

  4,957

  712

  19

  0

  Darlington College of Arts

  2,818

  516

  0

  0

  De Montfort University

  113,369

  29,565

  28

  0

  University of Derby

  56,129

  15,435

  0

  717

  University of Durham

  110,976

  18,791

  2,678

  0

  The University of East Anglia

  82,758

  19,993

  1,505

  0

  The University of East London

  60,816

  16,642

  214

  50

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  26,817

  8,118

  0

  0

  The University of Essex

  54,949

  13,314

  1,511

  0

  The University of Exeter

  85,603

  16,083

  2,203

  0

  Falmouth College of Arts

  7,516

  2,007

  0

  111

  University of Gloucestershire

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Goldsmiths College

  38,966

  11,488

  258

  82

  The University of Greenwich

  97,092

  23,385

  0

  0

  Harper Adams University College

  13,095

  1,693

  243

  0

  University of Hertfordshire

  96,597

  30,697

  1,065

  201

  Homerton College

  15,026

  1,380

  39

  0

  The University of Huddersfield

  69,033

  13,627

  239

  0

  The University of Hull6

  77,880

  20,651

  138

  0

  Imperial College of Science, Technology

  338,972

  33,338

  1,665

  0

  Institute of Advanced Nursing Education

  9,690

  1,035

  0

  0

  Institute of Education

  33,010

  4,636

  1,832

  0

  The University of Keele

  58,450

  12,689

  0

  0

  The University of Kent at Canterbury

  68,726

  15,134

  106

  764

  Kent Institute of Art & Design

  14,480

  3,703

  14

  254

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  18,209

  3,367

  831

  0

  King's College London

  312,034

  39,029

  978

  0

  Kingston University

  80,302

  24,889

  970

  77

  The University of Lancaster

  84,013

  14,103

  0

  0

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  87,397

  20,960

  1,549

  366

  The University of Leeds

  258,747

  45,978

  3,759

  0

  The University of Leicester

  122,942

  25,223

  205

  0

  The University of Lincoln

  48,791

  12,189

  385

  0

  Liverpool Hope

  27,702

  4,103

  5,342

  0

  Liverpool John Moores University

  97,568

  24,584

  116

  6

  The University of Liverpool

  179,127

  28,657

  670

  0

  London Business School

  49,690

  15,407

  17,136

  0

  University of London

  131,609

  14,991

  2,289

  1,334

  London Guildhall University

  51,047

  13,510

  529

  459

  The London Institute

  78,075

  18,308

  3,687

  4,482

  London South Bank University

  87,757

  29,363

  1,816

  37

  London School of Economics and Politics

  94,477

  39,102

  1,819

  0

  London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

  36,565

  5,243

  0

  0

  Loughborough University

  106,725

  16,925

  1,413

  134

  University of Luton

  51,275

  18,169

  457

  -25

  University of Manchester

  297,776

  50,043

  9,895

  0

  The University of Manchester Institute c

  92,695

  17,736

  571

  1,612

  The Manchester Metropolitan University

  128,481

  28,433

  1,001

  29

  Middlesex University

  105,079

  36,320

  0

  0

  The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  171,306

  20,197

  3,485

  0

  Newman College

  6,068

  1,090

  6

  0

  The University of North London

  59,187

  12,017

  2,565

  0

  North Riding College Higher Education

  6,647

  1,348

  0

  0

  University College Northampton

  39,530

  10,702

  927

  88

  Northern School of Contemporary Dance

  1,195

  141

  0

  13

  The University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne

  98,148

  34,143

  755

  200

  1380W 1381W

  Tuition fees and total income for HE institutions in England and Wales. 1999/00 to 2001/02

  1999/2000 Of which:

  HE Institution

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  Norwich School of Art and Design

  4,554

  765

  10

  48

  The Nottingham Trent University

  110,757

  25,317

  2,233

  0

  The University of Nottingham

  217,037

  49,419

  3,565

  0

  The Open University

  274,045

  101,023

  897

  0

  Oxford Brookes University6

  76,580

  28,409

  89

  18

  The University of Oxford

  378,265

  31,588

  8,874

  0

  The University of Plymouth

  99,889

  23,200

  841

  0

  The University of Portsmouth

  83,384

  23,469

  1,179

  97

  Queen Mary and Westfield College

  119,859

  15,489

  946

  0

  Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication

  5,747

  1,398

  0

  53

  The University of Reading

  111,430

  21,853

  1,293

  0

  The College of Ripon and York St John8

  20,274

  5,362

  608

  0

  University of Surrey, Roehampton

  35,796

  8,081

  622

  0

  Rose Bruford College

  5,832

  1,251

  0

  0

  Royal Academy of Music

  8,970

  2,788

  0

  413

  Royal Agricultural College2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Royal College of Art

  17,533

  3,281

  198

  0

  Royal College of Music

  9,727

  2,106

  639

  0

  Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

  56,313

  11,728

  243

  307

  Royal Northern College of Music

  8,355

  1,497

  0

  0

  The Royal Veterinary College

  23,335

  2,498

  83

  0

  St, George's Hospital Medical School

  47,529

  2,387

  435

  0

  College of St. Mark and St. John

  15,901

  3,116

  1,009

  53

  St. Martin's College

  32,466

  12,377

  0

  0

  St. Mary's College

  14,322

  3,118

  401

  0

  The University of Salford

  110,044

  30,526

  533

  43

  The School of Oriental and African Studies

  32,275

  13,564

  1,126

  0

  The School of Pharmacy

  9,168

  1,608

  85

  0

  Sheffield Hallam University

  107,956

  28,964

  750

  172

  The University of Sheffield

  211,996

  43,582

  2,679

  0

  Southampton Institute

  54,399

  11,400

  4,245

  34

  The University of Southampton

  196,607

  35,479

  1,924

  0

  Staffordshire University

  65,441

  17,126

  781

  17

  The University of Sunderland

  67,935

  12,238

  92

  47

  The Surrey Institute of Art and Design,

  14,799

  3,477

  10

  190

  The University of Surrey

  109,837

  27,319

  1,811

  0

  The University of Sussex

  81,085

  15,686

  329

  0

  The University of Teesside

  55,375

  18,712

  212

  0

  Thames Valley University

  55,666

  22,427

  1,692

  483

  Trinity And All Saints College

  10,865

  2,544

  109

  0

  Trinity College of Music

  4,732

  1,294

  0

  0

  University College London

  382,422

  42,561

  8,980

  0

  The University of Warwick

  165,295

  22,240

  712

  15,852

  University of the West of England, Bristol

  104,287

  21,968

  1,193

  0

  Westminster College7

  6,682

  932

  0

  0

  The University of Westminster

  94,220

  28,703

  2,512

  0

  Wimbledon School of Art

  4,861

  853

  0

  156

  The University of Wolverhampton

  86,844

  23,845

  0

  0

  University College Worcester

  19,785

  7,980

  371

  0

  Writtle College

  11,827

  1,344

  0

  696

  Wye College

  11,519

  2,174

  224

  0

  The University of York

  96,873

  16,650

  2,288

  0

  Total Wales

  598,207

  118,302

  4,373

  98

  University of Wales, Aberystwyth

  58,855

  9,291

  330

  0

  University of Wales, Bangor

  64,198

  13,337

  1,067

  0

  Cardiff University

  143,853

  28.471

  2,439

  0

  University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

  39,461

  7,537

  0

  39

  University of Glamorgan

  62,044

  15,582

  9

  0

  The University of Wales, Lampeter

  9,789

  1,877

  27

  0

  University of Wales College of Medicine

  61,612

  12,906

  0

  0

  University of Wales College, Newport

  24,196

  4,894

  267

  8

  The North-East Wales Institute of High

  17,888

  4,006

  0

  0

  University of Wales, Registry

  6,187

  112

  0

  0

  Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

  4,414

  898

  168

  0

  Swansea Institute of Higher Education

  15,882

  3,188

  15

  10

  University of Wales, Swansea

  81,515

  14,896

  51

  38

  Trinity College, Carmarthen

  8,313

  1,307

  0

  3

  1382W 1383W

  2000/01 Of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees 1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  Total England

  11,068,645

  2,335,102

  209,252

  25,975

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  81,414

  24,098

  1,992

  132

  Aston University

  49,632

  8,768

  2,022

  0

  Bath Spa University College

  20,331

  4,314

  0

  0

  The University of Bath

  88,845

  17,194

  1,767

  82

  Birkbeck College

  40,174

  8,854

  520

  0

  The University of Birmingham

  255,440

  43,089

  2,873

  0

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  4,926

  909

  98

  0

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  27,796

  6,065

  51

  109

  The Arts Institute at Bournemouth2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Bournemouth University

  51,861

  20,217

  655

  0

  The University of Bradford

  66,745

  12,506

  1,971

  5,711

  Bretton Hall

  15,732

  2,508

  36

  0

  The University of Brighton

  77,784

  25,774

  1,031

  0

  The University of Bristol

  191,770

  25,999

  1,567

  0

  Brunei University

  83,650

  20,173

  233

  170

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

  41,594

  11,756

  110

  22

  The University of Cambridge

  396,519

  38,628

  8,980

  0

  The Institute of Cancer Research4

  41,954

  853

  0

  0

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  45,193

  16,201

  171

  0

  The University of Central England in Birmingham

  89,258

  30,089

  804

  138

  The University of Central Lancashire

  92,566

  26,465

  959

  431

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  5,759

  1,152

  134

  15

  University of Gloucestershire

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Chester College of HE

  22,640

  10,754

  82

  0

  University College Chichester

  17,136

  3,685

  353

  0

  City University

  82,071

  38,134

  4,457

  0

  The College of Guidance Studies5

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Conservatoire for Dance and Drama2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Coventry University

  84,320

  27,165

  5

  0

  Cranfield University

  117,471

  14,964

  35,833

  0

  Cumbria Institute of the Arts

  5,489

  828

  0

  32

  Darlington College of Arts

  3,111

  488

  0

  0

  De Montfort University

  118,386

  31,439

  55

  0

  University of Derby

  55,468

  15,668

  20

  784

  University of Durham

  118,589

  20,449

  1,758

  0

  The University of East Anglia

  90,154

  21,489

  1,348

  0

  The University of East London

  65,894

  18,640

  0

  47

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  28,840

  9,901

  0

  0

  The University of Essex

  63,944

  15,327

  1,807

  0

  The University of Exeter

  88,877

  16,542

  1,966

  0

  Falmouth College of Arts

  8,795

  2,209

  0

  23

  University of Gloucestershire

  37,469

  7,872

  855

  40

  Goldsmiths College

  43,857

  12,514

  291

  112

  The University of Greenwich

  98,010

  27,520

  0

  0

  Harper Adams University College

  13,747

  1,746

  220

  0

  University of Hertfordshire

  100,845

  32,041

  922

  225

  Homerton College

  16,193

  1,519

  0

  0

  The University of Huddersfield

  73,671

  14,061

  490

  0

  The University of Hull6

  91,267

  23,651

  209

  0

  Imperial College of Science, Technology

  380,761

  36,352

  3,027

  0

  Institute of Advanced Nursing Education

  8,391

  397

  0

  0

  Institute of Education

  34,034

  4,431

  2,612

  0

  The University of Keele

  61,652

  13,548

  220

  0

  The University of Kent at Canterbury

  70,857

  15,838

  153

  903

  Kent Institute of Art & Design

  14,494

  3,434

  67

  357

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  17,981

  3,767

  926

  0

  King's College London

  301,544

  40,944

  2,573

  0

  Kingston University

  83,133

  25,886

  1,256

  54

  The University of Lancaster

  89,882

  15,297

  0

  0

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  92,791

  23,432

  1,469

  638

  The University of Leeds

  273,627

  50,060

  3,886

  0

  The University of Leicester

  130,865

  27,165

  197

  0

  The University of Lincoln

  52,935

  12,652

  43

  0

  Liverpool Hope

  29,409

  4,848

  333

  0

  Liverpool John Moores University

  99,273

  25,365

  171

  0

  The University of Liverpool

  192,638

  30,074

  970

  0

  London Business School

  55,674

  18,278

  18,683

  0

  University of London

  92,128

  1,884

  1,411

  0

  London Guildhall University

  52,441

  14,407

  1,087

  900

  The London Institute

  83,474

  19,868

  4,156

  5,361

  1384W 1385W

  2000/01 Of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees 1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  London South Bank University

  98,496

  32,933

  2,663

  43

  London School of Economics and Politics

  98,219

  39,013

  2,099

  0

  London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

  41,042

  5,187

  0

  0

  Loughborough University

  114,847

  18,696

  970

  103

  University of Luton

  49,033

  18,206

  -7

  12

  University of Manchester

  315,604

  55,735

  12,053

  0

  The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology

  104,089

  18,714

  439

  1,601

  The Manchester Metropolitan University

  132,869

  29,665

  771

  22

  Middlesex University

  113,668

  41,390

  0

  0

  The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  189,347

  22,824

  3,738

  0

  Newman College

  6,388

  1,224

  0

  0

  The University of North London

  64,355

  14,569

  2,581

  0

  North Riding College Higher Education

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  University College Northampton

  41,057

  11,334

  1,089

  116

  Northern School of Contemporary Dance

  1,387

  143

  0

  11

  The University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne

  99,669

  38,641

  1,009

  153

  Norwich School of Art and Design

  4,545

  795

  11

  52

  The Nottingham Trent University

  114,164

  26,534

  0

  2,495

  The University of Nottingham

  241,493

  54,975

  3,973

  0

  The Open University

  289,977

  100,471

  1,362

  0

  Oxford Brookes University6

  87,508

  29,604

  1,016

  23

  The University of Oxford

  407,723

  33,934

  7,787

  0

  The University of Plymouth

  102,748

  25,640

  545

  52

  The University of Portsmouth

  85,178

  24,185

  1,073

  104

  Queen Mary and Westrield College

  124,318

  16,798

  1,330

  0

  Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication

  6,386

  1,673

  0

  50

  The University of Reading

  117,985

  23,792

  618

  0

  The College of Ripon and York St John8

  20,951

  5,744

  771

  0

  University of Surrey. Roehampton

  38,113

  8,768

  718

  0

  Rose Bruford College

  4,170

  1,179

  36

  0

  Royal Academy of Music

  10,743

  2,946

  0

  441

  Royal Agricultural College2

  7,672

  944

  0

  0

  Royal College of Art

  18,258

  3,351

  228

  0

  Royal College of Music

  10,353

  2,169

  675

  0

  Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

  59,364

  11,753

  360

  923

  Royal Northern College of Music

  8,884

  1,571

  0

  0

  The Royal Veterinary College

  25,846

  2,799

  89

  0

  St. George's Hospital Medical School

  50,351

  2,547

  451

  0

  College of St. Mark and St. John

  14,697

  3,166

  629

  49

  St. Martin's College

  33,863

  13,053

  0

  0

  St. Mary's College

  14,420

  3,013

  395

  0

  The University of Salford

  111,151

  32,131

  1,257

  0

  The School of Oriental and African Studies

  32,908

  13,949

  1,241

  0

  The School of Pharmacy

  9,478

  1,798

  48

  0

  Sheffield Hallam University

  114,203

  29,728

  802

  190

  The University of Sheffield

  224,599

  46,068

  3,094

  0

  Southampton Institute

  54,570

  10,781

  4,108

  386

  The University of Southampton

  214,351

  38,044

  1,286

  34

  Staffordshire University

  71,043

  17,982

  1,036

  1

  The University of Sunderland

  71,305

  14,263

  95

  7

  The Surrey Institute of Art and Design,

  16,514

  3,917

  27

  201

  The University of Surrey

  116,524

  28,358

  2,127

  0

  The University of Sussex

  85,784

  16,158

  314

  0

  The University of Teesside

  58,314

  20,060

  15

  0

  Thames Valley University

  54,727

  22,808

  1,708

  698

  Trinity And All Saints College

  11,429

  2,608

  166

  0

  Trinity College of Music

  5,506

  1,400

  0

  0

  University College London

  412,283

  44,734

  10,499

  0

  The University of Warwick

  174,451

  36,338

  4,550

  1106

  University of the West of England, Bristol

  107,431

  22,227

  879

  24

  Westminster College7

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  The University of Westminster

  95,055

  29,101

  2,924

  0

  Wimbledon School of Art

  5,188

  1,075

  0

  0

  The University of Wolverhampton

  90,252

  24,395

  0

  0

  University College Worcester

  19,060

  6,560

  639

  0

  Writtle College

  13,701

  1,439

  0

  792

  Wye College

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  The University of York

  103,539

  17,941

  3,080

  0

  Total Wales

  641,060

  125,657

  4,715

  90

  University of Wales, Aberystwyth

  62,665

  9,372

  409

  0

  1386W 1387W

  2000/01 Of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  University of Wales, Bangor

  67,149

  13,948

  1,107

  0

  Cardiff University

  156,819

  30,299

  2,646

  0

  University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

  44,175

  9,306

  0

  34

  University of Glamorgan

  64,820

  16,118

  24

  0

  The University of Wales, Lampeter

  9,715

  1,708

  7

  0

  University of Wales College of Medicine

  68,058

  13,745

  0

  0

  University of Wales College, Newport

  26,010

  4,257

  180

  2

  The North-East Wales Institute of High

  18,771

  4,045

  0

  0

  University of Wales, Registry

  6,601

  0

  0

  0

  Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

  6,412

  972

  188

  0

  Swansea Institute of Higher Education

  17,528

  3,508

  126

  10

  University of Wales, Swansea

  83,248

  16,999

  28

  42

  Trinity College, Carmarthen

  9,063

  1,380

  0

  2

  2001/02 Of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  Total England

  11,839,076

  2,561,139

  219,264

  24,887

  Anglia Polytechnic University

  89,496

  25,690

  1,930

  51

  Aston University

  53,392

  11,676

  1,096

  0

  Bath Spa University College

  21,217

  4,602

  0

  0

  The University of Bath

  101,254

  19,549

  1,751

  0

  Birkbeck College

  46,355

  10,769

  939

  0

  The University of Birmingham

  279,521

  48,540

  3,135

  0

  Bishop Grosseteste College

  5,395

  1,069

  73

  0

  Bolton Institute of Higher Education

  26,984

  6,516

  31

  98

  The Arts Institute at Bournemouth2

  8,173

  1,329

  98

  316

  Bournemouth University

  57,443

  22,262

  887

  0

  The University of Bradford

  72,211

  14,336

  1,745

  6,742

  Bretton Hall

  The University of Brighton

  80,642

  25,895

  967

  0

  The University of Bristol

  209,265

  28,940

  1,700

  0

  Brunei University

  88,721

  21,656

  244

  174

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

  41,792

  11,903

  294

  25

  The University of Cambridge

  446,755

  43,113

  9,714

  0

  The Institute of Cancer Research4

  46,656

  942

  0

  0

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  50,816

  17,376

  233

  0

  The University of Central England in Birmingham

  94,558

  34,455

  2,409

  172

  The University of Central Lancashire

  98,000

  29,663

  412

  220

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  6,096

  1,195

  156

  2

  University of Gloucestershire

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Chester College of HE

  24,760

  11,235

  38

  0

  University College Chichester

  17,694

  3,518

  328

  0

  City University

  100,741

  50,309

  4,681

  0

  The College of Guidance Studies5

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Conservatoire for Dance and Drama2

  3,578

  557

  0

  0

  Coventry University

  92,184

  29,125

  17

  222

  Cranfield University

  122,039

  15,355

  35,516

  0

  Cumbria Institute of the Arts

  5,894

  923

  0

  17

  Darlington College of Arts

  3,356

  545

  0

  0

  De Montfort University

  113,714

  30,064

  30

  0

  University of Derby

  62,121

  15,978

  16

  704

  University of Durham

  129,219

  21,196

  2,070

  0

  The University of East Anglia

  98,412

  24,235

  929

  0

  The University of East London

  66,525

  19,973

  0

  0

  Edge Hill College of Higher Education

  31,025

  4,950

  0

  0

  The University of Essex

  68,451

  17,188

  1,842

  0

  The University of Exeter

  96,202

  17,979

  1,979

  0

  Falmouth College of Arts

  9,937

  2,236

  0

  53

  University of Gloucestershire

  37,430

  8,415

  754

  26

  Goldsmiths College

  44,340

  13,375

  257

  84

  The University of Greenwich

  106,255

  30,845

  0

  0

  Harper Adams University College

  15,393

  1,746

  239

  0

  University of Hertfordshire

  105,660

  34,086

  1,187

  281

  Homerton College

  5,369

  0

  0

  0

  The University of Huddersfleld

  76,131

  13,793

  1,715

  0

  The University of Hull6

  94,481

  26,154

  0

  0

  Imperial College of Science, Technology

  381,230

  40,375

  2,128

  0

  Institute of Advanced Nursing Education

  9,625

  601

  0

  0

  1388W 1389W

  2001/02 of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  Institute of Education

  37,561

  4,513

  3,929

  0

  The University of Keele

  64,615

  14,105

  317

  0

  The University of Kent at Canterbury

  77,864

  18,068

  1,038

  0

  Kent Institute of Art & Design

  14,834

  3,440

  98

  257

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  18,172

  4,648

  232

  0

  King's College London

  318,815

  46,063

  2,196

  0

  Kingston University

  90,716

  29,220

  1,383

  47

  The University of Lancaster

  95,437

  18,010

  0

  0

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  101,218

  25,605

  2,273

  629

  The University of Leeds

  302,607

  56,286

  5,093

  0

  The University of Leicester

  145,842

  31,338

  175

  0

  The University of Lincoln

  59,230

  10,065

  5

  112

  Liverpool Hope

  31,225

  5,675

  559

  0

  Liverpool John Moores University

  103,618

  26,205

  48

  0

  The University of Liverpool

  205,650

  32,291

  797

  0

  London Business School

  61,918

  23,667

  19,938

  0

  University of London

  97,634

  1,856

  1,734

  0

  London Guildhall University

  54,539

  15,810

  837

  154

  The London Institute

  91,692

  22,979

  4,865

  5,699

  London South Bank University

  94,760

  35,778

  3,185

  52

  London School of Economics and Politics

  104,344

  45,362

  2,607

  0

  London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

  50,210

  5,518

  0

  0

  Loughborough University

  121,869

  21,270

  819

  101

  University of Luton

  51,075

  20,876

  230

  1

  University of Manchester

  328,574

  58,593

  12,020

  0

  The University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology

  117,067

  20,431

  245

  1,625

  The Manchester Metropolitan University

  139,644

  32,366

  801

  31

  Middlesex University

  118,480

  43,283

  0

  0

  The University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  212,929

  26,086

  3,680

  0

  Newman College

  7,129

  1,325

  11

  0

  The University of North London

  69,669

  18,855

  2,746

  0

  North Riding College Higher Education

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  University College Northampton

  42,624

  11,945

  1,801

  432

  Northern School of Contemporary Dance

  1,709

  185

  0

  12

  The University of Northumbria at Newcastle upon Tyne

  109,034

  40,258

  1,190

  223

  Norwich School of Art and Design

  4,734

  852

  11

  60

  The Nottingham Trent University

  2,078

  0

  —

  —

  The University of Nottingham

  265,302

  61,588

  3,217

  0

  The Open University

  302,268

  104,667

  857

  0

  Oxford Brookes University6

  90,704

  32,058

  1,076

  23

  The University of Oxford

  426,549

  37,619

  7,878

  0

  The University of Plymouth

  112,942

  27,497

  526

  186

  The University of Portsmouth

  92,623

  27,693

  1,225

  137

  Queen Mary and Westfield College

  139,604

  20,720

  1,387

  0

  Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication

  7,188

  1,639

  0

  36

  The University of Reading

  23,703

  2,012

  0

  The College of Ripon and York St John8

  21,783

  6,540

  545

  0

  University of Surrey, Roehampton

  40,200

  9,247

  447

  0

  Rose Bruford College

  4,227

  1,126

  30

  0

  Royal Academy of Music

  11,720

  3,126

  0

  476

  Royal Agricultural College2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Royal College of Art

  19,339

  3,680

  235

  0

  Royal College of Music

  11,537

  2,045

  717

  0

  Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

  63,189

  14,206

  347

  1,037

  Royal Northern College of Music

  9,294

  1,792

  0

  0

  The Royal Veterinary College

  27,954

  3,037

  95

  0

  St. George's Hospital Medical School

  54,188

  6,295

  496

  0

  College of St. Mark and St. John

  14,698

  3,268

  645

  12

  St. Martin's College

  35,369

  11,863

  734

  0

  St. Mary's College

  14,792

  3,122

  102

  0

  The University of Salford

  115,154

  37,694

  292

  57

  The School of Oriental and African Studies

  33,945

  14,215

  1,342

  0

  The School of Pharmacy

  10,731

  2,017

  82

  0

  Sheffield Hallam University

  119,810

  32,866

  862

  239

  The University of Sheffield

  237,988

  51,250

  2,758

  0

  Southampton Institute

  56,301

  11,679

  4,457

  514

  The University of Southampton

  233,796

  41,105

  1,876

  0

  Staffordshire University

  74,758

  18,147

  1,043

  0

  The University of Sunderland

  73,325

  15,047

  1,517

  9

  The Surrey Institute of Art and Design,

  18,123

  4,058

  100

  269

  1390W 1391W

  2001/02 of which:

  Total income

  HE course fees1

  Credit bearing course

  FE course fees

  The University of Surrey

  131,453

  31,987

  2,311

  0

  The University of Sussex

  94,626

  17,562

  499

  0

  The University of Teesside

  63,351

  21,884

  21

  0

  Thames Valley University

  60,991

  24,838

  2,077

  684

  Trinity And All Saints College

  11,910

  2,684

  131

  0

  Trinity College of Music

  6,561

  1,488

  433

  0

  University College London

  431,510

  48,877

  10,202

  0

  The University of Warwick

  191,479

  44,885

  1,738

  1,804

  University of the West of England, Bristol

  114,428

  22,715

  888

  19

  Westminster College7

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  The University of Westminster

  102,825

  32,859

  2,531

  0

  Wimbledon School of Art

  5,540

  1,130

  0

  0

  The University of Wolverhampton

  96,658

  26,281

  0

  0

  University College Worcester

  20,059

  6,702

  721

  0

  Writtle College

  15,569

  1,560

  0

  763

  Wye College

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  The University of York

  113,319

  19,616

  2,349

  0

  Total Wales

  696,478

  136,733

  5,292

  115

  University of Wales, Aberystwyth

  68,926

  10,180

  575

  0

  University of Wales, Bangor

  75,235

  15,004

  1,179

  0

  Cardiff University

  167,906

  32,343

  2,942

  0

  University of Wales Institute, Cardiff

  45,629

  9,971

  0

  63

  University of Glamorgan

  70,459

  17,519

  29

  0

  The University of Wales, Lampeter

  9,842

  1,779

  8

  0

  University of Wales College of Medicine

  77,368

  15,240

  0

  0

  University of Wales College, Newport

  27,785

  4,738

  196

  2

  The North-East Wales Institute of High

  20,728

  4,630

  0

  0

  University of Wales, Registry

  6,969

  120

  0

  0

  Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

  6,632

  992

  207

  0

  Swansea Institute of Higher Education

  17,893

  3,801

  138

  0

  University of Wales, Swansea

  91,580

  18,943

  18

  48

  Trinity College, Carmarthen

  9,526

  1,473

  0

  2

  1 HE course fees include home and EC domiciled students studying full-time and part-time at postgraduate and undergraduate level, plus overseas (non-EC) domiciled students. Covers all fee income, including the £1,125 for full-time undergraduate courses.

  2 New institution

  3 Blank cells indicate no Finance Return in 2001/02.

  4 New institution in 2000/01.

  5 The College of Guidance Studies merged with Canterbury Christ Church College in 2000/01.

  6 North Riding College merged with the University of Hull in 2000/01.

  7 Westminster College merged with Oxford Brookes University in 2000/01.

  8 The College of Ripon and York St John changed it's name to York St John College in the academic year 2000/01.

  Note:

  Zero cells indicate that the institution submitted a separate Finance Return

  Source:

  HESA Finance Record

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will list the departments which receive higher education research grant funding in(a) dance, (b) drama, (c) performing arts and (d) sports-related studies; [152626]

  (2)if he will list the research ratings under the two most recent research assessment exercises of each higher education institution and department in the UK; [152627]

  (3)how many higher education institutions will receive more than £1 million in research grant from Government in 2003–04; [152636]

  (4)what his policy is on the provision of research funding to departments rated 4 after the next research assessment exercise; [152638]

  (5)whether it is his policy that some universities should cease to carry out research. [152687]
  1392W
  Alan Johnson
  The following—List A—lists the 23 higher education institutions (HEIs) which will receive recurrent research grant funding for dance, drama and performing arts in 2003/04. List B—lists the 27 HEIs which will receive funding for sports-related studies in 2003/04.

  List A: Institutions receiving Quality-related funding for Dance, Drama and Performing Arts1 Departments in 2003/04

  Higher Education Institutions:

  University of Warwick

  University of Bristol

  University of Reading

  University of Manchester

  University of Kent at Canterbury

  Royal Holloway, University of London

  Nottingham Trent University

  University of Surrey

  University of Hull

  1393W

  University of Exeter

  University of East Anglia

  University of Birmingham

  Lancaster University

  Goldsmiths College

  University of Surrey, Roehamptom

  University of Huddersfield

  University College Worcester

  University College Chichester

  Middlesex University

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  De Montfort University

  York St. John College

  University College Northampton

  King Alfred's College, Winchester

  Dartington College of Arts

  Bretton Hall

  Bournemouth University

  1 In the last two Research Assessment Exercises, Dance, Drama and Performing Arts were classed as the same Unit of Assessment and attract research funding in the same way.

  List B: Institutions receiving Quality-related funding in Sports-related Studies Departments in 2003/04 Higher Education Institutions:

  University of Birmingham

  Manchester Metropolitan University

  Loughborough University

  Liverpool John Moores University

  University of Exeter

  University of Sheffield

  University of Bristol

  University of Brighton

  Sheffield Hallam University

  De Montfort University

  University of Wolverhampton

  University of Leeds

  University of Bath

  University College Chichester

  Staffordshire University

  South Bank University

  Leeds Metropolitan University

  University of Surrey Roehampton

  University of Sunderland

  University of Luton

  University of Gloucestershire

  Canterbury Christ Church University College

  Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

  Details of the research ratings awarded in the two most recent Research Assessment Exercises (RAE) are set out in the documents '2001 Research Assessment Exercise: The Outcome' and '1996 Research Assessment Exercise: The Outcome', published by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

  72 HEIs will receive more than £1 million in research grant from the HEFCE in 2003–04.

  The UK higher education funding bodies carried out a joint consultation last year on the review of research assessment undertaken by Sir Gareth Roberts.
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  Following detailed consideration of the responses to the consultation exercise, an announcement on the way forward is expected from HEFCE and the other funding bodies shortly.

  The Government are committed to supporting and encouraging the highest quality research within available resources to ensure that we continue to compete internationally. High quality research departments are located in a wide spread of institutions and it is not the Government's policy to prevent any departments or institutions from conducting research. Institutions, as independent, autonomous bodies, must consider their strengths and decide the best focus for their academic direction and institutional mission.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the remits are of(a) the Higher Education Funding Council for England and (b) the proposed Arts and Humanities Research Council in the future support of arts and humanities research. [152628]

  Alan Johnson
  The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) allocates Quality Related (QR) funding for research to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in England selectively, having regard to assessments of research quality in all academic disciplines. This funding is paid to HEIs as part of a block grant. Within the dual support system, it is intended to support the physical infrastructure for research and the costs of permanent research staff time including time devoted to curiosity-driven research in line with the institution's mission and priorities. It therefore complements funding the institution receives in the form of grant from Research Councils.

  The responsibilities of the Arts and Humanities Research Council will be to carry out, facilitate, encourage and support research and postgraduate training in the arts and humanities. Its responsibilities will parallel those of the existing Scientific Research Councils in supporting specific research projects and postgraduate programmes of work in higher education institutions and related bodies in all parts of the United Kingdom.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is his policy that Government funding for increases in the number of students in higher education should be directed at the provision of foundation degree places rather than full honours degrees. [153067]

  Alan Johnson
  As set out in the White Paper "The Future of Higher Education" and the January 2003 grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) we are committed to the expansion of Foundation Degrees while recognising existing commitments to growth in honours degree provision.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on incentives provided to higher education institutions for collaboration between departments or institutions. [152637]

  Alan Johnson
  The principal mechanism for encouraging greater collaboration between higher education departments and institutions is the Strategic
  1395W
  Development Fund, operated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The fund supports various forms of collaboration including, for example, institutional mergers, strategic alliances and incentives for developing innovative research programmes.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is his policy that Regional Development Agencies should have a statutory involvement in the provision of(a) higher education and (b) higher education research. [152702]

  Alan Johnson
  Regional Development Agencies' statutory purposes are: to further economic development and regeneration of their area, to promote business efficiency, investment and competitiveness in their area, to promote employment in their area, to enhance development and application of skills relevant to employment in their area, and to contribute to sustainable development in the UK.

  The Future of Higher Education White Paper outlines the growing role that RDAs have in HE and other knowledge transfer programmes and in addition outlines the following proposals:

  An enhanced role for the RDAs in matching supply and demand for higher education. RDAs already have a direct input into determining new higher education provision in their regions to ensure it meets regional priorities;

  To involve RDAs further in the Aim Higher campaign, to help address regional needs for access to higher education;

  To encourage RDAs to play a proactive role in developing the work of the New Technology Institutes (NTIs), including through funding; and

  To ask RDAs to take responsibility for galvanising the business community to work harder to make best use of the opportunities offered by higher education; and to play a particular role in helping small and medium-sized enterprises articulate their needs, and make links with higher education.

  Our research policy treats research as a national priority, and therefore funds the best research wherever it exists. The Higher Education Funding Council for England distributes research funding to universities by a formula according to the quality and volume of their research as measured in periodic Research Assessment Exercises. There is no explicit regional element in the formula and to introduce one might weaken our ability to compete in the international marketplace.

  The RDAs are instrumental as drivers for regional growth and development, often in partnership with higher education institutions within their respective regions. This can involve supporting the research base within their region. However, this is a matter for the RDAs themselves to decide.

  Religious Symbols
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from the general public concerning the proposed policy in France of banning all religious symbols in public schools. [153532]
  1396W
  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The Department for Education and Skills has received no representations from members of the general public concerning the proposed policy in France of banning all religious symbols in schools.

  School Absenteeism
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many half-days have been lost owing to unauthorised absence of pupils in(a) East Midlands and (b) West Derbyshire in each year since 1997 (i) in absolute terms and (ii) as a proportion of the total number of half-days. [150879]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  East Midlands

  West Derbyshire

  Academic Year

  Number of half days lost due to authorised absences

  Percentage of half days lost

  Number of half days lost due to authorised absences

  Percentage of half days lost

  1997–98

  1,347,350

  0.8

  11,003

  0.4

  1998–99

  1,343,440

  0.8

  14,437

  0.4

  1999–2000

  1,291,409

  0.7

  12,210

  0.4

  2000–01

  1,357,059

  0.8

  15,625

  0.5

  2001–02

  1,419,100

  0.8

  15,849

  0.5

  2002–03

  1,411,852

  0.8

  15,186

  0.4

  Notes:

  1. Figures relate to maintained primary and secondary schools but exclude maintained special schools and CTCs.

  2. Figures cover pupils that were absent between September and May for each year

  Sex Education
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his policy is on giving a social and moral context to sex advice offered to under 16-year-olds. [153667]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  Our policy on Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) is clearly set out in our Guidance published in July 2000. Our Guidance clearly states that 'the objective of SRE is to help and support young people through their physical, emotional and moral development and prepare them for adult life. A successful programme firmly embedded in Personal, Social and Health Education, sets a strong social and moral context to help young people develop personal and social skills and understand the importance of attitudes and values such as the importance of family life.'

  Staying-on Rates (Nottingham)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what contribution has been made by(a) further education colleges in the Nottingham area and (b) the Nottingham Learning and Skills Council to the improvement of staying-on rates at schools in Nottingham North since 1997. [152955]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  School sixth form provision is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). It is for them to comment on the specific contribution of the FE sector and the local LSC to improving staying on rates at schools in Nottingham North since 1997. I have
  1397W
  asked their Chief Executive, Mark Haysom, to write to the hon. Gentleman with the information requested and place a copy of his reply in the Library.

  Student Finance
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what calculations he made to reach the conclusion in the Regulatory Impact Assessment of the Higher Education Bill that the projected future cost of the student living cost loan subsidy will be 27 per cent. [152567]

  Alan Johnson
  The Regulatory Impact Assessment states that the future cost of maintenance loans is estimated at 29 per cent. of the value of loans advanced, which comprises the cost of loan write-offs and the interest subsidy. It was estimated using a simulation model of the distribution of future maintenance loan debt, graduate earnings and student loan repayments.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much total additional money he estimates will have to be advanced each year to students as student loans in order to meet the Government's recently announced increase to maximum loan levels. [152782]

  Alan Johnson
  We estimate that the additional amount of maintenance loan advanced as a result of the higher maximum loan rates will be around £160 million per annum in cash terms in 2006/07 terms.

  As stated in the Regulatory Impact Assessment published on 8 January, the resource cost1 of raising the maximum rate of maintenance loan to match the basic living costs expenditure of the mid-range student is estimated at £65 million in 2006/07 terms. This is the resource cost to the Government of both the additional amount of maintenance loan advanced (given above) and the resulting impact on the repayments of fee loans.

  £

  Category of student

  Maximum loan in 2004/05

  Maximum loan in 2006/07 (before increase) at 2.5 per cent. inflation per year

  New maximum loan for 2006/07

  First and second year students

  Living away from home outside London (max.)

  4,095

  4,300

  4,405

  Living at home (max.)

  3,240

  3,405

  3,415

  Living away from home in London (max.)

  5,050

  5,305

  6,170

  Final year students

  Living away from home outside London (max.)

  3,555

  3,735

  4,075

  Living at home (max.)

  2,830

  2,975

  3,085

  Living away from home in London (max.)

  4,380

  4,600

  5,620

  The minimum means tested student loan for each category of student, as now, will be 75 per cent. of the maximum eg £3,305 for students living away from home outside London in 2006/07 instead of £3,070 in 2004/05. The loan reduces from £4,405 to £3,305 as parental or spouse income rises from about £33,500 to about £44,000. The minimum loan is available to every eligible student regardless of family income.

  Where under our proposals low income students receive the maximum combined grant of £2,700, which is in addition to their continuing entitlement to loans, we
  1398W
  1 Estimates of the resource cost of the loans represent the real economic cost to the Government of providing the loans and take into account the forecast loan repayments, the foregone interest and any loan write-offs.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether students who receive payments as a grant rather than a fee remission will be entitled to receive the maximum student loan under the Government's proposals. [152783]

  Alan Johnson
  Details of the proposed arrangements are set out in the Government's discussion paper "Moving toward a single combined grant for higher education". Copies of the paper were placed in the Library of the House on 19 January; it is also available on the Department for Education and Skills website.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much grant part-time students will be entitled to under the terms of the Higher Education Bill. [152785]

  Alan Johnson
  The Higher Education Bill does not specify the levels of financial support available to part-time students. Levels are set out in the student support regulations which are made annually. In 2004–05 a new package of support is being introduced for part-time students. Students on low incomes will be able to get a grant of up to £575 for fees and a grant of up to £250 for course costs.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what changes the Government are making to(a) the minimum student loan level and(b) the levels of loan available to students at intermediate levels of family income between the maximum and minimum loan levels. [152786]

  Alan Johnson
  The proposed new means tested student loan figures are given below. The maximum student loan will be increased to meet the basic living costs expenditure of the mid-range student in the recent Student Income and Expenditure Survey.

  currently expect them to have access to loans worth the maximum entitlement to loan as in the table less £850. Details of the proposed arrangements are set out in the Government's discussion paper "Moving toward a single combined grant for higher education".

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the change in the length of time that students will take to repay an average loan following the increase in the repayment threshold from £10,000 to £15,000. [152787]
  1399W
  Alan Johnson
  The estimate of the length of time to repay is the average across all students who take out a loan. This is different from the length of time it will take for some notional average graduate to repay. The estimate is from a model which simulates student loan repayments, based on assumed distributions of: length of time in Higher Education; size of means-tested loan taken out; size of fee loan, net of any fee remission; and borrower lifetime earnings. Some borrowers will repay more quickly than this estimated average and some less so.

  As part of a package of reforms announced with the introduction of the Higher Education Bill, any debt outstanding after 25 years would be written-off. The threshold would increase to £15,000 in April 2005 and be increased with inflation from April 2010 onwards. The average time to repay would be around 13 years. Under the same approach to uprating the threshold, the average time to repay would be around 11 years with a £10,000 threshold.

  The answer above is based on modelling on the basis of a separate fee grant and HE grant. Once the grants are combined, as announced by the Secretary of State to the House on 27 January 2004, the balance between

  Definition of basic living items

  Broad basic expenditure groups

  Detailed items

  Accommodation

  Rent/mortgage payments; council tax; utility bills.

  Household

  Food; non-alcoholic drink; household items; TV licence; land-line telephone bills; furniture; household appliances over £50; washing machine; fridge; contents insurance.

  Travel

  To university; to parental home; field trips

  Course costs

  Allowance of £260 per year (includes books; equipment; amenity fees; photocopying; stationery).

  Personal

  Clothes; footwear; glasses/contact lenses; medical treatment; personal items; entertainment spending allowance of £300 per year.

  We recognise that on top of basic living items most students will want to buy goods and services that other young people want. The SIES shows that they manage this through supplementing student loans (where taken out) with a mixture of parental support, paid work and additional borrowing.

  Undergraduates
  Lembit ÖOpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many undergraduate students in Wales have declared themselves bankrupt in each year since 1992; and if he will make a statement. [153716]

  Alan Johnson
  The following table shows the number of student loan borrowers, both graduates and undergraduates, who have had bankruptcy orders made against them since 1992.

  There are no figures showing undergraduates as a separate group.

  Bankrupt year1

  Number of borrowers2,3,4,5

  1992

  0

  1993

  1

  1994

  2

  1995

  4

  1996

  6

  1997

  7

  1998

  2

  1400W
  maintenance loan and fee loan will be slightly different, though the impact on the overall time to repay is likely to be small.

  Student Living Costs
  Dr. Starkey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what definition he uses of what constitutes basic living costs for the average student. [153400]

  Alan Johnson
  We have based the increased rates of maintenance loan on the expenditure on basic living items for the average student in each loan category, as shown in the 2002/03 Student Income and Expenditure Survey (SIES). Students studying in London who live independently will benefit the most.

  SIES showed that there is huge variability in students' level of expenditure. We have derived the following standardised list of basic living items based upon a list compiled by a departmental advisory group charged with overseeing the guidance for Higher Education Institution staff when considering applications for hardship support1. This definition is more generous than the definition of 'essential' expenditure that was used in the 1995/06 and 1998/09 SIES.

  1 The Advisory Group on Student Discretionary Funds (AGSDF)

  Bankrupt year1

  Number of borrowers2,3,4,5

  1999

  6

  2000

  16

  2001

  22

  2002

  21

  2003

  648

  Total

  135

  1 Calendar year in which the borrower became bankrupt.

  2 Data shows the number of student loan borrowers.

  3 Includes borrowers who may or may not have graduated from
  their course.

  4 Includes all types of students (including PGCE—Postgraduate Certificate of Education students).

  5 Data covers both types of student loan—Mortgage Style (including loans sold to the private sector) and Income Contingent.

  6 The increase in the numbers of bankruptcies in 2003 seems to be as a result of greater public awareness that students loans are provable in bankruptcy.

  Source:

  Student Loans Company.

  Student Funding
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Government is required to provide identical funding to UK students and students from other EU countries choosing to study in the UK under all circumstances. [153065]
  1401W
  Alan Johnson
  The Government are required, under Article 12 of the EC Treaty, to provide tuition fee support for EU nationals in a way that does not discriminate compared to UK nationals. This requirement does not extend to providing access to student loans or grants for maintenance purposes for EU students.

  Student Incentives
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the £30 million budget set aside for further education student incentives. [153068]

  Alan Johnson
  As announced in the White Paper "21st Century Skills: Realising Our Potential" in July 2003, we are currently piloting an Adult Learning Grant (ALG) in 10 local Learning and Skills Council areas. We are trialling the approach and will evaluate the impact of 1402W
  the pilots to establish, in the light of the conclusions of the next spending review, the best operational design for ALGs, with the intention of implementing a national roll-out of ALGs.

  No announcement has been made on the budget for 2004/05 for the ALG pilots.

  University Access
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the access regulator will hold responsibility for the allocation formula for the widening participation budget. [152778]

  Alan Johnson
  No. Responsibility for the widening participation and retention allocation will remain with the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The Director for Fair Access will be a regulatory, not funding body.
  1403W

HEALTH

  Acute Hospital Trusts
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is responsible for meeting the costs where the activity of an acute hospitals trust exceeds the amount commissioned by primary care trusts without the agreement of those primary care trusts. [152310]

  Mr. Hutton
  Discussions about commissioning arrangements are undertaken locally between national health service trusts and primary care trusts and if required the relevant strategic health authority. However, NHS trusts are responsible for balancing their income and expenditure in year.

  Adolescent Medicine
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many specialists in adolescent medicine there are in England. [152738]

  Mr. Hutton
  There is not a specific specialty called adolescent medicine. There are a number of specialties that specialise in the treatment of pre-adult conditions.

  The table shows the number of consultants, employed in the National Health Service in England, in child and adolescent psychiatry, paediatric dentistry, paediatric surgery and within the paediatric group.

  Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health services (HCHS): Medical and dental consultants within specialties that work with children

  England at 30 June 2003

  Numbers (headcount)

  Child and adolescent psychiatry

  500

  Paediatric dentistry

  26

  Paediatric surgery

  105

  Paediatric cardiology

  63

  Paediatrics

  1,700

  Paediatric neurology

  38

  Source:

  Department of Health medical and dental workforce census

  Allergies
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how much NHS funding is provided for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies; what plans he has to increase this amount; and if he will make a statement; [153364]

  (2) what special NHS treatment centres are available for people with allergies in (a) England and (b) Gloucestershire. [153365]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Information on national health service funding for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies is not collected centrally. Health authorities (HAs) and primary care trusts receive unified allocations to cover the costs of hospital and community health services, discretionary funding for general practice staff, premises and computers and primary care prescribing.
  1404W
  The level of funding made available for the drugs, staffing and other costs of providing allergy services are determined locally. It is for HAs, in partnership with other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use their funds to provide health services for their populations including those with allergies.

  The British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology handbook, "National NHS Allergy Clinics" (2001), lists 86 NHS consultant-led clinics in the United Kingdom. There were an additional 15 clinics run by NHS consultants identified by the British Allergy Foundation in the handbook.

  Ashford Hospital
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress in the negotiations with Mercury Healthcare for the setting up of a new treatment centre at Ashford Hospital, Middlesex. [153276]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: The Department, working with local national health service sponsors, is continuing to make good progress towards finalising a contract for the provision of an independent sector treatment centre at Ashford.

  Asthma (Children)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) girls and (b) boys aged between five and 15 years suffered from asthma in 2003. [152563]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The data available are shown in the table.

  Finished admission episodes by sex for asthma in children For children aged five to 15 years NHS hospital trusts in England, 2002–03

  Female

  4,383

  Male

  7,011

  Total

  11,394

  Notes:

  1. A finished admission episode is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.

  2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (7 prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.

  3. Figures are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data, except for 2001–02 and 2002–03, which are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Audiology
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many audiologist posts are(a) unfilled and (b) filled by temporary appointees in NHS audiology

  1405W
  departments in England; and what percentage of the total number of audiologist posts each of these figures represents. [152730]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information is not collected separately on vacancies for audiologists; they are included within the physiological measurement area of work. Information is collected in the national health service vacancy survey on the number of vacancies lasting three months or more. As at March 2003, 66, or 1.9 per cent. of physiological measurement posts were vacant for three months or more, a fall from 2.1 per cent. in the previous year.

  Information on the number of posts currently filled by temporary appointees is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people worked in the audiology department of Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, in each of the last six years. [154183]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) analogue and (b) digital hearing aids were fitted in (i) Taunton Deane Primary Care Trust area and (ii) Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust area in each month of 2003. [154184]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hearing aid assessments were carried out in each month of 2003 in the(a) Taunton Deane and (b) Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust area. [154185]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  This information is not centrally held.

  Chiropody
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients recorded as first contacts for chiropody services(a) had a foot condition that was cured within the year and (b) did not go on to receive foot care in the last year for which statistics are available; [153800]

  (2) how many chiropody patients were cured within a year of first being referred in the last year for which statistics are available. [153802]

  Dr. Ladyman
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: The information requested is not available centrally.

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given to primary care trusts when considering the provision of chiropody services; and how compliance with such guidance is monitored. [153801]

  Dr. Ladyman
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: It is for primary care trusts in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services.
  1406W
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what responses the Government have received to its consultation on the abolition of the KT23 chiropody statistics; and when a decision will be announced. [153838]

  Dr. Ladyman
  [holding answer 2 February 2004]: The internal review of the KT23 chiropody statistics is not yet complete and formal consultation with interested parties has not commenced.

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures are in place to ensure that all initial contacts for chiropody services receive foot treatment and are cured; [154328]

  (2) how many patients recorded as initial contacts for chiropody services did not go on to receive foot care in each of the last six years for which figures are available; [154329]

  (3) how many patients recorded as initial contacts for chiropody services had a condition that was cured within the year in each of the last six years for which figures are available. [154330]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Consultants
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the number of consultants wishing to retire before August; and if he will make a statement. [152818]

  Mr. Hutton
  The NHS Pension Agency has not received any representations regarding the number of consultants who wish to retire before August.

  The Department has published guidance, Reviewing your retirement options: 'Consultants and senior hospital doctors', which offers doctors approaching retirement the option to reduce the pace and commitment of work. The flexible careers scheme which is supported by central funding enables doctors, approaching retirement or who have already retired, to continue working flexibly and at the same time either supplement or enhance their pension entitlements.

  Delayed Discharges
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of delayed discharge patients had been waiting over 28 days for a transfer of care as at 1 January in each year since 1997 broken down by local authority in England; [153424]

  (2) how many delayed discharge patients were awaiting a domiciliary care package in (a) England and (b) each local authority as at (i) 1 January 2004 and (ii) 1 January 2003. [153425]

  Dr. Ladyman
  These data are not available centrally. All available information on delayed transfers of care since 1997 is available in the Library. The latest figures for 2003–04, Quarter 3 (December 2003), will be available by the middle of February and will be placed in the Library.
  1407W
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid by each local authority in fines for delayed discharge. [153813]

  Dr. Ladyman
  I refer the hon. Member to the response given to the lion. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) on 5 February 2004,Official Report, column 1064W.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of adverse incidents occurring in(a) NHS and (b) non-NHS dentistry in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [152827]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The number of adverse incidents involving dental appliances occurring in National Health Service and non-NHS dentistry is shown in the table.

  Incidents involving dental devices—1997 to February 2004

  Year

  NHS

  Non-NHS

  1997

  15

  8

  1998

  27

  11

  1999

  28

  9

  2000

  92

  22

  2001

  61

  28

  2002

  51

  31

  2003

  25

  32

  2004

  4

  6

  Total

  303

  147

  The Government has established the National Patient Safety Agency to improve the safety of NHS patient care by promoting an open and fair culture and by introducing a new national reporting and learning system for patient safety incidents. The reporting system is being implemented across the NHS during 2004.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Woodward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many primary care trusts in(a) Merseyside, (b) the North West and (c) England have a permanent domestic violence health professional responsible for implementing the Department's document Domestic Violence: A Resource Manual for Health Care Professionals. [153223]

  Dr. Ladyman
  This information is not available centrally.

  Drugs/Alcohol (Children)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children aged between 14 and 19 years are known to have experimented with(a) drugs and (b) alcohol in 2003. [152554]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  Data are not available in the form requested; however the latest available data are shown in the tables.1408W

  Table 1: Whether young people aged 14 and 15 have taken drugs in the last month, last year and ever, by gender—England, 2002

  Percentage

  14 years

  15 years

  Boys

  Taken in last month

  19

  25

  Taken in last year, including in last month

  28

  38

  Ever taken

  37

  47

  Girls

  Taken in last month

  15

  18

  Taken in last year, including in last month

  24

  33

  Ever taken

  31

  42

  All pupils

  Taken in last month

  17

  22

  Taken in last year, including in last month

  26

  36

  Ever taken

  34

  45

  Source:

  National Centre for Social Research/NFER Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2002

  Table 2: Whether young people aged 16 to 19 have taken drugs in the last month, last year and ever, by gender—England and Wales, 2002–03

  Percentage

  Males

  Females

  All persons

  Taken in last month

  19

  15

  17

  Taken in last year, including in last month

  30

  24

  27

  Ever taken

  44

  36

  40

  Source:

  Home Office 2002–03 British Crime Survey

  Table 3: Whether young people aged 14 and 15 have ever had an alcoholic drink and whether they had drunk alcohol in the last week, by gender—England, 2002

  Percentage

  14 years

  15 years

  Boys

  Drank in last week

  34

  49

  Ever drank

  79

  86

  Girls

  Drank in last week

  34

  45

  Ever drank

  81

  88

  All pupils

  Drank in last week

  34

  47

  Ever drank

  80

  87

  Source:

  National Centre for Social Research/NFER Smoking, drinking and drug use among young people in England in 2002

  Table 4: Whether young people aged 16 to 19 ever drink alcohol and whether they had drunk alcohol in the last week, by gender England, 2001

  Percentage

  Males

  Non-drinker

  16

  Drinks alcohol nowadays

  84

  Drank in the last week

  59

  Females

  Non-drinker

  17

  Drinks alcohol nowadays

  83

  Drank in the last week

  57

  All persons

  Non-drinker

  17

  Drinks alcohol nowadays

  83

  Drank in the last week

  58

  1409W
  Notes:

  1.Respondents are categorised as a 'drinker' if they report ever drinking alcohol nowadays.

  2.Figures for non-drinker include those that used to drink alcohol but do not drink nowadays.

  Source:

  ONS Living in Britain. General Household Survey, 2001

  Eczema (Children)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of children who suffered from asthma also suffered from eczema in 2003. [152559]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Using latest data available (1996) the percentage of children who have suffered from asthma was 19 per cent., and those who have suffered from eczema was 23 per cent. The percentage of children who have suffered from both asthma and eczema was seven per cent., This means that 37 per cent., of those with asthma have also suffered from eczema.

  Ethical Recruitment
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the recruitment agencies used by the NHS have not signed up to the code of practice on ethical recruitment. [150658]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 26 January 2004]: The Department does not hold a list of agencies used by the national health service when recruiting overseas. NHS trusts should use only those commercial agencies which comply with the code of practice and which are listed on the Department's website.

  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) steps his Department is taking and (b) guarantees his Department seeks to ensure that the NHS does not employ recruitment agencies that have not signed up to its code of practice on ethical recruitment. [150659]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 26 January 2004]: National health service trusts should use only those commercial agencies which comply with the code of practice and which are listed on the Department's website.

  Strategic health authorities are working with trusts to ensure they comply with the code of practice and only work with agencies which are compliant.

  European Health Insurance Card
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made concerning the European Health Insurance Card; when he expects to issue such cards to UK citizens; and whether there will be a charge. [151491]

  Mr. Hutton
  Ministers are currently considering the options available for implementing the European Health Insurance Card in the United Kingdom. Member states, like the UK, which do not currently have a card-issuing infrastructure, have until 31 December 2005 to begin issuing cards to their residents. No decisions have yet been taken on the precise timetable for issue to UK residents. The card will be issued free of charge to the holder.
  1410W

  Foundation Hospitals
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 12 January 2004,Official Report, columns 602–03W, on foundation hospitals. whether the Department will set minimum standards on (a) ethical and (b) environmental investments. [149506]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  There are no current plans to publish minimum standards on ethical and environmental investments.

  Free Personal Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his estimates of the cost of implementing the Royal Commission recommendation of free personal care took into account the(a) decision of the Health Service Ombudsman in the case of Mr. Malcolm Pointon and (b) subsequent review by strategic health authorities of continuing care decisions and policies following the decision by the Health Service Ombudsman. [152913]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The decision by the Health Service Ombudsman in the case of Malcolm Pointon is a decision on an individual case, and as such has no bearing on the estimates of the cost of free personal care at a national level.

  The review by strategic health authorities (SHAs) of past decisions on national health service-funded continuing care is retrospective. Payments will be made to individuals where incorrect decisions about NHS funding were made in the past, but these have no bearing on the future cost of free personal care at a national level. Any change made by SHAs to eligibility criteria for fully funded NHS continuing care, following review, is covered in the range of estimates given for the cost of free personal care.

  GP Premises
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from general practitioners and their representatives on difficulties in purchasing appropriate premises because of(a) house prices and (b) negative equity; and if he will make a statement. [152128]

  Mr. Hutton
  I am not aware of any general concerns being raised by general practitioners or their representatives on difficulties in purchasing appropriate premises. The arrangements in place to reimburse GP premises costs take account of differing local property prices. Additionally, a flexibility was introduced in September 2003 to enable primary care trusts to provide a grant towards mortgage deficit and/or redemption costs to enable a move to new premises or to modernise existing premises to improve service delivery.

  Head Injuries (Children)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children suffered from severe head injuries in each year since 2000. [152561]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The data available are shown in the table.
  1411W

  Primary Diagnosis (ICD-10 SOO-S09) Injuries to the Head Count of Finished Admissions Episodes Age on Admission 0 to 17 years NHS Hospitals England 2000–01 to 2002–03

  Admission Episodes

  2000–01

  40,408

  2001–02

  39,693

  2002–03

  38,170

  Notes:

  1. A finished admission episode is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year.

  2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (7 prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in the Hospital. Episode Statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.

  3. Figures for 2000–01 are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data. For 2001–02 and 2002–03, figures are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.

  Source:
  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the trust temporary borrowing limits for each strategic health authority are for 2003–04; [152472]

  (2) what financial information requests are made by his Department of (a) strategic health trusts, (b) NHS trusts and (c) primary care trusts. [152720]

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

  Health Care Assistants
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will publish proposals on the regulation of health care assistants. [152828]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Government are committed to consult on proposals to regulate health care support staff, which will include health care assistants, and this consultation will be taking place in the near future. The consultation will identify those categories of staff whose clinical practice needs to be of a high standard in order to ensure patient safety. The proposals include a range of options including full statutory regulation for these staff and the Government will decide on the way forward in light of the responses to the consultation.

  Independent Treatment Centres
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures the Government have in place to ensure that independent treatment centres run by NTC do not recruit from the NHS. [152927]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]: New treatment centres run by the independent sector will be precluded as part of the contracts they sign from poaching national health service staff. Providers are required to demonstrate to sponsors that their workforce strategy is compliant with the contract.

  Mental Health
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many secure beds are available in each mental health trust; [152918]
  1412W
  (2) what the occupancy rates of beds in secure mental health institutions were in each mental health trust area in England in each of the last three years. [152942]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Information on numbers and occupancy rates of national health service beds, including those for people with mental health problems categorised by ward classification, is available from the Department's website at www.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/

  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he(a) has made and (b) will undertake of the support needs of families of sufferers of mental ill health. [152919]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The national service framework (NSF) for mental health provides rationale and evidence base for a national standard for mental health services relating to carers of people with mental health problems.

  This NSF standard stipulates that all individuals who provide regular and substantial care for a person on the care programme approach should have an assessment of their caring, physical and mental health needs repeated on at least an annual basis. People who provide regular and substantial care for a person on the care programme approach are also entitled to have their own written care plan which is given to them and implemented in discussion with them.

  In view of the vital role carers play in looking after the users of mental health services, the NHS Plan set a target for services to recruit 700 carer support workers by the end of the year to increase the breaks available for carers, and to strengthen carer support networks.

  In addition, the Department published "Developing services for carers and families of people with mental illness" in November 2002. Its recommendations are being taken forward by the National Institute for Mental Health in England.

  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many adolescent mental health specialists there are in England. [152718]

  Mr. Hutton
  As at 30 June 2003, there were 500 consultants in the specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry working in the National Health Service in England.

  Consultant numbers in the specialty have increased by 12 per cent., 55 since September 1997.

  Missed Hospital Appointments
  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce fines for patients who miss hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement. [153630]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: We have currently no plans to introduce fines for people who do not attend (DNA).

  The Government established a national booking programme as part of their modernisation agenda. Giving patients the opportunity to choose the location, time and date of their hospital appointment will reduce the number of DNAs.
  1413W

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole time equivalent(a) managers, (b) senior managers and (c) clerical and administrative staff were working in the NHS in England on 1 December, using the definitions in Table 6A of the Department's report, NHS hospital and community health services non-medical staff in England: 1991–2001. [145728]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 5 January 2004]: The information requested as at 30 September 2002, the latest available data, is shown in the table.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: Administration and Estates staff in England as at 30 September 2002

  Whole-time equivalent

  Total Administration and Estates staff

  201,777

  Senior manager

  11,420

  Manager

  19,494

  Clerical and administrative

  158,978

  Maintenance and works

  11,831

  Unclassified

  54

  Notes:
  Figures are rounded to the nearest whole-number

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-medical Workforce Census

  The definitions of administrative staff were changed for the 2002 non-medical workforce census to more accurately reflect their roles in the National Health Service. Until the September 2002 bulletin, table 6a showed a breakdown of the whole administrative and estates group, including staff working in direct support to clinical staff. It now shows those staff working in central functions and hotel, property and estates as well as managers, clerical and administrative staff working in central functions. Staff such as medical secretaries have been more appropriately classified as working in direct support to clinical staff. The more appropriate table 6a for September 2002 is shown in the following table. Hotel, property and estates staff includes laundry, catering and domestic services staff; essential for the day-to-day running of hospitals.

  NHS Hospital and Community Health Services: NHS infrastructure support in England as at 30 September 2002

  Whole-time equivalents

  NHS infrastructure support

  158,026

  Central functions—administrative and clerical staff

  72,730

  Hotel, property and estates

  54,382

  Manager

  19,494

  Senior Manager

  11,420

  Notes:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest whole-number

  Source:

  Department of Health Non-medical Workforce Census

  Patient Power Project
  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many beds have installed services for telephone, television and radio under the Patient Power Project, broken down by the licence holder providing the service. [152033]
  1414W
  Mr. Hutton
  52,000 beds have installed patient power services, including 46,000 in the major hospitals targeted in the NHS Plan. The number of operational beds provided by patient power licence holders is shown in the table.

  Licence Holder

  Number of operational beds

  Patientline

  44,400

  Wandsworth Electrical

  3,713

  Hospital Telephone Services

  2,841

  Kerfone

  1,375

  Premier Managed Payphones

  100

  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what proportion of the beds deemed suitable to receive telephone, television and radio services under the Patient Power Project have those services; [152034]

  (2) how many and what proportion of NHS trusts have signed concession agreements with licence holders under the Patient Power project; [152035]

  (3) how many installations under the Patient Power project will be completed by the end of 2004. [152036]

  Mr. Hutton
  Strong progress is being made with the patient power project. These facilities for patients are delivered at no cost to the National Health Service. As a result, the National Health Service has benefited from over £100 million of private sector investment.

  The NHS Plan target states that patient power services will be available in every major hospital by the end of 2004, which means some 85,000 beds in 155 major hospitals in 125 trusts will have a system. Within major hospitals, over 46,000 beds of that target of 85,000 already have an operational system with almost a year to go before the NHS Plan deadline for installation. 122 of the 125 targeted trusts have signed a contract with a supplier and the remaining three are expected to sign shortly. In addition, NHS Estates has worked with suppliers to enable smaller hospitals to install a service. In total, 52,000 beds in 112 hospitals currently have the service. So far, a total of 149 trusts have signed a contract with a patient power licence holder.

  Mr. Portillo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many licences have been awarded to firms to provide telephone, television and radio services to hospital patients' bedsides under the patient power project. [152037]

  Mr. Hutton
  Eight patient power suppliers have licences, five of which are full licences and three are provisional.

  Prison Suicide
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the interim report of the three-year study being undertaken by Manchester university on behalf of his Department into prison suicide has been completed; if he will place a copy of the interim report in the Library; and if he will make a statement on the conclusions and recommendations. [151410]

  Paul Goggins
  I have been asked to reply.
  1415W
  Manchester University, on behalf of the Prison Service and the Department of Health, were asked to evaluate existing and new tools that help staff care for prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm. The evaluation of the existing tool (the F2052SH) was undertaken in 2002 and a report completed. The evaluation of the proposed new tool (the ACCT, that is being piloted in five prisons: Wandsworth, Feltham, Low Newton, Holme House and Woodhill) is not due for completion until later this year. A copy of the report on the F2052SH has been placed in the House Library.

  Project Funding
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding is to be allocated for(a) implementation of the European Working Time Directive, (b) the Agenda for Change programme, (c) implementation of the new consultant contract and (d) implementation of the new general practitioner contract. [152625]

  Mr. Hutton
  Primary care trust (PCT) allocations for 2003–04 to 2005–06 were announced on 11 December 2002.

  Although none of the growth money has been identified for specific purposes, the allocations do include funding to support the roll-out of Agenda for Change and for the implementation of the consultant contract.

  Additional funding, worth 0.8 per cent. of main allocations, has been allocated to PCTs in 2004–05 and a further 0.8 per cent. in 2005–06 to cover the costs of implementing Agenda for Change in acute and specialist hospital trusts, mental health trusts, ambulance trusts and PCTs themselves.

  Additional funding, worth 0.3 per cent. of main allocations, has been allocated to PCTs in 2003–04, a further 0.1 per cent. in 2004–05 and a further 0.1 per cent. in 2005–06 for the implementation of the new consultant contract.

  School Nurses
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are employed in England as school nurses. [153900]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Working Time Directive
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the implications of the Working Time Directive on the work of general practitioners. [151699]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Working Time Directive (WTD) is an integral part of modernising and improving services at all levels. Strategic health authorities are responsible for planning for implementation by trusts of the WTD for doctors in training from August 2004, as part of their overall national health service planning.
  1416W
  There are a range of solutions to WTD compliance which involve changing the working practices of both medical and non-medical staff. In some cases this may mean changes to the balance and pattern of primary care provision.

  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish an update from the European Working Time Directive pilot sites. [152622]

  Mr. Hutton
  Reports from the Working Time Directive (WTD) pilots are posted on the Department's web-site at www.doh.gov.uk/workingtime/pilots.htm and on the Modernisation Agency web-site at www.modern.nhs.uk. While the pilots are underway, lessons from their experience, examples of good practice and other changes put in place by the pilots that may contribute to achieving WTD compliance are being shared with the National Health Service through the monthly bulletin, "Calling time".

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Speed Fines
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the estimated revenue from speed fines(a) is in the current financial year and (b) was in the previous financial year. [153091]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]: Information on the revenue raised from speeding fines is not available.

  Available information shows the total number and amount of fines ordered to be paid following conviction for speeding offences within England and Wales for the calendar years 2000 and 2001. As the majority of such offences are dealt with by the issue of a fixed penalty, the table also shows the total amount of fixed penalties ordered to be paid.

  Not all fines and fixed penalties will have been paid.

  Information for 2002 will be available in the Spring.

  Fines and fixed penalties data for speeding offences, England and Wales, 2000–01

  Court proceedings

  Fixed Penalties

  Number of fines

  Total amount of fine (£)

  Average Fine (£)

  Number of tickets

  Estimated revenue (£)1

  2000

  139,200

  18,098,000

  130

  1,023,500

  44,351,000

  2001

  133,500

  17,622,000

  132

  1,233,000

  73,980,000

  1 'Estimate' based on £60 penalty charge.

  Aggravated Burglary
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of trends in the grant of bail for those charged with aggravated burglary at domestic premises; and if he will make it his policy to seek a reduction in the grant of bail for such offences; [153329]

  (2) what assessment he has made of trends in custodial sentencing for those convicted of aggravated burglary of domestic premises; and what his policy is on custodial sentencing for such offences. [153330]
  1417W
  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]: The available information, relating to the custody rate and average custodial sentence length for persons sentenced for domestic aggravated burglary in England and Wales, 1995 to 2002, is contained in the table. The figures show that both the custody rate and the average sentence length have increased since 1995.

  The Government believe that custody should be reserved for dangerous and serious offenders. It is for the courts to impose appropriate sentences in individual cases, taking all circumstances into account.

  The Government have always stressed the seriousness of the offence of burglary. The courts have robust sentencing powers in respect of aggravated burglary: the maximum penalty for the offence is life imprisonment.

  Persons sentenced for offences of aggravated burglary1 in a dwelling and those receiving immediate custody, England and Wales, 1995 to 2002

  Number of persons sentenced

  Persons sentenced to immediate Custody (inc. life)

  Custody rate (percentage)

  Average custodial sentence length (exc. life) (months)

  Number of life sentences

  1995

  229

  179

  78.2

  44.7

  1

  1996

  278

  220

  79.1

  44.3

  —

  1997

  273

  232

  85.0

  46.0

  —

  1998

  224

  196

  87.5

  46.0

  1

  1999

  234

  210

  89.7

  45.5

  —

  2000

  194

  179

  92.3

  48.6

  —

  2001

  221

  191

  86.4

  50.2

  3

  2002

  288

  254

  88.2

  50.1

  3

  1 Data are on the principal offence basis

  Source:
  Offending and Criminal Justice Group, RDS.

  Ref: IOS 72–04 4 February 2004

  Of those received into prison under sentence for aggravated burglary in the five years 1998–2002, 82 per cent.-85 per cent. had previously been remanded in custody. These figures do not suggest that courts are unduly ready to grant bail to defendants accused of this offence.

  Receptions into prison under an immediate custodial sentence for aggravated burglary: Proportion known to have been previously remanded in custody

  Percentage

  1998

  84

  1999

  83

  2000

  85

  2001

  82

  2002

  82

  Anti-social Behaviour
  Mrs. Brooke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department over what period he will pilot the penalty fines for 16 and 17-year-olds contained in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003; and if he will publish an evaluation of the pilot. [152751]

  Ms Blears
  Taking account of the experience gained of the pilot scheme for adults, we have decided that the issues for 16 and 17-year-olds are essentially the same as for adults. We therefore propose to go ahead nationally with the scheme for 16 and 17-year-olds alongside the 1418W
  national rollout of the adult scheme. That will happen in police areas over the coming months as the necessary IT software becomes available. We will be evaluating the operation of the scheme for 16 to 17-year-olds on an interim basis after six months and again after 12 months. The results will be made available to the House.

  Mr. Ben Chapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of links between trick or treat activities during Halloween with criminal behaviour. [145345]

  Ms Blears
  No assessment has been made of evidence that links trick or treat activities during Halloween with criminal behaviour.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which bodies will be consulted specifically on curfew orders and supervision orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. [153104]

  Ms Blears
  The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 provides for extension of the maximum length of curfew orders for 10 to 15-year-olds from three months to six months and the maximum time under supervision from 90 to 180 days. This is primarily to allow the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) to run for up to 12 months. We aim to pilot the extended ISSP from September 2004. We will be consulting beforehand on the guidance in particular with court Youth Offending Team, children's charity and ISSP interests together with the devolved administrations.

  The Act also provides for intensive fostering within Supervision Orders, and we will consult on implementation with children's charity, family, Youth Offending Team and social services interests.

  Bribery
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what targets have been set by his Department for investigation and prosecution of the offence of bribery of a foreign public official; [151378]

  (2) what additional resources he has earmarked for enforcement of Part 12 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 since February 2002, and to which law enforcement agencies he has assigned them. [151379]

  Paul Goggins
  No specific targets have been set by the Home Office for the investigation and prosecution of the offence of bribery of a foreign public official, nor have any additional funds been allocated.

  Burglary
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were(a) charged, (b) prosecuted and (c) found guilty of burglary in each year since 1997; how many of these were (i) under 16, (ii) under 18 and (iii) under 21; and how many of those found guilty were given (A) custodial sentences and (B) non-custodial sentences, broken down by age group. [152598]
  1419W
  Paul Goggins
  The available information is contained in the table and relates to persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty and sentenced at all courts for burglary of all types in England and Wales, 1997 to 2002.

  Persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and those found guilty and at all courts for offences of burglary1, by age, England and Wales, 1997

  Number of persons

  Proceeded against

  Found guilty at all courts

  Sentenced

  Sentenced to custody

  Given non-custodial sentences

  1997

  All ages

  49,530

  31,703

  31,656

  14,338

  17,318

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  5,510

  3,354

  3,338

  362

  2,976

  Aged 16 to 17

  8,365

  5,274

  5,286

  1,595

  3,691

  Aged 18 to 20

  10,454

  7,116

  7,095

  3,325

  3,773

  1998

  All ages

  48,114

  30,769

  31,087

  14,547

  16,540

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  5,766

  3,517

  3,507

  329

  3,178

  Aged 16 to 17

  7,944

  5,011

  4,980

  1,514

  3,466

  Aged 18 to 20

  10,143

  6,830

  6,841

  3,458

  3,383

  1999

  All ages

  46,141

  29,261

  29,329

  14,345

  14,984

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  5,297

  3,294

  3,274

  381

  2,893

  Aged 16 to 17

  7,094

  4,510

  4,492

  1,434

  3,058

  Aged 18 to 20

  9,752

  6,565

  6,511

  3,408

  3,103

  2000

  All ages

  42,406

  26,222

  26,694

  13,677

  13,017

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  5,080

  2,948

  2,953

  422

  2,531

  Aged 16 to 17

  6,447

  3,866

  3,896

  1,175

  2,721

  Aged 18 to 20

  8,496

  5,650

  5,761

  3,055

  2,706

  2001

  All ages

  41,593

  24,802

  24,655

  12,476

  12,179

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  4,951

  2,859

  2,859

  434

  2,425

  Aged 16 to 17

  5,787

  3,412

  3,408

  979

  2,429

  Aged 18 to 20

  8,069

  4,948

  4,829

  2,563

  2,260

  2002

  All ages

  43,648

  26,691

  26,376

  13,350

  13,026

  of whom:

  Aged 10 to 15

  4,930

  3,051

  3,052

  406

  2,646

  Aged 16 to 17

  5,728

  3,367

  3,366

  939

  2,427

  Aged 18 to 20

  7,608

  4,730

  4,639

  2,449

  2,190

  1 These data are on the principal offence

  Camp Hill Prison
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mentally ill prisoners are being held in the segregation unit at Camp Hill Prison; and if he will take steps to have them transferred to suitable accommodation. [153735]

  Paul Goggins
  Every effort is made to avoid holding prisoners with acute mental illness in the segregation unit at Camp Hill. On 9 February 2004 there were no such prisoners held there.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to increase the hours of purposeful activity for prisoners at Camp Hill Prison. [153738]
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  Statistics on court proceedings for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

  Paul Goggins
  In 2003–04, HMP Camp Hill's level of purposeful activity has been reduced by the closure of the two main engineering workshops, in rotation, for major re-roofing work. The increased roll has exacerbated the fall in hours per prisoner.

  I am pleased to confirm that the workshops are now functioning fully, and this, combined with a review of contracts, rationalisation of instructors, development of horticulture, a review of prisoners pay and the provision of 35 additional work places, will improve levels of purposeful activity. The target for 2004–05 is 22 hours per week.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the number of staff on sick leave at Camp Hill Prison. [153739]
  1421W
  Paul Goggins
  During 2003 HMP Camp Hill has experienced significant levels of long term sick leave. A combination of phased returns to work and staff retirements has significantly reduced sickness absence.

  Cannabis
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to public funds was per prosecution for cannabis related offences in each of the last five years. [151505]

  Caroline Flint
  It is not possible to provide a breakdown of criminal justice system costs in relation to cannabis prosecutions. However, the average cost per

  Persons1 fined and sentenced to immediate custody2 for cannabis related offences England and Wales, 1998 to 2002

  1998

  1999

  2000

  Offence

  Persons fined

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody

  Persons fined

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody

  Persons fined

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody

  Supplying or offering to supply (or being concerned in supplying or offering to supply) cannabis

  155

  656

  116

  573

  68

  405

  Possession of cannabis with intent to supply

  244

  1,284

  197

  1,112

  150

  806

  Production of or being concerned in the production of cannabis

  637

  216

  499

  206

  394

  156

  Possession of cannabis

  15,503

  410

  15,215

  451

  13,538

  361

  2001

  2002

  Offence

  Persons fined

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody

  Persons fined

  Persons sentenced to immediate custody

  Supplying or offering to supply (or being concerned in supplying or offering to supply) cannabis

  60

  265

  51

  258

  Possession of cannabis with intent to supply

  100

  618

  103

  547

  Production of or being concerned in the production of cannabis

  302

  126

  422

  83

  Possession of cannabis

  12,960

  290

  14,123

  241

  1 These data are on the principal offence basis.

  1 Includes unsuspended imprisonment, secure training orders, detention in a young offender institution and detention and training orders.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what date the meeting at which the decision was taken that an advertisement campaign to reiterate the illegality of cannabis should be launched was held; and if he will publish the minutes; [153948]

  (2) which agencies were asked to bid for the advertisement campaign to reiterate the illegality of cannabis; and what prices they quoted; [153949]

  (3) what methods he is using to measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign to reiterate the illegality of cannabis; [153950]

  (4) what criteria he used to decide that an advertising campaign to reiterate the illegality of cannabis was necessary; [153951]

  (5) which agency handled the 2004 advertisement campaign to reiterate that cannabis is an illegal drug. [153983]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: The agency Mother, which is the Home Office's incumbent agency for the drugs education campaign, FRANK, was retained for the reclassification of cannabis campaign aimed at persons under 18. They had
  1422W
  person proceeded against of a prosecution for a notifiable drugs offence is £13,072. This includes all the costs of the proceedings including punishment (prison or probation) but not investigation.

  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been(a) fined and (b) given a prison sentence for (i) supplying, (ii) trafficking and (iii) possession of cannabis in each of the last five years. [151507]

  Paul Goggins
  The available information is contained in the table.

  Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

  participated in a full competitive pitch through the COI's roster of preferred providers and had been awarded a contract in October 2002.

  The joint Home Office/ACPO advertising campaign aimed at adults was commissioned through ACPO and was based on proposals they had developed with their own agency.

  Detailed planning for an advertising campaign started in summer 2003, when officials from the Home Office, Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills held a series of meetings. The proposal to launch a campaign was referred to by my right hon. noble and learned Friend the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, during the debate on the reclassification of cannabis on 12 November 2003,Official Report, House of Lords, column 1469. Specific prices quoted by agencies cannot be released as this would breach commercial in confidence rules.

  The effectiveness of the advertising campaign reconfirming the illegality of cannabis is being measured through a survey with a representative sample of 14 to 17-year-olds. It will report on young people's attitudes as well as their understanding of the changes in the law. An industry-standard approach has been used, using

  1423W
  quantitative surveys with a representative sample before the campaign starts, followed by a second wave for comparison once the advertising has finished.

  The Government are determined that nobody should be left in any doubt about the central message in regard to the reclassification of cannabis. The drug remains illegal and is harmful. The advertising is just one strand of a wide range of communications activity which includes leaflets, posters, postcards and education packs for schools and professionals.

  Cheadle Royal Hospital
  Mrs. Calton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 12 January 2004,Official Report, column 502W, on Cheadle Royal Hospital, what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that (a) all the income received by the charity has been applied to the properly authorised charitable purposes and (b) all the assets of the charity have been sold or reassigned in accordance with charity law, with particular reference to section 36(8) of the Charities Act 1993. [151001]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  I confirmed in my Answers of 8 December 2003,Official Report, column 766W and 12 January 2004,Official Report, column 502W, that neither the Charity Commission nor the Greater Manchester police have found evidence of charitable income or assets being inappropriately used by the trustees of Cheadle Royal Hospital.

  Community Sentence Breaches
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women were sentenced to immediate custody in England and Wales following breach of a community sentence in each year since 1992. [151425]

  Paul Goggins
  The information requested, for the years 1992 to 2002 is contained in the table.

  Persons1 sentenced to immediate custody2 for breaches of community sentences3, England and Wales. 1992–2002

  Males

  Females

  Total

  1992

  2,36

  51

  2,412

  1993

  2,909

  64

  2,973

  1994

  5,29

  228

  5,51

  1995

  5,914

  238

  6,152

  1996

  6,265

  323

  6,588

  1997

  6,779

  426,

  7,205

  1998

  5,928

  473

  6,401

  1999

  6,925

  648

  7,573

  2000

  7,583

  740

  8,323

  2001

  7,286

  817

  8,103

  2002

  8,151

  936

  9,087

  1 Includes a person more than once if sentenced to immediate custody for a breach of more than one type of community sentence on the same day.

  2 Includes partly suspended sentences, unsuspended imprisonment, secure training orders, detention in a young offender institution and detention and training orders. Some of the persons shown may be sentenced to non-effective custody for the breach if also sentenced to custody for the fresh offence which caused the breach.

  3 Includes probation orders (community rehabilitation orders from April 2001), supervision orders, community service orders (community punishment orders from April 2001), attendance centre orders, combination orders (community punishment and

  1424W
  rehabilation orders from April 2001), curfew orders, reparation orders (from June 2001, action plan orders (from June 2000), drug treatment and testing orders (from October 2000) and referral orders (from April 2002).

  Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn of this year.

  Community Support Officers
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the results of the pilot schemes giving community support officers the right to detain people for 30 minutes will be published. [153332]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]: At present six police forces are piloting the power of detention, which was given to community support officers by the Police Reform Act 2002. The forces are the Metropolitan Police Service, West Yorkshire Police, Gwent Police, Lancashire Constabulary, Northamptonshire Police, and Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. The pilot is scheduled to last until December 2004.

  Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) with the assistance of the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate are conducting an evaluation of the use of this power.

  HMIC have recently initiated an interim review of the first 12 months and have indicated to me that an interim report will be provided this year with the full report available for March 2005. These reports will be published and laid before the House once they have been completed.

  Contingency Planning
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's preparedness for a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) incident. [152266]

  Mr. Blunkett
  [holding answer 3 February 2004]: I refer the hon. Member to my reply I gave him of 30 January 2004,Official Report, column 1039W, and my statement of 3 March 2003,Official Report, columns 72–73WS.

  I plan to update the House on the UK's Resilience to major emergencies shortly.

  Crime/Police Statistics (Southend)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many drug-related offences were recorded in Southend in each of the last 10 years; and how many successful prosecutions were brought in each year, broken down by type of drug involved; (152202]

  (2) how many violent offences were recorded in Southend in each of the last 10 years; and how many successful convictions there were for violent offences in each of the last 10 years. [152203]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 3 February 2004]: The numbers of drug-related offences recorded in Southend are not collected centrally. In addition, the specific drug offences in the recorded crime statistics, namely drug trafficking, possession and other drug offences, are not collected centrally for Southend. Again, it is not possible to provide prosecution data for drug related offences

  1425W
  from the Court Proceedings database. Data for those proceeded against and found guilty specifically for drug offences in the last five years in the South East Essex Petty Sessional Area is given in Table A.

  Recorded crime figures for six key offences are collected and published at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), and Basic Command Unit (BCD) level. The six offences include the violent crimes of Violence against the person, Sexual offences and Robbery. Table B gives the number of violent crimes recorded in the Southend CDRP since 1999–2000 which is the year CDRP data were first collected centrally. The available Court Proceedings data from 1998 are given in Table C.

  Table A: Number of defendants proceeded against and found guilty for drug offences at South East Essex Petty Sessional Area (PSA)1 including those found guilty at the Crown court where South East Essex PSA was the committing court2 1998 to 2002

  Proceeded against

  Found guilty

  1998

  263

  248

  1999

  336

  293

  2000

  280

  252

  2001

  258

  231

  2002

  235

  205

  1 Covers Southend and some parts of Rayleigh, Benfleet and Canvey.

  2 These data are on the principal offence basis.

  Table B: Violent crime offences recorded in Southend CDRP

  Offence

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–031

  Violence against the person

  1,46

  1,414

  1,444

  3,043

  Sexual offences

  157

  135

  139

  195

  Robbery

  166

  148

  217

  313

  1 Essex Police implemented the principles of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) on 1 April 2002. Broadly, the NCRS had the effect of increasing the number of crimes recorded by the police. Therefore, following the introduction of the Standard, numbers of recorded crimes are not comparable with previous years.

  Table C: Number of defendants proceeded against and found guilty for Violence against the Person, Sexual offences and Robbery at South East Essex Petty Sessional Area1 including those found guilty at the Crown court where South East Essex PSA was the committing court2, 1998 to 2002

  Year/Offence group

  Proceeded against

  Found guilty

  1998

  Violence against the Person

  421

  171

  Sexual offences

  38

  10

  Robbery

  38

  19

  1999

  Violence against the person

  353

  162

  Sexual offences

  41

  15

  Robbery

  28

  17

  2000

  Violence against the person

  290

  127

  Sexual offences

  23

  12

  Robbery

  28

  12

  2001

  Violence against the person

  351

  120

  Sexual offences

  27

  8

  Robbery

  31

  13

  2002

  Violence against the person

  292

  145

  Sexual offences

  45

  12

  Robbery

  49

  15

  1 Covers Southend and some parts of Rayleigh, Benfleet and Canvey.

  2 These data are on the principal offence basis

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  Drug Treatment
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug offenders(a) in prison and (b) in the community received treatment for drug problems in 2002–03. [153715]

  Paul Goggins
  The Prison Service does not collect data in the exact format requested. The numbers of people receiving treatment for drug misuse are not listed by offence type. However, data are available for those in custody and in the community.

  In 2002–03 the numbers of people who received treatment for drug problems while in custody in England and Wales are listed in the following table.

  Number

  CARATs1

  51,970

  Detoxification

  50,701

  Rehabilitation

  4,386

  1 Counselling Assessment, Referral, Advice and Through-care services—a low-level intervention that provides a gateway assessment, referral and support service to prisoners both within custody and upon their initial release.

  The number of people who received treatment for drug problems in the community was 140,900.

  Firearms
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will retain the Firearms Consultative Committee until the end of the consultation period. [R] [153044]

  Caroline Flint
  I refer to the statement I made on 30 January 2004,Official Report, column 20. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has decided not to extend further the life of the Firearms Consultative Committee. The Government are considering the establishment of a new consultative structure which will facilitate the submission of views on a broader basis than was allowed for under a statutory framework.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what programmes his Department funds aimed at diverting those who graffiti to productive activities. [153606]

  Ms Blears
  The Home Office provides £7 million per year to the Youth Justice Board (YJB). We are providing funding until April 2006. The Youth Justice Board's Youth Inclusion Project includes the Community Merit Award programmes, which reward positive contributions to the community such as cleaning graffiti.

  £15 million has been given to the Positive Futures programme, which is aimed at marginalised children from 10 to 19 years old in the most deprived areas. This programme focuses on building links to education, training and employment and diverts young people from anti-social activities such as graffiti.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London concerning graffiti in London. [153609]
  1427W
  Ms Blears
  There have been no discussions with the Mayor of London concerning graffiti in London.

  However in November 2003 we launched the Name that Tag poster campaign which offers a £500 reward for information about targeted prolific taggers. This campaign is a partnership between the Home Office, Crimestoppers, Network Rail London Underground and British Transport Police and runs in London, Liverpool and Manchester. It sends a clear message to taggers that we have had enough of their nuisance and they will be caught.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether anti-social behaviour orders can be imposed on those convicted of graffiti-related offences. [153611]

  Ms Blears
  Yes. Anti-social behaviour orders can be granted where it has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that an individual has acted in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others, and where the court judges that an order is necessary to protect people from further antisocial acts.

  For example, the British Transport Police have obtained a number of orders on those who do graffiti prohibiting them from carrying the implements with which to do so and from trespassing on non-public areas of London Underground or railway property.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will issue policy guidance to the police to take action to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles using the third lane on motorways. [153249]

  Caroline Flint
  I agree with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) that guidance is unnecessary at this time.

  The majority of HGV drivers adhere to the law and do not use the third lane. I know there will always be a small minority who exercise poor lane discipline, and their actions can cause annoyance. There is however little evidence to suggest this is causing any significant problem.

  Home Detention Curfew
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners released on home detention curfew (HDC) since January 1999(a) have been convicted, (b) have been cautioned, (c) have been prosecuted and (d) are awaiting prosecution whilst on HDC. [152705]

  Paul Goggins
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Identity Card
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps will be taken by his Department to minimise the potential for identity card fraud(a) before and (b) following the introduction of the proposed identity card scheme. [152680]
  1428W
  Beverley Hughes
  The Government are committed to maximising the security of the identity card scheme. Security is central to the design of the IT systems, the processes and the card itself. Following introduction of the scheme the Government will work to maintain the scheme's security and to combat fraudulent use, building on experience gained manufacturing and issuing other sensitive documents such as passports and residence permits.

  Within the scheme the use of biometric technology will be key to ensuring security and defeating attempts at fraud. A trial examining the use of biometrics in identity cards is currently under way, led by the UK Passport Service.

  Police
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the benefits to Gwent Police of the Tetra communication system. [153031]

  Ms Blears
  By mid-2006, all police forces in England, Wales and Scotland will be using Airwave, their new radio system.

  Airwave provides modern and efficient radiocommunications, giving excellent coverage and secure transmissions and improving the safety of police officers and the public.

  In Gwent, officers are able to use Airwave handsets in 96 per cent. of the force area, compared with 30 per cent. coverage using the old radio system. Airwave car radios can be used in 99 per cent. of the force area, compared with 90 per cent. previously. This increased coverage allows officers to attend incidents safely in areas such as Forest Coalpit, Llanthony and the Wye Valley, which was not possible with the previous radio system.

  Police Disciplinary Procedures
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with chief constables concerning the impact on staff morale of long-term suspensions and investigations of police officers. [152447]

  Ms Blears
  There have been discussions on suspensions in which staff morale was raised but the main features of those discussions were to do with the operational and public interest needs of keeping an officer suspended. Such discussions related to the operation of the power to suspend police officers under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 1999 and the supporting guidance and were conducted within a subgroup of the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales. The Association of Chief Police Officers is represented on this sub-group as are the Superintendents' Association and the Police Federation. As a result of discussions held, the guidance on suspension was amended in November 2003 in a number of respects including a requirement to ensure that the continuing need for suspension is subject to, at least, monthly reviews.

  There have been no discussions concerning the impact on staff morale of the investigation of police officers. Staff morale is a matter for the chief constable and his

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  human resources department. Every officer who is suspended has the support of the staff associations and access to the force staff welfare department.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average(a) time and (b) cost of the suspension of police officers in England and Wales where complaints were made against them was in the latest period for which figures are available. [152452]

  Ms Blears
  Information concerning the(a) time and (b) cost of the suspension of police officers in England and Wales is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I cannot therefore provide the average requested.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he makes of the(a) cash costs of complaints against police officers and (b) the length of time they take to resolve when determining the budget of each police authority. [152454]

  Ms Blears
  No central assessment is made of the cash costs of complaints against police officers. This is a matter for individual police authorities and forces.

  The budget of each police force is a matter for each police authority. The funding formula used as the basis for allocating Home Office police grant to police authorities takes into account general operational needs, but does not specifically address complaints investigation costs.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the costs of the suspension by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary of Stuart Elford, identifying the(a) associated legal fees, (b) cost of the investigation and (c) cost of the involvement of the Police Complaints Authority. [152455]

  Ms Blears
  Devon and Cornwall Constabulary have advised that Stuart Elford was paid £57,500 in salary and housing allowance during the period of his suspension. I am also advised that:(a) no external legal fees were incurred by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary during the course of the investigation;
  (b) the estimated cost of the investigation was £6,500; and
  (c) the Police Complaints Authority do not cost their involvement in individual investigations.

  Police officer strength1

  March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  20032

  Avon and Somerset

  2,989

  2,976

  2,999

  2,934

  2,994

  3,096

  3,149

  Bedfordshire

  1,094

  1,079

  1,041

  1,028

  1,036

  1,069

  1,106

  Cambridgeshire

  1,302

  1,291

  1,274

  1,237

  1,296

  1,362

  1,384

  Cheshire

  2,046

  2,042

  2,071

  2,011

  2,002

  2,059

  2,119

  Cleveland

  1,459

  1,483

  1,416

  1,404

  1,407

  1,461

  1,582

  Cumbria

  1,144

  1,164

  1,126

  1,084

  1,048

  1,100

  1,140

  Derbyshire

  1,791

  1,772

  1,759

  1,777

  1,823

  1,848

  2,003

  Devon and Cornwall

  2,865

  2,962

  2,887

  2,841

  2,934

  3,053

  3,202

  Dorset

  1,284

  1,310

  1,279

  1,306

  1,354

  1,381

  1,416

  Durham

  1,461

  1,515

  1,568

  1,558

  1,595

  1,614

  1,651

  Essex

  2,961

  2,928

  2,891

  2,806

  2,897

  2,946

  2,989

  Gloucestershire

  1,133

  1,104

  1,104

  1,114

  1,173

  1,183

  1,227

  Greater Manchester

  6,922

  6,949

  6,810

  6,795

  6,909

  7,217

  7,343

  Hampshire

  3,452

  3,490

  3,473

  3,419

  3,438

  3,480

  3,668

  1430W

  Police Grants
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to inform police authorities of the amounts that they will receive from specific grants for the financial year 2004–05. [150632]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 26 January 2004]: Police Authorities are notified of specific grant allocations as soon as they are decided.

  Details of the largest Fund (£277 million), The Crime Fighting Fund, as well as the £30 million Rural Policing Fund, were announced on 19 November. We are shortly to announce allocations for the Street Crime Initiative (£24 million)

  Allocations of Basic Command Unit funding (£50 million) will be announced shortly, as will those for Special Priority Payments which are based on force budgeted paybill returns.

  Police authorities are aware that in 2004–05 they will receive continuation funding (75 per cent.) for Community Support Officers recruited in 2002–03 and 50 per cent. funding for officers who are in some cases still being recruited in 2003–04. Final figures will be announced when the full costs are clear.

  Payments of grant for the London Pay Lead and South East Allowances are based on force returns throughout the year.

  Police Numbers
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers there were in each police force in the United Kingdom in each year since 1997; [152596]

  (2) how many (a) Ministry of Defence police officers, (b) British Transport Police officers, (c) UK Atomic Energy Constabulary officers, (d) Port of Dover Police officers, (e) National Crime Squad officers and (f) police force officers there were in each year since 1997. [152597]

  Ms Blears
  The table gives the number of police officers from 1997 to 2003 in each police force area in England and Wales.

  Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
  1431W

  Police officer strength1

  March

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  20032

  Hertfordshire

  1,759

  1,740

  1,724

  1,767

  1,922

  1,825

  1,957

  Humberside

  2,045

  2,021

  1,974

  1,932

  1,917

  2,058

  2,105

  Kent

  3,260

  3,251

  3,201

  3,204

  3,319

  3,355

  3,487

  Lancashire

  3,247

  3,257

  3,245

  3,179

  3,255

  3,304

  3,339

  Leicestershire

  1,949

  1,983

  1,993

  1,993

  2,032

  2,100

  2,114

  Lincolnshire

  1,196

  1,191

  1,140

  1,115

  1,202

  1,198

  1,221

  City of London

  859

  825

  778

  732

  703

  764

  808

  Merseyside

  4,230

  4,216

  4,211

  4,085

  4,081

  4,125

  4,099

  Metropolitan Police

  26,677

  26,094

  26,073

  25,485

  24,878

  26,223

  27,984

  Norfolk

  1,432

  1,430

  1,381

  1,381

  1,420

  1,468

  1,499

  Northamptonshire

  1,177

  1,169

  1,137

  1,117

  1,157

  1,214

  1,210

  Northumbria

  3,677

  3,769

  3,840

  3,788

  3,857

  3,929

  3,942

  North Yorkshire

  1,338

  1,367

  1,337

  1,283

  1,305

  1,417

  1,444

  Nottinghamshire

  2,323

  2,323

  2,225

  2,204

  2,275

  2,330

  2,411

  South Yorkshire

  3,159

  3,182

  3,168

  3,163

  3,197

  3,199

  3,183

  Staffordshire

  2,211

  2,292

  2,238

  2,170

  2,129

  2,133

  2,202

  Suffolk

  1,180

  1,186

  1,190

  1,145

  1,133

  1,203

  1,253

  Surrey

  1,620

  1,608

  1,662

  1,785

  2,066

  1,992

  1,906

  Sussex

  3,085

  2,996

  2,847

  2,822

  2,855

  2,893

  2,989

  Thames Valley

  3,695

  3,776

  3,748

  3,740

  3,703

  3,762

  3,833

  Warwickshire

  926

  924

  908

  900

  926

  969

  997

  West Mercia

  2,040

  2,010

  2,025

  1,887

  1,951

  2,018

  2,256

  West Midlands

  7,113

  7,156

  7,321

  7,194

  7,423

  7,681

  7,751

  West Yorkshire

  5,209

  5,155

  4,982

  4,822

  4,815

  4,889

  5,029

  Wiltshire

  1,154

  1,156

  1,151

  1,118

  1,120

  1,157

  1,158

  Dyfed-Powys

  1,005

  1,002

  1,026

  1,040

  1,055

  1,132

  1,149

  Gwent

  1,243

  1,233

  1,247

  1,264

  1,274

  1,333

  1,341

  North Wales

  1,369

  1,396

  1,391

  1,403

  1,444

  1,506

  1,539

  South Wales

  2,976

  2,986

  2,981

  2,926

  3,154

  3,222

  3,239

  Total

  125,051

  124,756

  123,841

  121,956

  123,476

  127,267

  131,426

  1 Full-time equivalents

  2 Comparable strength

  Police Officers (Sickness Absence)
  Dr. Pugh
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the sickness rate for each police force was in the last year for which figures are available. [151600]

  Ms Blears
  Sickness absence rates for the police service from April 2002 to March 2003 were published by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary in his Annual Report for 2003. A copy is available in the Library.

  Prison Accommodation
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many modular temporary units have been erected in prisons in the past five years; and how many prisoners they house, broken down by prison. [153736]

  Paul Goggins
  The number of Modular Temporary Units (MTUs) across the Prison estate in England and Wales stands at 29. Between them, they hold a total of 1,160 prisoners. A breakdown by establishment is given in the table.

  Location

  Number of MTUs

  Number of places

  North Sea Camp

  2

  80

  Hollesley Bay

  2

  80

  Standford Hill

  2

  80

  Wealston

  2

  80

  Highpoint (male)

  2

  80

  Leyhill

  2

  80

  1432W

  Location

  Number of MTUs

  Number of places

  Hatfield

  2

  80

  Spring Hill

  2

  80

  Whatton

  1

  40

  Prescoed

  1

  40

  Wayland

  1

  40

  Stocken

  1

  40

  Channings Wood

  1

  40

  Acklington

  1

  40

  Wymott

  1

  40

  Erlestoke

  1

  40

  New Hall

  1

  40

  Low Newton

  1

  40

  Sudbury

  1

  40

  Kirklevington

  1

  40

  Camp Hill

  1

  40

  Total

  29

  1,160

  Prison Officers
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will change the position whereby a prison officer who has been wounded by a prisoner cannot be told whether that prisoner is HIV positive or carrying hepatitis. [152712]

  Paul Goggins
  As in the national health service, health information is collected in prisons in confidence and may normally be disclosed only with the consent of the person concerned. Prison establishments have been instructed that, where such consent is not given, the confidentiality of prisoners known to be infected with HIV or hepatitis must be protected.
  1433W
  Some prisoners will be unaware of their own medical status. Prison staff have therefore been advised that, in all risk situations, they should proceed on the assumption that any body fluids may be infectious and that universal routine precautions should always be taken.

  The Prison Service's "Health Services for Prisoners" Standard (July 2002) requires all establishments to make sure that written information on communicable disease control policy is available to staff and prisoners, including protocols for the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis. The usual practice would be for the injured person to attend a local hospital for counselling, assessment and, if clinically indicated, treatment.

  Mr. Wyatt
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the prison officers Mr. Rowland, Mr. Kerry and Mr. Watkins will be allowed back to work; [150817]

  (2) for what reason prison officers Mr. Rowland, Mr. Kerry and Mr. Watkins are suspended; and if he will make a statement. [150819]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 26 January 2004]: Following the end of the criminal trial against Mr. Rowland, Mr. Kerry and Mr. Watkins, the Governor of Elmley will now carry out a review in the case of each of the prison officers, based on all the information available, to see what further action should be taken. The review will be completed as quickly as possible.

  Prisoners
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners aged 65 years and over are serving prison sentences and were convicted after their 65th birthday. [152755]

  Paul Goggins
  At the end of November 2003, there were 689 sentenced prisoners in prison in England and Wales who were aged 65 and above. 403 of these prisoners had been convicted after their 65th birthday.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many and what percentage of prisoners are studying with the Open University. [152836]

  Paul Goggins
  The Government are committed to providing a range of educational opportunities to meet offenders' needs. From this year we are releasing more funds to support Open University study in order to ensure that we are offering a more balanced curriculum.

  Our focus is primarily on helping offenders to improve their literacy, language and numeracy skills. Nevertheless, 601 Open University courses were taken by prisoners in the academic year 2002–03. This represents 3 per cent. of those prisoners who were involved in education at the end of that academic year.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent steps he has taken to reduce the number of prisoners escaping from prison. [152839]
  1434W
  Paul Goggins
  Against the backdrop of a steadily increasing population, the Prison Service has achieved a much-improved performance on escapes from prison and from escort over the last decade. There have been no escapes by Category A prisoners since 1995. Escapes overall have been driven down from 347 in 1992–93 to 50 in 2002–03. There have been 45 escapes so far in the current financial year. The Public Service Agreement target is that there should be no Category A escapes and that the number of other escapes should not exceed 0.17 per cent. of annual average population. Performance is well within that target. The escape rate in 2002–03 was 0.07 per cent. of annual average population.

  This improvement has been achieved through a range of measures, including investment in physical security technology; tighter procedural security; more effective performance management and audit and a strong lead from senior managers; greater security awareness and good levels of compliance with best practice.

  The Escapes Delivery Plan seeks to ensure that the current good performance is maintained. The plan is managed by a project board, chaired by the Deputy Director General of the Prison Service. Membership includes representatives from the police and the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

  The figures given for escapes relate only to escapes from closed prison or external escorts, mostly to court or hospital. They exclude those where the prisoner was recaptured within 15 minutes.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people aged 60 years and over in England and Wales were(a) convicted of an offence and (b) received a custodial sentence in 2003. [153335]

  Paul Goggins
  The total number of persons aged 60 and over who were convicted of indictable offences in England and Wales in 2002, was 2,324 of whom 620 were sentenced to immediate custody.

  Statistics on court proceedings for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prisoners aged 65 years and over had long-term illnesses in each year since 1997; [153336]

  (2) if he will make a statement on prison resources directed at the nursing care of prisoners over the age of 65 years. [153338]

  Paul Goggins
  The information requested is not available centrally. Prisons, work in partnership with their local health care partners to assess the health care needs of all prisoners, irrespective of age, and to develop services to meet them.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people(a) of all ages and (b) aged 65 years and over died in prison in each year since 1997. [153337]

  Paul Goggins
  The information requested is provided in the table.
  1435W

  Number of deaths of prisoners aged 64 and under

  Number of deaths of prisoners aged 65 and over

  Total number of deaths of prisoners

  1997

  113

  8

  121

  1998

  128

  10

  138

  1999

  140

  9

  149

  2000

  127

  17

  144

  2001

  120

  21

  141

  2002

  148

  18

  166

  2003

  160

  21

  181

  Total

  936

  104

  1,040

  Deaths in prison remain a rare but distressing event, affecting families, staff and other prisoners deeply. Prisons work in partnership with their local healthcare partners to assess the health care needs of all prisoners, irrespective of age, and to develop services to meet them.

  Sadly, the largest proportion of under-65s who die in custody take their own lives; meanwhile, over-65s are more likely to die of natural causes. Good care and support from staff saves many lives, but such instances go largely unreported. 141 prisoners were resuscitated following self-harm incidents in 2002, and a further 197 prisoners were resuscitated during the first 11 months of 2003, which reflects a lot of staff effort and skill.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported incidents of violence there have been against prisoners(a) of all ages and (b) aged 65 years and over in each year since 1997. [153339]

  Paul Goggins
  In April 2003 a new measure of violence toward prisoners was introduced, based on the number of reported serious assaults. This replaced the previous measure, which was based on positive adjudications for assault. Work to improve data quality may have had an impact on the figures reported. Information is not held centrally on those offences towards prisoners aged 65 and over. The figures given in the following table are based on the financial year.

  Serious assault on inmate

  April—December 2003

  611

  2002–03

  582

  2001–02

  507

  2000–01

  534

  1999–2000

  509

  1998–99

  380

  1997–98

  409

  1996–97

  372

  Prisons
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dogs trained to locate drugs are working in prisons; and how many days those dogs worked in the last 12 months. [152713]

  Paul Goggins
  There are 439 drug dogs working in prisons in England and Wales. Of these 236 are active dogs and 203 are passive dogs. Comprehensive information about the number of days Prison Service drug dogs work is not held centrally and could not be obtained except at disproportionate cost.
  1436W
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Prison Service takes to obtain medical records about a prisoner's mental health from clinicians who have provided treatment prior to imprisonment. [152920]

  Paul Goggins
  Prison establishments were reminded, in guidance issued in May 2002, of the importance of effective information sharing with other agencies, in particular the NHS, in enabling continuity of care. This guidance requires them, generally with the prisoner's consent, to request any information required from a prisoner's general practitioner or other relevant service with which the prisoner has recently been in contact. It also sets out the circumstances in which information may be requested and disclosed without consent.

  Mental health in-reach teams are now operating in 90 establishments with the greatest need, which means that prisoners with a severe mental illness are generally being cared for by the national health service. One of the key elements of this in-reach service is the maintenance of links with outside services in order to achieve continuity of care.

  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate he has made of the(a) total prison population, (b) number of prisoners on remand and (c) number in each case suffering from severe or acute mental illness. [152943]

  Paul Goggins
  On 30 January 2004, there were 73,688 people in prison in England and Wales, of which 13,173 were remand prisoners. Information on the number of prisoners with severe or acute mental illness is not held centrally.

  Using information collected from a survey of psychiatric morbidity among prisoners in England and Wales undertaken in 1997 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) it is estimated that there will at any one time be around 5,000 prisoners with a severe mental illness. Not all of these prisoners will necessarily be acutely ill.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he is measuring the success of the three-year Proactive Project to reduce self-harm and suicides in prison; and when the results will be available. [154175]

  Paul Goggins
  Reducing the rate of self-inflicted deaths in prison establishments is an essential part of the Prison Service's decency agenda and a priority for Ministers. The three-year safer custody strategy to develop policies and practices to reduce prisoner suicide and manage self-harm in prisons, implemented from April 2001, has been under review during recent months. Account is being taken of emerging findings from in-house and external researchers, as well as the views of a wide range of practitioners and external interests, including Samaritans, Prison Reform Trust, Howard League and INQUEST.

  I will be announcing the results of this work and next steps in the Spring. A team from the University of Cambridge is measuring the impact of the Safer Locals Programme on the quality of prison life, and investigating possible links between these measures and rates of suicide and self-harm. Early findings suggest

  1437W
  that there are significant associations between levels of prisoner distress and an establishment's rates of self-inflicted death. Aspects of the quality of prison life that are associated with prisoner distress include distress on entry to custody, perceived safety, opportunities for personal development, and perceived fairness.

  A team from Manchester and London Universities is also evaluating elements of the Safer Locals Programme, particularly Health care provision, detoxification services and a workstream called the Care of At-Risk Prisoners (revision of the 'self-harm at risk' From 2052SH) project. Additionally, researchers from the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science were commissioned to evaluate the impact of Safer Cells on Suicide and self-harm. The evaluation included observations, interview and focus groups with prisoners and staff in six prisons. The report, presented in August 2003, concluded that the safer cells programme has much to commend it and recommended that the programme continue.

  Public Bodies
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who the members of the(a) Community Development Foundation, (b) Criminal Justice Consultative Council, (c) Misuse of Drugs Tribunal, (d) Visiting Committee, Immigration Detention Centre, Harmondsworth, (e) Prison Service Board of Visitors and (f) Visiting Committee, Immigration Detention Centre, Tinsley House were on 1 January; what their term of office is in each case; and whether they are remunerated. [151814]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  The table lists the members of the following bodies on 1 January; their term of office; and whether they are remunerated.

  The following should be noted:
  1. The Misuse of Drugs Tribunal has not sat for many years and is obsolete.
  2. It is the practice not to publish the names of the members of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) (legally known as the Boards of Visitors and the Visiting Committees) for reasons of security and because of concerns for their personal safety. There are 1,773 members of the IMB and they are appointed for a maximum of three years, and if their performance is assessed satisfactorily and they wish to continue, they are re-appointed for another three years. IMB members are not remunerated but can claim expenses.

  Community Development Foundation

  Term of office

  Whether remunerated

  Andrew Selous MP

  3 years 1 month

  No

  Andrew Robinson

  3 years

  No

  Suhail Aziz

  3 years

  No

  Michael Hamilton

  3 years 7 months

  No

  Colin Williams QBE

  3 years

  No

  Hilary Willmer

  3 years 7 months

  No

  Abdul Ismail

  3 years 7 months

  No

  Dr Gareth Jones

  3 years 7 months

  No

  Peter Latchford

  3 years

  No

  Professor Ruth Lister CBE

  3 years

  No

  Jogwant Johal

  3 years

  No

  Avila Kilmurray

  3 years

  No

  Mavis Best MBE

  3 years

  No

  1438W

  Criminal Justice Council (formerly the Criminal Justice Consultative Council)

  Term of office

  Whether remunerated

  Lord Justice John Kay (Chair)

  3 years

  No

  Judge Alan Wilkie QC

  3 years

  No

  HHJ Richard Wakerley

  3 years

  No

  Sir David Hatch CBE JP

  3 years

  No

  Dame Helen Reeves DBE

  3 years

  No

  Judge Davinder Lachar

  3 years

  No

  George Mitchell CBE JP

  3 years

  No

  Rodney Warren

  3 years

  No

  Nicholas Purnell QC

  3 years

  No

  Withiel Cole

  3 years

  No

  Professor Di Birch

  3 years

  No

  Professor John Raine

  3 years

  No

  Neil Clarke

  3 years

  No

  Richard Collins

  3 years

  No

  Paul Cavadino

  3 years

  No

  Rape
  Dr. Iddon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on sentencing guidance for rape convictions. [153662]

  Paul Goggins
  The maximum sentence for rape is life imprisonment. Sentences in individual cases are a matter for the courts, taking into account the circumstances of the offence and the offender including all mitigating and aggravating factors.

  It will be possible to sentence offenders to the new sentence of imprisonment for public protection introduced by the Criminal Justice Act 2003. This scheme allows for those who pose a continued risk to the public to be kept in prison for an indeterminate period of time.

  The Sentencing Guidelines Council was also set up by the 2003 Act with the purpose of issuing guidance so as to bring about greater clarity and consistency in sentencing. The council will be considering guidance on sex offences as one of its first priorities.

  Sexual Offenders (Granting of Bail)
  Mark Tami
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals were charged with serious sexual offences and given bail in each of the last five years. [150801]

  Paul Goggins
  The information requested is not available.

  Estimates of police and magistrates' courts remand decisions for England and Wales, broken down by type of offence (i.e. indictable, summary non-motoring and summary motoring offences), are published in chapter 5 of Criminal Statistics England and Wales 2002 Cm 6054.

  Of those males received into prison during 2002 under an immediate custodial sentence for a sexual offence it is known that 52 per cent. had previously been remanded in custody.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Oral Answer to the
  1439W
  hon. Member for Southend, West of 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 615, how much money was raised in fines from (a) speed cameras and (b) speed traps in each year since their inception in (i) Southend, West and (ii) Southend. [153473]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: Available information on the number of fixed penalties and court fines ordered to be paid for the offence of `speeding detected by camera' in the calendar years 1997 to 2001 is shown in the table. It is not possible from the data collected centrally to identify Southend, West and Southend within the police force area of Essex.

  Information is not available on speed traps as the police do not use this as an enforcement tool.

  Information for 2002 will be available in the spring.

  Fixed penalty and court proceedings data for all speeding offences detected by cameras1,2 in the Essex police force area, 1997–2001

  Fixed penalties

  Court Proceedings

  Number of tickets3

  Estimated revenue (£)4

  Number of fines

  Total amount of fine (£)

  Average fine (£)5

  1997

  18,800

  753,700

  880

  93,900

  107

  1998

  8,700

  346,600

  1,700

  227,400

  134

  1999

  19,800

  791,400

  2,100

  357,400

  169

  2000

  46,300

  2,007,200

  2,800

  317,800

  115

  2001

  81,900

  4,911,100

  6,500

  651,200

  101

  1 Automatic cameras until 1998, all camera types from 1999.

  2 Offences under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and The Motor Vehicles (Speed Limits on Motorways) Regulations 1973.

  3 Paid, i.e. no further action.

  4 Estimate based on £40 fixed penalty charge to October 2000. From November 2000 the penalty was raised to £60.

  5 Includes cases where fixed penalty notices were originally issued but not paid and subsequently referred to court.

  Note:
  Reliable data only available from 1997 onwards for speeding.
  1440W

  Fixed penalty and court proceedings data for all speeding offences1 in the Essex police force area, 1997–2001

  Fixed penalties

  Court Proceedings

  Number of tickets2

  Estimated revenue (£)2

  Number of fines

  Total amount of fine (£)

  Average fine (£)4

  1997

  48,100

  1,924,900

  5,000

  643,600

  128

  1998

  19,300

  771,300

  4,700

  675,200

  142

  1999

  57,900

  2,315,100

  6,600

  933,900

  141

  2000

  102,300

  4,434,100

  6,300

  774,900

  123

  2001

  168,900

  10,133,100

  9,100

  1,020,100

  112

  1 Offences under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and The Motor Vehicles (Speed Limits on Motorways) Regulations 1973.

  2 Paid, i.e. no further action.

  3 Estimate based on £40 fixed penalty charge to October 2000. From November 2000 the penalty was raised to £60.

  4 Includes cases where fixed penalty notices were originally issued but not paid and subsequently referred to court.

  Schools Liaison Officers
  Charles Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police authorities have appointed schools liaison officers. [153060]

  Ms Blears
  This information is not held centrally. The appointment of schools liaison officers is an operational matter, and is a decision for Chief Officers.

  Tetra Masts
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any applications for planning permission for Tetra masts have described the modulation characteristics as pulsed. [153016]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]: The Home Office is not directly involved in the mast planning process. Planning applications for the new police radio system, Airwave, are a matter for the network provider, Airwave mmO2.

  The modulation scheme used by Tetra is known as Differential Quaternary Phase Shift Keying (DQPSK).

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