Written Answers of 11 February 2004

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act
  The Secretary of State for the Home Department(Mr. David Blunkett)
  Lord Carlile of Berriew QC has completed the report on the operation of part IV of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, in 2003, which will be laid before the House today.

  I am grateful to Lord Carlile for his work and am pleased to note that he is again satisfied that I have certified persons only in appropriate cases and that I have exercised my independent judgment in each case having given due regard to advice from officials.

  I welcome Lord Carlile's recommendations which I will be considering in detail over the next few weeks. They will provide a useful contribution to the debates.

  Ms Sarah Woodhouse
  The Minister for Citizenship and Immigration(Beverley Hughes)
  I am pleased to inform the House that Ms Sarah Woodhouse has been appointed as the independent monitor of certification of claims as unfounded under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

  Ms Woodhouse has been appointed as monitor for two years. She will monitor the operation of the use of the power to certify an asylum claim or human right claim (or both) as unfounded under section 94 of the NIA Act 2002. In particular she will consider the procedures used to determine whether claims are unfounded and the quality and effectiveness of decisions made under this procedure. She will report annually to the Secretary of State who will then lay a copy of the report before the House.

  Police Firearms
  The Minister for Crime Reduction, Policing and Community Safety(Ms Hazel Blears)
  The statistics for 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 show that the number of police operations in which firearms were issued was 14,827. The number of occasions on which conventional firearms were discharged by police was 37, which covered 10 incidents. There were also four occasions where a baton round was used as a less lethal alternative to a conventional firearm.

  Armed response vehicles were deployed on 11,818 occasions and there were 5,763 authorised firearms officers in England and Wales.
  70WS
  Full details are set out in the tables below:

  Number of operations in which firearms were authorised

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  TOTAL

  10,915

  11,109

  13,991

  14,827

  AVON & SOMERSET

  90

  65

  195

  262

  BEDFORDSHIRE

  190

  294

  237

  301

  CAMBRIDGESHIRE

  75

  71

  114

  57

  CHESHIRE

  386

  545

  419

  451

  CLEVELAND

  76

  28

  37

  170

  CITY OF LONDON

  125

  3

  40

  131

  CUMBRIA

  24

  30

  71

  77

  DERBYSHIRE

  178

  167

  275

  401

  DEVON &CORNWALL

  65

  151

  101

  96

  DORSET

  79

  174

  184

  193

  DURHAM

  114

  40

  89

  83

  ESSEX

  497

  435

  323

  312

  GLOUCESTERSHIRE

  52

  48

  165

  185

  GTR MANCHESTER

  224

  357

  580

  518

  HAMPSHIRE

  103

  114

  198

  162

  HERTFORDSHIRE

  73

  86

  112

  172

  HUMBERSIDE

  193

  158

  297

  187

  KENT

  85

  83

  115

  137

  LANCASHIRE

  267

  242

  232

  238

  LEICESTERSHIRE

  222

  217

  300

  268

  LINCOLNSHIRE

  155

  336

  477

  392

  MERSEYSIDE

  489

  825

  1,020

  628

  METROPOLITAN

  2,862

  1,862

  2,447

  3,199

  NORFOLK

  239

  226

  175

  200

  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

  57

  58

  43

  138

  NORTHUMBRIA

  465

  708

  1,440

  1,275

  NORTH YORKSHIRE

  61

  72

  92

  100

  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

  255

  233

  384

  452

  SOUTH YORKSHIRE

  237

  127

  258

  463

  STAFFORDSHIRE

  174

  203

  232

  281

  SUFFOLK

  165

  176

  163

  270

  SURREY

  143

  221

  245

  247

  SUSSEX

  185

  353

  248

  204

  THAMES VALLEY

  110

  153

  179

  167

  WARWICKSHIRE

  194

  233

  130

  149

  WEST MERCIA

  110

  36

  117

  91

  WEST MIDLANDS

  362

  485

  822

  902

  WEST YORKSHIRE

  813

  822

  757

  604

  WILTSHIRE

  19

  66

  45

  58

  DYFED POWYS

  37

  18

  28

  29

  GWENT

  39

  30

  20

  37

  NORTH WALES

  371

  195

  302

  259

  SOUTH WALES

  255

  363

  283

  281

  Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  TOTAL

  6,262

  6,064

  5,776

  5,763

  AVON&SOMERSET

  150

  135

  116

  84

  BEDFORDSHIRE

  46

  45

  48

  53

  CAMBRIDGESHIRE

  77

  73

  56

  71

  71WS

  Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  CHESHIRE

  75

  74

  81

  89

  CLEVELAND

  80

  75

  85

  80

  CITY OF LONDON

  73

  74

  73

  72

  CUMBRIA

  98

  94

  92

  87

  DERBYSHIRE

  77

  81

  80

  69

  DEVON & CORNWALL

  119

  100

  108

  115

  DORSET

  66

  67

  57

  59

  DURHAM

  101

  101

  86

  102

  ESSEX

  228

  195

  180

  184

  GLOUCESTERSHIRE

  77

  72

  71

  80

  GTR MANCHESTER

  218

  240

  219

  202

  HAMPSHIRE

  111

  100

  87

  94

  HERTFORDSHIRE

  52

  44

  46

  47

  HUMBERSIDE

  97

  102

  96

  96

  KENT

  136

  136

  113

  93

  LANCASHIRE

  143

  132

  138

  129

  LEICESTERSHIRE

  90

  85

  69

  68

  LINCOLNSHIRE

  78

  80

  91

  87

  MERSEYSIDE

  96

  103

  78

  84

  METROPOLITAN

  1,977

  1,940

  1,805

  1,823

  NORFOLK

  110

  114

  104

  109

  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

  75

  77

  51

  56

  NORTHUMBRIA

  114

  109

  125

  99

  NORTH YORKSHIRE

  59

  66

  66

  64

  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

  116

  137

  136

  131

  SOUTH YORKSHIRE

  100

  98

  92

  100

  STAFFORDSHIRE

  81

  67

  71

  63

  SUFFOLK

  98

  90

  90

  80

  SURREY

  71

  72

  62

  48

  SUSSEX

  131

  118

  120

  141

  THAMES VALLEY

  187

  185

  156

  180

  WARWICKSHIRE

  54

  45

  50

  51

  WEST MERCIA

  129

  130

  125

  131

  WEST MIDLANDS

  93

  83

  111

  110

  WEST YORKSHIRE

  110

  117

  116

  132

  WILTSHIRE

  89

  71

  71

  78

  DYFED POWYS

  65

  61

  77

  62

  GWENT

  68

  66

  57

  60

  NORTH WALES

  92

  67

  83

  75

  SOUTH WALES

  155

  143

  138

  125

  72WS

  Number of operations involving armed response vehicles (ARVs)

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  TOTAL

  8,276

  8,179

  11,574

  11,818

  AVON & SOMERSET

  78

  56

  173

  215

  BEDFORDSHIRE

  172

  253

  172

  269

  CAMBRIDGESHIRE

  54

  36

  43

  45

  CHESHIRE

  330

  441

  523

  337

  CLEVELAND

  25

  16

  13

  63

  CITY OF LONDON

  24

  30

  39

  131

  CUMBRIA

  21

  27

  53

  45

  DERBYSHIRE

  167

  152

  253

  363

  DEVON & CORNWALL

  52

  121

  76

  32

  DORSET

  69

  155

  182

  180

  DURHAM

  67

  31

  57

  66

  ESSEX

  244

  206

  165

  176

  GLOUCESTERSHIRE

  44

  39

  140

  166

  GTR MANCHESTER

  173

  302

  528

  406

  HAMPSHIRE

  90

  84

  116

  108

  HERTFORDSHIRE

  44

  65

  81

  129

  HUMBERSIDE

  181

  136

  273

  170

  KENT

  58

  64

  89

  132

  LANCASHIRE

  250

  177

  192

  185

  LEICESTERSHIRE

  144

  195

  292

  232

  LINCOLNSHIRE

  141

  324

  470

  367

  MERSEYSIDE

  466

  75

  974

  547

  METROPOLITAN

  1,812

  1,380

  1,667

  2,447

  NORFOLK

  210

  192

  157

  186

  NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

  21

  35

  25

  90

  NORTHUMBRIA

  397

  655

  1,349

  1,204

  NORTH YORKSHIRE

  40

  54

  60

  67

  NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

  232

  207

  333

  397

  SOUTH YORKSHIRE

  214

  103

  221

  280

  STAFFORDSHIRE

  131

  136

  208

  241

  SUFFOLK

  101

  103

  116

  160

  SURREY

  110

  192

  225

  240

  SUSSEX

  172

  245

  189

  111

  THAMES VALLEY

  108

  108

  174

  167

  WARWICKSHIRE

  158

  194

  104

  31

  WEST MERCIA

  98

  26

  100

  81

  WEST MIDLANDS

  138

  243

  563

  592

  WEST YORKSHIRE

  787

  785

  609

  565

  WILTSHIRE

  15

  48

  43

  39

  DYFED POWYS

  37

  18

  28

  29

  GWENT

  27

  17

  16

  16

  NORTH WALES

  354

  155

  265

  198

  SOUTH WALES

  220

  298

  218

  253

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff in her Department have been(a) investigated, (b)suspended, (c) dismissed, (d) prosecuted and (e) convicted for involvement in benefit fraud in each of the last six years; and what the amounts involved were in each of the cases listed. [151648]

  Alun Michael
  Records only exist for the period since Defra came into existence in June 2001. There have been no cases in that period.

  Bovine TB
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of whether there are(a) physiological and (b) neurological differences between rabbits and moles, and badgers, which would affect their response to poisoning by fumigants, in terms of the distress and pain caused. [153926]

  Alun Michael
  All pesticides used as fumigants are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they can be marketed or used in the UK. Those seeking approval for such products are required to provide data to ensure that the product is safe, effective and humane.

  No specific assessment is made of physiological or neurological differences between rabbits and moles in response to poisoning by pesticide fumigants.

  However, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides considered a report in 1996 on humaneness of vertebrate control agents, which resulted in the loss of one pesticide fumigant substance and approval for the remaining pesticide fumigant products to continue. Data on humaneness of pesticide fumigants in relation to the target test species, such as rabbits and moles were considered.

  Use of pesticide fumigants against badgers, which are protected species, is not permitted, except in special circumstances, and as such would not have been considered.

  Crematoriums
  Mrs. Dean
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will conduct(a) quantified and (b) qualified research into mercury emissions from crematoriums prior to reaching a decision on whether gas cleaning systems should be fitted. [153430]
  1442W
  Alun Michael
  I refer to the reply to my hon. Friend on 17 November 2003,Official Report, column 624W, concerning the consultation paper the Department issued containing an assessment undertaken by the Environment Agency of the case for tackling mercury emissions from crematoria. The assessment included a review of the available mercury monitoring data and of estimates of mercury emissions from crematoria. Several of the responses to the consultation raised concerns that the emission estimates were uncertain. We recognise that there remain uncertainties and that these will have to be taken into account in reaching a decision on the extent to which gas cleaning will be required. The uncertainties do not extend to the health impacts of mercury nor affect our long-standing policy approach, as summarised in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Clark) on 14 October 2003, Official Report, columns 99 and 100W.

  Officials are currently in discussion with representative cremation organisations to develop a fair mechanism for reducing emissions from a proportion of existing crematoria which is what is needed to fulfil the Governments policy objectives. We will be consulting in due course on detailed proposals, including what that proportion should be.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the(a) thickness and (b) stiffness of twine on the escape properties of a trawl net; [150237]

  (2) what assessment her Department has made of the effect of the use of double twine in the construction of trawl nets on the selectivity of gear; and what the effect has been of permitting the use of different thicknesses of twine on the size of fish caught in North Sea fisheries; [150238]

  (3) what the impact of lightweight high-strength fibres on the (a) selectivity properties and (b) fishing performance of trawl nets is. [150482]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The effect of the thickness of modern twines on selectivity of whitefish gears was first studied in 1993 at the FRS Marine Laboratory Aberdeen. Since then several further UK studies have been completed. Thicker twine has been found to reduce selectivity. In the case of double twine a decrease in thickness from 6mm to 4mm has an effect equivalent to increasing mesh size by 10mm. A codend made of 8mm single twine has similar selectivity to that made of 5mm double twine.

  As a result of this research, legislation was introduced, initially by UK and then EU authorities, to limit the thickness of twines. It is not possible, however, to isolate the effect on stocks of this one measure limiting twine thickness as many other changes have been made to gear designs during the same period.

  Mathematical models of codend geometry have shown that stiffer twine limits the expansion of the codend as the catch builds up and hence limits the openness of the codend meshes in the area where the majority of fish escape.
  1443W
  Nets made of lightweight, high strength twines will have lower drag for a given size. This will allow fisherman either (a) to reduce his fuel bill and maintain the same catch or (b) to tow faster (with the same fuel bill) and possibly increase his catch per unit time or (c) to buy a larger net to increase catch at the same towing speed.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what trials have, been carried out in British waters of the Icelandic Ex-It cod excluder device. [150312]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  As far as is known, no trials with the Icelandic Ex-It excluder device have been carried out by any UK government departments or agencies.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people seconded to her Department from outside organisations are helping to draft Answers to honourable Members'(a) oral and (b) written Parliamentary Questions. [153913]

  Alun Michael
  Defra's Ministers see secondment and interchange as a key means of complementing the skill and experience of the civil service, drawing in expertise from such fields as business, local government and the voluntary sector as well as other Government Departments. This is assisting Defra's commitment to playing its part in developing a modern, flexible outward looking Civil Service that works in partnership with all sectors of society. Interchange is seen as a key tool in meeting this commitment. Defra continues to promote and encourage the interchange of personnel between the Department and range of other organisations.

  Slaughter Premium Scheme (SPS)

  County

  Amount paid (£)

  Claims paid

  Amount unpaid (£)

  Claims unpaid

  SPS 2001 scheme year

  Powys

  949,142.78

  4,067

  1,966.90

  133

  Gwynedd

  1,145,295.95

  3,400

  0

  1

  Dyfed

  2,170,937.55

  7,932

  7,702.28

  30

  Clwyd

  1,089,531.08

  3,798

  0

  47

  South Glamorgan

  189,144.07

  517

  0

  1

  Mid Glamorgan

  101,975.55

  428

  0

  0

  West Glamorgan

  127,252.07

  442

  0

  0

  Gwent

  347,648.32

  1,220

  68.98

  2

  Total

  6,120,927.37

  21,804

  9,738.16

  214

  SPS 2002 scheme year

  Powys

  1,936,838.88

  4,530

  16,421.97

  199

  Gwynedd

  1,902,937.06

  3,211

  2,309.23

  170

  Dyfed

  4,111,194.14

  8,152

  10,058.93

  320

  Clwyd

  1,863,821.23

  3,422

  16,700.55

  131

  South Glamorgan

  286,707.70

  441

  134.54

  9

  Mid Glamorgan

  202,331.81

  437

  288.30

  15

  West Glamorgan

  229,556.44

  416

  809.64

  16

  Gwent

  654,392.94

  1,253

  7,343.73

  63

  Total

  11,187,780.20

  21,862

  54,066.89

  923

  1444W
  The term "secondee" is used within the civil service in a more limited sense than the meaning used outside the civil service. In the civil service a secondee is a person "borrowed" from an organisation outside the Civil Service for a period of between three months, and three years (exceptionally five years), without affecting employment status. During the secondment period the secondee would remain an employee of the parent organisation but would be expected to abide by the Defra Staff handbook and the Official Secrets Act 1989. At the end of the secondment the secondee would return to the parent organisation.

  Defra currently has 41 secondees from outside organisations. All are at Higher Executive Office grade and above. The secondees are appointed on the basis of the match of competencies and skills required for the post and in the case of the 41 formal secondees from outside organisations in Defra at present this may include drafting answers to PQ's. Although some details of the secondee and the parent organisation are held centrally, duties undertaken on a day to day basis would be a matter for their managers and are not centrally recorded. Detailed information could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate costs.

  Rural Payments Agency
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what value of payments(a) have been made and (b) remain unpaid from the Rural Payments Agency to Welsh farmers, broken down by (i) constituency and (ii) local authority area for each year since the scheme began. [151726]

  Alun Michael
  The following figures relate to payments made to Welsh farmers under the schemes administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) since its creation on 16 October 2001. The information has been provided by county, as breaking down the data by constituency and local authority area could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.
  1445W

  Slaughter Premium Scheme (SPS)

  County

  Amount paid(£)

  Claims paid

  Amount unpaid(£)

  Claims unpaid

  SPS 2003 scheme year

  Powys

  814,884.68

  2,872

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Gwynedd

  532,338.62

  1,739

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Dyfed

  1,631,216.48

  5,082

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Clwyd

  886,446.12

  2,092

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  South Glamorgan

  160,487.66

  278

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Mid Glamorgan

  73,947.73

  230

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  West Glamorgan

  88,914.76

  234

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Gwent

  282,670.33

  789

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  Total

  4,470,906.38

  13,316

  1Unknown

  1Unknown

  12003 scheme year still on-going figures as at January 2004

  Over Thirty Months Scheme (OTMS)

  County

  Amount paid(£)

  Claims Paid

  Amount unpaid (£)

  Claims unpaid

  OTMS payments 16 October 2001 to 31 December 2001

  Powys

  843,391.22

  2,828

  12,000

  32

  Gwynedd

  775,822.93

  2,655

  9,000

  24

  Dyfed

  4,419,479.41

  14,970

  34,875

  93

  Clwyd

  1,079,744.08

  3,633

  10,125

  27

  South Glamorgan

  146,974.88

  478

  750

  2

  Mid Glamorgan

  119,429.71

  410

  0

  0

  West Glamorgan

  135,249.99

  472

  1,500

  4

  Gwent

  570,685.83

  1,868

  3,750

  10

  Total

  8,090,778.05

  27,314

  72,000

  192

  OTMS payments 2002

  Powys

  3,717,572.46

  12,422

  37,875

  101

  Gwynedd

  2,773,056.53

  9,439

  31,875

  85

  Dyfed

  13,436,464.53

  45,786

  96,000

  256

  Clwyd

  4,291,106.78

  14,399

  44,250

  118

  South Glamorgan

  434,365.31

  1,378

  3,750

  10

  Mid Glamorgan

  458,556.67

  1,527

  3,000

  8

  West Glamorgan

  433,968.41

  1,497

  9,750

  26

  Gwent

  1,718,300.68

  5,753

  16,500

  44

  Total

  27,263,391.37

  92,201

  243,000

  648

  OTMS payments 2003

  Powys

  3,491,120.13

  12,151

  35,250

  94

  Gwynedd

  2,281,981.75

  8,155

  37,125

  99

  Dyfed

  10,753,321.43

  38,393

  141,000

  376

  Clwyd

  3,867,087.60

  13,434

  42,750

  114

  South Glamorgan

  338,412.43

  1,127

  1,500

  4

  Mid Glamorgan

  341,557.64

  1,160

  3,375

  9

  West Glamorgan

  296,161.28

  1,076

  5,625

  15

  Gwent

  14,531.26.91

  5,103

  29,250

  78

  Total

  22,822,769.17

  80,599

  295,875

  789

  1 The Rural Payments Agency's OTMS payment system does not calculate animal values until they are eligible for the scheme, The figures for unpaid animals have been calculated using an average payment of £350 each.

  Livestock Welfare (Disposal) Scheme (LW(D)S)

  This scheme has since been discontinued and there are
  no outstanding payments to be made to any Welsh
  farmers.

  County

  Amount paid (£)

  Claims paid

  LW(D)S payments 16 October 2001 to 31 December 2001

  Powys

  3,223,518.38

  1,889

  Gwynedd

  818,603.48

  799

  Dyfed

  1,542,907.28

  810

  Clwyd

  624,018.76

  421

  South Glamorgan

  77,391.02

  5

  Mid Glamorgan

  271,002

  175

  West Glamorgan

  172,199.04

  81

  Gwent

  327,034.63

  193

  Total

  7,056,674.59

  4,373

  L W(D)S payments 2002

  Powys

  83,615.19

  135

  Gwynedd

  113,093.69

  105

  1446W

  County

  Amount paid (£)

  Claims paid

  Dyfed

  68,914.98

  67

  Clwyd

  172,903.61

  66

  South Glamorgan

  1,100

  2

  Mid Glamorgan

  34,370.78

  29

  Total

  473,998.25

  404

  LW(D)S Slaughter Premium Scheme (SPS) top up payments

  County

  Amount paid (£)

  Claims paid

  Powys

  418,597

  1,658

  Gwynedd

  68,085

  432

  Dyfed

  283,481

  680

  Clwyd

  132,118

  337

  South Glamorgan

  6,301

  7

  Mid Glamorgan

  16,553

  39

  West Glamorgan

  24,591

  40

  Gwent

  85,763

  99

  Total

  1,035,489

  3,292

  1447W

  The Agrimonetary Scheme—16 October 2001 to April 2002

  County

  Amount paid(£)

  Number entitled

  Clwyd

  97,793.70

  543

  Dyfed

  313,785.30

  1,976

  Gwent

  43,708.64

  221

  Gwynedd

  32,048.30

  265

  Mid Glamorgan

  7,231.90

  43

  Powys

  50,077.70

  338

  South Glamorgan

  11,362.02

  63

  West Glamorgan

  5,516.54

  54

  Grand total

  561,524.10

  3,503

  This scheme for dairy farmers was introduced with the intention of offsetting the reduction in prices received by UK dairy farmers resulting from currency fluctuations during 1999 and 2000.

  There are no outstanding payments for this scheme.

  The RPA made these payments from October 2001 to April 2002.

  Sudden Oak Death
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has evaluated on whether spores of sudden oak death are carried by(a) the air, (b) water and (c) human movement. [149263]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  The disease "Phytophthora ramorum" (or Sudden Oak Death) was described as a new species in October 2001. As it was a new species very little was known about the disease and no research had been conducted which could be evaluated to determine how the spores are dispersed.

  From June 2002 Defra and the Forestry Commission have commissioned research to investigate the biology of the disease including how spores of this organism are spread. The research programme is on-going. However, preliminary investigations have detected spores in water, soil and leaf litter but not so far in air. More intensive air sampling is planned for the spring when conditions are more conducive for spore production. The possibility of dispersal via wind blown mists cannot be ruled out. Studies are also assessing the role of vertebrates in spreading the pathogen. If humans or animals come into contact with infected soil/debris or other contaminated material it is possible that they could spread spores of the disease but it is unclear how significant such dispersal would be in establishing new infections. Defra and FC scientists are also keeping in close contact with colleagues in the USA who are investigating this disease.

  Swill
  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to enforce the ban on feeding swill to pigs on farms and smallholdings. [152255]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Following the introduction of the ban that was introduced in May 2001 the State Veterinary Service made a series of visits to all former swill feeders to ensure compliance was achieved. It is now Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 which prohibits the feeding of catering waste to farmed animals and the enforcement powers laid down in the Animal By-Products 1448W
  Regulations 2003 are exercised by the local authorities. The Chief Veterinary Officer, however, continues to ensure that local authorities and the State Veterinary Service are reminded of the importance of remaining vigilant on compliance during all visits and inspections.

  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to prevent wild birds feeding at landfill sites containing disposed swill, in relation to the prevention of the spread of disease to livestock. [152256]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Defra and the Environment Agency have reminded operators of landfill sites of the animal health risks from waste food and of their obligations to ensure precautionary measures are taken to help prevent scavenging by wildlife. These include prompt burial with progressive covering with non food waste to ensure waste food is not left exposed, and robust vermin and pest control measures.

  Mr. Boris Johnson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of farms and smallholdings which may still be feeding unprocessed swill to pigs. [152257]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  It has long been illegal to feed unprocessed swill and since May 2001 it has also been illegal to feed processed swill. There should therefore be no farms or smallholdings feeding such material to pigs.

TRANSPORT

  Aircraft Safety
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1)what special safety inspections are made, and with what regularity, on the aircraft of airlines that are allowed to use UK airports but are banned on safety grounds from using some other European airports; [153666]

  (2) what his policy is on data sharing on aircraft safety with other European countries; and what his policy is on the proposed EU Directive on this. [153686]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government have consistently supported data sharing arrangements established under the European Civil Aviation Conference's Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) programme. The reports of all inspections of foreign aircraft carried out under the programme are entered on a central database and may be accessed by all participating states. We also support the proposed EC Directive on the safety of third-country aircraft using Community airports, which is based on the SAFA programme.

  My answer to the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (John Thurso) on 12 January 2004, Official Report, column 546W, explains why the SAFA database cannot be used to determine whether an airline currently has restrictions on its operations to an ECAC State. The database only contains details of aircraft inspections and immediate corrective action. In most cases such action relates to the specific aircraft inspected and the airline would be free to operate flights using other aircraft. Moreover many restrictions last for only a few days while the issue identified is addressed.
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  The record of inspections on an airline's aircraft by other states is taken into account in determining our own programme of inspections.

  The SAFA programme is under constant review and we are working with our European colleagues to extend and refine the information on the database.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safety inspections are undertaken on aircraft flying from the UK which are owned by airlines that are banned on safety grounds from landing in certain other European countries. [154216]

  Mr. McNulty
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer given to him today (ref 153666, 153686).

  Commercial Vehicles
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received on(a) overnight parking facilities for commercial vehicles and (b) dedicated rest areas. [150217]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Two representations have been received on these matters since July last year.

  Driver, Vehicle and Operator Group
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the resources which agencies within the Driver, Vehicle and Operator group will require from 2003–04 to 2006–07 to carry out vehicle enforcement responsibilities previously carried out by police forces in England and Wales; from which sources the extra resources will come; and if he will make a statement. [153204]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is progressively taking over the role from the Police of stopping vehicles, in order to carry out roadside compliance checks using its own staff and vehicles. The estimated costs are £1.7 million per annum. The Department is providing finance for the setting up period but, in the long run, this activity will be funded through fees.

  Edinburgh Airport
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 19 January 2004,Official Report, column 1006W, on Edinburgh airport, if he will place in the Library a list of addresses for the 33 households. [154168]

  Mr. McNulty
  The figure of 33 residential properties that would need to be taken if a new close parallel runway were to be built at Edinburgh airport comes from a map based appraisal analysis designed to enable comparison of options. This exercise was not designed to be a highly detailed or final assessment of specific options. Individual addresses were not therefore recorded as part of it.

  The Air Transport White Paper called for the preparation of the airport masterplans. The masterplan for Edinburgh airport will be incorporated into the strategic planning framework for West Edinburgh and future local development plan revisions. This will enable a more definitive view to be taken of exactly which properties will be affected when future planning
  1450W
  applications are made. This will in turn allow the owners of those properties which may be affected to seek redress under the terms of the non-statutory scheme for Edinburgh which BAA are currently considering.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that(a) Network Rail and (b) rail operators protect their (i) stations, (ii) tracks and (iii) rolling stock from graffiti; [153614]

  (2) if he will co-ordinate a programme of cleaning graffiti from tracks, stations and rolling stock. [153615]

  Mr. McNulty
  Network Rail has responsibility for ownership and maintenance of the national rail network infrastructure, including the removal of graffiti. In 2003–04, £2.5million was allocated in Network Rail's Safety and Environment Plan to tackle environmental issues like graffiti, rising to £3.5million in 2004–05. Network Rail is also taking forward a number of partnership projects with local authorities in different regions to enable graffiti removal from roadside parapets and walls of Network Rail-owned bridges.

  Train operating companies (TOCs) have responsibility for removing and preventing graffiti on those railway stations that are leased to them and on their rolling stock. The SRA's new franchising agreements contain key performance indicators in the areas of station security and the on-train environment. This further incentivises the prevention and removal of graffiti by train operating companies by tying the issue of cleanliness firmly to their profits. The SRA also encourages all train operating companies to seek accreditation under the Secure Stations and Secured Car Park award schemes. Such schemes have proven their value in reducing all types of crime, including the prevention of graffiti.

  The Home Office's Anti-Social Behaviour Unit is taking forward a national action plan—'Operation Scrub-It'—aimed at developing initiatives to tackle graffiti. This is being taken forward in partnership with the British Transport Police, Crime Stoppers, Network Rail, London Underground and other transport providers.

  Liquefied Petroleum Gas
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of international trends in the use of liquefied petroleum gas for road vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [153672]

  Mr. Jamieson
  There is limited information on international trends in the use of LPG for road vehicles. There were an estimated 107,000 LPG vehicles in the UK in 2003. In contrast, there are estimated to be over one million LPG vehicles in Italy which has the largest European market.

  The European Commission Alternative Fuels contact Group recently presented their report on The Market Development of Alternative Fuels. The report argued that a combination of alternative fuels had the potential to achieve a 20 per cent. market share by 2020 and identified LPG as having the scope to achieve a 5 per cent. Market share by 2010.
  1451W
  Globally, significant markets for LPG also exist in South Korea, Japan, Australia and North America.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people are employed in the UK in the road vehicle liquefied petroleum gas industry. [153673]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The latest estimate of the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association is that there are 2,500 people employed in the industry in the UK.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles in the UK have been converted to run on liquefied petroleum gas; and how many have been converted with the aid of a PowerShift grant. [153674]

  Mr. Jamieson
  According to the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association, approximately 107,000 vehicles had been converted to run on LPG by the end of 2003.

  Since 1997, 17,383 vehicles have been converted to run on LPG with the aid of a Powershift grant.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Chancellor about the impact of fuel taxation measures on(a) liquefied petroleum gas conversions, (b) environmental damage and (c) public health. [153675]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Government issued a joint DfT/HMT/HMCE consultation document in June 2003, which sought views on the future structure of the Government's support for road fuel gases and natural gas in the short to medium term. The consultation is available on the DfT website. The consultation summarised the growth of the LPG sector incentivised by fuel duty differentials, reduced vehicle excise duty and the availability of grants under the Transport Energy programmes. Further, the consultation made an illustrative comparison of the environmental performance of LPG vehicles in comparison with conventionally fuelled vehicles.

  The Government are currently considering the responses to this consultation and will announce their decisions in Budget 2004.

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many re-fuelling sites are available in the UK for(a) liquefied petroleum gas and (b) compressed natural gas. [153670]

  Mr. Jamieson
  According to the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association and the Natural Gas Vehicle Association, there are approximately 1,300 LPG re-fuelling sites in and 18 compressed natural gas re-fuelling sites in the U K.

  M5
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of upgrading Junction 10 of the M5 to allow northbound and southbound traffic to join and leave the motorway. [153783]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The cost of upgrading Junction 10 of the M5 to a full movement junction would be in the region of £,15 to £30 million at current prices, depending on the design and the cost of land required.
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  Motorways
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what works are being carried out adjacent to the southbound carriageway of the M1 motorway between junctions 14 and 13 in Buckinghamshire which relate to alleviating motorway noise; when this work was authorised; and what estimate he has made of the cost. [153248]

  Dr. Howells
  These noise mitigation works are being constructed outside of the highway boundary by a private landowner and are not publicly funded.

  Planning consent for a 6 metre high, 150 metre long screening bund was granted by Milton Keynes Council in May 2003.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rail freight miles were travelled in each year since 2003; and if he will make a statement. [150011]

  Mr. McNulty
  Rail freight moved in Great Britain is published by the Strategic Rail Authority each quarter in "National Rail Trends". In 2002–03, rail freight moved was 18.7 billion tonne-kilometres.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) deaths and (b) serious injuries there have been on the (i) A12, (ii) A134, (iii) A120 west of Colchester, (iv) A 120 east of Colchester, (v) A137 and (vi) A133 in Essex in the past 12 months. [152079]

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

  Casualties from Road Accidents: 20021

  Fatal

  Serious

  A12

  15

  125

  A133

  2

  21

  A134

  4

  24

  A137

  2

  16

  A1202

  4

  6

  A1203

  4

  29

  1Last full year for which figures are available

  2 East of Colchester

  3West of Colchester

  Road Improvement Projects
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate real terms cost inflation for road improvement projects for each year since 1997. [153782]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitors prices for new road construction and publishes indices. The DTI's Road Construction Tender Price Index (RCTPI and also known as the ROA DCON Index) is based on priced rates contained in accepted tenders for road construction, motorway widening and major maintenance schemes costing over £0.25 million obtained from the Highways Agency and local
  1453W
  authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. The indices are published every quarter and the first two columns of the table are abstracted from the latest available ROADCON Index figures (December 2003). The third column has been calculated for this answer.

  ROADCON Index

  Year on year "inflation rate " (in ROADCON Index terms) since 1997

  1997

  100

  —

  1998

  99

  -1.0

  1999

  100

  +1.0

  2000

  114

  +14.0

  2001

  117

  +2.6

  2002

  121

  +3.4

  2003

  1122

  +0.8

  1The figure for the year 2003 is an interim figure as (i) the year is not yet complete (the last quarter is January to March 2004), and (ii) the indices for the last two published quarters are provisional and subject to adjustment (when delayed data are received by DTI).

  Roadworks (Al)
  Mr. Greg Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for what reasons advance warning was not given of the closure of the exit from the A1 at Newark to the A17 and A46; [153243]

  (2) for what reasons 24-hour working is not taking place on the southbound carriageway of the A1 near Newark; [153244]

  (3) for what reasons and for how long the junction between the Al, A17 and A46 at Newark will be closed; and for what reasons the exit from the Al at this point is closed; [153245]

  (4) for how long he expects the southbound carriageway of the Al to be closed at Newark. [153246]

  Dr. Howells
  I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Archie Robertson to write to the right hon. Member.

  Letter from Archie Robertson to Mr. Greg Knight, dated 11 February 2004 I have been asked by the Transport Minister, Kim Howells, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about road closures as a result of work being carried out on the Al Trunk Road at Newark.
  The major resurfacing scheme on both carriageways of the Al at Newark is taking place on a heavily trafficked section of road, which includes a busy interchange (with A46/A17) and is situated close to built-up areas. As such, the work is inevitably subject to certain constraints.
  There are two sets of warning signs informing drivers of the closure of the slip roads at Newark, on both the north and southbound carriageways of the A1, together with signs to follow the appropriate diversion routes. Advance signs are also situated on all approach roads to the slip roads, again with diversion signs in place giving instructions on how to access the Al. Additional signs, over and above those required to meet statutory requirements, were erected on the diversion routes on 16 January to give greater clarity for users of the diversions.
  In order to maintain traffic flow, both north and southbound, contraflow working is being used. For safety reasons, and to allow a smooth flow of traffic through the contraflow lengths, the slip roads to the A46/A17 need to be closed. Some resurfacing is also being carried out on the slip roads themselves. Although the
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  southbound carriageway was reopened on 1 February, it is now subject to contraflow working whilst the northbound carriageway is dealt with.
  Unfortunately, it is not possible to undertake this work on a 24-hour basis due to the close proximity of residential property. For environmental reasons Newark and Sherwood District Council have placed restrictions on working after 10pm so that local people do not suffer undue noise nuisance overnight.
  I am pleased to say that good progress is being made with the resurfacing and all work is on target to be completed by the 16 March. The Agency regrets any disruption that these essential. maintenance works may have caused. Wherever possible, we do try to keep this to a minimum and give advance publicity locally. I note, from these and previous questions you have asked, that you frequently use the north—south route, either via the Al or Ml.
  If you would like any further information the Agency's Route Manager, Graham Littlechild, will be more than happy to assist you. Please let him know if you would like to be included on a circulation list for advance publicity when works of this kind are proposed on these routes in the future. He can be contacted at our offices at Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1BL, or by telephone on 0121 678 8034.

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed cameras there were in Wales in each year since 1997, broken down by(a) police force, (b) constituency, (c) safety camera partnership and (d) local authority area. [151748]

  Mr. Jamieson
  We do not hold information centrally for camera operations other than those operated within the Safety Camera Partnerships. The figures from the South and Central Wales safety camera partnership, which joined the scheme from April 2000 and the North Wales partnership, which joined the scheme in October 2001, are as follows.

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  North Wales1

  2—

  28

  45

  66

  South and Central Wales3

  33

  80

  313

  357

  1 Covers the North Wales police authority area

  2 Prior to joining the safety camera programme

  3 In 2000–01 and 2001–02, covered the South Wales police authority area; from 2002/03, joined by Gwent and Dyfed and

  Notes:

  1. For 2003–04 the number of sites shown are those approved in the operational cases for 2003–04, not all of which may yet be operational.

  2. These figures exclude red traffic-light cameras.

  3. 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.

  We do not record this information specifically by police force, constituency or local authority area.

  Uninsured Vehicles
  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were killed or seriously injured in accidents involving uninsured cars in the last year for which figures are available. [153939]

  Mr. Jamieson
  Information on the number of people killed or seriously injured in accidents involving uninsured vehicles is not held by my Department.
  1455W
  Data on accidents collected centrally in the Home Office do not identify the circumstances surrounding the offence.

  John Mann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the average additional cost to car insurance premiums resulting from damage from uninsured vehicles involved in accidents. [154101]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Motor Insurers' Bureau estimates that the average cost to each motorist's insurance premium as a result of uninsured drivers involved in accidents is between £15 and £30.

  Vehicle and Operator Services Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy on(a) the provision of loans and grants to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and (b) the maximum annual percentage uplift by which the agency may increase its fees and charges. [153203]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), as a Trading Fund, may receive loans or grants to accomplish its objectives that are agreed with the Department. Fees and charges are set periodically, based on the costs and commitments in undertaking functions.

  There is no maximum ceiling for the VOSA's annual fee increases, but all proposals are subject to a thorough series of consultations and submissions both with the Driver, Vehicle and Operator group, the Department for Transport, Ministers and the Trade before any increase in fee levels is agreed. Ministers have to approve all fee increases to be included in Statutory Instruments (SI) and have to sign SIs prior to them being presented to Parliament.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of(a) the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's contribution to the improvement of road safety and environmental standards and (b) failure rates on checks and tests of (i) heavy goods vehicles, (ii) public service vehicles and (iii)light goods vehicles reported in the Vehicle Inspectorate's Effectiveness Report for 2002–03; and what targets he has set for these checks and tests for 2003–04 to 2005–06. [153205]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's contribution to road safety and environmental standards is made through its range of licensing, testing (including emissions testing), enforcement, education and training services, and through its supervision of MOT testing. Fleet compliance checks are carried out regularly to assess the base-line condition of vehicles and to compare them against our targeted checks. Failure rates at annual test for heavy goods vehicles, public service vehicles and light goods vehicles remain unsatisfactory. Slightly higher fail rates for heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles in 2002–03 over previous years is mainly due to a new item in the test.

  The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency is increasingly targeting bad practice among operators and owners of vehicles through improved knowledge and intelligence systems. The responsibility for test
  1456W
  failure rates lies with operators and owners, and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency has not been set specific targets. The Agency has been set effectiveness improvement objectives for its enforcement activities during 2003–04. Enforcement effectiveness is measured by Performance Gain points, and the Agency is to achieve at least a 2 per cent. improvement across all its activities, including for enforcement of HGV and PSV roadworthiness and environmental standards. No objectives have yet been set for enforcement effectiveness in 2004–05 or 2005–06.

  Performance Gain is an agreed indicator of the outcome value in road safety compliance terms of each of VOSA's specific enforcement activities and has been operating for several years during which annual performance objectives have been met.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are in place to ensure that the owners of untaxed illegal foreign cars are traced and brought into the United Kingdom car tax regime; and if he will make a statement. [153431]

  Mr. Jamieson
  A vehicle which is registered and taxed in its home country may be used by a visitor to Great Britain for up to six months in 12 without being subject to domestic requirements. To qualify for this exemption the visitor must have their normal residence outside GB.

  If at any time a vehicle being used in Great Britain on foreign plates is stopped by the police, it is the responsibility of the keeper to demonstrate that they are eligible to use the vehicle without licensing and registering it here. If they are not eligible, enforcement action will be taken.

DEFENCE

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects the training facilities for Apache helicopter pilots to be available; [153973]

  (2) for what reasons training equipment is not available to train Apache helicopter pilots; [153975]

  (3) when he expects there to be sufficient trained helicopter pilots available to enable the helicopters at RAF Shawbury to be put into front line service. [153976]

  Mr. Ingram
  Training facilities for Apache helicopter pilots are already available and being utilised. The Army expects to achieve Initial Operating Capability in August 2004 and a task force capability based on nine Regiment Army Air Corps during spring 2005. The numbers of aircraft in storage will diminish progressively from mid 2004 through to autumn 2005.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff in his Department have been(a) investigated, (b) suspended, (c) dismissed,

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  (d) prosecuted and (e) convicted for involvement in benefit fraud in each of the last six years; and what amounts were involved in each case. [153208]

  Mr. Caplin
  The Ministry of Defence does not hold this information.

  Civil Contingency Reaction Force
  Mr. Keetch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many Civil Contingency Reaction Forces (CCRF) reservists are allocated to each of the regional CCRF units; and if he will make a statement; [153282]

  (2) how many training days members of Civil Contingency Reaction Forces undergo; what is covered at each training day; and if he will make a statement. [153283]

  Mr. Ingram
  500 Civil Contingency Reaction Force (CCRF) reservists are allocated to each of the 14 regional CCRF units. Members of the CCRF receive five days training per year, in addition to their normal reservist training. The additional days are used to ensure familiarisation and integration with the local authorities and the emergency services. They also ensure that the procedures for mobilisation are well practised. This is achieved through practical exercises and study periods and is completed in the context of the normal training regime, which covers areas such as First Aid, Fitness, Nuclear Biological and Chemical drills, map reading and communications.

  SDR (Consultation Document)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the individuals and organisations to whom(a) his Department, (b) its executive agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies for which his Department is responsible sent a copy of the consultation document, A New Chapter to the Strategic Defence Review: the role of the reserves in home defence and security. [153851]

  Mr. Ingram
  The consultation document "A new chapter to the strategic defence review: the role of the reserves in home defence and security" was distributed by the Ministry of Defence in June 2002, with a consultation period of three months.

  It is not possible or practicable to list every individual who received a copy of this document. However, I can confirm that the following organisations or groups of people were sent a copy:

  The Chairman and Members of the House of Commons Defence Committee

  Opposition Defence Spokesmen

  Selected Government Departments

  Ex-Chiefs of the Defence Staff

  The Local Government Association

  Local Government Chief Executives

  Emergency Planning Society

  Scottish Executive

  Northern Ireland Executive

  Welsh Assembly

  Libraries of both Houses

  Media (selected broadcast, print and specialist media)

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  A limited number of copies were also made available to the regular and reserve forces. However, the primary means of consultation for both the internal and external audience was through the MOD website, which carried a dedicated area for the consultation document.

  Decommissioning
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the planned decommissioning dates are for(a) HMS Vanguard, (b) HMS Victorious, (c) HMS Vigilant and (d) HMS Vengeance; [154104]

  (2) what the (a) maximum and (b) planned lifespans are for the UK Trident missile system; [154105]

  (3) when he expects to make a decision on replacing the strategic nuclear deterrent with a new system; and what the latest date is by which this decision must be made. [154107]

  Mr. Hoon
  [holding answer 20 February 2004]I refer the hon. Member to paragraph 3.11 of the Defence White Paper published in December 2003 (CM 6041).

  As with other key defence capabilities, we routinely undertake studies into the optimum operational life and value for money rather than specifying a fixed lifespan.

  Helicopter-borne Forces
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what use the additional investment to reduce the response times of helicopter-borne forces to deal with renegade shipping has been put; and if he will make a statement. [154276]

  Mr. Ingram
  In accordance with the SDR New Chapter, a programme of enhancements to the Ministry of Defence's support for Maritime Counter Terrorism has been introduced. This will allow MOD to continue to provide support to the civil authorities in response to this threat. The programme includes enhancements to equipment and the training of additional aircraft crews and engineers.

  HMS Roebuck
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the ability of HMS Roebuck to remain fully operational until its planned decommissioning in 2014. [154280]

  Mr. Ingram
  HMS Roebuck is planned to begin a ship life extension programme in September 2004. The programme will cover mechanical systems, hull structures, habitability, in-service support and the updating of her survey capability, including a new multibeam echo sounder. It will extend her life until around 2014.

  Human Rights Violations
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply to the question from the hon. Member for East Carmarthen and Dinefwr of 2 December 2003, on human rights violations, reference 141740. [154478]

  Mr. Ingram
  I replied to the hon. Member on 6 February 2004,Official Report, column 1104W.
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  Iraq
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effect of British cluster bombs on (i) Iraqi armed forces during the conflict and (ii) civilians since large-scale hostilities ceased; and if he will make a statement. [147326]

  Mr. Ingram
  We evaluate the performance and effects of all our equipment following the conclusion of every military operation involving UK Forces. The department's 'First Reflections' report included a brief summary and our initial assessment of the effect of cluster bombs during major combat operations in Iraq. Cluster bombs were used by UK forces against dispersed Iraqi military forces in the open or on the periphery of built up areas where they played an important role. Had cluster bombs not been used in this way more powerful and more destructive munitions would have been needed.

  The UK takes seriously its obligations as a member of the coalition to provide a safe, secure and risk free environment for the Iraqi people. Since the end of major combat operations 675,000 munitions have been cleared in the UK area of responsibility. We do not record individual types of munitions cleared.

  Jan Willem Matser
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received about the case of former NATO employee Jan Willem Matser convicted of forgery and fraud in the Netherlands; what discussions he has had with the NATO Secretary General on the implications of the case; and if he will make a statement. [154454]

  Mr. Ingram
  I have not received any official reports regarding this case, nor have I raised the matter with the NATO Secretary General.

  Procurement
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to instruct the(a) Defence Procurement Agency and (b) Defence Logistics Organisation to make an annual report on their work, to include the total amount in bid costs refunded to contractors in respect of procurement competitions being (i) terminated and (ii) substantially altered. [153512]

  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Royal Fleet Auxiliary
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for replacement oilers for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. [146509]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme is intended to provide the Royal Navy with a significant element of its future afloat support requirements as the current capability provided by the RFA fleet is progressively withdrawn from service. This will include the 1460W
  replenishment at sea of bulk consumables such as fuel oil, lubricants, water, stores, ammunition, and food. MARS is currently reaching the end of its concept phase prior to the start of its Assessment Phase during which the project team will work with industry to establish how best to deliver this capability. As MARS comes into service, it will progressively replace those existing oilers due on current plans to be withdrawn from service over the next decade with the exception of the two new Wave Class Auxiliary Oilers which came into service in 2003.

  Sea King Helicopters
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2004,Official Report, column 505W, to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Tyler), on Sea King helicopters, whether the helicopters in the collision were equipped with accident data recorders. [154503]

  Mr. Ingram
  No. The only Royal Navy helicopters fitted with accident data recording equipment are some of the Merlin Fleet.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2004,Official Report, column 505W, to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Tyler), on Sea King helicopters, what assessment he has made of the need for fleet-wide night vision capability since the collision; [154505]

  (2) what assessment he has made of whether senior officers are satisfied that there was no malfunction of equipment during the exercise; [154494]

  (3) what (a) lights and (b) equipment were not permitted for use on this occasion that are permitted in normal night-time flying conditions; [154500]

  (4) what experience the crews of the two helicopters had had of flying in these conditions in respect of (a) use of radar, (b) use of radio, (c) lighting, (d) restricted vision and (e) restricted flight path; [154493]

  (5) whether the crews of each helicopter had radio communications with Mission Control on board HMS Ark Royal; [154497]

  (6) what recommendations from the Board of Inquiry report have been acted upon by his Department; [154507]

  (7) whether the crews of each helicopter had a radar surveillance and advice warning from Mission Control on board HMS Ark Royal; [154496]

  (8) what assessment of rules and procedures for night flying senior commanders (a) had made before the mission and (b) have made since the mission; [154504]

  (9) whether both Sea Kings had been permitted radio contact with (a) each other and (b) HMS Ark Royal throughout the exercise; [154495]

  (10) what other helicopters were operating in the area; [154491]

  (11) how many sorties each helicopter had completed before the accident; and whether they had reported difficulty with (a) flying conditions, (b) restricted vision, (c) restricted flight path and (d) malfunction of equipment. [154492]
  1461W
  Mr. Ingram
  I will write to the hon. Member with the information he has requested, and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 29 January 2004,Official Report, column 505W, to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Tyler), on Sea King helicopters, when the Royal Navy Flight Safety and Accident Investigation Centre will publish its report on the accident. [154506]

  Mr. Ingram
  The accident investigation into the loss of the Sea King helicopters from HMS Ark Royal will take at least another six months. A copy of the resulting accident summary will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's definition is of a weapon of mass destruction. [154249]

  Mr. Hoon
  As the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), said on 28 January 2003,Official Report, column 769W, there is no universally

  Seminar

  Lecture

  Date

  Seminar for Potential Nominated Care Judges

  The Paediatric Witness

  7–9 May 1997

  Seminar for Potential Nominated Care Judges

  The Paediatric Witness

  6–8 May 1998

  Seminar for Potential Nominated Care Judges

  The Paediatric Witness

  5–7 May 1999

  Seminar for Potential Nominated Care Judges

  The Paediatric Witness

  9–12 May 2000

  Continuation Seminar for Nominated Care District Judges

  Paediatric Reports

  22–24 May 2000

  Seminar for Potential Nominated Care Judges

  The Paediatric Witness

  1–4–May 2001

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department have been(a) investigated, (b) suspended, (c) dismissed, (d) prosecuted and (e) convicted for involvement in benefit fraud in each of the last six years; and what amounts were involved in each case. [153868]

  Mr. Caborn
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has had no reported cases of staff involved in benefit fraud in the last six years.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the criteria are by which the sequence by region of digital switchover will take place; and if she will make a statement. [154174]

  Estelle Morris
  Digital switchover will be a phased process, with different regions switching at different times. Part of the work of the Digital Television Action Plan is to agree the order in which different regions are switched. The reports from the BBC and Ofcom and the Digital Television Consumer Expert Group expected at the end of March, will help inform our considerations.
  1462W
  accepted definition of the phrase "weapons of mass destruction", but it is generally held to refer to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Motoring Offences
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Solicitor-General in how many cases in the last five years initial charges of causing death by dangerous driving have been reduced to the charge of careless driving. [154332]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) holds no central records on particular charges, or on the amendments made to charges.

  This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Sir Roy Meadow
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Solicitor-General on what occasions Sir Roy Meadow has given lectures to judges and other court officials on the subject of infanticide and harm of children at the hands of their parents. [151029]

  The Solicitor-General
  Details of the lectures given by Sir Roy Meadow at seminars organised by the Judicial Studies Board appear in the following table.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what initiatives her Department has undertaken to encourage communities to become involved in graffiti prevention. [153823]

  Estelle Morris
  The Department for Culture, Media and Sport works with other Government Departments and agencies, including the Home Office and Youth Justice Board, to deliver initiatives that seek to reduce antisocial behaviour, such as graffiti, by offering developmental sports and arts activities as an alternative. These include:

  Positive Futures:

  We are key partners in this national sports, based social inclusion programme targeted at marginalised 10 to 19-year-olds in the most deprived areas. It aims to build relationships between responsible adults and young people based on mutual trust and respect in order to create new opportunities for alternative lifestyles.

  Positive Activities for Young People:

  We are one of a number of Government Departments and agencies that work together to deliver Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP). PAYP is a three year cross Government and Lottery funded school holiday activity programme that aims to reduce street crime, build community cohesion and encourage children and young people to return to education or

  1463W
  training by engaging them in high quality sport and art activities. It is targeted at young people most at risk of truancy or offending and areas with high levels of street crime or community cohesion problems.

  Historic Buildings (Gift Aid Relief)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with charity owners of historic buildings on the impact of the changes to gift aid relief against admission ticket revenues announced in the Pre-Budget Report. [154402]

  Mr. Caborn
  DCMS officials have been talking to Inland Revenue colleagues and representatives of a variety of associations and representative bodies about the implementation of changes to the Gift Aid Scheme announced in the pre-Budget report with a view to ensuring that the changes do not cause unnecessary problems for the charities affected.

  Licensing Act
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the administrative costs to(a) local authorities, (b) individual licensees and (c) central government of the changes to the licensing regime resulting from the Licensing Act 2002; and if she will make a statement. [154061]

  Mr. Caborn
  Proposed fee levels and the expected costs of compliance with the 2003 Act were set out in the Regulatory Impact Assessment which accompanied the Licensing Bill and is available from the House Library. Regulations setting out the fees to accompany applications for licences, club premises certificates and other applications will be laid before Parliament shortly, showing the cost to individual licensees and applicants.

  The Department is working closely with the Local Government Association to produce licensing fees which are set at a level to provide for full cost recovery in respect of administration, inspection and enforcement. In those cases where the Department has announced that there will be an exemption from the payment of fees in certain circumstances the costs will be met by central government.

  Lottery Funding
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications for Lottery grant funding have been received in the last year from Cunninghame, South; what the total value was of these applications; and how many of these applications were successful. [153215]

  Estelle Morris
  This Department has never collected comprehensive information on either the number or value of applications for Lottery grants received by the Distributing Bodies.

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications were made for Heritage Lottery funding in(a) Trafford and (b) Altrincham and Sale, West in each of the last five years. [153221]
  1464W
  Estelle Morris
  The number of applications that were made for Heritage Lottery Funding in(a) Trafford and (b) Altrincham and Sale, West in each of the last five years were:

  Financial year

  Trafford

  Altrincham and Sale West

  1997–98

  4

  3

  1998–99

  1

  0

  1999–2000

  1

  0

  2000–01

  1

  1

  2001–02

  1

  1

  2002–03

  2

  1

  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Heritage Lottery funding has been awarded in the Altrincham and Sale, West constituency in each of the last five years; and how many projects were awarded funding. [153222]

  Estelle Morris
  The amount of Heritage Lottery funding awarded to Altricham and Sale, West constituency in each of the last five years together with the number of projects funded was:

  Financial year

  Heritage lottery funding

  Number of projects

  1997–98

  257,800

  3

  1998–99

  0

  0

  1999–2000

  0

  0

  2000–01

  44,000

  1

  2001–02

  0

  0

  2002–03

  0

  0

  Repeat Offenders
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what programmes her Department has set up to encourage the reform of repeat offenders. [153824]

  Estelle Morris
  There are a number of ways in which the Department seeks to prevent offending, including repeat offending, through engagement by young people in arts and sports activities, for example:

  Positive Futures:

  We are key partners in this national sports—based social inclusion programme targeted at marginalised 10 to19-year-olds in the most deprived areas. It aims to build relationships between responsible adults and young people based on mutual trust and respect in order to create new opportunities for alternative lifestyles.

  Unit for Arts and Offenders:

  Funded through the Arts Council of England, the Unit for Arts and Offenders is a national umbrella organisation that supports the development of the arts within criminal justice settings.

  Positive Activities for Young People:

  We are one of a number of Government Departments and agencies that work together to deliver Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP). PAYP is a three year cross Government and Lottery funded school holiday activity programme that aims to reduce street crime, build community cohesion and encourage children and young people to return to education or training by engaging them in high quality sport and art

  1465W
  activities. It is targeted at young people most at risk of truancy or offending and areas with high levels of street crime or community cohesion problems.

  Sport England
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the(a) technical and financial contracts, (b) technical consultants used

  Name

  Service

  Type of service

  Cost(£)

  PriceWaterhouseCoopers

  Tax/VAT Advice

  Regular, ongoing technical advice

  72,479.63

  PriceWaterhouseCoopers

  Communications; Electronic Document Records; Cash Management and Procurement Strategy

  One off consultancies; financial

  76,069.50

  PriceWaterhouseCoopers

  Internal Audit Advice/Services

  Regular, ongoing financial

  17,841.90

  Mazars

  Internal Audit Advice/Services

  Regular, ongoing financial

  67,945.00

  Baker Mallett

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  24,200.00

  Capita Property Management

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  91,878.50

  EC Harris

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  167,180.21

  JR Knowles Capital

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  239,414.59

  Pick Everard

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  65,921.50

  Turner & Townsend

  Quantity Surveying and Project Management

  Regular, ongoing financial

  160,250.47

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  British Indian Ocean Territory
  Jeremy Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the income expected this year is from fishing licences in the British Indian Ocean Territories; and what it was in each of the past five years. [153941]

  Mr. Rammell
  Income this year (financial year 2003–04) to 31 December 2003 from fishing licences was £534,309. We cannot predict the expected income for the final quarter, but it is unlikely that revenue will reach that of previous years.

  Income from fishing licences in the past five years in the British Indian Ocean Territory was as follows:

  Financial year

  Income(£)

  1998–99

  2,271,595

  1999–2000

  744,042

  2000–01

  1,108,072

  2001–02

  822,497

  2002–03

  613,060

  Iraq
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the evidential basis was for the comment by the Minister for State, the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. Mike O'Brien), on Newsnight on 3 February that Iraq is the only country to use weapons of mass destruction. [153927]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  As my hon. Friend knows, Iraq under Saddam Hussein is the only country to have used weapons of mass destruction against both neighbours and its own people. This is a fact that neither my hon. Friend nor any other hon. Member has disputed in the past.

  It was this point that I was attempting to make in the discussion when I was interrupted by the presenter of the programme.
  1466W
  on a call-off basis and (c) financial consultants used on a call-off basis by Sport England since 1 January 2003., what the nature of the assignment for each consultant was; and what the value of work done by each consultant was. [154122]

  Mr. Caborn
  Details of contracted consultants for Sport England in the calendar year starting on 1 January 2003 are as follows.

  Passports/Visas
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the United States on their policy that all visitors from the United Kingdom travelling on passports issued after 16 October without a biometric chip will require a visa; and if he will make a statement. [154470]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary wrote to the US Secretary of State on 16 December 2003 to express concern at the US legislation and suggest that a joint FCO/UK Passport Service delegation visit Washington to discuss ways forward. The team visited Washington from 21–23 January. It asked the US to extend its deadline of 26 October 2004 for visitors' new UK passports to contain either a biometric identifier or a US visa. The US noted the UK position, and a formal response is awaited.

  The scale of the technical challenge currently makes the US requirement unachievable for the UK, and most other countries, before the end of 2005.

  British citizens visiting the US with machine-readable passports issued before 26 October 2004 are not affected by the new US requirement.

  Tristan da Cunha
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visits the Governor of Tristan da Cunha has made to(a) Tristan da Cunha and (b) the Ascension Islands in the last five years. [154198]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Governor has made four visits to Tristan da Cunha since 2001, the latest of which was in January this year.

  The Governor has made 14 visits to Ascension Island in the last five years.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many ministerial visits have been made to(a) Tristan da Cunha and (b) the Ascension Islands in the last five years. [154199]
  1467W
  Mr. Rammell
  There have been no ministerial visits to Tristan da Cunha in the last five years. I visited Ascension Island in November 2003 and took the opportunity to meet with Island Councillors at their Chamber. Ministers also regularly transit the Island on their way to and from the Falkland Islands.

  UK Businesses (Exports)
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how his Department(a) encourages and (b) assists UK businesses to export. [153866]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  A key role of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) (formerly British Trade International)—a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department of Trade and Industry department—is to present the benefits of internationalising business as well as equipping firms with the information and capabilities to fulfil their export potential. UKTI encourages and assists business by offering a range of services to companies, details of which are contained in its current Departmental Report issued in May 2003 (Cm 5915). UKTI's Departmental Report for 2003–04 will issue in April 2004. Copies of Departmental Reports are laid in the Library of the House.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the extent of the clearing of landmines in Afghanistan in each of the last two years; and what the contribution of the United Kingdom has been. [148115]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  According to figures produced by Landmine Monitor and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), clearance of landmines and associated activities in Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002, the last years for which reports are available, have been as follows:

  2001

  2002

  Minefield clearance (sq km)

  15.6

  19.0

  Battle area clearance (sq km)

  81.2

  92.6

  Minefield survey (sq km)

  14.7

  25.2

  Battle area survey (sq km)

  80.8

  92.5

  Mine awareness training (people)

  730,000

  2,448,151

  DFID has provided the following sums for mine action in Afghanistan: £3 million in 2001–02 and £1.8 million in 2002–03.

  We are currently considering further support for UNMAS in Afghanistan.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent estimate he has made of the number of Afghan refugees in(a) Pakistan and (b) Iran. [149972]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The most recent estimate by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UN HCR), of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is 1.6 million 1468W
  individuals. The number, however, is difficult to assess accurately as there has not been a registration since 1995. In addition, there are significant numbers of Afghans in Pakistan who are not refugees. In Iran UNHCR's estimate is 1.9 million. Here most of the Afghan refugees are registered, although there may be a significant margin of error.

  Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance
  Mr. Gardiner
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what plans his Department has to assist African governments with the implementation of the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Declaration; [153151]

  (2) what plans he has to discuss the implementation of the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Declaration with the Government of Cameroon; and what steps he is taking to assist the implementation of the indicative actions relating to bushmeat; [153154]

  (3) what plans his Department has to combat illegal logging in (a) Ghana and (b) Cameroon in the next 12 months; [153210]

  (4) what discussions he has had with the World Bank concerning the implementation of the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Declaration; [153212]

  (5) if he will discuss the implementation of the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Declaration with the Government of Ghana; and what plans he has to assist the implementation of the indicative actions relating to the issue of bushmeat. [153214]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (AFLEG) Conference was held in Cameroon in October 2003. The Declaration commits timber producing and consuming countries to tackle illegal logging and associated trade. It includes an extensive list of "indicative actions". The Declaration suggested that the World Bank finance a meeting of regional representatives of the AFLEG process and decide on the next steps and the next meeting of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in Geneva in May, is the most suitable occasion for this follow-up and we are in discussion with the World Bank about this. We have also discussed with the World Bank a review of the effects of economic reform programmes on forest law enforcement and governance, as called for in the Declaration.

  The UK's support to the AFLEG declaration will be delivered through the EU and through the programmes of the Department for International Development (DFID). The UK is working with the European Commission and member states on the EU Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. The Action Plan provides for Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) between the EU and timber producing countries. Initial discussions with Cameroon and Ghana on VPAs took place in London in December. Further discussions will be organised by the European Commission and member states with these and other African countries in the coming months.
  1469W
  At the London meeting in December officials from Cameroon explained that they would incorporate AFLEG follow-up actions within their sector reform programme (the Forest and Environment Sector Programme). This Programme spans forest and wildlife management. It aims to improve governance and will emphasise the involvement of local communities in management. DFID has, with other development agencies, supported the development of this Programme and is currently in discussion with the Government of Cameroon about their future support. Our support will be to the programme as a whole and not to any particular elements of it. In addition to this, over the next twelve months we will continue our support to independent monitoring of timber harvesting by Global Witness.

  In Ghana DFID has been supporting a broad programme of forest and wildlife sector reform over many years. This has radically changed the institutions and the way natural resources are managed, promoting better governance and greater accountability. Over the next 12 months the new timber concession system will be implemented which includes better environmental standards and social responsibility agreements with forest fringe communities. In addition, DFID is supporting two new initiatives to improve the involvement and oversight of civil society and Parliament in forest and wildlife management.

  The list of "indicative actions" included in the AFLEG Declaration is not a plan of action. We have not singled out support to any "indicative actions" related to bushmeat. Our support to sector reforms in both Ghana and Cameroon does, however, aim to strengthen the capacity of those countries to deal with wildlife and poverty issues. It is for the governments concerned to prioritise actions within their sector reform programmes.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Russell Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of staff employed within his Department are over 55 years of age; and what(a) number and (b) percentage of staff recruited over the last 12 months are over 55 years of age. [145929]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The following table shows the number and percentage of staff in DFID aged 55 and over at 1 April 2003. The figures are based on the headcount of permanent civil servants.

  Number and percentage of staff in DFID aged 55 and over at 1 April 2003

  DFID

  Age 55 plus

  150

  Others

  1,490

  Total

  1,640

  Percentage of staff aged 55 plus

  9.1

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Rounding may lead to inconsistencies between the sum of individual cells and the totals are calculated from the unrounded numbers.

  Source:

  DFID
  1470W
  The following table shows the number and percentage of recruits to DFID over the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 who are aged 55 years and over. Figures are based on the headcount of Permanent civil servants.

  Number and percentage of recruits to DFID over the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 aged 55 and over

  DFID

  Age 55 plus

  10

  Others

  120

  Total

  130

  Percentage of recruits aged 55 plus

  8.1

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Rounding may lead to inconsistencies between the sum of individual cells and the totals are calculated from the unrounded numbers.

  Source:

  DFID

  Liberia
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to ensure greater transparency in the Transitional Government in Liberia. [153346]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) has agreed, with the support of the international community, a Results Focused Transitional Framework to guide the process of reconstruction during its two-year period of office. It includes benchmarks on improved governance, democratic development, the rule of law, and transparency and accountability of public institutions (including those responsible for the financial sector and procurement)

  The NTGL has taken several steps to improve public financial management. It has made the Ministry of Finance solely responsible for tax and revenue collection and has made it a criminal offence for other officials to collect them; it has ended the monopolies on rice and petroleum products; and it has announced audits of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, the Forestry Development Authority, the National Port Authority, the Bureau of Maritime Affairs and Roberts International Airport. It has also set up committees to examine measures needed to bring order to the forestry and diamond industries and to the aircraft registry. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed in August 2003, provides for free and fair elections in October 2005.

  We support the NTGL in these objectives. For 2003 and 2004, we have committed a total of £16.6 million in bilateral aid and £13 million as our share of the EU budget for Liberia.

PRIME MINISTER

  Mr. Tom Kelly
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Prime Minister for what reasons he has not dismissed Mr. Tom Kelly as his official spokesman following the publication of Lord Hutton's criticism of him. [154056]
  1471W
  The Prime Minister
  My official spokesman made an immediate and very full apology at the time, and he repeated it to the inquiry. Lord Hutton deals with this in his report.

  Cabinet Secretary
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2004,Official Report, column 713W, of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on what dates (a) the then Cabinet Secretary reported that he had been approached by IBM UK to join its advisory board, (b) the then Cabinet Secretary sought the Prime Minister's permission to take up the appointment and (c) the Prime Minister gave his approval for the appointment to be taken up; and what the conditions were on that approval. [154362]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided by the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 2 February 2004, Official Report, column 13W. This appointment was accounted for in the second report of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

  Iraq
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Prime Minister what the first date was on which he told President Bush that the UK would be prepared to go to war with the US against Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [154457]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 11 June 2003,Official Report, column 868W.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Renewable Energy
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to(a) re-examine and (b) change the renewables obligation on electricity suppliers; and if she will make a statement. [154231]

  Mr. Timms
  A review of the Renewables Obligation will take place in 2005–06. Last December, the Government announced an increase in the level of the Obligation for the years between 2010 and 2015 so that it increases in stages to 15.4 per cent. by 2015–16.

  There will be a statutory order to give effect to some technical changes from 1 April 2004 following a consultation exercise last autumn. The statutory consultation needed to implement the extension of obligation will take place later this year and may contain other proposals to mitigate the risk of future shortfalls in the renewables buyout fund.

  Baku to Ceyhan Pipeline
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the environmental impact of the Baku to Ceyhan pipeline; and if she will make a statement. [153744]
  1472W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  ECGD carried out a rigorous assessment of the environmental, social and human rights impacts of the BTC pipeline project in accordance with its Case Impact Analysis Process.

  ECGD assessed the project using World Bank and EU environmental guidelines and standards. The Department studied over 11,000 pages of project documentation covering the environmental and social impacts; met with, and received comments from, interested third parties, including those arising out of ECGD's public disclosure procedure, and carried out a site visit. Independent environmental consultants were also employed to assess the project and assist in ECGD's analysis.

  British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with representatives of the US Department of Energy regarding the BNFL contract to build a nuclear processing plant in Idaho; and if she will make a statement. [142132]

  Mr. Timms
  BNFL's subsidiary BNFL Inc. has a contract with US DoE to manage waste at a facility in Idaho—the Advanced Mixed Waste Treatment Plant. My officials have liaised with USDoE and the company on the settlement of claims for compensation under the terms of the contract. These discussions are a commercial matter.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her Written Statement of 11 December 2003,Official Report, columns 93–95WS, on BNFL strategy review, if she will make a statement on the future of BNFL's US subsidiaries. [R][148979]

  Mr. Timms
  As set out in my announcement, the priority for BNFL going forward is to focus on UK clean up. Against this background, the objective relating to the US activities is to manage the businesses to deliver value and in a way that limits and controls risk to the UK taxpayer. In relation to the Westinghouse business, the Government have agreed with the BNFL Board that steps will be taken to enable the business to operate with greater financial independence from its parent, so that possibilities for private sector participation are opened up.

  Broadband (Lancashire)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on roll-out of broadband in(a) Lancashire and (b) Chorley; and how (i) urban and (ii) rural businesses will benefit. [153842]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon Friend to the answer I gave on 20 January 2004,Official Report, column 1167W, covering the roll-out of broadband in Lancashire. The roll-out of broadband is primarily a matter for the Operators. According to BT's website (www.bt.com/ broadband/), Chorley's telephone exchange has been enabled for broadband via ADSL since 30 June 2002. Broadband in Chorley may also be available over cable television, satellite and fixed wireless networks.
  1473W
  In November 2003, I called for public bodies, broadband providers and community organisations to work together to bring broadband availability to every community in the UK by the end of next year. BT and others have since come forward to support this target.

  Broadband will enable urban and rural businesses to become more productive, innovative and competitive. The joint DTI/DEFRA Rural Broadband Unit has recently published a toolkit to help businesses in rural areas understand the issues and benefits of broadband. Further information for the benefits small businesses can get from broadband is available on the UK Online For Business website, including an availability checker, (http://www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk/cms/template/ general-content.sp?id = 249178)

  Building Maintenance (Door-to-door Sales)
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to address problems caused by the door-to-door selling of building maintenance. [153569]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The Government are concerned about the practices adopted by some doorstep traders and welcomed the Office of Fair Trading's investigation of the doorstep selling market. The investigation report is expected in the next couple of months. Recommendations resulting from the investigation will be considered very carefully.

  Business Links
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses were helped by each Business Link operator in England in 2001–02. [153577]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The following table shows the number of businessses assisted by Business Link Operators from April 2001 to 31 March 2002.

  Number

  County Durham

  1,585

  Northumberland

  516

  Tees Valley

  3,293

  Tyne and Wear

  3,286

  Cheshire and Warrington

  3,714

  Cumbria

  4,916

  East Lancashire

  2,973

  Manchester

  10,873

  Merseyside

  5,860

  North and West Lancashire

  3,156

  North Manchester

  2,894

  Humberside

  5,392

  North Yorkshire

  7,160

  South Yorkshire

  3,986

  West Yorkshire

  14,761

  Derbyshire

  5,399

  Leicestershire

  4,425

  Lincolnshire and Rutland

  4,026

  Northamptonshire

  2,224

  Nottinghamshire

  4,659

  Birmingham and Solihull

  9,179

  Black Country

  4,645

  Coventry and Warwickshire

  4,392

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  4,875

  Shropshire

  1,629

  Staffordshire

  5,195

  Bedfordshire

  1,997

  1474W

  Number

  Cambridgeshire

  2,790

  Essex

  5,441

  Hertfordshire

  7,100

  Norfolk

  3,894

  Suffolk

  2,746

  London

  27,090

  Berkshire

  3,146

  Hampshire and Isle of Wight (Wessex)

  6,204

  Kent

  8,063

  Milton Keynes, Oxon, Bucks

  7,077

  Surrey

  5,879

  Sussex

  11,001

  Devon and Cornwall

  9,872

  Dorset (Wessex)

  2,659

  Gloucestershire

  3,509

  Somerset

  1,979

  West

  5,699

  Wiltshire

  4,183

  Total

  245,342

  Innovation and Growth Teams
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what feedback she has received from each sectoral innovation and growth team in relation to the impact of regulation on(a) innovation and (b) competiveness in their sectors. [153553]

  Ms Hewitt
  The aim of any Innovation and Growth Team (IGT) is to identify the key issues which will shape the future of a particular industry and how the UK cart best respond to the competitive challenges which it will face. In view of this, regulation, innovation and competitiveness issues are at the core of all IGTs.

  So far, IGTs covering the automotive, chemicals, environmental, aerospace and bioscience sectors have published final reports which have been placed in the Libraries of the House. IGTs covering software/digital content and electronics are still under way. A similar initiative covering the retail sector is due to lead to a final report by the Retail Strategy Group in April 2004.

  Civil Partnerships Bill
  Mr. Hopkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the timetable for the publication of the Civil Partnerships Bill. [152618]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]The Government hope to introduce the Civil Partnership Bill into Parliament this session.

  Electricity Industry
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of projected surplus capacity of electricity supply for the next winter; and if she will make a statement. [153370]

  Mr. Timms
  National Grid Transco, in a January update to their 7-year statement, project a generation plant margin of between 22.7 per cent. and 22.9 per cent. for the winter of 2004–05.
  1475W
  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.

  Electricity Supply
  Mr. Crausby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the non-disclosed conclusions of the report of her investigation into the power cuts that affected(a) areas of London and Kent on 28 August 2003 and (b) the West Midlands on 5 September 2003. [153920]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made to the House on 22 January 2004, in which I explained that the conclusions and recommendations of the investigation undertaken by DTI's Engineering Inspectorate were being passed to the electricity companies concerned on a confidential basis, so that they could take the necessary action to enhance the robustness of their networks.

  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has made requests to the Board of National Grid Transco to permit her to disclose the findings of the Engineering Inspectorate's investigation into the cause of the power cuts in London and the West Midlands last August; and if she will make a statement. [154213]

  Mr. Timms
  As I explained to the House on 22 January, recommendations and conclusions of the Engineering Inspectorate's investigation were being passed to the companies concerned on a confidential basis. The Engineering Inspectorate is holding confidential discussions with the companies concerned and monitoring the action they take. In my statement I drew attention to the fact that, the material gathered in connection with the investigation is commercially sensitive and its disclosure is restricted by the provisions of the Utilities Act 2000. Those considerations continue to apply to the on-going discussions between the Engineering Inspectorate and the companies and therefore no requests have been made to the companies for agreement to disclosure.

  Employment Agencies (Migrant Worker Prosecutions)
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employment agencies have(a) been (i) prosecuted and (ii) fined for offences relating to the exploitation of migrant workers under the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and (b) had allegations against them regarding the exploitation of migrant workers investigated by her Department's Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate in each of the last five years; how many persons have been banned from being associated with operating an employment agency or employment business after being prosecuted in relation to the exploitation of migrant workers in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [153008]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  In the last five years the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate has prosecuted 24 employment agencies and prohibited 7 individuals from operating as employment agencies or employment business.
  1476W
  The Inspectorate has also undertaken 5,607 investigations during the last five years.

  The records do not specify whether the work-seekers involved were migrant workers.

  Employment Rights (Ministers of Religion)
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to ensure that ministers of religion have the same employment rights as other employees. [153394]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  We have been considering the current coverage of employment protections as part of the Employment Status Review, including the position of the clergy; we hope to make an announcement shortly.

  EU Regulations
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about her request for EU Finance Ministers to commit to a timetable to eliminate wasteful regulations. [146083]

  Ms Hewitt
  I discuss a wide range of business competitiveness issues with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Finance Ministers of the four member states that will hold the EU presidency in 2004 and 2005, including the UK, launched a Joint Initiative on Regulatory Reform on 26 January. This reflects the Government's priorities in this area, including simplification of EU legislation in key areas affecting business, and will reinforce the work of the Competitiveness Council which has a 'horizontal' remit to consider any EU legislation with an impact on competitiveness.

  I have placed a copy of the letter that launched the initiative in the Libraries of the House.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people were employed by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in each year from 1996 to 2003. [153935]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]The average number of whole time equivalent persons employed (including senior management) during the years 1996 to 2003 was as follows:

  Year

  Average number

  1995–96

  444

  1996–97

  397

  1997–98

  382

  1998–99

  359

  1999–2000

  360

  2000–01

  380

  2001–02

  372

  2002–03

  378

  1477W

  Faroes Vessel Claims
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims have been submitted to her Department under the revised deadline for vessels classed as Faroes Vessels. [152392]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Department received representations that 95 Vessels be considered for addition to the list of Qualifying Icelandic Water Vessels. A further 25 vessels, in respect of which appeals are currently with the scheme's Independent Adjudicator, were also considered by officials for addition to the list.

  Transgenic Fish
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many patent applications are pending which relate to transgenic fish. [153869]

  Ms Hewitt
  Two patent applications relating to transgenic fish are pending before the UK Patent Office. There may be others among the thousands of applications early in the application process, which have not yet been sorted into specific subject areas.

  Fur Trade (Domestic Animals)
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the European Union regarding an EU ban on the trade in domestic dog and cat fur. [152853]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The UK Government's view is that any action on the issue of the alleged trade in domestic cat and dog fur would be most effective if taken at EU level. In November 2002, my noble Friend, the then Minister for International Trade and Investment publicly supported calls by the European Parliament for an EU ban on the trade in these furs. Late last year, the UK Government also supported Denmark and the Netherlands in calls for the European Commission to consider measures to put an end to any import of domestic cat and dog fur. The Government continue to be in regular contact with other interested member states to discuss what proportionate action on this issue may be appropriate at EU level.

  Low-carbon Technologies
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policies she is pursuing to encourage a shift towards low-carbon technologies. [154219]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government are pursuing a wide range of policies and measures to encourage a shift towards low carbon technologies. These are described in the Energy White Paper "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy" which was published in February 2003. They include giving priority to renewables, promoting energy efficiency and making the EU Emissions Trading Scheme a key part of our future market framework.

  Key measures for which the DTI is responsible include the Renewables Obligation and capital grants for renewables, clean coal technology, and carbon capture and storage.
  1478W
  In addition, the Research Councils support a broad range of energy research, which will be given increased focus and coherence with the establishment of a new UK Energy Research Centre later this year.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much nuclear waste has been(a) imported into the United Kingdom,(b)reprocessed in the United Kingdom and (c)subsequently exported from the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [153371]

  Mr. Timms
  The UK does not allow the import of radioactive waste, but foreign spent fuel is received in the UK for reprocessing. Details of fuel deliveries and the programming of reprocessing fuel are operational and commercial matters for BNFL and its customers, but the total amount of foreign spent fuel to be reprocessed during THORP's baseload period of operation is 4,547 tonnes.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many tons of radioactive waste were shipped to the United Kingdom for storage in each year since 1997; and what the projected figures are for each of the next four years. [152984]

  Mr. Timms
  The UK does not allow the import of radioactive waste, but foreign spent nuclear fuel is received in the UK for reprocessing. Details of fuel deliveries are operational and commercial matters for BNFL and its customers.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the contract for the consultation paper on proposals for intermediate level radioactive waste substitution, published in January 2004, was put out to competitive tender; how NAC International Consultancy was chosen to prepare the document; who the other bidders were; and what account was taken of NAC International's existing contracts with BNFL in making the selection. [154206]

  Mr. Timms
  The DTI issued an invitation to tender (ITT) to undertake the study on Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste Substitution on 18 November 2002.

  Bids were received from six companies by the due closing date of 6 December 2002. All complied with the ITT and in material respects, with all other commercial evaluation criteria laid down by the Department's procurement manual. The Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (Exemption 13 Third Party's Commercial Confidences) exempts the bidders from being named.

  NAC were selected on the basis of relevant experience, value for money and the ability to deliver a quality report to agreed timescales. NAC, together with four other companies provided statements of independence with their tenders.

  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 of the UK.
  1479W

  Manufacturing Jobs (Shrewsbury and Atcham)
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many manufacturing jobs were lost in Shrewsbury and Atcham in(a) each year since 1997 and (b) each month in the last 12 months. [151362]

  Jacqui Smith
  The data for manufacturing jobs in Shrewsbury and Atcham for each year since 1997 are not available.

  However the figures for manufacturing job losses over the past year month by month are as follows:

  Month

  Total manufacturing jobs lost

  Companies where losses occurred

  October 2002

  129

  RAPRA Leoni Wiring Eden Vale

  February 2003

  120

  Perkins Engines

  April 2003

  132

  Comau Estil Leoni Wiring Churchill and Bramhall

  August 2003

  37

  Stadco Leaf Metals

  September 2003

  33

  Scott and Newman

  December 2003

  79

  Perkins Engines

  January 2004

  50

  Doncasters

  Source:

  Job Centre Plus Telford

  Where a month is not shown no manufacturing job losses were recorded.

  Offshore Call Centres
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the potential impact upon an individual's rights under UK data protection legislation arising from the move of call centres and data processing offshore. [153731]

  Ms Hewitt
  Where a company established in the UK either processes personal data itself in another country or has personal data processed on its behalf under contract by a company in another country, the UK company retains full responsibility for ensuring that the processing complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998. In particular, UK companies must comply with the eighth Data Protection Principle which prohibits the transfer of personal data from the UK to a country or territory outside the EEA unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of data protection.

  Offshore Oil and Gas Facilities
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the(a) Government and (b) European Commission are taking to prevent improper support payments to contractors and subcontractors by (a) governments and (b) government agencies competing for construction work in Britain's offshore gas and oil industries. [154272]

  Mr. Timms
  The EU state aid rules are intended to prevent improper payments that can distort competition in the Single Market. The rules apply impartially to funding from all member states and to all levels of government and government agencies. The European Commission is the guardian of the state aid rules and 1480W
  they must examine aid to ensure that it does not distort the Single Market. All aid must be notified to and approved by the European Commission before it can be granted. The Commission is also obliged to investigate any allegations of illegal aid and if necessary take action. This may include recovery action in some cases.

  The Government strongly support the state aid regime and all Government funding must be given in accordance with the rules. The Government will also bring to the Commission's attention allegations of illegal aid in other member states.

  Part-time Workers
  Shona McIsaac
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures have been introduced since 1997 to improve employment rights for part-time workers. [153603]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 introduced new rights for part-time workers ensuring that part-timers are not treated less favourably than comparable full-timers in their terms and conditions, unless it is objectively justified.

  The measures reinforce the Government's policy of putting in place decent minimum standards whilst promoting a flexible and competitive workforce.

  Regional Development Agencies
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many businesses have been helped by each regional development agency; what the average sum of money received by these businesses is; how many of the businesses helped are still operating; and how many of these businesses have increased their profitability. [148189]

  Jacqui Smith:
  [pursuant to her reply, 28 January 2004, c. 376 W]Unfortunately the table referred to in the final paragraph was not provided. Following is the complete text.

  England's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) help businesses both directly and indirectly through a range of activities and programmes including skills development, upgrading infrastructure and improving business competitiveness of the region in general.

  Information on how many businesses have been helped, the average sum of money received, how many are still operating, and how many have increased their profitability, is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  The number of businesses added to the regional economy as a direct result of RDA activity is available for financial year 2002–2003 and is broken down by Agency in the following table. The information is also available on the DTI website at http://wwv.dti.gov.uk/rda/info/.

  1481W

  RDA

  Total number of new businesses added to the regional economy in 2002–03 as a direct result of RDA activities

  Advantage West Midlands

  170

  East of England Development Agency

  156

  East Midlands Development Agency

  225

  London Development Agency

  1,368

  North West Development Agency

  603

  One North East

  717

  South East of England Development Agency

  141

  South West Regional Development Agency

  525

  Yorkshire Forward

  826

  Total

  4,203

  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regional development agency projects are being evaluated; and when the results will be known. [153586]

  £000

  Research Council

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  BBSRC

  206,648

  206,863

  209,127

  230,697

  248,681

  275,752

  CCLRC

  118,624

  117,819

  115,015

  118,345

  129,019

  124,158

  EPSRC

  392,870

  389,889

  400,366

  429,157

  541,962

  573,425

  ESRC

  65,993

  69,083

  72,119

  77,265

  82,167

  88,107

  MRC

  320,115

  311,513

  344,383

  372,753

  438,057

  456,566

  NERC

  218,397

  223,876

  242,025

  259,465

  280,012

  278,665

  PPARC

  215,869

  207,480

  184,703

  216,613

  230,380

  267,387

  Total expenditure

  1,322,647

  1,319,043

  1,383,035

  1.487,682

  1,719,898

  1,796,673

  Notes:

  1. Figures shown are sourced from the Research Councils financial accounts and exclude notional cost of capital.

  2. Figures shown are total spend by each council, financed from all sources.

  Small Business
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small businesses increased their profits above £15,000 in each year since 1997; and what the percentage change was in each year. [153556]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I have been asked to reply.

  The following table gives the figures requested:

  First year

  Second year

  Number of businesses with profits1,2 above £15,000 in second year but below £15,000 in first year

  Percentage moving above £15, 000 of the total below £15,000 in the first year

  1997–98

  1998–99

  245,000

  7.8

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  260,000

  8.3

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  266,000

  8.5

  2000–01

  2001–02

  284,000

  9.0

  1 For Incorporated Businesses, profits chargeable to Corporation Tax.

  2For Unincorporated Businesses, Taxable Profits.

  Supermarkets
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions she has had with the Office of Fair Trading in respect of the supermarkets' voluntary code of practice; and if she will make a statement; [153482]
  1482W
  Jacqui Smith
  All projects undertaken by England's Regional Development Agencies go through an evaluation process once the project impact can be assessed, usually at least six months after the projects are completed. To ensure compliance with guidance issued by the Department each agency has a project performance and evaluation team which is tasked with determining the success of the project, to identify lessons to be incorporated into other projects and to improve processes. The agencies are also collectively developing a mechanism to share the outcomes of evaluations carried out.

  Research Councils
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent by each of the Research Councils in each of the last six years. [152048]

  Ms Hewitt
  Please see the following table for a breakdown of spend by Research Council since 1997–98.

  (2) when she anticipates the Office of Fair Trading will report on its inquiry into the operation of the supermarkets' voluntary code of practice. [153483]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no discussions so far with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on this issue, because they are carrying out an independent review of the statutory Code of Practice governing supermarkets' relations with their suppliers. The OFT is expected to conclude its review shortly. My right hon. Friend will then decide if any action is necessary.

  Textiles (Pakistan)
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with the Pakistan Government on the export of Pakistan-produced textiles into the European Union. [147542]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  Officials in the Department have had frequent contacts with representatives of the Government of Pakistan over a Commission proposal to impose anti-dumping duties on cotton-type bed linen originating in Pakistan. At my request. the Director, Market Access met a delegation of high ranking Pakistan Government officials on 7 January 2004 and conveyed to them that the UK would oppose the Commission's proposal.
  1483W

  UK Coal (Aid)
  Mr. Grogan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from the National Union of Mineworkers on the suspension of investment aid to UK Coal and Kellingley Colliery; and what her response was. [154471]

  Mr. Timms
  The Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers wrote to me on 20 December 2003 to express concern that UK Coal had announced reviews of three collieries shortly after being offered £36.5 million of Coal Investment Aid. The letter also expressed concern about UK Coal's plans for flexible working arrangements at Kellingley Colliery and sought to link the award of aid to UK Coal with a commitment that there would be no redundancies or colliery closures. In my reply of 26 January 2004, I noted the union's views. I also noted that the company had accepted the offer of up to 30 per cent. support for planned investment at five of its eight mines, including for Kellingley, and said that it would be in the best interests of everyone connected with these mines that UK Coal should be able to develop these investment plans without further delay. (I can confirm that it has since accepted the offers of aid for two of the three mines in review.) My letter also said that flexible working arrangements are a matter for UK Coal.

  United Kingdom Trade
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what the volume of United Kingdom trade with each of the members of the G90 was in each of the last 10 years; [146598]

  (2) what the volume of United Kingdom trade with each of the members of the G33 was in each of the last 10 years; [146599]

  (3) what has been the volume of United Kingdom trade with (a) Benin, (b) Burkina Faso, (c) Chad and (d) Mali in each of the last 10 years. [146604]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 January 2004,Official Report, column 1288W.

  Wind Farms
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how her Department's energy policy takes account of the effect on grid security and stability of large-scale remote wind generation. [152449]

  Mr. Timms
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 6 February,Official Report, column 1098W.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Student Finance
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many and what percentage of families have residual incomes which would mean that their children(a) would be entitled to claim a full grant and (b) would be entitled to claim a partial grant under the terms of the Higher Education Bill, broken down by constituency. [152620]
  1484W
  Alan Johnson
  The information requested is not available by constituency. Based on the proposals for the single combined up-front grant of £2,700 in 2006/07, as detailed in the Departmental paper "Moving toward a single combined grant for higher education", we would expect:around 30 per cent. of students to be entitled to a full grant (of which we expect around two thirds to be dependent students);
  a further50–55 per cent. to be entitled to a full or partial grant.

  Future numbers and proportions of students receiving grants also depend on hanges in demand for higher education and the future rate of growth of real incomes.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what arrangements he intends to put in place to recover fees and loans paid for study at British universities to students from other EU countries; and what plans he has to refuse admission to other EU students unless such recovery arrangements are accepted by the countries from which they come; [154241]

  (2) what discussions he intends to have with other EU Governments on putting in place the machinery for recovery from their country of fees and loans made to students at British universities through (a) the tax system of their country of origin and (b) the tax system of other countries in which they work. [154242]

  Alan Johnson
  The Student Loans Company (SLC) are responsible for ensuring repayments are made when they fall due, and have well established procedures for recovering loans from graduates living and working outside the UK. All students taking out a loan are required to sign a declaration agreeing to repay, even if they move abroad. The SLC have a range of sanctions that can be imposed on defaulters. Officials and SLC are exploring ways to ensure the most robust and effective loan recovery mechanisms are in place. There are no plans which would allow HEIs to refuse admission to EU students.

  Building Schools for the Future
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will announce his decisions on the Building Schools for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement. [154030]

  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.

  Faith Schools
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what procedures need to be followed to open a new faith school within the state sector. [153253]

  Mr. Miliband
  The procedures for opening a new faith school within the state sector are the same as for any other new school, except that faith schools must also be designated by the Secretary of State as having a religious character. Procedures will always involve consultation in the local area and an opportunity for interested parties to make representations on the proposals, but in
  1485W
  the case of additional secondary schools, the LEA must invite others to bring forward proposals before it may publish its own proposals. Proposals brought forward by promoters may be for a maintained school or an Academy. Most proposals will be decided by the local School Organisation Committee (SOC) or the independent Adjudicator where the SOC cannot reach unanimous agreement. Those for additional secondary schools and Academies will be decided by the Secretary of State, in the light of comments by the SOC. Maintained schools proposed to have a religious character will then be designated as such by the Secretary of State.

  The SOC or Adjudicator may not approve proposals unless satisfied that any capital funding necessary for

  First destination of home and EU postgraduates entering full-time paid employment in the UK

  1997/98

  1998/99

  1999/2000

  Standard industrial classification

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Agriculture and forestry

  42

  32

  74

  32

  23

  55

  24

  20

  44

  Fishing

  8

  2

  10

  2

  1

  3

  1

  1

  2

  Mining and quarrying

  152

  49

  201

  91

  40

  131

  17

  70

  87

  Manufacturing

  1,058

  591

  1,649

  855

  574

  1,429

  530

  740

  1,270

  Electricity, gas and water supply

  130

  73

  203

  85

  69

  154

  4884

  132

  78

  Construction

  92

  22

  114

  84

  25

  109

  19

  71

  90

  Wholesale and retail trade

  189

  164

  353

  133

  133

  266

  119

  113

  232

  Hotels and restaurants

  16

  24

  40

  27

  22

  49

  25

  14

  39

  Transport, storage and communication

  290

  130

  420

  262

  113

  375

  148

  258

  406

  Financial activities

  555

  281

  836

  494

  237

  731

  250

  448

  698

  Property development, renting, business and research

  2,089

  1,232

  3,321

  1,998

  1,238

  3,236

  1,307

  1,903

  3,210

  Public administration and defence

  845

  769

  1,614

  821

  800

  1,621

  735

  111

  1,512

  Education

  4,718

  8,980

  13,698

  4,157

  9,018

  13,175

  9,005

  4,189

  13,194

  Health and social work

  555

  991

  1,546

  381

  828

  1,209

  851

  361

  1,212

  Other community, social and personal service activities

  227

  336

  563

  270

  318

  588

  361

  234

  595

  Private households with employed persons

  1

  4

  5

  1

  2

  3

  1

  1

  2

  International organisations and bodies

  2

  10

  12

  10

  10

  20

  14

  4

  18

  Not known

  87

  69

  156

  102

  79

  181

  49

  61

  110

  Total

  11,056

  13,759

  24,815

  9,805

  13,530

  23,335

  13,504

  9,349

  22,853

  2000/01

  2001/02

  Standard industrial classification

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Agriculture and forestry

  18

  13

  31

  16

  20

  36

  Fishing

  1

  1

  2

  2

  1

  3

  Mining and quarrying

  91

  39

  130

  27

  70

  97

  Manufacturing

  684

  447

  1,131

  447

  599

  1,046

  Electricity, gas and water supply

  78

  40

  118

  53

  72

  125

  Construction

  61

  28

  89

  39

  82

  121

  Wholesale and retail trade

  112

  143

  255

  167

  154

  321

  Hotels and restaurants

  26

  24

  50

  38

  26

  64

  Transport, storage and communication

  219

  119

  338

  108

  167

  275

  Financial activities

  514

  251

  765

  245

  425

  670

  Property development, renting, business and research

  1,832

  1,351

  3,183

  1,154

  1,620

  2,774

  Public administration and defence

  830

  957

  1,787

  958

  873

  1,831

  Education

  4,106

  9,897

  14,003

  11,348

  4,687

  16,035

  Health and social work

  318

  884

  1,202

  865

  375

  1,240

  Other community, social and personal service activities

  243

  322

  565

  369

  206

  575

  Private households with employed persons

  0

  1

  1

  2

  0

  2

  International organisations and bodies

  3

  8

  11

  13

  15

  28

  Not known

  36

  37

  73

  17

  20

  37

  Total

  9,172

  14,562

  23,734

  158,686

  9,412

  25,280

  Higher Education
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the consolidation of the 1486W
  their implementation has been secured. Capital funding for most schools is provided by the LEA, but in the case of voluntary aided schools and Academies, up to 90 per cent. of the funding is provided directly by the DfES, with the promoter being responsible for the rest.

  Foundation Degrees
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many(a) women and (b) men obtained higher degrees and entered paid, full-time, permanent employment in the UK in each year since 1997, broken down by standard industrial classification of employer. [143149]

  Alan Johnson
  The latest available information, is taken from the Higher Education Statistics Agency's First Destination Record, is shown in the table.

  £170 million funding to support higher education institutions' human resources policies into the main teaching fund will be in addition to the annual teaching fund grant increases for 2004–05 and 2005–06. [152664]
  1487W
  Alan Johnson
  The £170 million Rewarding and Developing Staff initiative funding for 2003–04 will be consolidated into the block teaching grant from 2004–05 onwards. This funding is in addition to the annual teaching fund increases for 2004–05. The figures for 2005–06 have not yet been announced.

  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate was made in the regulatory impact assessment of the total cost to a higher education institution (HEI) of pursuing the new proposals, ring-fenced funds and initiatives which will require payments to be made by HEIs. [152777]

  Alan Johnson
  The regulatory impact assessment published on 8 January alongside the HE Bill includes details of the costs of the proposals in the Bill and the associated package of improvements in student support.

  In November, we announced the mainstreaming of four ring fenced funds into larger funding allocations (Golden Hellos', the Promising Researcher Fellowship Scheme, Additional Capital for leading research institutions and Knowledge Exchanges). 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 if he will list proposals in the Higher Education White Paper which have subsequently been dropped by the Government. [153066]

  Alan Johnson
  In light of responses to the consultations on the higher education White Paper, published in January 2003, a number of adjustments have been made to the White Paper proposals, which are now being carried forward through the Higher Education Bill and in other ways. We have decided not to incentivise the demand for Foundation Degrees; and not to ask the Office for Fair Access to have a role in ensuring that admissions procedures are fair, professional and transparent.

  2003 key stage 3 to GCSE/GNVQ value added measures

  (1) Specialist schools included

  (2) Specialist schools excluded

  Local education authority

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure

  Number of schools

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure

  Number of schools

  (a) Durham

  97.2

  (47)

  97.3

  (27)

  (b) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  97.3

  (16)

  96.7

  (8)

  (c) South Tyneside

  97.6

  (17)

  97.0

  (15)

  (d) Salford

  97.4

  (17)

  97.1

  (14)

  (e) Blackpool

  97.2

  (12)

  96.0

  (8)

  (f) Knowsley

  96.6

  (16)

  96.8

  (13)

  (g) Liverpool

  97.4

  (45)

  96.2

  (29)

  (h) St Helens

  96.9

  (16)

  96.4

  (11)

  (i) Sefton

  97.7

  (28)

  97.5

  (21)

  (j) North East Lincolnshire

  97.3

  (14)

  97.9

  (9)

  (k) Kingston-upon-Hull

  97.1

  (19)

  96.5

  (15)

  (l) Doncaster

  96.9

  (25)

  97.1

  (16)

  (m) Leeds

  97 4

  (52)

  96.9

  (31)

  (n) Leicestershire

  97.0

  (24)

  96.7

  (12)

  (o) Reading

  97.8

  (9)

  97.3

  (7)

  1488W

  Schwartz Review
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will publish the report of the Schwartz Review on University Admissions. [152737]

  Alan Johnson
  I expect to receive Professor Schwartz's report by summer 2004, and that the recommendations will be published shortly afterwards.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children in Gloucestershire(a) are statemented, (b) receive special educational needs support in mainstream schools and (c) attend special schools; and if he will make a statement. [153404]

  Margaret Hodge
  [holding answer 6 February 2004]In January 2003, the most recent data available, there were 2,730 pupils in Gloucestershire who had a statement of special educational needs. The number of pupils attending special schools was 1,060. For those children who were identified as having special educational needs but did not have a statement, 7,180 were educated in mainstream primary and 4,900 were educated in mainstream secondary education.

  Value Added Measures
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the value added between Key Stage 3 and GCSE/GNVQ would have been if the results of specialist schools had been excluded for(a) Durham, (b) Newcastle upon Tyne, (c) South Tyneside, (d) Salford, (e) Blackpool, (f) Knowsley, (g) Liverpool, (h)St Helens, (i) Sefton, (j) North East Lincolnshire, (k) Kingston-upon-Hull, (l) Doncaster, (m) Leeds, (n) Leicestershire and (o) Reading local education authorities. [152308]

  Mr. Miliband
  The table following shows the 2003 Key Stage 3 to GCSE/GNVQ Value Added measures for each of the local education authorities when (1) Specialist schools are included and (2) Specialist schools are excluded. Figures are based on maintained schools only:
  1489W
  These figures represent the results of one particular cohort of pupils, showing their value-added over the two years leading up to GCSE. School and LEA figures are also available in the school performance tables covering pupil value-added over the three years leading up to KS3. Similar information for each of these key stages was also published for the 2002 cohorts. Any assessment of whether particular schools or types of school are more effective than others should take into account this wider picture, as well as recognising that small differences in VA scores may not indicate significant differences in effectiveness.

TREASURY

  EDS
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what amount EDS has been liable in penalties to the Inland Revenue in each year since 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [153766]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Financial Remedy Credits payable by EDS to the Inland Revenue in the period referred to were as follows:

  £

  1998–99

  282,313

  1999–2000

  313,771

  2000–01

  53,839

  2001–02

  25,912

  2002–03

  14,622

  2003–04

  105,420

  The years given run from 1 April to 31 March.

  Higher Education Spending
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his plans for higher education spending in the forthcoming Public Spending Review. [153696]

  Mr. Boateng
  The Government will continue to be supportive of higher education institutions in future Spending Review Settlements—world-class universities are an essential element of a competitive economy.

  Invest to Save
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when the next round of bidding for the Invest to Save budget will take place; [154322]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Invest to Save budget. [154354]

  Mr. Boateng
  I am considering the future direction of the Invest to Save budget. An announcement on whether a further round of bidding will take place in due course.

  Pensioners (Taxation)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of pensioners paying income tax at(a) the higher rate and (b) the basic rate for each
  1490W
  year since 1996–97; and what percentage of (i) all pensioner taxpayers and (ii) all pensioners this figure represents in each case. [154509]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 2 July 2002,Official Report, column 288W. Final estimates for the years 2000–01 are in the following table.

  2000–01

  Number of pensioner1 taxpayers (thousands)

  (a) higher rate

  220

  (b) basic rate

  2,970

  (i) Percentage of all pensioner taxpayers

  (a) higher rate

  5

  (b) basic rate

  64

  (ii) Percentage of all pensioners2

  (a) higher rate

  2

  (b) basic rate

  28

  1 Men aged 65 and over and women aged 60 and over.

  2 Mid-year population estimates supplied by the Office for National Statistics.

  Note:

  The estimate are based on the Survey of Personal Income 2000–01

  Pensions (Tax Relief)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the amount of tax relief on pension contributions provided in each financial year since 1996–97(a) in total and (b) broken down by (i)higher rate taxpayers, (ii) basic rate taxpayers and (iii) non-taxpayers; [153904]

  (2) if he will estimate the number of taxpayers receiving pension tax relief at (a) the higher rate and (b) the basic rate in each year since 1996–97; and what percentage of all taxpayers below state pension age these figures represent in each case. [154508]

  Ruth Kelly
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]Estimates of total tax relief on pension contributions from 1998–99 to 2002–03 are contained in table T7.9 of Inland Revenue Statistics. The latest version is on the Inland Revenue website: http://www.inlandrevenue. gov.uk/stats/pensions/03IR079.pdf

  Estimates prior to 1998–99 are contained in table 7.7 of 'Inland Revenue Statistics 2000', a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library.

  Estimates of relief attributable and numbers of taxpayers receiving tax relief by marginal rate band for all the years specified in the question are not readily available. However, broad estimates of the proportion of relief and number of taxpayers receiving relief split between higher rate and others are given in the following table. The number of taxpayers below state pension age in 2002–03 is estimated at around 24½ million.
  1491W

  Percentage of tax on individual and employee pension contribution with the number of taxpayers receiving relief,2002£03

  Marginal income lax rate

  Percentage of tax relief

  Number of taxpayers receiving relief

  Non-higher rate

  45

  13 million

  Higher rate

  55

  2½million

  Note:

  Estimates are provisional and based on the 2000–01 Survey of Personal Incomes projected to 2002–03.

  Pirate Videos/DVDs
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the(a) number and (b) value of pirate (i) videos and (ii) DVDs seized by Customs and Excise since I January 2003; what the titles of the videos and DVDs were; and if he will make a statement. [154117]

  John Healey
  In 2003 HM Customs and Excise seized a total of 342,612 DVDs to the value of £5,223,629 and a total of 1,151 videos to the value of £10,003. Information about the titles of these videos and DVDs is not held centrally. Statistics for seizures under Intellectual Property Rights legislation are published by the European Commission.

  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of the sale of pirate(a) videos and (b) DVDs at (i) car-boot sales, (ii) record fairs, (iii) markets, (iv) online auctions and (v) other premises since 1 January 2003. [154130]

  John Healey
  No such estimates have been made.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Child Support Agency
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many departures from child support maintenance have been requested by non-resident parents in each year since 1997; and how many of these were granted. [147821]

  Mr. Pond
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Letter from Doug Smith to Mr. John Barrett, dated 11 February 2004:
  In reply to your recent Parliamentary question about the Child Support Agency the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
  You asked how many departures from child support maintenance have been requested by non-resident parents in each year since 1997; and how many of these were granted.
  The Agency does not distinguish between requests for departures from child support maintenance from non-resident parents and parents with care and we do not hold any figures relating to departures prior to April 1998. The figures that we do hold are shown in the table below:
  1492W

  Year ending

  Total applications received

  Total applications granted

  1999

  16,868

  3,162

  2000

  14,147

  4,393

  2001

  22,912

  7,049

  2002

  21,128

  8,196

  2003

  20,700

  7,508

  I hope this is helpful.

  Disability Employment Advisers
  Paul Holmes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the turnover rate for disability employment advisers was in(a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003; and if he will make a statement. [153461]

  Maria Eagle
  The information is not available in the format requested, as figures are not collected centrally. However, we estimate there are currently around 650 Disability Employment Advisers employed by Jobcentre Plus.

  SchlumbergerSema
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many SchlumbergerSema examining medical practitioners have been(a) struck off and (b) reprimanded for their work for his Department. [152793]

  Maria Eagle
  Since 2000, a total of 80 doctors working for Medical Services have had approval to carry out assessments on behalf of the Department revoked, on the grounds that they have failed to meet the required professional standards despite remedial action.

  Medical Services' approach is to train and support their doctors to ensure the expected standards are being met. Inappropriate behaviour or quality standards are addressed with feedback and remedial training. Where remedial action fails to effect change, approval to carry out assessments will be formally revoked.

  Where a doctor's professional misconduct falls outside the General Medical Council's (GMC's) professional guidelines, this is brought to the GMC's attention by Medical Services.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will provide additional assistance to those families on low incomes who receive a Social Fund(a) grant and (b) loan where the amount awarded is insufficient to cover basic household goods. [154205]

  Mr. Pond
  Community Care Grants, Crisis Loans and Budgeting Loans are part of the discretionary Social Fund. They are designed to provide extra help for the most vulnerable people in society, helping them meet unexpected and more routine needs. The Discretionary Social Fund net budget will be increased by 19 per cent. in April 2004 and by a further 23 per cent. in April 2005.

  As the Discretionary Social Fund is cash limited decision makers may not always be able to award the full amount that a person has asked for; however they will always consider individual circumstances when making an award.
  1493W
  If a person believes that the grant or loan is not sufficient to meet their needs they have the right to ask for the decision to be reviewed, first by their local office and, if they disagree with the outcome, the Independent Review Service. There are no current plans to change this procedure.

  Widowers (Access to Benefits)
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the claims of widowers bereaved before 9 April 2001 for equal access to benefits; and if he will make a statement. [154240]

  Mr. Pond
  Bereavement Benefits were introduced in April 2001, for the first time extending support to both widows and widowers.

  Prior to April 2001, there was no statutory basis on which to pay widows' benefits to men. This is being contested in both domestic and European courts. Until the litigation is completed and all the judgments are known regarding the different aspects of the claims, it is not possible to determine what action may be taken in response.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

  Crown Court Trials (National Security Issues)
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether it is possible in a Crown court trial involving national security for(a) a jury to be vetted prior to being empanelled and (b) part or all of the trial to be held in camera. [153026]

  Mr. Leslie
  I can confirm that it is possible for a jury to be vetted and for all or part of the trial to be held in camera in cases involving national security.

  Laganside Courts Complex
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether problems at the Laganside courts complex in Belfast with(a) water ingress and (b) sight lines for juries have been resolved; and what (i) abatements and (ii) financial settlements have been applied. [152909]

  Mr. Leslie
  The problems with(a) water ingress and (b) sight lines for juries have been resolved. Abatements totalling £4,226.84 have been applied in respect of the later ingress. A financial settlement in respect of alterations carried out to improve sight lines for juries has yet to be agreed.

  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the public sector comparator for the Laganside courts Private Finance Initiative scheme in Belfast has been revised following the disposal of the Crumlin Road courthouse. [152910]

  Mr. Leslie
  No.

  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many major water leaks have occurred at the Laganside courts complex in Belfast. [152912]
  1494W
  Mr. Leslie
  Eleven water leaks have occurred, only one of which are considered to be major.

  Lord Chief Justice
  David Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what proposals he has for changes in the role and responsibilities of the Lord Chief Justice; and if he will make a statement. [153781]

  Mr. Leslie
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement I gave on 26 January on the judiciary-related functions of the Lord Chancellor. The Government will introduce legislation shortly to abolish the Office of Lord Chancellor.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which government departments and law enforcement agencies are represented on the cross-departmental working group looking into Part 12 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; how often the working group meets; what the remit of the working group is; and who is responsible for the group. [151383]

  Paul Goggins
  The Metropolitan Police chairs an ad-hoc steering group which meets as required to monitor implementation of part 1 2 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001. It keeps under review a Memorandum of Understanding in the light of experience. The following Government Departments and Law Enforcement Agencies are represented in addition to the Metropolitan Police: City of London Police (also representing the Association of Chief Officer Police Officers (ACPO)), the Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Fraud Office, National Criminal Intelligence Service, National Crime Squad, MoD Police, Department of Trade and Industry, UK trade and investment, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Export Credits Guarantee Department, the Department for International Development and the Home Office.

  DNA Database
  Dr. Whitehead
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many DNA profile matches exist within the UK national DNA database. [153380]

  Ms Blears
  The figures relating to the DNA profile matches reported by the National DNA Database since its inception in April 1995 to January 2004 inclusive are described as follows:a total of 459,903 matches have been reported between DNA profiles obtained from individuals and DNA profiles collected from unsolved crime scenes; and
  a total of 28,116 scene-to-scene matches have been reported between DNA profiles collected from unsolved crime scenes.

  Drugs Offences
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) arrests have been made, (b) convictions have been obtained and

  1495W
  (c) cautions have been issued in each police force area in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available for offences relating to (i) possession of and (ii) dealing in (A) Class A, (B) Class B and (C) Class C drugs. [153987]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]Data on the number of persons arrested for possession and dealing of drugs by police force area are currently

  Table 1: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for possession of controlled drugs in England and Wale: in by Police Force area, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Force

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  England

  Avon and Somerset

  171

  192

  1,005

  306

  3

  4

  Bedfordshire

  7

  62

  104

  80

  1

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  71

  100

  339

  108

  0

  3

  Cheshire

  43

  161

  331

  518

  0

  1

  Cleveland

  48

  267

  267

  434

  1

  1

  Cumbria

  60

  101

  354

  205

  0

  2

  Derbyshire

  16

  166

  114

  252

  1

  5

  Devon and Cornwall

  103

  361

  814

  596

  4

  2

  Dorset

  31

  195

  283

  319

  2

  2

  Durham

  54

  123

  439

  316

  5

  6

  Essex

  64

  167

  616

  598

  1

  1

  Gloucestershire

  127

  128

  461

  239

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  164

  381

  1,608

  1,245

  4

  7

  Hampshire

  154

  285

  960

  315

  1

  371

  Hertfordshire

  85

  84

  530

  287

  0

  0

  Humberside

  33

  98

  277

  320

  6

  13

  Kent

  85

  289

  888

  905

  2

  6

  Lancashire

  127

  391

  900

  874

  2

  4

  Leicestershire

  6

  221

  100

  380

  0

  6

  Lincolnshire

  22

  154

  218

  261

  0

  2

  London, City of

  31

  23

  448

  55

  1

  0

  Merseyside

  111

  288

  1,072

  1,377

  12

  1

  Metropolitan Police

  595

  2,361

  10,612

  5,795

  31

  9

  Norfolk

  43

  150

  358

  278

  1

  1

  Northamptonshire

  66

  60

  440

  73

  1

  3

  Northumbria

  603

  461

  1,898

  1,315

  25

  20

  North Yorkshire

  5

  77

  50

  155

  0

  2

  Nottinghamshire

  39

  275

  429

  351

  0

  2

  South Yorkshire

  78

  376

  422

  672

  2

  5

  Staffordshire

  209

  194

  1,071

  258

  2

  2

  Suffolk

  58

  98

  417

  230

  5

  1

  Surrey

  44

  103

  757

  330

  0

  0

  Sussex

  180

  177

  1,129

  441

  4

  3

  Thames Valley

  142

  334

  867

  712

  2

  3

  Warwickshire

  41

  55

  290

  80

  0

  2

  West Mercia

  153

  141

  906

  211

  6

  1

  West Midlands

  228

  861

  2,218

  1,794

  5

  8

  West Yorkshire

  156

  583

  1,015

  956

  1

  2

  Wiltshire

  18

  104

  192

  181

  0

  0

  Wales

  Dyfed Powys

  109

  168

  1,300

  514

  3

  11

  Gwent

  34

  147

  636

  272

  5

  3

  North Wales

  95

  119

  707

  308

  5

  1

  South Wales

  54

  336

  640

  1,223

  5

  17

  England and Wales total

  4,563

  11,417

  38,482

  26,139

  149

  533

  Table 2: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for possession of controlled drugs in England and Wales by month, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Month

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  January

  361

  1,093

  2,836

  2,238

  12

  64

  February

  323

  1,043

  2,722

  1,984

  12

  45

  March

  422

  909

  3,058

  2,081

  12

  48

  April

  348

  978

  3,129

  2,101

  12

  31

  May

  346

  995

  3,428

  2,478

  14

  41

  June

  393

  824

  3,059

  1,827

  6

  48

  July

  424

  995

  3,677

  2,387

  15

  49

  1496W
  not available. However, we do have the figures for the number of persons cautioned and found guilty for possession and dealing of drugs by police force area for 2002. These are set out in the following tables.

  The information is taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings and Cautions Database and relates to persons cautioned and found guilty for possession and dealing in drugs.
  1497W

  Table 2: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for possession of controlled drugs in England and Wales by month, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Month

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  August

  374

  906

  3,157

  2,180

  22

  28

  September

  352

  880

  3,372

  2,054

  8

  44

  October

  405

  1,025

  3,425

  2,565

  9

  53

  November

  410

  986

  3,303

  2,362

  15

  45

  December

  405

  783

  3,316

  1,882

  12

  37

  Annual

  4,563

  11,417

  38,482

  26,139

  149

  553

  Table 3: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for the dealing1 of controlled drugs in England and Wales by month, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Month

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  January

  14

  583

  81

  331

  2

  5

  February

  18

  590

  72

  327

  3

  5

  March

  19

  580

  86

  287

  1

  2

  April

  14

  542

  75

  298

  0

  10

  May

  11

  620

  97

  310

  4

  7

  June

  22

  417

  74

  258

  7

  9

  July

  25

  583

  120

  358

  5

  5

  August

  19

  448

  113

  338

  0

  9

  September

  12

  464

  117

  378

  5

  10

  October

  13

  483

  104

  360

  3

  13

  November

  22

  591

  108

  332

  1

  8

  December

  17

  420

  86

  268

  0

  5

  Annual

  206

  6,321

  1,133

  3,845

  31

  88

  1 Dealing includes; unlawful production, unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply and unlawful import or export.

  Table 4: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for the dealing1 of controlled drugs in England and Wales by Police Force Area, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Force

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  England

  Avon and Somerset

  5

  122

  52

  75

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  0

  55

  10

  23

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  3

  63

  6

  41

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  0

  102

  2

  43

  0

  1

  Cleveland

  9

  126

  17

  50

  0

  5

  Cumbria

  1

  56

  7

  37

  0

  2

  Derbyshire

  2

  136

  10

  57

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  4

  137

  65

  126

  0

  0

  Dorset

  2

  55

  9

  37

  0

  0

  Durham

  1

  66

  4

  56

  0

  4

  Essex

  2

  96

  14

  91

  0

  1

  Gloucestershire

  21

  36

  41

  17

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  1

  316

  44

  254

  16

  5

  Hampshire

  12

  117

  46

  108

  2

  2

  Hertfordshire

  3

  61

  15

  42

  0

  0

  Humberside

  0

  115

  21

  60

  0

  5

  Kent

  12

  123

  23

  106

  0

  1

  Lancashire

  0

  254

  27

  115

  0

  2

  Leicestershire

  0

  71

  1

  68

  0

  1

  Lincolnshire

  1

  40

  17

  36

  1

  0

  London, City of

  1

  10

  3

  5

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  0

  241

  7

  64

  0

  0

  Metropolitan Police

  33

  1,423

  179

  720

  0

  6

  Norfolk

  3

  60

  16

  54

  0

  1

  Northamptonshire

  7

  37

  1

  27

  0

  0

  Northumbria

  10

  193

  44

  136

  4

  12

  North Yorkshire

  1

  52

  13

  52

  0

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  2

  130

  25

  84

  1

  1

  South Yorkshire

  1

  145

  10

  94

  0

  2

  Staffordshire

  3

  123

  11

  74

  0

  1

  Suffolk

  0

  35

  40

  42

  1

  0

  Surrey

  3

  55

  37

  32

  0

  1

  Sussex

  2

  379

  38

  154

  2

  0

  Thames Valley

  1

  129

  19

  104

  0

  0

  Warwickshire

  1

  27

  11

  20

  0

  0

  West Mercia

  3

  100

  41

  56

  1

  1

  West Midlands

  13

  301

  47

  237

  0

  0

  West Yorkshire

  31

  333

  63

  113

  1

  23

  Wiltshire

  0

  55

  13

  30

  0

  1

  1498W 1499W

  Table 4: Number of persons cautioned and convicted for the dealing1 of controlled drugs in England and Wales by Police Force Area, 2002

  Class A

  Class B

  Class C

  Force

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Cautioned

  Guilty

  Wales

  Dyfed Powys

  6

  63

  44

  71

  0

  1

  Gwent

  3

  61

  17

  42

  1

  2

  North Wales

  1

  45

  12

  46

  0

  0

  South Wales

  2

  177

  11

  146

  1

  7

  England and Wales total

  206

  6,321

  1,133

  3,845

  31

  88

  1 Dealing includes; unlawful production, unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply and unlawful import or export.

  Firearms Consultative Committee
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what correspondence Home Office Ministers have(a) received from and (b) sent to members of the Firearms Consultative Committee during (i) 2003 and (ii) 2004. [154088]

  Caroline Flint
  Members of the Committee are appointed on a personal basis and there has been no correspondence with them in that capacity. The Chairman wrote on behalf of the Committee on 28 April 2003 to express views about certain aspects of the Anti-social Behaviour Bill. A reply was sent on 5 June.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost to his Department was of convening meetings of the Firearms Consultative Committee since its inception. [154089]

  Caroline Flint
  A total of £14,534 has been spent on running the Firearms Consultative Committee since March 2000. Information on the cost of meetings before that date is not available from current records.

  Name

  Company/organisation

  David Penn (Chairman)

  Imperial War Museum

  Brian Carter

  British Shooting Sports Council

  Brian Dalton

  The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals

  Sandy Ewing

  National Shooting Centre Ltd.

  Mark Fuchter

  HM Customs and Excise

  Alan Green

  Assistant Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police

  William Harriman

  British Association for Shooting and Conservation

  David Henderson

  Scottish Executive Justice Department

  John Hoare

  National Small-Bore Rifle Association

  Patrick Johnson

  British Shooting Sports Council

  Mike Lobb

  Firearms licensing Officer Thames Valley Police

  Gill Marshall-Andrews

  Chair of the Gun Control Network

  David Mellor

  Deputy Chief Constable Fife Constabulary

  Kevin O'Callaghan

  Forensic Science Services Firearms Section

  Bob Pitcher

  London Proof House

  Mark Scoggins

  Fisher Scoggins LLP Solicitors

  Professor Jonathan Shepherd

  University of Wales College of Medicine

  Madeleine Swainbank

  The Defence Manufacturers Association.

  Simon Taylor

  Assistant Chief Constable, Norfolk Constabulary

  Graham Widdecombe

  Home Office, Public Order and Crime Issues Unit

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to announce the appointment of successor committees to the Firearms Consultative Committee. [154131]

  Caroline Flint
  We are aiming to do so by the end of March.
  1500W
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) recommendations made by the Firearms Consultative Committee and (b) actions taken by his Department in response to its recommendations. [154091]

  Caroline Flint
  The Firearms Consultative Committee has produced a large number of recommendations since its inception and these are summarised in each of their annual reports, copies of which are in the Library. Many of their recommendations were dependent on changes in legislation and will be considered in the context of the forthcoming review.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the most recent members of the Firearms Consultative Committee, indicating the companies or organisations they work for. [154093]

  Caroline Flint
  Membership of the Firearms Consultative Committee as at 31 January was as follows:

  Forensic Science
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes have been solved by the use of forensic science in each of the forensic science service laboratories in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [153503]
  1501W
  Ms Blears
  It is not possible to provide figures for the number of crimes that have been solved by the use of forensic science as convictions are achieved through integrated criminal investigation and not by forensic science alone. The contribution that forensic science makes to criminal investigation has been assessed separately for:

  (a) DNA analysis

  (b) non-DNA analysis (for example toxicology and analysis of trace evidence such as fibres, glass etc.).

  The Home Office collects data on the number of crimes that have been detected, where DNA match report was available. However, it is important to note that the availability of DNA intelligence in the crime may not have been causal in solving the crime.

  The total number of crimes in which a DNA match report was available that were detected for police forces in England and Wales were as follows:

  Number of crimes in which a DNA match was available

  2000–01

  14,785

  2001–02

  15,894

  2002–03

  21,098

  No data are available on "DNA detections" for each FSS laboratory.

  (a) Non-DNA analysis

  The contribution of forensic science in the provision of both intelligence and evidence to criminal investigations has been evaluated internally by the Forensic Science Service (FSS). Such assessment is based on the number of cases where the FSS has judged its contribution to be effective. This information has only been recorded from April 2003-January 2004 inclusive, and is set out for each FSS laboratory in the table following.

  FSS laboratory

  Number of evidential cases where the FSS has judged its contribution to be effective

  Number of intelligence cases where the FSS has judged its contribution to be effective

  Birmingham

  3,030

  19,536

  Chepstow

  1,741

  238

  Chorley

  3,680

  768

  Huntingdon

  1,448

  9,960

  London

  3,557

  1,837

  Wet herby

  2,645

  686

  Overall1

  16,103 (77 per cent.)

  33,025 (80 per cent.)

  1 Percentage figures relate to the total number of cases submitted in the stated period for 'evidential' or 'intelligence' casework.

  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for how long DNA samples are held by the Forensic Science Service. [153767]

  Ms Blears
  Retention periods depend on the purpose for which the sample was taken, and are as follows:Crime scene samples on unsolved cases may be kept indefinitely, especially for the more serious cases. For crime scene samples on solved cases the usual retention period is seven years, but it may be up to 30 years for the serious cases in the event of a possible miscarriage of justice and to capitalise on new scientific developments.
  1502W
  Following amendment of Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 by the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 samples of suspects can now be held indefinitely.
  Where individuals have volunteered to provide samples for intelligence purposes these may also be retained indefinitely provided the individual has given their written consent for its retention.

  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the storage of DNA samples by the Forensic Science Service. [153768]

  Ms Blears
  The laboratories that analyse DNA samples, including those within the Forensic Science Service, are also responsible for their retention, integrity, security and, where appropriate, their destruction. The conditions under which these laboratories store such samples must fulfil the requirements of the International Quality Standard ISO 17025 and the Data Protection Act 1998.

  In addition, it is a specific requirement of the Custodian of the National DNA Database that DNA samples taken for entry on to the Database are kept in a managed storage system at a temperature below -150C in access-controlled, physically secure accommodation. Laboratories are required to undertake periodic monitoring of the samples and their compliance with the International Quality Standard ISO 17025 is independently audited at least annually by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been convicted of offences involving graffiti in each of the past 10 years. [153612]

  Ms Blears
  It is not possible to distinguish offences of graffiti from other types of criminal damage in the Home Office figures for court proceedings as the circumstances of individual offences are not collected centrally.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to tackle graffiti in urban areas. [153613]

  Ms Blears
  A key element to the Government's drive to tackle antisocial behaviour in public places is to enforce local standards and tackle the abuse of our environment that makes public places a magnet for anti-social behaviour and crime.

  The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 introduces a package of measures to prevent graffiti and to ensure that it is removed swiftly when it does occur. It also gives local authorities the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for graffiti and fly posting. This means offenders will have to pay a £50 penalty or be prosecuted through the courts.

  The TOGETHER campaign places the focus on action within the heart of our communities and provides them with the opportunity to work together to tackle graffiti including a national database which will record graffiti tags, a poster campaign across transport networks which will target the most prolific graffiti 'taggers' and a pilot of 12 areas which will use new powers that enable local authorities to issue clean up notices to owners of street furniture.
  1503W

  Identity Card
  Jon Trickett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if, as part of the consultation for draft legislation on National Identity Cards, he will seek views on the advisability of incorporating Braille identifiers; [153296]

  (2) what research has been carried out by his Department on the possibility of incorporating Braille in a proposed National Identity Card; what estimate he has made of the likely costs; and if he will make a statement. [153297]

  Beverley Hughes
  The Government will welcome views on how Braille identifiers could be incorporated into the National Identity Cards scheme which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 11 November 2003. We have no plans to carry out any specific research at this stage.

  The Government propose to proceed incrementally by setting up a National Identity Register and making current widely held identity documents such as passports more secure. In determining how Braille identifiers might be incorporated into such documents, the Government will need to adhere to agreed international standards governing their format.

  Lancashire Police Force
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the crime clear-up rates in Lancashire police force area broken down by(a) constituency and (b) local authority area in each year since 2000. [153509]

  Ms Blears
  The available information is given in the tables. Figures for crimes detected by the police are not broken down by constituency or local authority areas. However, they are available at Basic Command Unit (BCU) level. BCUs broadly equate to former police divisions or districts. In Lancashire, BCUs do not correspond with local authorities. There are six BCUs, compared to 14 local authority areas.

  Detection figures for recorded crime offences are available at BCU level for five key offences only; violence against the person, robbery, burglary in a dwelling, theft of a motor vehicle, and theft from a vehicle.

  Detection rates for all crime, recorded by Lancashire Police

  Offences detected (percentage)

  1999–20001

  29

  2000–012

  27

  2001–022

  26

  2002–032

  27

  1 Revised Home Office instructions, which clarified the recording of detections, were introduced on 1 April 1999. These instructions provided more precise and rigorous criteria for securing a detection, with the underlying emphasis on the successful result of a police investigation. As a result of the revised detections guidance (in which some previous methods of detection were no longer counted), the numbers of crimes detected, and figures derived from them, will have been affected.

  2 Detection figures may also have been affected by the adoption of the principles of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS), as this may have affected the number of crimes recorded.

  1504W
  The NCRS was officially implemented across England and Wales in April 2002. Lancashire Police adopted the Standard prior to this, in August 2000.

  Basic Command Unit—Detection rates recorded for five key offences, by Lancashire Police from 1999–2000 to 2002–03

  Violence against the person detection rate:

  Basic Command Unit/ Police force

  1999–2000 (percentage)

  2000–01 (percentage)

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lancashire

  Lancashire Central

  80

  75

  56

  56

  Lancashire Eastern

  80

  67

  61

  56

  Lancashire Northern

  75

  67

  61

  62

  Lancashire Southern

  80

  75

  67

  72

  Lancashire Western

  74

  67

  60

  55

  Pennine

  83

  78

  67

  70

  Robbery detection rate:

  Basic Command Unit/ Police force

  1999–2000 (percentage)

  2000–01 (percentage)

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lancashire

  Lancashire Central

  35

  25

  30

  29

  Lancashire Eastern

  23

  28

  30

  35

  Lancashire Northern

  46

  35

  19

  36

  Lancashire Southern

  29

  45

  17

  33

  Lancashire Western

  21

  14

  22

  27

  Pennine

  33

  25

  22

  28

  Burglary dwelling detection rate

  Basic Command Unit/Police force

  1999–2000 (percentage)

  2000–01 (percentage)

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lancashire

  Lancashire Central

  17

  18

  19

  17

  Lancashire Eastern

  21

  15

  22

  21

  Lancashire Northern

  15

  18

  16

  19

  Lancashire Southern

  17

  16

  15

  20

  Lancashire Western

  13

  19

  20

  16

  Pennine

  14

  13

  17

  19

  Theft of a motor vehicle detection rate:

  Basic Command Unit/ Police force

  1999–2000 (percentage)

  2000–01 (percentage)

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lancashire

  Lancashire Central

  17

  19

  19

  22

  Lancashire Eastern

  18

  17

  18

  17

  Lancashire Northern

  15

  20

  19

  23

  Lancashire Southern

  13

  15

  15

  20

  Lancashire Western

  16

  13

  16

  22

  Pennine

  17

  13

  14

  20

  Theft from a motor vehicle detection rate:

  Basic Command Unit/ Police force

  1999–2000 (percentage)

  2000–01 (percentage)

  2001–02

  2002–03

  Lancashire

  Lancashire Central

  8

  7

  7

  9

  Lancashire Eastern

  11

  5

  8

  8

  Lancashire Northern

  7

  6

  8

  6

  Lancashire Southern

  9

  8

  9

  7

  Lancashire Western

  8

  8

  4

  7

  Pennine

  8

  5

  8

  11

  Note:

  See notes for previous table
  1505W

  Ministerial Police Protection
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Ministers receive protection from the police; and what the cost to public funds is in this financial year; [153073]

  (2) how many former Ministers receive protection from the police; and what the cost to public funds was in the last year for which figures are available. [153074]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  We seek to ensure the most effective and efficient protective security arrangements for public figures in the light of the changing threat from terrorism and other continuing risks. It is not our policy to comment on the details of protection arrangements for individuals, as to do so could compromise their security.

  Official Secrets Act
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the(a) average and (b) longest time between (i) arrest and charge and (ii) charge and start of trial has been in cases brought since 1997 under the Official Secrets Act. [152321]

  Mr. Blunkett
  Data on the average and longest time between (i) arrest and charge and (ii) charge and start of trial for offences under the Official Secrets Act are not available centrally.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many press officers were employed in his Department in(a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04; and what estimate he has made of the cost in each year. [148507]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  [holding answer 19 January 2004]Press office numbers and costs are as outlined as follows:

  £ million

  Number of press officers

  Cost

  2002–03 (1 April 2002)

  39

  11.7

  2003–04 (1 April 2003)

  39

  21.9

  1 Actual.

  2 Estimate to end of March 2004.

  Prisons
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the total prison capacity in each of the next 10 years. [147359]

  Sentenced prisoners by length of sentence, nationality and gender—30 November 2003

  Females

  Males

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Africa

  Algeria

  0

  0

  16

  37

  Angola

  2

  1

  5

  22

  Botswana

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Burundi

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Cameroon, United Republic

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Central African Republic

  0

  0

  1

  4

  Chad

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Congo

  1

  0

  8

  23

  Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

  0

  0

  1

  5

  1506W
  Paul Goggins
  The information requested is provided in the following table.

  Average useable operational capacity

  2004

  75,000

  2005

  77,100

  2006

  78,700

  2007

  78,700

  2008

  78,700

  2009

  78,700

  2010

  78,700

  2011

  78,700

  2012

  78,700

  2013

  78,700

  The figures given in this table are the average useable operational capacity projected to 2006 and beyond. Useable operational capacity is the measure used for long-term estate planning purposes. It is the total number of prisoners that establishments can hold taking into account control, security and the proper operation of the planned regime. It is determined by operational managers on the basis of their operational judgment and experience.

  The maximum number of prisoners that the state could normally hold, as the average operational capacity, is up to 2,000 less than the total certified operational capacity. This is because of constraints imposed by the need to provide separate accommodation for different classes of prisoner i.e. by sex, age, security category and conviction status, single cell risk assessment and also due to geographical distribution.

  Two new prisons will open at Ashford, in June 2004, and Peterborough, in March 2005, and funding has also been provided for around 3,000 additional public sector prison places to be built at existing prisons by 2006. This will increase the total useable capacity of the prison estate to around 78,700. There are no plans or funding at present to increase useable capacity beyond this figure.

  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are serving custodial sentences of(a) less than 12 months and (b)over 12 months, broken down by nationality and gender. [154179]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 10 February 2004]The number of prisoners serving custodial sentences in prisons in England and Wales on 30 November 2003, by nationality, gender and length of sentence, is shown in the table.
  1507W

  Sentenced prisoners by length of sentence, nationality and gender—30 November 2003

  Females

  Males

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Democratic Republic of Congo

  0

  0

  4

  18

  Egypt

  0

  0

  0

  6

  Ethiopia

  0

  0

  5

  6

  French Guiana

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Gambia

  0

  0

  1

  14

  Ghana

  4

  8

  8

  72

  Guinea

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Guinea/Bissau

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Kenya

  0

  2

  3

  31

  Liberia

  1

  1

  1

  3

  Libya

  0

  0

  3

  8

  Malawi

  0

  1

  2

  3

  Mali

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Mauritania

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Mauritius

  0

  0

  1

  6

  Morocco

  0

  0

  2

  19

  Mozambique

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Namibia

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Nigeria

  6

  47

  21

  164

  Rwanda

  0

  0

  0

  5

  Sao Tome and Principe

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Senegal

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Seychelles

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Sierra Leone

  1

  1

  1

  23

  Somalia

  1

  1

  20

  102

  South Africa

  1

  15

  6

  77

  Sudan

  0

  1

  3

  8

  Tanzania

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Togo

  0

  1

  1

  3

  Tunisia

  0

  0

  0

  5

  Uganda

  0

  0

  6

  29

  Zambia

  1

  1

  1

  7

  Zimbabwe

  0

  1

  17

  24

  Asia

  Bangladesh

  2

  1

  15

  88

  Bhutan

  0

  o

  0

  1

  China

  0

  3

  3

  52

  Hong Kong

  0

  0

  4

  3

  India

  1

  7

  17

  118

  Indonesia

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Japan

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Korea Republic of (South)

  0

  2

  0

  5

  Lao People's Dem Republic

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Malaysia

  0

  0

  2

  4

  Mongolia

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Nepal

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Pakistan

  0

  5

  24

  233

  Philippines

  1

  1

  2

  10

  Singapore

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Sri Lanka

  0

  1

  11

  34

  Surinam

  0

  1

  0

  2

  Thailand

  0

  3

  0

  1

  Vietnam

  1

  4

  3

  21

  Central/South America

  Argentina

  1

  0

  0

  5

  Bolivia

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Brazil

  0

  8

  0

  14

  Chile

  0

  1

  1

  14

  Colombia

  0

  4

  1

  76

  Costa Rica

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Ecuador

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Guatemala

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Mexico

  0

  1

  0

  5

  Nicaragua

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Panama

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Peru

  0

  1

  0

  4

  Venezuela

  0

  5

  0

  28

  1508W 1509W

  Sentenced prisoners by length of sentence, nationality and gender—30 November 2003

  Females

  Males

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Europe

  Albania

  0

  0

  12

  24

  Armenia

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Austria

  0

  1

  1

  1

  Belgium

  0

  2

  5

  19

  Bosnia-Herzegovina

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Bulgaria

  0

  1

  2

  1

  Croatia

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Cyprus

  0

  0

  1

  49

  Czech Republic

  1

  0

  2

  9

  Denmark

  0

  2

  0

  7

  Estonia

  0

  0

  2

  1

  Finland

  0

  0

  0

  1

  France

  0

  11

  7

  54

  Germany

  0

  15

  3

  61

  Gibraltar

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Greece

  0

  3

  1

  17

  Hungary

  0

  0

  0

  11

  Irish Republic

  3

  20

  63

  430

  Italy

  0

  5

  10

  71

  Latvia

  0

  t

  2

  5

  Lithuania

  0

  1

  4

  16

  Malta

  0

  1

  2

  10

  Moldova

  1

  0

  7

  6

  Netherlands

  2

  26

  3

  155

  Norway

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Poland

  1

  4

  3

  24

  Portugal

  0

  8

  18

  55

  Romania

  0

  7

  12

  22

  Russian Federation

  1

  0

  8

  20

  Serbia and Montenegro

  1

  1

  10

  45

  Slovakia

  0

  0

  1

  3

  Slovenia

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Spain

  0

  15

  4

  56

  Sweden

  0

  1

  1

  1

  Switzerland

  1

  3

  0

  4

  Turkey

  2

  0

  12

  143

  Turkmenistan

  0

  0

  1

  0

  United Kingdom

  585

  2,142

  6,940

  43,761

  Uzbekistan

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Middle East

  Afghanistan

  0

  0

  8

  19

  Bahrain

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Iran

  2

  0

  10

  37

  Iraq

  0

  0

  15

  57

  Israel

  0

  1

  1

  7

  Jordan

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Kuwait

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Lebanon

  0

  1

  1

  10

  Saudi Arabia

  0

  0

  0

  6

  Syrian Arab Republic

  0

  0

  2

  2

  United Arab Emirates

  0

  1

  0

  5

  Yemen

  0

  0

  0

  4

  North America

  Canada

  0

  3

  4

  17

  United States of America

  2

  18

  3

  49

  Oceania

  Australia

  1

  2

  4

  18

  French Southern Territories

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Kiribati

  0

  0

  0

  1

  New Zealand

  0

  2

  0

  6

  Papua New Guinea

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1510W 1511W

  Sentenced prisoners by length of sentence, nationality and gender—30 November 2003

  Females

  Males

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  Less than 12 months

  12 months or more

  West Indies

  Anguilla

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Aruba

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Bahamas

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Barbados

  0

  2

  0

  21

  Bermuda

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Cuba

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Dominica

  0

  0

  2

  4

  Dominican Republic

  0

  1

  1

  7

  Grenada

  0

  1

  2

  9

  Guyana

  0

  3

  2

  11

  Haiti

  0

  o

  0

  1

  Jamaica

  3

  298

  38

  1,723

  Montserrat

  0

  2

  0

  8

  Netherlands Antilles

  0

  3

  0

  7

  St. Christopher and Nevis

  0

  1

  0

  0

  St. Kitts and Nevis

  0

  2

  0

  3

  St. Lucia

  0

  0

  1

  14

  St. Vincent and The Grenadines

  0

  0

  1

  3

  Trinidad and Tobago

  0

  25

  2

  56

  Virgin Islands

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Not recorded

  0

  12

  50

  209

  Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reports of suspicious transactions reported to the National Criminal Intelligence Service since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into effect have provided information related to the offence of bribery of a foreign public official. [151380]

  Caroline Flint
  Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 reports on potential money laundering, known as `Suspicious Activity Reports', are made to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS). NCIS do not keep information on the types of offence underlying the reports, which will often only become clear following further investigation by the relevant law enforcement agencies. The information requested about the number of Suspicious Activity Reports made relating to the bribery of foreign officials is therefore not available.

  Suspicious Activity Reports would only be one source of information on such matters. A member of staff of NCIS' International Division acts as the point of contact for the monitoring of all allegations of bribery of foreign officials.

  Public Servants (Wrongdoing)
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what processes are available to public servants to raise concerns about serious wrongdoings by other public servants if they have reason to believe that their disclosure is in the public interest. [153740]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  The Government established an arrangement under which Departments, including the Home Office and its agencies, nominate an official or officials outside line management to whom civil servants are able to report concerns in confidence, under the Civil Service Code.
  1512W
  The Civil Service Code in its current form was introduced with effect from 1 January 1996, and revised and re-issued in May 1999. It offers an independent line of appeal to the Civil Service Commissioners, where an individual feels that his/her concern has not received a reasonable response.

  Recruitment Advertising
  Miss Kirkbride
  : To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on recruitment advertisements in the press, broken down by publication, by(a) his Department, (b) quangos under the Department and (c) non-departmental Government bodies under the Department (i) in the last year and (ii) since 1997. [145803]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  Information about the total spend on recruitment advertisements for the Home Office, including the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, for the years 2000 701, 2001–02 and 2002–03 is shown in the table. Figures for the current year are not yet available.

  The Home Office uses Job Centres and a wide variety of publications to advertise posts—including local, minority ethnic and the national press. A breakdown of the publications used could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The Home Office does not routinely collect information about the recruitment advertising costs for quangos or non-departmental government bodies under the Department.

  Costs of recruitment advertising for the Home Office 2000–2003

  Spend on advertising (£)

  Home Office (non-IND)

  2000–01

  1,166,154

  2001–02

  826,056

  2002–03

  513,269

  1513W

  Costs of recruitment advertising for the Home Office 2000–2003

  Spend on advertising (£)

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate

  2000–01

  141,926

  2001–02

  519,610

  2002–03

  413,829

  Total

  2000–01

  1,308,080

  2001–02

  1,345,666

  2002–03

  927,098

  Special Constables
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were in each London borough on 1 January of each of the last six years. [153076]

  Ms Blears
  There are no statistics published centrally on the number of Special Constables at local authority level or by Basic Command Unit. Statistics relating to the total number of Special Constables in the City of London and the Metropolitan Police District are given in the table.

  Special Constable strength

  Strength as at 31 March

  London, City of

  Metropolitan police

  Total

  1998

  76

  1,282

  1,358

  1999

  64

  1,138

  1,202

  2000

  56

  758

  814

  2001

  43

  774

  817

  2002

  36

  680

  716

  2003

  42

  692

  734

  All forces have been given funding for dedicated staff and initiatives to help implement good practice and recruit more Special Constables over the next 2–3 years. We are also running a national recruitment campaign, including television advertisements, starting on the 9 February, to coincide with the 2 National Specials Weekend on the 28–29 February.

  Speed Cameras
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many motorists were banned from driving for a period as a result of being caught by(a) speed and (b) red light cameras in (i) 1997, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2002. [153668]

  Caroline Flint
  Information for England and Wales for the years 1997 and 2000 is given in the table. 2002 data will be available in the spring.

  Driving licence disqualifications1 imposed at all courts for offences detected by camera, England and Wales, 1997 and 2000

  1997

  2000

  Speed offences2

  675

  1,417

  Traffic light offences3

  33

  39

  1 Excludes persons disqualified under section 35 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (penalty points system).

  2 Offences under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 and The Motor Vehicles (Speed Limits on Motorways) Regulations 1973.

  3 Offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1984.

  1514W
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what differences there are in the calibration of speed cameras between police authority areas; and whether all authorities apply a 10 per cent. and 2 mph allowance over the speed limit before a fixed penalty or prosecution is initiated. [154474]

  Caroline Flint
  All cameras are required to detect and record the speed of passing vehicles within specified degrees of accuracy. Until July 2003 the standard was a positive error of no more than 3mph up to 100mph, and 3 per cent. above 100mph. The negative error was not greater than 5mph or 10 per cent. above 50mph. From July 2003, in line with European standards, new speed cameras will be required to be accurate to ± 2mph up to 66mph and ± 3 per cent. above 66mph. This has not yet been implemented for existing cameras, but we consider that all cameras are in fact already accurate to this level.

  The enforcement of speed limits on the basis of information provided by the cameras is an operational matter for chief officers of police. The Association of Chief Police Officers has published guidelines on speed enforcement thresholds to support a transparent and consistent approach, while recognising that not all speeding offences are the same. The police retain discretion to take account of the particular circumstances of any particular speeding incident.

  All police forces follow the guidelines, which are publicly available on the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) website (www.acpo.police.uk)

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Paramilitary-style Assaults
  Mr. Luke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to eradicate paramilitary-style assaults on the civil population of Northern Ireland. [153161]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Government utterly condemn all paramilitary violence and acts of intimidation and remains resolute in its determination to see these brought to an end. We continue to call on those with influence over paramilitary groups to call a complete end to these barbaric attacks. This is also an area that the recently appointed Independent Monitoring Commission will regularly report on as part of their overall remit.

  Parades Commission
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Parades Commission. [153162]

  Jane Kennedy
  The year 2003 witnessed the most peaceful marching season for some considerable time. I pay tribute to the Parades Commission who have played an important role in tackling the difficult task in considering and issuing determinations with regard to contentious parades.
  1515W

  Organised Crime Taskforce
  Mr. Borrow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Organised Crime Taskforce. [153163]

  Jane Kennedy
  The partner agencies of the Organised Crime Task Force continue to make a real impact in frustrating, disrupting and dismantling the organised crime gangs in Northern Ireland. Since 1 January 2004, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has seized cannabis valued at £2.75 million and Customs officers have seized 7 million contraband cigarettes.

  11-Plus (Reform)
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the reform of the 11-plus in Northern Ireland. [153164]

  Jane Kennedy
  New post-primary arrangements in Northern Ireland will address the weaknesses of the current transfer and post-primary arrangements. They will put pupils at the centre, provide them with more relevant knowledge and skills needed for life and work in the 21st Century and raise standards for all.

  Devolved Government
  Mr. Swayne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in securing agreement to restore Devolved Government in Northern Ireland. [153165]

  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his negotiations with Northern Ireland political parties for the commencement of political institutions. [153166]

  Michael Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of power sharing in the Province. [153167]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Member for East Londonderry,Official Report, column 1396.

  Arms Decommissioning
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on arms decommissioning. [153168]

  Jane Kennedy
  To date there have been four acts of decommissioning carried out by paramilitary organisations, one by the Loyalist Volunteer Force and three by the Provisional IRA. The latest decommissioning act was carried out by the IRA on 21 October 2003. The arms comprised light, medium and heavy ordnance and associated munitions. They included automatic weapons, ammunition, explosives and explosive material. The quantity of arms involved was larger than the quantity put beyond use in the previous event.

  Belfast City Airport
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has received an application from Belfast City airport to review the present operational planning agreement. [154126]
  1516W
  Angela Smith
  Following the publication of the recommendations for Northern Ireland in the Government's White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, the Department of the Environment's Planning Service received a request from Belfast City airport on 19 January 2004 to review the form of the current planning agreement. This is now under consideration.

  Domestic Violence
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the Home Department in relation to the extension of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill to Northern Ireland. [153140]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  The decision to extend certain provisions of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill to NI was taken following the Northern Ireland Office's consultation exercise on tackling domestic violence, "Tackling Violence at Home" which closed on 12 December. This consultation exercise revealed widespread public support for the domestic violence provisions which are being extended to Northern Ireland. In addition the Bill includes provisions relating to trial by jury of sample counts only, which had initially been intended for inclusion in the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

  Both, my right hon. Friend the Member for Warley (Mr. Spellar), Minister of State with responsibility for Crinminal Justice matters and I have corresponded at length with the Home Secretary regarding the application of provisions to Northern Ireland. Throughout this process, both my officials have been in close contact with colleagues in the Home Office regarding policy development in respect of this Bill, in order to ensure that the people of Northern Ireland are afforded the same degree of protection as in other parts of the United Kingdom.

  Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the terms were of the contract entered into between the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency and RoMaha for the PFI to upgrade MOT centres in Northern Ireland under project MOT2; and if he will make a statement on the implementation of the project. [154475]

  Angela Smith
  The contract entered into by the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency required the concessionaire, Romaha, to"design, build, finance, install, maintain, repair and where necessary substitute and/or replace vehicle testing equipment and to provide all necessary training in respect of the operation of such equipment"
  to meet current needs, and specified future needs in vehicle testing.

  The contract, which was signed on 26 March 2001, called for promulgation of the project to all 15 Agency sites on a rolling basis over a two-year period. A plan was developed between the Agency and Romaha to ensure this was carried out effectively and to minimise disruption to the public. This plan included individual and overall timetables for completion. The contractor adhered rigidly to the timescale, and the rollout programme was completed on 19 September 2003.
  1517W
  Romaha provides a service against the contract for which DVTA pays an agreed unitary payment for this. Particularly poor performance can attract penalty points leading ultimately to contract termination, but the contractor's performance to date has attracted no penalty points. The parties are currently working to improve throughput, which is not yet at the anticipated level. The Agency is also working with the contractor to introduce a number of additional testing requirements catered for in the output specification.

  Estate Wardens
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many estate wardens have been appointed by the Housing Executive in Northern Ireland to date; and for which areas. [152595]

  Mr. Spellar
  There are 52 staff in post, including one agency worker and there are four vacant posts distributed as follows:

  Area

  Number

  Antrim

  1

  Armagh

  12

  Ballymena

  3

  Banbridge

  1

  Bangor

  2

  Belfast Office 2

  1

  Belfast Office 7

  11

  Belfast Offices (1,3, 4, 5, and 6)

  210

  Carrickfergus

  1

  Castlereagh

  1

  Coleraine

  1

  Cookstown

  1

  Downpatrick

  1

  Dungannon

  2

  Enniskillen (Fermanagh District Office)

  1

  L'Derry (Collon Tce., Waterloo Pl., Waterside)

  5

  Larne

  1

  Limavady

  1

  Lisburn (Antrim St. and Diary Farm)

  13

  Lurgan/Brownlow

  11

  Magherafelt

  1

  Newry

  1

  Newtownabbey Office 1 and 2

  4

  Newtownards

  1

  Omagh

  1

  Portadown

  2

  Strabane

  2

  1 Plus one vacancy

  2 Two each

  Homelessness
  Ian Lucas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases from ethnic minority backgrounds were identified by the Housing Executive as homeless on the grounds of intimidation in 2003; and in which geographical areas they were re-housed. [153600]

  Mr. Spellar
  During the 12 month period from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003 a total of 30 cases from ethnic minority backgrounds presented to the Housing Executive as homeless on grounds of intimidation. Of the 30 cases, 17 were accepted as homeless as a result of intimidation and eligible for housing assistance. Nine of these are either in temporary 1518W
  accommodation or have made their own arrangements for accommodation and eight were permanently re-housed in the following areas:
  Belfast—4
  Newry—2
  Lisburn and North Down—1 each

  The remaining 13 who presented as homeless either abandoned their application or were ineligible for assistance under immigration or homeless legislation.

  Horseracing
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was paid in levy by bookmakers in Northern Ireland to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years; how much of that levy in each year was transferred to Horseracing Ireland; and how much Horseracing Ireland spent in each year in Northern Ireland. [153625]

  Mr. Pearson
  Charges paid by bookmakers in Northern Ireland to the Horse Racing Fund (which is controlled and managed by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) in each of the last three years were as follows:

  Amount (£)

  2003

  351,531

  2002

  354,083

  2001

  341,928

  The Horse Racing (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 specifies to whom, and for what, payments may be made out of the Fund. Payments are not made to Horseracing Ireland. Horseracing Ireland is a body constituted in the Republic of Ireland. My Department is not aware of how much it spent in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to reduce the number of patients who wait on a trolley longer than two hours for a hospital bed once they have been admitted to hospital. [154155]

  Angela Smith
  I am very aware of the current pressures on our hospital services, with some patients having to wait on trolleys before they can be admitted. During the time that patients wait on trolleys they receive all of the appropriate medical and nursing care that they need.

  The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is taking forward a regional initiative to improve hospital admissions and patient flows through our hospitals. I am also working to increase capacity at key hospitals and by July 2004 the number of hospital beds will have increased by over 100 compared to the same time last year.

  NHS Trusts (Working Time Directive)
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action will be taken against NHS
  1519W
  trusts which fail to ensure their posts are compliant with the European Working Time Directive by August 2004. [154565]

  Angela Smith
  The European Working Time Directive is being introduced on a phased basis from August 2004 for doctors in training, and places a legal obligation on both employers and employees to comply with these regulations. All HPSS Boards and Trusts here are making significant efforts to put measures in place to achieve compliance with this Directive, as it currently stands, and my Department is continuing to increase the numbers of medical staffing in both consultant and training grades so that there is increased activity and improved patient care.

  In recognition of the limiting effects of these regulations, the European Commission recently launched a public consultation across all member states on the implications of the Working Time Directive and subsequent rulings. This may lead to change in some of the requirements and, until the final requirements are clear, any action on failure to comply can not be determined at this stage.

  Public Administration Review
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the timetable is for the Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland. [153835]

  Mr. Pearson
  The current consultation exercise on the Review of Public Administration is due to end on 27 February 2004. I am discussing with the local political parties how best to progress the review after the end of the consultation period.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure that children with special educational needs have those needs met in the education sector in Northern Ireland. [152587]

  Jane Kennedy
  Some 10,600 pupils in Northern Ireland have statements of Special Educational Need (or attend Special Schools and are in the process of being statemented). The vast majority of these pupils have their Special Educational Needs (SEN) met within Northern Ireland. Currently there are only 34 pupils whose SEN are met outside Northern Ireland.

  Most of these 34 pupils have sensory impairments or behavioural difficulties/autism and attend very specialist provision elsewhere to meet their needs, where the placements are in accordance with the wishes of the parents.

  A Sub group of the Education and Library Boards' Regional Strategy Group for Special Education is currently considering the range of local provision required to meet the needs of hearing impaired pupils. The Department is represented on this Sub group.

  The proposed Centre of Excellence for Autism in Middletown will aim to enhance local training for schools and teachers and educational intervention for pupils with autism.
  1520W

  Tennants Textiles Colours Plant
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the risks to the health and safety of the local community on the lower Ravenhill Road, Belfast arising from the continued operation of the Tennants Textiles Colours plant; what restrictions have been placed on future developments in the area; and if he will make a statement. [153834]

  Mr. Pearson
  The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has conducted rigorous health and safety inspections of the Tennants Textiles Colours factory site to ensure compliance with the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (COMAH). These Regulations implement the European Community Directive 96/82/ EC and require stringent controls on companies such as Tennants Textile Colours who store, use or handle specified dangerous substances above defined quantity thresholds.

  The company has been fully co-operative in complying with the necessary safety requirements and as such, any risk to the health and safety of the local community on lower Ravenhill Road is considered to be minimal.

  All future development proposals in the immediate vicinity of the site are subject to land-use assessment in accordance with UK wide land-use planning guidelines for COMAH sites. HSENI has determined planning consultation zones for the land surrounding the site and advises the Planning Service on proposed developments within these zones. HSENI advice is based on a consideration of the type of development, the status and number of occupants and its proposed location relative to the Tennants Textiles Colour site. In general, HSENI will advise the Planning Service against proposals for new developments that would introduce large or vulnerable populations to the immediate vicinity of the site. This approach, and the methodologies used are consistent across the United Kingdom.

  Trading Standards
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the initial public response to the consumer line recently launched by Trading Standards. [153836]

  Mr. Pearson
  I am very pleased with the success to date of Consumerline, which went live on 3 November 2003. In the period from its commencement to 31 January 2004 it has dealt with more than 7,000 inquiries from the general public. This compares with 2,950 inquiries for the same period in 2002–03 under the previous advice service to consumers.

  Warm Homes Scheme
  Mr. Gregory Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources have been made available in Northern Ireland to assist the implementation of the Warm Homes Scheme in the past three years. [153847]
  1521W
  Mr. Spellar
  The Warm Homes Scheme is funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD) but also benefits from a contribution from the Northern Ireland Electricity's (NIE) customer levy. The combined resources allocated during the last three years are as follows:

  Financial year

  DSD (£)

  NIE (£)

  Total (£)

  2001–02

  4,300,000

  679,000

  4,979,000

  2002–03

  7,952,000

  1,670,000

  9,622,000

  2003–04

  10,650,000

  1,600,000

  12,250,000

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Airwave Emergency Communications Network
  Mr. Edwards
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure that local planning authorities follow planning guidance in determining applications for consent to build radio transmitters for the Airwave emergency communications network. [154348]

  Keith Hill
  Current planning guidance for all electronic communication developments is set out in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 (revised) (PPG8). It is for the local planning authority to decide whether to allow specific development to proceed. This will be done in the light of relevant planning policy guidance, the local development plan and any representations made to the authority. If anyone has a complaint about how the council has handled a planning matter or if anyone is dissatisfied by the council's response and thinks they have suffered an injustice, it is open to them to ask the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate whether there has been maladministration.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister also published the Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development on 11 November 2002. Arrangements to monitor the operation of the Code are being set up.

  Decent Homes
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure that local authority housing departments rated at two stars and above have sufficient resources to meet the decency standard in a timely manner, where tenants vote to remain with their council landlord. [154026]

  Keith Hill
  All local authorities, regardless of performance, have four options that can be used singly or in combination to deliver the decent homes target. These are: retain the stock and use their existing resources to bring the stock up to the standard, or where a local authority requires additional resources it can choose from stock transfer, Private Finance Initiative (PFI) or setting up an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO). For three of these (retention, ALMO, PFI) the council remains the landlord.

  To secure additional resources through an ALMO they must be awarded two stars. There are no plans to provide additional resources to housing authorities with two stars or above outside of these options.
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  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 4 February 2004,Official Report, column 748, when he expects that council houses remaining in the ownership and management of local authorities will meet the decency standard; and if he will make available the resources necessary to achieve his estimate. [154310]

  Keith Hill
  Local housing authorities that have not already taken advantage of stock transfer, Private Finance Initiative (PFI) or setting up an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) for all of their housing stock must complete an appraisal of the options available to deliver decent homes, including stock retention, by July 2005. Until this process is complete it will not be possible to state how many authorities will decide that stock retention in terms of ownership and management is the best option for delivering decent homes. Local authorities will only be able to choose this option if they have sufficient resources from mainstream housing funding to deliver by 2010. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to make additional resources available outside of the three additional investment options—stock transfer, PFI and ALMO.

  Graffiti
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what strategies his Department has developed to encourage the removal of graffiti from(a) public and (b) private buildings; [153762]

  (2) what new programmes for urban renewal include programmes to remove graffiti; [153761]

  (3) what steps his Department takes to encourage local authorities to remove graffiti. [153760]

  Keith Hill
  Through "Sustainable Communities: Building for the Future", the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is investing £201 million to improve local liveability and create decent places. A key element of this supports action to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) including the removal of graffiti from public spaces and buildings. The cross Government liveability programme is also supported by the Home Office's `together' national action plan on tackling ASB, which includes measures for tackling graffiti such as Shop 'em and Stop 'em projects.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also extending local authority powers to deal with environmental problems such as graffiti, fly-tipping and fly-posting. For example, the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 includes powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for graffiti, enabling local authorities to issue such notices to people who commit 'minor' acts of graffiti and to allow all local authorities to retain income from Fixed Penalty Notices issued for graffiti for use in local environmental improvements. These measures will be introduced shortly.

  Its up to private building owners to remove graffiti from their property, however local authorities can assist if necessary. The Home Office, through its 'together' action plan, will be piloting the use of new powers in 12 pilot areas, which will enable local authorities to charge back the cost of cleaning up street furniture to the owner.
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  In addition, by banning the sales of spray paints to under 16s we are trying to reduce the incidences of graffiti.

  HMOs
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations his Department has received from(a)Universities UK and (b) individual vice chancellors about whether higher education halls of residence should fall within the scope of a mandatory houses in multiple occupation licensing scheme. [153139]

  Keith Hill
  In the 1999 Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) consultation representations were received from the following academic institutions supporting the proposal to exclude higher education halls of residence from the mandatory HMO licensing scheme: Universities UK, the Universities of Newcastle, Lancaster, Wales and the domestic bursars of Oxford Christ Church. Those who did not support the exemption included Sheffield, Manchester, North Staffordshire and Swansea.

  Jon Trickett
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the(a) number and(b)proportion of houses in multiple occupation which fall within the scope of the proposed mandatory licensing scheme within the Housing Bill. [153298]

  Keith Hill
  The Government estimate that about 120,000 Houses in Multiple Occupation will be subject to licensing under the mandatory scheme proposed in the Housing Bill. It is estimated that between 360,000 to 450,000 dwellings will be covered by the scheme.

  Housing
  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what standards have been established for the Government's plans for the redevelopment of the Thames Gateway in respect of(a) the residential density of new housing developments, (b) the proportion of development land that is expected to be previously-developed land, (c) design quality, (d) construction quality standards, (e) the accessibility of new housing to local amenities, (f) public transport accessibility and (g) the use of sustainable construction methods. [154043]

  Keith Hill
  For the Thames Gateway and elsewhere:

  (a) (b) Planning Policy Guidance note 3 (PPG3) has introduced a series of tough new measures designed to meet the country's future housing needs in the most sustainable way possible. This includes a sequential approach which gives priority to re-using brownfield sites in urban areas in preference to developing Greenfield sites. In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a national target that, by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing should be provided on previously developed land and through conversions of existing buildings. One of the key features of the Thames Gateway as a suitable location for sustainable development is the presence of a substantial reservoir of brownfield land. In the period 1997–2000 an estimated 80 per cent. of new dwellings in the Gateway were built on previously developed land. The targeted investment now being mobilised through funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Department for Transport, Regional Development Agencies aims to maintain this
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  trend by increasing the viability and potential development density on key sites in the Gateway. PPG3 also encourages housing development that makes more efficient use of land (between 30 and 50 dwellings per hectare) and seeks greater intensity of development at places with good public transport accessibility.

  (c) Planning Policy Guidance note 1 (PPG1) requires that
  "good design should be the aim of all those involved in the development process and should be encouraged everywhere".

  This policy is supported by our good practice guidance "By Design". (d) (g) all new homes have to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations so that they are healthy, safe, energy efficient, and accessible by disabled people. In addition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's increased funding for the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) will allow it to provide greater support to delivering high quality, sustainable housing. CABE is establishing a Housing Quality Forum to disseminate best practice within the growth areas (including the Thames Gateway) and together with the House Builders Federation and Civic Trust has developed a Building for Life Standard to incentivise house builders to improve their product.

  (e) (f) Government planning policy (in particular Planning Policy Guidance note 13) is to promote accessibility to local amenities by public transport, walking and cycling. In his statement on 30 July 2003, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister identified public transport infrastructure projects that are critical to supporting growth in the Thames Gateway. These included projects to improve strategic links within the Gateway through the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) and to improve public transport capacity and connections in major development locations through extensions to the Docklands Light Railway network and bus transit systems for East and South-East London and Kent Thameside. Since this statement, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has approved a consultation exercise by the Strategic Rail Authority on a proposed Integrated Kent Franchise that incorporates CTRL domestic services to Stratford and Ebbsfleet. An informal offer of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits to enable the Mayor to take forward the multi-modal Thames Gateway Bridge proposal has also been made.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average residential density of housing developments given planning permission since March 2000 is in(a) Bexley, (b) Barking and Dagenham, (c) Greenwich, (d) Hackney, (e) Lewisham, (f) Newham, (g) Havering, (h) Tower Hamlets, (i) Waltham Forest, (j) Thurrock, (k) Basildon, (l) Castle Point, (m) Southend-on-Sea, (n) Rochford, (o) Medway, (p) Dartford, (q) Gravesham and (r) Swale local authority areas; and what the average residential density of such developments across all these boroughs is. [154191]

  Keith Hill
  Information relating to the average residential density of housing developments given planning permission in these local authorities since March 2000 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. All Local Planning Authorities within the Thames Gateway and elsewhere,
  1525W
  are obliged to keep information relating to the determination of planning applications within their area of operation.

  Sir Sydney Chapman
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what standards new housing to be built in communities envisaged in the Thames Gateway will be required to meet in respect of(a) schools, (b) health care facilities, (c) leisure facilities and (d) open spaces. [154192]

  Keith Hill
  For the Thames Gateway and elsewhere, Government planning policy (in particular Planning Policy Guidance 13) is to promote accessibility to jobs, shopping, leisure facilities and services by public transport, walking and cycling.

  In addition, the Social Exclusion Unit's "Making the Connections" report, published in February 2003, sets out a strategy to help people on low incomes access work, food shops and key public services, notably education and healthcare. This includes the approach of accessibility planning in those areas that produce a Local Transport Plan, where local transport planners and others work together to examine accessibility needs and how to overcome barriers. Accessibility planning is currently being piloted and various accessibility indicators are under consideration.

  Tom Cox
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the purpose is of merging housing associations within the Greater London area. [152978]

  Keith Hill
  This is a matter for the Housing Corporation but in general terms there are four sets of circumstances in which housing associations merge.

  Methods used by local authorities for measuring tenant support for Arms Length Management Organisations

  Operational ALMOs (i.e. Those who have receiveds.27 consent)

  Ballot held

  Round 1

  Derby, Hounslow, Kirklees, Rochdale, Stockton-on-Tees

  Round 2

  Barnsley, Carrick, Colchester, Leeds East, Leeds North East, Leeds North West, Leeds South East, Leeds South, Leeds West, Waltham Forest

  Round 3

  High Peak, South Lakeland

  Other test of opinion used

  Round 1

  Ashfield, Westminster, Wigan

  Round 2

  Blyth Valley, Bolton, Brent, Cheltenham, Hillingdon, Kensington and Chelsea, Oldham, Salford (since withdrawn)

  Round 3

  Gateshead, Solihull, Warrington

  Approved ALMOs but not yet operational (i.e. those awaiting s.27 consent)

  Ballot held

  Round 3

  Camden (since withdrawn), Islington, Sheffield (partial)

  Other test of opinion used

  Round 3

  Barnet, Easington, Harrow, Newcastle, Poole

  Current ALMO bids

  Ballot held

  Round 4

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Ballot proposed

  Round 4

  Nottingham, Sheffield (partial), Slough

  Other test of opinion proposed

  Round 4

  Bassetlaw, Brent (partial), Bury, Baling, Eastbourne, Manchester (partial), Newark and Sherwood, Rotherham, Sandwell, Wolverhampton

  1526W
  The first, and by far the most common, is where two or more associations conclude, of their own volition, that they can provide better or more services by coming together.

  The second is where an association which is in breach of the Corporation's Regulatory Code concludes that the best or only way of resolving its problems is by joining another association with the necessary skills and resources.

  The third is where, after a Statutory Inquiry has found mismanagement or misconduct in the affairs of the association, the Corporation's Board has the power to direct, with the consent of the Secretary of State, the association to transfer its land and property to another association of the Corporation's choosing.

  In the event of an insolvency, the Corporation has the power to make proposals as to the future ownership and management of the land held by an RSL, which is designed to secure its continued proper management by another RSL. Any such proposals would have to be agreed by all the secured creditors.

  Housing Stock Transfers
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 4 February 2004,Official Report, column 748, if he will list (a) local authorities which have held ballots of tenants in the process of transferring stock to other ownership or management bodies and (b) those which have not. [154309]

  Keith Hill
  A ballot has been held for all Large Scale Voluntary Transfers of local housing stock to Registered Social Landlords. Details of the results in each case are on the housing transfer page of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website. The table following shows the methods used by local authorities for measuring tenant support for Arms Length Management Organisations.
  1527W

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Grieve
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what methodology he used in his calculation that South Bucks District Council is receiving an increase of 3.4 per cent. in its grant for 2004–05. [154473]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister first calculated the amount of grant authorities would have received in 2003–04 on a like-for-like basis with 2004–05 i.e. the amount that an authority would have received had the transfers in funding and function relating to 2004–05 had occurred a year earlier. More detailed information on the calculation of the adjusted 2003–04 grant amounts can be found on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at http:// www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/0405/adipaps.pdf

  The results of these calculations for South Bucks were as follows:

  Adjusted 2003–04 redistributed business rates—£2,160,712

  Adjusted 2003–04 Revenue Support Grant—£304,107

  Adjusted 2003–04 Formula Grant—£2,464,819

  The amount of grant authorities will receive in 2004–05 was then calculated in accordance with the Local Government Finance Report (England) 2004–05. The results of these calculations for South Bucks were as follows:

  2004–05 redistributed business rates—£1,682,020

  2004–05 Revenue Support Grant—£868,280

  2004–05 Formula Grant—£2,550,300

  The change in grant between 2004–05 and 2003–04 on a like-for-like basis was then calculated as follows:
  2004–05 Formula Grant—Adjusted £2003–04 Formula Grant = £2,550,300–£2,464,819
  £85,481 or 3.468 per cent.

  Pathfinder Projects
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress of each of the housing renewal pathfinder projects. [154027]

  Keith Hill
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has now announced funding for three pathfinders. These are £125 million for Manchester Salford in October 2003 and more recently £69 million (plus £4 million early wins money) for Newcastle Gateshead and £86 million (plus £4 million early wins money) for Merseyside. These three schemes are now tasked to deliver their proposals up to March 2006.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has now received strategic schemes from the South Yorkshire, East Lancashire and Oldham Rochdale pathfinders. These schemes are now being assessed by officials while being independently scrutinised by the Audit Commission. Negotiations on their proposals have commenced but it is not yet known when they will conclude. Strategic schemes from the remaining pathfinders are due in over the next few months with announcements following in due course.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he expects to make an announcement on the Elevate Housing Renewal Pathfinder Project Programme Bid. [154029]
  1528W
  Keith Hill
  Elevate East Lancashire's market renewal scheme was submitted on 31 December 2003. Negotiations with Elevate East Lancashire on its proposals have commenced but it is not yet known when they will conclude.

  Phone Masts
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many phone masts there are in(a) the UK, (b) Lancashire and (c) Chorley; and how many are shared between operators in each of those areas. [153718]

  Keith Hill
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  However, during September and October every year the mobile network operators write to every local authority with details of their network rollout for the year ahead. When they write to the local authority they also provide details of their existing sites within the local authority area. My hon. Friend may wish to contact the network operators for copies of their plans.

  Regional Government
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on devolved government in the regions. [154386]

  Mr. Raynsford
  In the 2001 Manifesto the Government made a commitment that provision should be made for directly elected regional government to go ahead in regions where people decided in a referendum to support it and where predominantly unitary local government is established.

  The Government's proposals for establishing elected assemblies in those English regions that want them, and for improving existing arrangements in all regions, were set out in "Your Region, Your Choice: Revitalising the English Regions (CMS511)" which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published in May 2002.

  The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 provides for referendums and associated local government reviews. My right Hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced in June 2003, following a soundings exercise, that the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber regions would be the first regions to progress towards a referendum for an elected assembly. Local Government reviews are under way in those regions. When the Boundary Committee have presented their recommendations orders in Parliament for referendums will be laid.

  If there is a "yes" vote, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will need to introduce further legislation to provide for assemblies to be established. The first assemblies could be up and running early in the next Parliament.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the establishment of referendums for regional government. [154387]
  1529W
  Mr. Raynsford
  The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Act 2003 provides for referendums on whether to establish an elected assembly and for associated local government reviews on options for local government restructuring.

  My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced in June 2003, following a soundings exercise, that the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and Humberside would be the first regions to progress towards holding a referendum for a regional assembly. Local government reviews are underway in these regions. When the Boundary Committee have presented their recommendations, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will lay orders in Parliament enabling referendums to take place.

  Mr Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much has been spent by the Department on(a) research and (b) preparation for regional referendums on devolved government. [154388]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not spent any money on research on regional referendums. Some staff time has been spent on developing policy and preparing Statutory Instruments related to the referendums.

  The cost of designing, printing and disseminating the results of the soundings exercise, that established which regions had an interest in holding a referendum, was £2,500 plus some staff costs. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will spend £500,000 in this financial year, on an information campaign about elected regional assemblies in the three northern regions.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the cost of running a regional referendum. [154390]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government are currently consulting on The Regional Assembly and Local Government Referendums (Counting Officers' Charges) (England) Order 2004, that will establish the costs of conducting the referendums. The cost will vary from region to region, depending on the size of the region, electorate, and level of turnout.

  Based on the figures in the draft order the cost of holding a referendum will be £1.47 per elector, if everyone eligible votes.

  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether his Department has a special unit to organise and operate referendums. [154391]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Electoral Commission is responsible for the organisation and operation of the regional referendums.

  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not therefore have a special unit to carry out these functions. However, some staff time has been spent on developing policy and preparing Statutory Instruments related to the referendums.

  Mr Rosindell
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans that regional assemblies would be able to levy taxes. [154393]
  1530W
  Mr. Raynsford
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister stated in the White Paper, "Your Region, Your Choice" (Cm 5511) that an elected assembly will be able to raise money from a precept on the council tax. It will not be able to levy other taxes, including varying non-domestic rates or business taxes.

  Sellers Packs
  Claire Ward
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what progress is being made on the introduction of a seller's pack for house buyers. [153604]

  Keith Hill
  The Housing Bill, which provides for the introduction of home information packs, is currently before Standing Committee E in the House. Earlier this month the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the findings of consumer and technical pilots of the Home Condition Report, summaries of the responses received to the consultation papers on the contents of the pack and how the pack should operate in low demand areas and research showing a potential labour force of between 10 to 18,000 people who could become home inspectors. Several Universities and colleges are already preparing courses for Home Inspectors. Following discussions with the industry the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has concluded that 1 January 2007 is an appropriate date to aim to introduce home information packs. This will send a clear message to our industry partners as to what needs to be done.

  Sustainable Procurement
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidelines his Department gives to local authorities on sustainable procurement. [153806]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government, jointly published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Local Government Association (LGA) in October 2003, encourages councils to achieve better value for money through effective and innovative procurement over the next three years. Among other things, it encourages councils to build sustainability into procurement strategies, processes and contracts. The Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) has published guidance on sustainability and local government procurement, aimed specifically at councils' needs in this area.

  Thames Gateway (Housing)
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of whether the scale of the development which it foresees in the Thames Gateway can be accommodated on previously developed brownfield sites. [153584]

  Keith Hill
  One of the key features of the Gateway as a suitable location for sustainable development is the presence of a substantial reservoir of previously developed and brownfield land. The Gateway is estimated to contain some 2 per cent. of the land area of
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  the south east but contains 17 per cent. of its current supply of previously developed land. The national target for development on previously developed land is 60 per cent.: in the period 1997–2000 an estimated 80 per cent. of new dwellings in the Gateway were built on previously developed land. The targeted investment now being mobilised through funding from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department for Transport and Regional Development Agencies aim to maintain this trend by increasing the viability and potential development density on key sites in the Gateway.

  The scale of development we have projected for the Gateway is based upon work with local partners on the presence and pattern of suitable development land. Details will be determined through the reviews of Regional Plans which is being undertaken by the three Regional Planning Bodies which cover the Gateway.

  Thurrock Urban Development Corporation
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what new settlements are proposed within the Thurrock Urban Development Corporation area pursuant to paragraph 24 of Sustainable Communities: an Urban Development Corporation for Thurrock. [153858]
  1532W
  Keith Hill
  Issues relating to new settlements and related housing growth in Thurrock are currently determined by Regional Planning Guidance 9 and are set out within Thurrock Council's Local Plan, as adopted in September 1997.

  The East of England Regional Assembly is currently in the process of preparing new Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England (RPG14). This will contain housing growth targets for all local authority areas within the region, including Thurrock.

  As the plan making body for Thurrock, it will be for the Council to interpret the requirements of RPG14 and to determine the location(s) and the manner in which housing growth will be accommodated in the borough.

CABINET OFFICE

  SI No. 440
  John Mann
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made of the impact of Statutory Instrument No.440. [152248]

  Mr. Jamieson
  I have been asked to reply.

  No formal assessment has been made. However, no accidents or delays were reported on the mainline carriageway of side roads during the works carried out under SI No. 440.
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HEALTH

  Adverse Drug Reactions
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the percentage of NHS prescriptions involved in adverse drug reactions in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [152813]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Data are not available to allow estimation of the percentage of national health service prescriptions which involved adverse drug reactions in the last year. Reports of suspected adverse drug reactions are collected by the Committee on Safety of Medicines/Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency through the spontaneous reporting scheme, the Yellow Card Scheme. The main purpose of the scheme is to identify new drug safety hazards and not to quantify their incidence.

  Ambulance Services
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the need for regulation of private ambulance services to reflect practice in the NHS. [153748]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  We have encouraged self-regulation of private ambulance services and have made it clear to national health service organisations that, if they are using private ambulance companies, they must satisfy themselves that the organisation has suitably trained staff for the task and conforms to legal and other relevant standards.

  The use of private ambulance services in the NHS is covered by a code of practice issued in 1993 (EL(93)109).

  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the training requirements are for(a) paramedics and (b) ambulance technicians in (i) the NHS and (ii) private ambulance services. [153749]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Although training courses are delivered locally, paramedics and technicians employed by national health service ambulance services are trained in accordance with a national syllabus administered on behalf of the Department by the Ambulance Service Association and based on clinical advice from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee.

  To qualify, they are also required to sit nationally set examinations with awards administered by Edexel on behalf of the Ambulance Service Association.

  To practise, paramedics have additionally to register and meet standards approved by the Health Professions Council.

  Training in private ambulance services is a matter for each individual employer. Each has a general duty to ensure that its staff are suitably qualified and trained in order to provide the level of care which they are required to deliver. If private ambulance services are employed by the NHS, guidance to trusts requires that they satisfy themselves that the contractor's staff are suitably trained and experienced.
  1534W

  Audiology
  David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress has been made in reducing the number of analogue hearing aids used by NHS patients in(a) North West Leicestershire and (b) the East Midlands since January 2002; [153721]

  (2) what progress is being made in the provision of NHS digital hearing aids in (a) North West Leicestershire and (b) the East Midlands. [153722]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Details of those audiology services that have been modernised are available in the Library. There are no plans to monitor the reduction in the number of people using analogue aids.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the response given to the hon. Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope) on 26 January 2004, Official Report, column 176W.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when digital hearing aids will be freely available on the NHS for residents of(a) Taunton Deane and (b) West Somerset. [154186]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  [holding answer 10 February 2004]Digital hearing aids are already available on the national health service for residents of Taunton Deane and West Somerset. A small number of digital hearing aids were made available in January 2004. However, the audiology department at the Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust will begin rolling out digital hearing aids comprehensively in March 2004 when 1,000 existing analogue users will start converting to digital technology.

  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are waiting for a hearing aid assessment in the(a) Taunton Deane and (b) Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust area. [154187]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  [holding answer 10 February 2004]This information is not centrally held.

  Children's Respite Care
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust gave to projects dealing with children's respite care in 2003. [153490]

  Dr. Ladyman
  During 2002–03, the Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust (PCT) provided recurrent funding of £11,000 to Derian House Hospice. In addition, the PCT has also agreed to provide funding to the Chorley and South Ribble Crossroads Care scheme. £6,760 will be provided annually for three years and will help to employ three care attendants to work specifically with young adults with mental health needs, learning difficulties or physical difficulties which prevent them taking part in usual social activities with their peers. This scheme currently supports nine families.

  Audited accounts are not yet available for 2003–04.

  Cisapride
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will conduct an investigation into the safety of the drug cisapride. [153258]
  1535W
  Mr. Caton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department made of the impact of the drug cisapride before its withdrawal in the United Kingdom. [153754]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  In 2000, the former Medicines Control Agency (now the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) conducted a thorough review of the balance of risks and benefits of cisapride (Prepulsid, licensed for the treatment of motility-related gastrointestinal disorders). As cisapride was also authorised in other European Union (EU) Member States, a safety review by the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products (CPMP) was also taken forward at this time.

  Following careful review of efficacy studies and consideration of reports of suspected cardiac adverse reactions, the CSM concluded that the balance of risks and benefits for cisapride was no longer favourable and the Licensing Authority suspended the UK marketing authorisations (MAs) pending the outcome of the EU review. Following an opinion of the CPMP, the European Commission issued a Decision in May 2002 allowing restricted MAs for cisapride for use in certain indications in clinical trials or via a safety registry.

  However, the UK MAs remained suspended until 17 October 2003 when the company, Janssen Cilag, cancelled them.

  Consultants
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the New Consultant Entry Scheme; and whether doctors on the Scheme count as consultants for the sake of the NHS Plan consultant recruitment targets. [152819]

  National Health Service: Number of dentists in England by region and Strategic Health Authority at September each year

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  England

  19,980

  20,483

  21,041

  21,556

  21,902

  22,438

  22,810

  NHS Region

  Northern and Yorkshire

  2,401

  2,477

  2,540

  2,558

  2,589

  2,668

  —

  Trent

  1,749

  1,799

  1,820

  1,900

  1,915

  1,918

  —

  West Midlands

  1,895

  1,938

  1,982

  1,998

  2,058

  2,134

  —

  NorthWest

  2,740

  2,777

  2,846

  2,900

  2,887

  2,929

  —

  Eastern

  1,961

  2,050

  2,110

  2,206

  2,259

  2,329

  —

  London

  3,633

  3,680

  3,807

  3,821

  3,875

  3,967

  —

  South East

  3,538

  3,627

  3,683

  3,840

  3,915

  4,033

  —

  South and West

  2,063

  2,135

  2,253

  2,333

  2,404

  2,460

  —

  Strategic Health Authority

  Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire

  943

  983

  1,043

  1,084

  1,096

  1,115

  1,114

  Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

  634

  648

  684

  729

  748

  801

  803

  Birmingham and The Black Country

  891

  909

  918

  910

  924

  965

  964

  Cheshire and Merseyside

  1,010

  1,045

  1,070

  1,089

  1,093

  1,107

  1,161

  County Durham and Tees Valley

  383

  413

  425

  422

  422

  436

  455

  Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire

  549

  564

  584

  597

  622

  636

  664

  Cumbria and Lancashire

  738

  742

  776

  773

  760

  797

  787

  Dorset and Somerset

  466

  475

  494

  500

  520

  519

  540

  Essex

  557

  577

  579

  599

  621

  627

  625

  Greater Manchester

  1,122

  1,115

  1,127

  1,162

  1,155

  1,149

  1,161

  Hampshire and Isle of Wight

  681

  685

  704

  735

  762

  793

  800

  Kent and Medway

  641

  664

  654

  679

  668

  663

  686

  Leicestershire, Northants and Rutland

  491

  504

  517

  523

  519

  524

  541

  Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire

  770

  825

  847

  878

  890

  901

  941

  North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire

  573

  584

  592

  611

  632

  664

  671

  North Central London

  696

  730

  750

  767

  755

  768

  765

  1536W
  Mr. Hutton
  The New Consultant Entry Scheme (NCES) has been developed for specialist registrars who have recently acquired the certificate of completion of specialist training and would like more practical support to help make the transition to consultant grade in their first consultant post. Placements are for six months in vacant consultant posts, after which the doctors can apply for substantive appointment in open competition.

  Appointments of NCES doctors to consultant vacancies are counted for the purposes of consultant recruitment targets.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) headcount and (b) whole-time equivalent figures are for dentists for each year since 1996 for (i) England, (ii) each NHS region and (iii) each strategic health authority. [150810]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information on the number of national health service dentists on a headcount basis in each region of England and by strategic health authority (SHA) at September each year from 1996 to 2002 is shown in the table.

  Information is not available on a whole-time equivalent (wte) basis because general dental service dentists are self employed dentists who do not work standard hours and who are able to vary their hours and their NHS commitment.

  NHS dentists cover dentists working in the general dental service (GDS), hospital dental service (HDS), community dental service (CDS), personal dental service (PDS) and salaried service of the GDS. Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service apart from dentists working in both PDS and GDS who are counted in the GDS only.

  Information for 2003 on all NHS dentists is not yet available.
  1537W

  National Health Service: Number of dentists in England by region and Strategic Health Authority at September each year

  1996

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  North East London

  575

  568

  579

  605

  632

  673

  626

  North West London

  935

  947

  1,012

  992

  1,000

  998

  978

  Northumberland, Tyne and Wear

  584

  594

  616

  635

  655

  645

  688

  Shropshire and Staffordshire

  455

  465

  480

  491

  512

  533

  551

  South East London

  810

  788

  798

  768

  809

  811

  800

  South West London

  617

  647

  668

  689

  679

  716

  707

  South West Peninsula

  654

  677

  716

  749

  788

  826

  834

  South Yorkshire

  519

  537

  522

  547

  558

  553

  578

  Surrey and Sussex

  1,191

  1,208

  1,222

  1,250

  1,297

  1,350

  1,387

  Thames Valley

  832

  875

  902

  971

  989

  1,029

  1,069

  Trent

  839

  854

  886

  933

  942

  941

  990

  West Yorkshire

  824

  860

  876

  868

  854

  898

  924

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole-time equivalent NHS dentists there were per head of population(a) in total and (b) offering NHS treatment in (i) England and (ii) each strategic health authority in each year since 1997. [151464]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The available information is for the number of national health service dentists (headcount) per 10,000 population and is shown in the table for September in each of the years 1997 to 2002.

  NHS dentists cover dentists working in the general dental service (GDS), hospital dental service (HDS),

  National health service: number of dentists per 10,000 population in England by strategic health authority for September each year

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  England

  4.22

  4.32

  4.41

  4.47

  4.54

  4.60

  Strategic health authority

  Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire

  4.64

  4.90

  5.05

  5.08

  5.15

  5.13

  Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

  4.16

  4.36

  4.60

  4.70

  4.99

  5.00

  Birmingham and the Black Country

  3.98

  4.03

  4.01

  4.09

  4.26

  4.24

  Cheshire and Merseyside;

  4.42

  4.53

  4.63

  4.65

  4.71

  4.95

  County Durham and Tees Valley

  3.61

  3.72

  3.71

  3.72

  3.85

  4.02

  Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcester>

  3.75

  3.87

  3.94

  4.10

  4.17

  4.31

  Cumbria and Lancashire

  3.90

  4.08

  4.07

  4.00

  4.18

  4.12

  Dorset and Somerset

  4.07

  4.22

  4.25

  4.39

  4.35

  4.50

  Essex

  3.65

  3.65

  3.75

  3.86

  3.88

  3.85

  Greater Manchester

  4.40

  4.45

  4.61

  4.58

  4.57

  4.62

  Hampshire and Isle of Wight

  3.92

  4.01

  4.16

  4.30

  4.45

  4.47

  Kent and Medway

  4.29

  4.21

  4.34

  4.24

  4.19

  4.32

  Leicester, Northants And Rutland

  3.31

  3.38

  3.40

  3.36

  3.36

  3.44

  Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire

  3.87

  3.94

  4.07

  4.09

  4.13

  4.29

  North and East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire

  3.64

  3.69

  3.80

  3.92

  4.10

  4.13

  North Central London

  6.43

  6.58

  6.65

  6.48

  6.39

  6.29

  North East London

  3.94

  3.98

  4.11

  4.26

  4.42

  4.07

  North West London

  5.73

  6.08

  5.89

  5.86

  5.64

  5.48

  Northumberland, Tyne and Wear

  4.21

  4.39

  4.55

  4.72

  4.66

  4.98

  Shropshire and Staffordshire

  3.15

  3.24

  3.31

  3.45

  3.58

  3.69

  South East London

  5.44

  5.48

  5.23

  5.47

  5.36

  5.28

  South West London

  5.19

  5.33

  5.46

  5.35

  5.51

  5.42

  South West Peninsula.

  4.41

  4.64

  4.82

  5.02

  5.23

  5.25

  South Yorkshire

  4.20

  4.10

  4.31

  4.40

  4.37

  4.56

  Surrey and Sussex

  4.83

  4.86

  4.92

  5.09

  5.28

  5.42

  ThamesValley

  4.26

  4.37

  4.67

  4.74

  4.90

  5.09

  Trent

  3.34

  3.45

  3.63

  3.65

  3.59

  3.75

  West Yorkshire

  4.16

  4.23

  4.20

  4.13

  4.31

  4.42

  Note:

  Population data are based on 2001 census mid-year estimates.
  1538W
  community dental service (CDS), personal dental service (PDS) and salaried service of the GDS.

  Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service, apart from dentists working in both PDS and GDS, who are counted in the GDS only. Information for 2003 is not yet available.

  Information on a whole time equivalent basis is not available, as dentists working in the GDS are able to vary the amount of hours they work and to vary their NHS commitment. The majority of dentists working in the GDS do some NHS work.
  1539W
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the gender breakdown of NHS dentists was in each year since 1997; and what the gender breakdown is of dentists in training. [151465]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information in Table 1 shows the number of female and male national health service dentists on a head count basis for England at September each year from 1997 to 2003.

  NHS dentists cover dentists working in the general dental service (GDS), hospital dental service (HDS),

  Table 1: National health service—Number of dentists by gender at 30 September each year, England

  General dental service

  Personal dental service

  Community dental service

  Hospital dental service

  Total

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Male

  1997

  4,640

  12,088

  —

  —

  881

  498

  683

  1,505

  6,204

  14,091

  1998

  4,940

  12,307

  —

  —

  888

  497

  704

  1,521

  6,532

  14,325

  1999

  5,224

  12,497

  44

  39

  876

  492

  709

  1,539

  6,853

  14,567

  2000

  5,444

  12,605

  103

  89

  866

  477

  711

  1,476

  7,124

  14,647

  2001

  5,670

  12,684

  273

  194

  877

  471

  730

  1,454

  7,550

  14,803

  2002

  5,758

  12,642

  376

  280

  922

  509

  759

  1,464

  7,815

  14,895

  2003

  5,930

  12,607

  467

  335

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Note:

  PDS numbers exclude dentists who also work in the GDS. Female and male numbers for 1999 are estimated. PDS started in October 1998.

  Source:

  Dental Practice Board and Department of Health medical and workforce census.

  Table 2: General dental service—Number of vocational dental practitioners by gender at 30 September each year, England

  Gender

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  All dentists

  532

  563

  584

  612

  658

  589

  576

  Female

  268

  282

  279

  320

  342

  303

  281

  Male

  264

  281

  305

  292

  316

  286

  295

  Source:

  Dental Practice Board.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what grades of staff he proposes to remove from each Directorate of the establishment of the Department; and how many posts will remain in each. [152823]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The Department is restructuring 14 directorates into three business groups. By October 2004, the numbers of posts per business group will be:Health and Social Care Standards and Quality: 804
  Health and Social Care Delivery: 626
  Strategy and Business Development: 815

  The Department's headcount in November 2003 was 3,631. The reduction to 2,245 posts will be achieved through a combination of transfers to partner organisations, natural wastage and managed exits. The numbers and grade of staff falling into each of those categories and from which of the three business groups is not yet known.

  Desmopressin
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prescription items of desmopressin there were in each(a) NHS region and (b) strategic health
  1540W
  community dental service (CDS) and personal dental service (PDS). Dentists working in more than one dental service are included in each service apart from dentists working in both PDS and GDS who are counted in the GDS only. Excluded are the small number of salaried dentists in the GDS.

  Information on CDS and HDS for September 2003 is not currently available.

  Information on the gender breakdown of vocational trainees in the GDS is shown in Table 2.

  authority in each of the last five years, broken down by age. [152826]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  Information on the number of prescription items of desmopressin dispensed by strategic health authority has been placed in the Library. Comparable data at this level are only available from 2001.

  Doctors
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of doctors in England who have passed their Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board examination but are unable to find a job in the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [152834]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information is not collected centrally by the Department. However, recent analysis in January 2004 by the General Medical Council shows that, of the doctors who passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board exams in 2002, 90 per cent. have gone on to take up a period of limited registration.

  Domiciliary Care
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of care packages for maintaining elderly people in their own homes. [153820]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The table shows the estimated number of adults aged 65 and over receiving community based services in England for the years 2000–01 to 2002–03. Community based services includes day care, meals, respite care, direct payments, professional support, transport and equipment as well as home care.
  1541W

  Estimated number of adults aged 65 and over receiving community based services1 in England 2000–01 to 2002–03

  Rounded number

  2000–01

  925,000

  2001–02

  972,000

  2002–032

  988,000

  1 Community based services includes day care, meals, respite care, direct payments, professional support, transport and equipment as well as home care.

  2 The 2002–03 data excludes about 1,000 clients formerly in the receipt of preserved rights i.e. clients who were formally in receipt of higher rates of income under the DWP preserved rights scheme.

  Source:

  RAP form PI.

  East Surrey Hospital
  Mr. Blunt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Royal College of Psychiatrists inspected the accident and emergency department at the East Surrey hospital; what its recommendations were; and when he expects the recommendations to be implemented; [152469]

  (2) what his assessment is of the safety of the accident and emergency department at the East Surrey hospital for members of the public (a) in the period following the inspection of the department by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and (b) following the instruction of 30 December 2003 of the clinical tutor to junior psychiatric doctors to cease attending patients at the department. [152470]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  [holding answer 5 February 2004]The recommendations made by the Royal College of Psychiatrists are as follows:

  Consideration should be given to the re-siting of the on-call accommodation from West Park to the Epsom Hospital site.

  The reduction in the number of outpatient clinics in post number RPU/13/052/5/001 should be considered.

  Community visits should form an integral part of all general adult training posts.

  The tutor at Epsom Hospital should sit on the hospital library committee.

  Increased consultant support to the in-house educational activities is recommended.

  The protocol for access to the Meadows Unit after 5 p.m. should be reviewed.

  Consideration should be given to the development of a senior house officer post in child and adolescent psychiatry at East Surrey.

  The training scheme at East Surrey Hospital was approved for four years following this assessment.

  I understand from the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority that Surrey Oaklands National Health Service Trust has acted in accordance with the mandatory requirements and responded to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

  All NHS trusts have a statutory responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for staff, and patients. I understand that a new accident and emergency psychiatric assessment room is planned for completion by end of February but in the interim an alternative room has been provided. This area has been assessed and endorsed by the chief executive of the trust as meeting safety requirements.
  1542W

  Elder Abuse
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to tackle abuse of the elderly. [153818]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The abuse of vulnerable adults is of huge concern to the Government. The Government launched guidance titled "No Secrets" in March 2000, which required local councils and other authorities to develop their own locally based procedures to prevent vulnerable adult abuse. Directors of social services had to ensure that local multi-agency codes of practice were developed and implemented by 31 October 2001. In June this year the Government intend to introduce the Protection of Vulnerable Adults list, which in practice amounts to a workforce ban on those who have abused or mistreated vulnerable adults in their care.

  Foundation Trusts
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to applicant NHS foundation trusts on who should be installed on the electoral register for the board of governors; and when it was issued. [153001]

  Mr. Hutton
  Schedule 1, paragraph 3 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 sets out the eligibility requirements for membership of national health service foundation trusts. Anyone who is registered as a member of a particular constituency or class will be eligible to vote in elections for governors in that constituency or class. NHS foundation trusts must make provision in their constitution for the conduct of elections to the board of governors. Department of Health guidance to first wave applicants recommends the point at which the electoral register is closed for electoral purposes. This guidance was issued in January.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether political parties will be permitted to contest elections to the board of governors of NHS foundation trusts. [153002]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 provides that anyone who is registered as a member of a particular constituency or class will be eligible to be nominated to stand for election in that constituency or class. The legislation sets out a limited number of exclusions and trust constitutions may include other limited exclusions consistent with the legislation. national health service foundation trusts must make provision in their constitution for the conduct of elections to the board of governors. This may include provisions on the requirements for nominations, and the declaration of interests of nominated candidates. Departmental guidance to first wave applicants recommends that individuals nominated to stand for election as governors should be required to declare if they are members of a political party.

  Gallstones and Kidney Stones
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have required surgery for the treatment of(a) gallstones and (b) kidney stones in each of the past five years. [152923]
  1543W
  Mr. Hutton
  The table shows data relating to the number of operations carried out for the treatment of gallstones and kidney stones from 1998–99 to 2002–03.

  Operations for treatment of gallstones and kidney stones in NHS trusts in England

  Procedure

  Gallstones

  Kidney stones

  1998–99

  35,754

  21,323

  1999–2000

  36,457

  21,290

  2000–01

  39,090

  21,445

  2001–02

  40,127

  20,725

  2002–03

  43,679

  21,293

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Child/Adolescent Mental Health Services
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the adequacy of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) provision in England. [154632]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The Department conducts annual surveys of the range of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) available in England. The first of these took place in autumn 2002 and represents the latest data available. I have arranged for a copy of the document that summarises the results of this survey to be placed in the Library.

  The survey did reveal some geographical disparities in CAMHS provision which reinforce the need to press ahead with the Department's objectives of attaining year-on-year increases in CAMHS provision of a minimum of 10 per cent. leading to a comprehensive CAMHS in all areas by 2006. Investment of £250 million over three years is being made to help achieve this.

  Group B Streptococcus
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures his Department has collated on the number of cases of Group B Streptococcus in each of the last five years. [153422]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Figures on the number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) of Group B Streptococcus in each of the last five years is shown in the table.

  FCEs

  1998–99

  3,208

  1999–2000

  4,057

  2000–01

  5,513

  2001–02

  5,822

  2002–03

  7,137

  Notes:

  1. An FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.

  2. All Diagnosis count of Episodes—these figures represent a count of all FCEs where the diagnosis was mentioned in any of the 14 (seven prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in an HES record. A record is only included once in each count, even if a diagnosis is mentioned in more than one diagnosis field of the record.
  1544W
  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.

  4. Data Quality—Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) are compiled from data sent by over 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. The Department of Health liaise closely with these organisations to ensure that data quality is enhanced wherever possible. Inevitably, some shortcomings remain, but our goal is to minimise inaccuracies and bring about improvement over time.

  Source:

  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Department of Health.

  Information Technology
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the scope of the NHS National IT programme is in relation to(a) social services departments and (b) pharmacists; and if he will make a statement. [152812]

  Mr. Hutton
  The key objective of the National Programme for Information Technology (NPfIT) in the national health service in England is to support, over time, the delivery of integrated health and social care by enabling appropriate access to records and improved storage, sharing and management of core data.

  NPfIT is responsible for introducing the NHS Care Record Service (NHS CRS), which will firstly lead to the NHS having an integrated electronic record management service. The NHS CRS will provide each patient with a single comprehensive set of electronic medical and care notes.

  Local practices and hospitals will continue to hold detailed local records, but additionally a summary health record will be created containing essential data such as allergies, current treatments or medication.

  From the outset some elements of social care information will be included and, provided that the necessary security and networking requirements are met, some social care professionals will have access to the NHS CRS. Full implementation of a unified health record that includes all appropriate social care information is planned for completion during phase 3 of the NPfIT in 2008–10.

  We have redefined the scope of the electronic transmission of prescriptions (ETP) programme in order to support the wider pharmacy agenda. This potentially offers greater benefit. For example, in terms of patient safety, there will be better information at the points of prescribing and dispensing. It will enable us to make better use of pharmacists' skills and use them to provide patient centred healthcare services that are integral to the NHS.

  The ETP programme will enable the commitments made in "Delivering 21st Century IT" be taken forward and will provide support for the broader pharmacy agenda outlined in "Pharmacy in the Future" and "A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS".

  The programme will also help to build capacity at the Prescription Pricing Authority, thereby enabling the projected increase in prescription volumes to be addressed. It will also potentially reduce the unit cost of administering prescriptions.
  1545W
  Key elements of the electronic transmission of prescriptions system have been procured as part of the recently concluded NHS CRS procurements. Work is now focusing on how community pharmacies can be connected to the system, and how their pharmacy computer systems can be upgraded to comply with the requisite technical specification. It is intended that deployment of the live system will commence from January 2005.

  Joint Replacements
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) hip and (b) knee replacements paid for out of NHS funds were performed in (i) the public sector and (ii) the private sector in each year since 1999, broken down by hospital trust; and if he will make a statement. [152764]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department of Health records activity in national health service hospitals only and does not collect data for NHS activity in private hospitals.

  Information on the number of hip and knee replacement operations carried out broken down by individual NHS hospitals in each year since 1999–2000, has been placed in the Library.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost per operation was for(a) hip and (b) knee replacements in each hospital trust in financial year 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [152765]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in Library. The table contains the average unit costs (per operation) for each national health service trust in England for primary hip replacements and primary knee replacements where the operation is undertaken as an elective (planned) admission.

  The data source is the Reference Costs 2000 Publication, relating to the financial year 1999–2000.

  Calculation of the costs provided are based on all activity and costs associated with each procedure, regardless of the specialty in which the activity is recorded.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the data will be made available for the financial year 2002–03 for the cost per operation of(a) hip and (b) knee replacements in each hospital trust; and if he will make a statement. [152766]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested has been placed in Library. The table contains the average unit costs (per operation) for each national health service trust in England for primary hip replacements and primary knee replacements where the operation is undertaken as an elective (planned) admission.

  The data source is the Reference Costs 2003 Collection, relating to the financial year 2002–03, published on 5 February.

  Calculation of the costs provided is based on all activity and costs associated with each procedure, regardless of the specialty in which the activity is recorded. The costs relate solely to services provided to NHS patient by NHS providers.
  1546W

  Junior Doctors
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what circumstances junior doctors, changing hospitals as part of their normal rotation, can receive substantial pay cuts; and if he will list the London hospitals where this takes place. [R] [153427]

  Mr. Hutton
  Junior doctors do not receive pay cuts as part of their normal rotation (and therefore, as this does not take place in any London hospital, no data are available).

  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will visit Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital to discuss(a) the management and (b) salary payments of junior doctors on rotation there;[R] [153426]

  (2) if he will investigate junior doctors' hours monitoring at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the department of neurosurgery. [R] [153416]

  Mr. Hutton
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to visit Great Ormond Street in the near future.

  National health service trusts are responsible for ensuring that appropriate rotation and salary arrangements are in place for junior doctors in line with national guidance.

  Under those arrangements, there is regular monitoring to ensure that rotas are satisfactory, that junior doctors' hours are within agreed limits and that safe services are provided.

  Great Ormond Street has these arrangements in place, and policies and procedures under which any concerns can be raised and addressed.

  NHS Estates
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reason the deal to sell NHS Estates surplus properties and inventures to the HBOS/Miller Consortium has not yet been completed; and when he expects completion; [147753]

  (2) which sites initially identified in the proposed sale of NHS Estates surplus properties with inventures to the HBOS/Miller consortium are now not to be included. [147755]

  Mr. Hutton
  Commercially confidential discussions with Miller/HBOS are still taking place and an announcement should be made shortly.

  NHS Professionals
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons NHS Professionals does not use agency staff supplied to it through arrangements with private agencies who have previously registered with NHS Professionals; and what estimate NHS Professionals has made of the number of staff who have been declined in this way. [152991]

  Mr. Hutton
  The NHS Professionals Special Health Authority works in partnership with national health service trusts to provide temporary staffing solutions. In the first instance, NHS Professionals will always
  1547W
  endeavour to provide staff from its own bank. If this is not possible, then vacancies will be passed to agency staff approved by the partner trust.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate NHS Professionals has made of the unit cost of an agency placement. [152993]

  Mr. Hutton
  Because of variations in the method of calculation, the NHS Professionals Special Health Authority is unable to estimate a reliable average unit cost for an agency placement.

  Public Bodies
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the costs were of setting up the Commission for Social Care Inspection; and what estimate has been made of the costs of operation in its first year. [154466]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The set up of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is still ongoing and the final cost is not yet available but the estimated total cost is in the order of £7 million.

  A budget for the cost of operating the new body in its first year (2004–05) has not yet been set but its running cost it is likely to be in the region of £150 million. As the new body will be part-financed from fees generated from its regulatory and inspection function, the net running cost which is met by a grant in aid from the Department is likely to be around £104 million.

  Rural Elderly
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the support structures in place to promote the well-being of the rural elderly. [153999]

  Dr. Ladyman
  In March 2003, the Department of Health provided information to the Countryside Agency on 'rural proofing' health and social care services, including those for older people. This information was included in the agency's report Rural Proofing in 2002–03. The report can be viewed at www.countryside.gov.uk/publications.

  Skin Disease
  Mr. Bruce George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reasons the management of chronic skin disease was not included within the directed enhanced services of the new general medical services contract; [153259]
  1548W
  (2) for what reason skin diseases were omitted from the new general practitioner contract; and if he will make a statement; [R] [153260]

  (3) what input his Department had in deciding the disease areas outlined under clinical domains in the quality framework for the general practitioner contract; [R] [153261]

  (4)what factors were taken into account in deciding which disease areas should be included in the general practitioner contract's quality framework and essential services; [R] [153262]

  (5) what assessment he has made of how the new general practitioner contract will benefit patients with chronic skin conditions. [R] [153263]

  Mr. Hutton
  No disease is omitted from the new general medical services contract. The legal definition of essential services ensures that skin conditions will continue to be managed and treated in primary care to the extent such conditions can be handled appropriately and effectively in that setting. The contract also provides unprecedented investment in primary care and new mechanisms and opportunities through enhanced services to expand the range of services, improve convenience and choice for patients. This will allow the shift of specialised dermatology services from hospitals to primary care.

  The quality and outcomes framework was developed by an independent group of academic general practitioners whose recommendations on which disease areas to include were based on the disease priorities across the United Kingdom, evidence-based practice and accepted national clinical guidelines, and an understanding that responsibility for ongoing management and care of patients rests principally with general practitioners and the primary care team.

  The contract was negotiated and agreed by the National Health Service Confederation, acting on behalf of all UK Health Departments, and the British Medical Association.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the impact on the NHS of the Working Time Directive changes coming into force this year. [152820]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department regularly discusses the impact of the Working Time Directive both formally and informally with key professional groups and national health service managers in the context of NHS compliance for doctors in training from 1 August 2004.

  Northern Ireland Civil Service: Smoking
  Northern Ireland Civil Service: Smoking
  North/South Implementation Bodies
  North/South Implementation Bodies
  Ulster-Scots Agency: Business Plan 2004
  Ulster-Scots Agency: Business Plan 2004
  Northern Ireland: Victims
  Northern Ireland: Victims
  Northern Ireland: Police Budget
  Northern Ireland: Police Budget
  Questions for Written Answer: Reply Times
  Questions for Written Answer: Reply Times
  Hutton Inquiry
  Hutton Inquiry
  Constitutional Reform
  Constitutional Reform
  European Council: Voting
  European Council: Voting
  BBC World Service: Mandarin Broadcasts
  BBC World Service: Mandarin Broadcasts
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Turkey: Human Rights
  Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Regional Planning Guidance: Gypsies and Travellers
  Regional Planning Guidance: Gypsies and Travellers
  Nursery Classes and Pre-school Playgroups
  Nursery Classes and Pre-school Playgroups
  Royal Parks: De-icing
  Royal Parks: De-icing
  Sport and Physical Activity: Young People
  Sport and Physical Activity: Young People
  Green Tourism: Merseyside
  Green Tourism: Merseyside
  Tidal Power
  Tidal Power
  Zimbabwe
  Zimbabwe
  Unsolicited E-mail
  Unsolicited E-mail
  General Practitioners
  General Practitioners
  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Government Support for Charities
  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Government Support for Charities
  Common Agricultural Policy
  Common Agricultural Policy
  Sudden Oak Death Virus
  Sudden Oak Death Virus
  State Veterinary Service
  State Veterinary Service
  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Bovine Tuberculosis
  Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations
  Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations
  Speed Cameras
  Speed Cameras
  Railways
  Railways
  West Coast Main Line
  West Coast Main Line
  Heathrow Airport: Lifts
  Heathrow Airport: Lifts
  Port Waste Management Plans
  Port Waste Management Plans
  Driving Standards Agency
  Driving Standards Agency