Written Answers of 26 February 2004

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Chagossians (West Sussex)
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will meet a delegation of West Sussex Social Services councillors and hon. Members to discuss the situation regarding the Chagossians in West Sussex; [156188]

  (2) what discussions he has had with West Sussex County Council regarding the settlement of Chagossians in West Sussex; [156189]

  (3) for what reasons he has not paid the costs of West Sussex Social Services relating to the settlement of Chagossians in West Sussex; and if he will do so. [156190]

  Mr. Rammell
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 6 November 2003,Official Report, column 891W. My officials remain in contact with the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions on this issue. Officers from the Department of Health have already met with West Sussex County Council to discuss the situation and offer constructive advice, and both Departments have stated that they will continue to work with the council to address the matter.

  No final decision on the situation of the Chagossians in the UK, including the payment of costs, can be taken until the judicial review proceedings are complete.

  China
  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Chinese Government about religious freedom in China. [156235]

  Mr. Rammell
  We raised the issue of religious freedom with the Chinese during the last round of our regular biannual UK/China Human Rights Dialogue held in Beijing on 10 to 11 November 2003. I personally discussed human rights issues more generally when I met with Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in Beijing on 17 December 2003.

  We have repeatedly made clear that harassment of religious groups is unacceptable and not in keeping with the provisions of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, which we continue to urge the Chinese to ratify.

  Mr. Best
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Chinese Government about their treatment of Christians. [156236]
  502W
  Mr. Rammell
  We are deeply concerned about religious freedom in China, including the treatment of Christians, and monitor the situation closely. We regularly raise this issue with the Chinese at the biannual UK/China Human Rights Dialogue; the most recent round was held in Beijing on 10 to 11 November 2003. I personally discussed human rights issues more generally when I met with Assistant Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in Beijing on 17 December 2003.

  We have repeatedly made clear that the harassment of Christians is unacceptable and not in keeping with the provisions of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, which we continue to urge the Chinese to ratify.

  Iraq
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received diplomatic letters from the Mexican Government asking him to clarify whether GCHQ was involved in placing other members of the United Nations Security Council under surveillance in the run up to the war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [156196]

  Mr. Straw
  The British Embassy in Mexico City has received a Note Verbale from the Mexican Government on this issue. It is the well-established and long-standing practice of successive governments not to respond to speculation about alleged operational activities by the UK Security and Intelligence Services.

  Ministerial Speeches
  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many speeches he made between 9 June 2003 and 1 February 2004; and where a copy of each speech can be obtained. [156145]

  Mr. Straw
  I made 18 substantive public speeches outside the House of Commons in my capacity as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in that period. Copies of them and of future such speeches can be found on the FCO website (www.fco.gov.uk).

  Mr Jafar Dhia Jafar
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2003,Official Report, column 587W, on Mr. Jafar Dhia Jafar, when he will write to the hon. Member. [149479]

  Mr. Mullin
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 30 January 2004.

  Passport Renewal (Harare)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the British High Commission in Harare accepts transfer payments in sterling for payment of passport renewal applications. [156675]

  Mr. Mullin
  No. Consular fees in Harare can currently only be paid in cash, or by bankers cheque, in local currency.
  503W
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the charge for a new 10-year British passport issued in Harare is in(a)sterling and (b) Zimbabwean dollars. [156676]

  Mr. Mullin
  The current sterling fee for issuing a standard British passport overseas is £56.50 for an adult and £36.50 for a child. The cost in local currency at the British Embassy in Harare is 430,500 Zimbabwean dollars at present, although this will vary as the exchange rate fluctuates.

  UK Presidencies (G8 and EU)
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the last 12 months on the priorities the Government intend to pursue when the UK assumes the presidencies of the(a) G8 and (b)EU. [156183]

  Mr. MacShane
  Detailed planning and discussion are going on within, and between, Departments at ministerial and official level. Formal discussions in Cabinet and Cabinet Committees will take place as necessary. The broad framework for work during the next five EU presidencies (including our own) is provided in the Council's Multi-Annual Strategic Programme, which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  UN Security Council (Surveillance)
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received letters from the Governments of(a) Chile and (b) Mexico regarding surveillance of delegates to the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement. [1156479]

  Mr. Rammell
  The British Embassy in Mexico City received a Note Verbale from the Mexican Government on this issue. We have received no such correspondence from the Chilean Government.

  It is the well-established and long-standing practice of successive governments not to respond to speculation about alleged operational activities by the UK Security and Intelligence Services.

ADVOCATE-GENERAL

  Departmental Costs
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Advocate-General what the total cost of running the office of the Advocate-General was in the latest year for which figures are available. [R][154170]

  The Advocate-General for Scotland
  The identifiable costs of the office are not limited to the work of the Advocate-General but include litigation and advisory work, including the preparation of Bills, carried out by lawyers from the Office of Solicitor to the Advocate-General on behalf of Government Departments. The figure for 2002–03, in respect of identifiable costs of staff and related administration for my office, was £1,538,154.
  504W

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Advisory Panel on Illicit Trade
  Mr. Randall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects the Advisory Panel on Illicit Trade to(a) report next and (b) be wound up. [155802]

  Estelle Morris
  I refer to the Government's response (published on 24 February) to the report (published on 16 December 2003) of the Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport Cultural Objects: Developments since 2000.

  (a> It is envisaged that the Illicit Trade Advisory Panel (ITAP) will produce its final report by March 2005. The exact timing of the report will be decided by the Panel at its next meeting.

  (b) It is the intention of the DCMS to begin to wind up ITAP. We are extremely grateful to the Chairman and members of the Panel for all their work in advising Government. However, it is felt that resources should now be focused on the implementation of the new policy framework. The timing of the last meeting will be decided by ITAP itself.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Meetings (Note Taking)
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Prime Minister what action he has taken to implement the recommendations of Sir Anthony Hammond about writing notes of ministerial meetings and telephone conversations. [156375]

  The Prime Minister
  Following the publication of Sir Anthony Hammond's report, the then Cabinet Secretary (now Lord Wilson of Dinton GCB) wrote to all Departments enclosing guidance on the management of private office papers It is for individual Departments to determine their own arrangements taking account of this guidance.

  UK Presidencies (G8/EU)
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the last 12 months on the priorities the Government intend to pursue when the UK assumes the presidencies of the(a) G8 and (b) EU. [156185]

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe gave him today.

SCOTLAND

  Devolution
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the cost was to public funds of setting up devolved government in Scotland, excluding the cost of building the new parliament building in Edinburgh. [154396]

  Mrs. McGuire
  It is not possible to determine the costs of setting up devolved government in Scotland. Any costs since 1 July 1999 are a matter for the Scottish Executive. There has been no increase in the Scottish block to meet additional costs of devolution.
  505W

  Department Branding
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department and its predecessors spent on branding the Department between 1997–98 and 2003–04, broken down by(a) consultancy fees, (b) design and orders for new stationery, (c) website design and (d) other material featuring new logos. [154070]

  Mrs. McGuire
  The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. Since then, there has been no expenditure on consultancy fees relating to branding the department and expenditure on new stationery or material featuring logos was minimal. The office spent £2,988 on branding in 1999–2000, relating mainly to new building signage. The Scotland Office website was set up in 1999 by departmental staff.

  In the period 1 May 1997 to 30 June 1999, the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, now an agency of the Scottish Executive, spent £57,156 in respect of its agency logo and associated branding. Since 1 July 1999 expenditure on branding within the Scottish Executive or its agencies has been a matter for the Executive.

  Publicity Campaigns
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much(a) his Department and (b) each agency and non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department spent on (i) advertising and (ii) information campaigns in each year since 2002ߝ03. [149915]

  Mrs. McGuire
  [holding answer 22 January 2004]The Scotland Office spent £10,390 on advertising in 2002–03. There has been no expenditure on advertising to date in 2003–04.

  The Boundary Commission for Scotland spent £54,613 in 2002–03 on advertising statutory notices. Expenditure to date in 2003–04 is £62,557.

  Recruitment Advertising
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his Department's expenditure on recruitment advertising was in each of the last three years, broken down by publication; and what proportion of such expenditure was(a) to advertise vacant posts and (b) in the form of other general recruitment advertising. [155527]

  Mrs. McGuire
  There has been no expenditure on recruitment advertising by the Scotland Office.

MINISTER FOR WOMEN

  Earnings Differentials
  Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Minister for Women what the latest statistics are on the differential between male and female earnings for(a) men in the upper 10 per cent. of male earnings and women in the upper 10 per cent. of female earnings, (b) average male earnings and average female earnings and (c) men in the bottom 10 per cent. of male earnings and women in the bottom 10 per cent. of female earnings. [156273]
  506W
  Jacqui Smith
  The full-time hourly gender pay gap is 19.8 per cent. at the upper decile of the earnings distribution, and 9.11 per cent. at the bottom decile. The mean average hourly pay gap is 18.0 per cent. compared to a median average pay gap of 12.9 per cent.

  Social Care (Female Employment)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Minister for Women if she will make a statement on female employment in social care. [156274]

  Jacqui Smith
  Social care has a predominately female workforce. Employers need policies that recruit, develop and retain women in these important roles.

  Domestic Violence
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Minister for Women what steps she has taken to ensure the safety of children whose parents have separated as a result of domestic violence. [156278]

  Ms Hewitt
  Children who grow up in homes where there is domestic violence will always be affected by it. In, 'Every Child Matters', the government's consultation document, we outline proposals that will give:Improved support to parents through better universal and targeted services for families.
  Early intervention and protection. with improved information sharing between agencies, a common needs assessment framework, assignment of a lead professional in cases where a child faces multiple risk factors, and multi-disciplinary teams in and around schools.
  Greater accountability and integration of services locally, regionally and nationally, with a Director of Children's Services in every local authority and Local Safeguarding Children Boards.
  A workforce reform strategy which will help the recruitment and retention of key professionals.

  Equal Pay
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Minister for Women what action she proposes to close the pay gap between men and women in the south-east of England. [156277]

  Jacqui Smith
  The pay gap in the south-east is the second largest in Great Britain. This is in part because some men's earnings are particularly high there.

  The pay gap problem is, however, a national one, and we are taking forward a number of measures to address it. These include the introduction of the national minimum wage, benefiting around one million women, and provisions in the Employment Act spreading good practice on equal pay.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Minister for Women how many days on average her Office took in Session 2002–3 to give a substantive answer to a parliamentary question for ordinary written answer; and what the greatest number of days taken to answer such a question was. [155930]
  507W
  Ms Hewitt
  The Department's database has not separately identified figures for questions that I have answered as Minister for Women. Therefore, these figures are included in the answer to my hon. Friend's question 155390.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Energy Efficiency Industry
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she last met leaders of the construction sector of the energy efficiency industry. [156263]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Secretary of State attended the Better Buildings Summit on 21 October 2003 and met many people with an interest in energy efficiency issues and construction. In addition, in my role as Construction Minister I regularly meet with a range of organisations with an interest in this area including CIBSE, CPA and BSRIAS. Actions agreed at the Better Buildings Summit are being taken forward by the Sustainable Buildings Task Group. This includes action on energy efficiency.

  Government Energy Targets
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the likelihood of reaching the Government's energy targets for 2010. [156264]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government remain confident that their target of 10 per cent. of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2010 will be met. The target is challenging but we have established a framework of policies and measures for expansion, and industry has responded favourably to these.

  Balance of Trade (UK/EU)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the balance of trade with the EU was in the most recent 12 months for which figures are available; and what the balance was(a) five and (b) 10 years ago. [156265]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  In the year to the third quarter of 2003, the UK's balance of trade in goods and services deficit with the European Union was 2.5 per cent. of GDP. In 1998 and 1993, the deficits were 0.7 and 0.9 per cent. of GDP respectively.

  Manufacturing (Yorkshire and Humber)
  Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on regional support for manufacturing in Yorkshire and Humber. [156266]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government are committed to supporting manufacturing in the UK. The Government's Manufacturing Strategy (published in May 2002) focuses on building a strong and successful manufacturing sector—supporting good quality jobs. Within Yorkshire and the Humber, Yorkshire Forward, the Regional 508W
  Development Agency for the region has made manufacturing a key priority in the Regional Economic Strategy.

  Industrial Relations
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to promote new ways of working in industrial relations. [156269]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  My Department has introduced various initiatives in recent years to promote new ways of working in industrial relations. The Employment Relations Bill, currently before Parliament, includes provisions to implement the information and Consultation Directive and an amendment to provide funding for the modernisation of trade unions.

  Manufacturing
  Mr. Luke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to promote innovation in UK manufacturing. [156270]

  Ms Hewitt
  The recently published Innovation Report, "Competing in the Global Economy: The Innovation Challenge", sets out an action plan to drive up levels of innovation in UK-based businesses. We are also taking forward a range of actions, as part of the Government's Manufacturing Strategy, to promote innovation in manufacturing to help our companies compete effectively in the global marketplace on the basis of high-skills and high-value products. These actions include the highly successful Manufacturing Advisory Service we have established in every region; the extension of the R&D tax credit; and our work with the RDAs to help manufacturers exploit the UK's strong science, engineering and technology base. We will publish a progress report on the implementation of the Manufacturing Strategy in May 2004.

  Departmental Budget
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her Department's annual(a) staff and (b) car budget was for each year since 1997. [153547]

  Ms Hewitt
  Total spending by Department of Trade and Industry from its gross controlled Administration Budget on its staff and car budgets was as follows:

  Staff costs (£)

  Car charges (£)

  Car charges as a percentage of staff costs

  1997–98

  227,000

  —

  —

  1998–99

  229,000

  714.5

  0.31

  1999–2000

  225,000

  560.6

  0.25

  2000–01

  261,000

  597.4

  0.23

  2001–02

  221,000

  652.2

  0.30

  2002–03

  276,000

  749

  0.27

  The staffs costs figures can be found in the Department of Trade and Industry's Expenditure Plans 1999–2000 to 2001–2002 (Cm 4211) and the 2003 Departmental Report (Cm 5916).

  The car charges exclude the ministerial car service. The figure for 1997–98 is not readily available.
  509W

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to amend the Government's UK emissions targets for carbon dioxide; and if she will make a statement. 154221]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government plans to move towards a 20 per cent. reduction in CO2 emissions by 2010. There has been no change in this intention.

  Electricity Supply
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the margin of electricity capacity to meet winter peaks was for each year since 1993. [155266]

  Mr. Timms
  Based on data published by the National Grid Company in its annual "Seven Year Statement" and quarterly updates, out-turn figures for the total installed generating capacity, the average cold spell peak demand and the corresponding plant margin in England and Wales since the winter of 1993–94 are shown in the following table.

  Winter

  Total installed capacity (GW)

  Average cold spell peak demand (GW)

  Plant margin (Percentage)

  1993–94

  60.8

  48.5

  25.4

  1994–95

  59.5

  48.9

  21.7

  1995–96

  57.2

  49.7

  15.1

  1996–97

  61.4

  50.9

  20.6

  1997–98

  62.3

  51.3

  21.4

  1998–99

  63.3

  51.5

  22.9

  1999–2000

  64.7

  52.4

  23.4

  2000–01

  66.6

  53.2

  25.3

  2001–02

  68.0

  54.1

  25.6

  2002–03

  66.8

  55.5

  20.3

  2003–041

  68.0

  55.9

  21.6

  1Provisional

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with electricity generators regarding the supply of electricity. [155387]

  Mr. Timms
  Department of Trade and Industry Ministers hold regular meetings with electricity companies, including generators, to discuss a wide range of issues affecting the electricity industry, including the supply of electricity.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will mike a statement on plans to invest in infrastructure to reduce instability of power in rural areas. [155471]

  Mr. Timms
  Ofgem's principal objective under the Electricity Act 1989 (as amended) is to protect the interests of consumers and, in performing that duty, it has regard to, among others, individuals in rural areas. Ofgem also has duties to promote efficiency and economy on the part of the distribution network operator (DNO), and the operators themselves have duties under the Act to maintain an efficient and economical system. Ofgem are required to balance these duties and so improvement in rural stability as a consequence of network investment is balanced against the additional costs involved.
  510W
  I understand that Ofgem are currently in the process of reviewing the distribution price controls with new controls due to be introduced in April 2005. As part of this review, Ofgem will set the limit on the amount of revenue each distribution company can earn per year. As part of the review, Ofgem is assessing the efficient levels of operating and capital costs required for DNOs to meet their statutory obligations as well as to meet predetermined targets, for example with respect to the number and duration of interruptions.

  While Ofgem considers DNO forecasts of costs in assessing the required levels of revenue, it does not endorse or reject investment proposals on an individual basis. Instead, Ofgem provides a package of overall revenue allowances and network performance targets, relating in part to the number of customer interruptions and the duration of interruptions. Dependent upon performance against these targets, DNOs are either financially rewarded or penalised.

  Ofgem are currently undertaking customer research to assess customers' willingness to pay for any improvements in standards, the findings of which are due to be published in May 2004. The research aims to gain a better understanding of the relative importance that customers place on quality of service issues and the customer's willingness to pay for any improvements.

  I understand that this research will guide Ofgem's decisions on the level of price control revenues and will be taken into account by Ofgem when setting network performance targets, including the amount of revenue exposed for over or under-performance.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what regulations are in place to ensure a reliable electricity supply to consumers. [155482]

  Mr. Timms
  Legal responsibility for energy security is shared by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Ofgem. My right hon. Friend is responsible for setting the overall regulatory framework for the supply of electricity. A key part of that framework is set out in section 3 A of the Electricity Act 1989 as amended by the Utilities Act 2000 and includes the objectives "to protect the interests of consumers". To this end the Secretary of State has made a statutory instrument (The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002) requiring electricity distribution companies to prevent interruption of supply as far as is reasonably practical. These regulations are enforced by DTI Engineering Inspectors.

  Electricity for domestic consumers is provided through their contracts with electricity supply companies which must meet standard licence conditions including the need "to secure that all reasonable demands in Great Britain for electricity are met".

  The infrastructure and the flow of electricity between generators and consumers is the responsibility of National Grid and electricity distribution companies. They are both regulated by Ofgem and also have licence conditions and objectives. For example, National Grid has a licence condition to operate the electricity system in an economic, efficient and coordinated manner. The

  511W
  Secretary of State lays down the Standard Licence Conditions. Enforcement of the licence conditions is for Ofgem.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the estimated number of customer minutes lost of electricity was in(a) Dumfries and Galloway, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in 2003. [155470]

  Mr. Timms
  The average customer minutes lost of electricity during 2002–03 for the three areas are:

  (a) Dumfries and Galloway: 147

  (b) Scotland: 79

  (c) UK: 110

  The average minutes lost per connected customer in the respective regions reflects the reliability of supplies averaged out between those living in rural and urban settings.

  Intellectual Property Rights
  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's policy is on Article 10 of the draft EU Enforcement Directive. [155941]

  Ms Hewitt
  We support the compromise text for the draft EU Enforcement Directive sent by the Council to the European Parliament on 16 February.

  In this text Article 10 (provisional measures) provides for a right holder to apply for an interlocutory injunction:
  "against an intermediary whose services are being used by a third party to infringe an intellectual property right".

  There is also a specific reference to provisions already available under the Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC.

  We believe this text preserves the balance achieved in the earlier Copyright Directive and between the interests of right holders and intermediaries such as internet service providers.

  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the protection of intellectual property rights afforded by the draft EU Enforcement Directive to UK businesses. [155942]

  Ms Hewitt
  We have been assessing the EU Enforcement Directive as it has developed in discussions in the Council Working Party on Intellectual Property and the Permanent Representatives Committee taking account of the various views expressed by interests in response to the Patent Office consultation and informal discussions.

  We intend to present a report on the compromise text for the EU Enforcement Directive to the Parliament's Scrutiny Committees.

  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reasons underlie the Government's decision to seek amendments to Articles 10 and 15 of the draft EU Enforcement Directive. [155943]
  512W
  Ms Hewitt
  We support the compromise text for the draft EU Enforcement Directive sent by the Council to the European Parliament on 16 February.

  We believe this text preserves the balance achieved in the earlier Copyright Directive 2001/29/EC and between the interests of right holders and intermediaries.

  Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations the Government are making to other EU member states to ensure that the draft EU Enforcement Directive offers the best possible degree of protection to UK businesses. [155944]

  Ms Hewitt
  The compromise text sent by the Council to the European Parliament on 16 February was the result of intensive discussions with the Council Working Party on Intellectual Property and the Permanent Representatives Committee together with informal discussions with other member states and the interests in general.

  As stated in the Council's letter, the compromise proposal received broad support in the Permanent Representatives Committee, and I believe that if this text is adopted, it will significantly assist UK businesses with the enforcement of their intellectual property rights across the European Community.

  EU Regional Policy
  Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government proposals for EU regional policy after 2006(a) falls within existing EU treaty obligations and (b) has been accepted by the Commission. [155224]

  Jacqui Smith
  The Government considers that its proposals for EU regional policy after 2006 do fall within existing Treaty obligations. Our proposals aim at reducing disparities between regions, with a focus on the needs of the poorest Member States.

  The Commission's proposals for the future development of EU regional policy is set out in its Third Cohesion Report, which was published on 18 February. This report will provide an important contribution to the ongoing debate. We shall want to assess the policy and budgetary implications of the proposals in the report carefully against the Government's objectives for reform.

  Minimum Wage (Workington)
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are receiving the minimum wage in the Workington constituency. [156267]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  It is not possible to provide estimates specifically for Workington. However, based on the Office for National Statistics' Low Pay data released in 2003, the DTI estimates that around 140,000 people in the North West stood to benefit from the introduction of the national minimum wage in April 1999.

  The DTI estimates that between 130,000 and 160,000 people in the North West benefited from the increase in minimum wage rates in October 2003.
  513W

  Music Piracy
  Chris Bryant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to tackle music piracy. [156259]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  Commercial scale piracy is clearly having a serious impact on the music and film industry, which makes an important contribution to the British economy.

  The White Paper, "Competing in the Global Economy: The Innovation Challenge Innovation Report", published by the Department in December 2003 (copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House), gave the Patent Office a mandate to agree a new national strategy for intellectual property crime. Development of that strategy is now in hand.

  Near Earth Objects
  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's contribution to the European Space Agency's planned near earth object mission study. [155360]

  Ms Hewitt
  The UK was involved in, and contributed under European Space Agency (ESA) General Studies funding towards, the ESA's Near Earth Object (NEO) mission studies including the "Remote Sensing of NEOs from Space" study and the "Simone" study which looked at options for an inter-planetary intercept mission.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on steps the Government have taken to promote multi-disciplinary studies of the consequences of impacts from near earth objects on the earth. [155362]

  Ms Hewitt
  The Government supports the findings of the OECD Global Science Forum (GSF) Workshop held in Frascati in January 2003. These include a recommendation for multidisciplinary activity by the International Council for Science (ICSU). That activity has since been approved and is underway. The UK will be involved in the execution of the ICSU activity.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on steps the Government have taken to establish studies to look into the practical possibilities of mitigating the results of impact and deflecting incoming objects. [155363]

  Ms Hewitt
  Through the current OECD Global Science Forum activity on Near Earth Objects (NEO), the Government are involved in studies to look into the practical aspects of assessing the risk of impacts as well as the related mitigation planning. The UK has actively encouraged the European Space Agency to carry out studies on NEOs and is involved in missions such as the Rosetta mission to the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This will provide significant experience adding to the already substantial knowledge base that will help in the preparation of any deflection mission that may be required.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the hazard from near earth objects. [155366]
  514W
  Ms Hewitt
  Near Earth Objects (NEO) remain a continuing risk and one which the Government takes seriously. The NEO Information Centre based in Leicester will continue to provide up to date information on the risks to Government and the public.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on arrangements that have been made for observational data obtained for other purposes by wide-field facilities to be searched for near earth objects on a nightly basis. [155370]

  Ms Hewitt
  The two main new wide-field survey facilities (ESO VISTA in Chile and the WFCAM instrument facility in Hawaii) are currently under construction and plans for their observing programmes are under discussion between PPARC (Particle Physic and Astronomy Research Council) and its partners. In order to undertake routine examination in near real time of the data stream from these facilities, a dedicated software suite would be required.

  There are no resources available to provide such a capability. Nevertheless, observing programme managers will exchange information on targets of opportunity, such as Near Earth Objects, on a best efforts basis.

  Lembit Öpik
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on negotiations to establish an arrangement for small amounts of time to be provided under appropriate financial terms for spectroscopic follow-up of near earth objects; and what financial support she has provided. [155372]

  Ms Hewitt
  I refer to the reply to PQ No. 155371. The Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) has provided some £2,000 pa to the follow-up and spectroscopic analysis activity.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many days on average her Department took in Session 2002–03 to give a substantive answer to a parliamentary question for ordinary written answer; and what the greatest number of days taken to answer such a question was. [155928]

  Ms Hewitt
  According to the Department's PQ database, the Department answered 2,867 Ordinary Written Questions in the session 2002–03. Of these, 2,293 (80 per cent.) were answered within five sitting days. 172 (6 per cent.) took longer than 10 days to receive a reply.

  Post Office
  Mr. Swire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) urban and (b) rural post offices have closed in East Devon since 1997. [155298]

  Mr. Timms
  Decisions on post office closures are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and 1 have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.
  515W
  Mr. Colman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many consultations on post office branch closures have been carried out in the 12 months to 31 January; and how many such consultations have resulted in a branch remaining open. [155883]

  Mr. Timms
  Decisions on post office closure proposals following public consultation are an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the closure programme for post offices in urban areas. [156268]

  Mr. Timms
  Post Office Ltd. reports on the urban reinvention programme on a quarterly basis. As at the end of December 2003:694 offices had closed under the programme;
  46 proposals had been withdrawn or delayed for reworking during the advance notification process agreed with Postwatch;
  a further 66 proposals had been withdrawn or amended as a result of public consultation.

  Post Office Ltd. had approved 388 applications for investment grants to modernise remaining post offices.

  On 5 February, I announced a number of changes, agreed between Post Office Ltd. and Postwatch, to the public consultation arrangements to ensure confidence in them and, by maximising the quality of judgment and transparency, to produce a fair result for customers and the company.

  Post Office Card Accounts
  Tony Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the progress of arrangements for opening post office card accounts. [156011]

  Mr. Timms
  The post office card account is proving popular with customers. So far, over 2 million people have chosen the card account.

  State Aid Applications
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many state aid applications were received in each of the last five years, broken down by region; how many were allowed in each case; and how many are awaiting decisions. [147859]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The following table sets out the best available information on the number of UK notifications made to, and approved by, the European Commission over the past five years excluding agriculture, fishery and transport cases. It would not be possible to break the figures down to regions within England except at disproportionate cost. Where a notification is not clearly regionally specific it is recorded as UK-wide. In addition there were 10, 58 and 61 cases in the years 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively deemed approved under the Block Exemption Regulations and Multisectoral Framework 2002.

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Notified

  20

  26

  25

  40

  35

  Pending

  —

  2

  1

  2

  24

  Withdrawn or negative

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  516W

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  Approved

  19

  24

  24

  37

  11

  of which:

  UK

  10

  11

  11

  32

  9

  England

  4

  9

  4

  2

  —

  Scotland

  —

  2

  3

  1

  —

  Wales

  3

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Northern Ireland

  2

  2

  6

  1

  1

  Taxis/Private Hire Vehicles
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to initiate further consultation on the Office of Fair Trading report on "The Regulation of Licensed Taxi and PHV Services in the UK"; when she intends to make her final response to the report; and if she will make a statement. [153334]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  [holding answer 23 February2004]: Both Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Transport have received responses relating to the OFT report. These will be taken into account when the Government respond. When the OFT published their report on 11 November we agreed to respond within 120 days.

  Wind Farms
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to facilitate the(a) decommissioning, (b) upkeep and (c) removal of (i) turbines and (ii) transmission facilities from wind farms; and if she will make a statement. [155478]

  Mr. Timms
  The decommissioning, upkeep and removal of turbines and transmission facilities from wind farms and the restoration of the land are matters for the developer and the relevant planning authorities with appropriate arrangements for these activities being agreed at the planning stage.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Government financial support to firms looking to establish wind farms. [155479]

  Mr. Timms
  The Government's main instrument for supporting the establishment of wind farms is the Renewables Obligation. The Obligation is a market based support mechanism that requires licensed electricity suppliers to provide a specified proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. This provides an assured market for renewable electricity and that it attracts a premium.

  To date, the Government have committed £117 million in grant support to early offshore wind farm development. No direct grant support is provided for onshore wind farm development except for some small household or community installations under the Clear Skies scheme.

  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive on planning policies for wind farms. [155480]

  Mr. Timms
  Planning policy in Scotland is a matter devolved to the Scottish Executive and therefore no such discussions have taken place.
  517W

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the number of working hours that would be lost per year by(a) all employees, (b) male employees and (c) female employees if legislation were passed to prevent them from working longer than an average 48 hours per week. [153917]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  Employers are likely to respond in a variety of ways if legislation were passed to prevent employees from working longer than 48 hours on average. This makes any estimate of the total number of hours worked per year that could be lost difficult.

  However, what can be estimated is the total number of hours per year that employees usually work over an average of 48 hours per week. For all employees it is estimated at around 990 million hours per year above 48 hours were worked as of spring 2003. This is equivalent to around 2¼ per cent of total hours usually worked by all employees. For male employees it is around 820 million hours per year and for female employees around 170 million hours per year.

  Wylfa Magnox Reactor
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information she has received on progress made by BNFL to resolve problems with the superheater penetration welds in the Wylfa Magnox reactor. [144507]

  Mr. Timms
  I understand from the company that the issue dates back to 2000 and is now resolved with the plant fully operational.

  Wylfa power station was shut down in mid April 2000 when a routine inspection of 64 welds in the boiler system revealed flaws in a number of welds. The welds hold 'superheater headers' (64 pipes that carry steam, which is not radioactive, from the station's boilers to its turbines to make electricity) in position. The integrity of the pipes themselves was never in question. A major project to fit restraints to steam pipes at Wylfa was completed at the start of July 2001.

CABINET OFFICE

  Special Advisers
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his answer of 26 January 2004,Official Report, column 73W, on special advisers, what the cost of the Knowledge Network was in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [156249]

  Mr. Alexander
  In the financial year 2002–03 the Knowledge Network cost £1.5 million in current expenditure and £1.7 million capital. (These figures do not include capital charges or Cabinet Office overheads such as accommodation).

  The costs represent the provision of ongoing infrastructure support and the development of web solutions and new systems to facilitate cross-government working.
  518W

  Strategy Unit Fisheries Report
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his answer of 9 February 2004,Official Report, columns 1135–36W, on the Strategy Unit Fisheries report, what the reasons are for the delay in the publication of this report. [156579]

  Mr. Alexander
  We aim to publish the Strategy Unit report on 25 March 2004, a year from its announcement. Copies will be placed in the House Libraries.

  The report has been the subject of a detailed consultation with the key stakeholders in the fishing industry.

DEFENCE

  Iraq
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to receive the report he has commissioned on the availability of body armour during the conflict in Iraq. [154983]

  Mr. Hoon
  The Department has carried out a comprehensive analysis of Operation TELIC and presented its findings in reports published in June and December last year. The availability of Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA) was discussed in these reports. However, in the light of lessons identified during Operation TELIC, policy on the issuing of ECBA to troops on operations is now under review.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for what advice is given to troops in Iraq about the dangers of depleted uranium. [156560]

  Mr. Caplin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) on 5 January 2004,Official Report, column 26W.

  Nuclear Weapons (Decommissioning)
  Linda Perham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to achieve multilateral decommissioning of nuclear weapons. [156076]

  Mr. Hoon
  As a signatory to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) the United Kingdom is committed to Article VI in which each State Party to the treaty"undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament…"

  The UK anticipates that multilateral nuclear weapons decommissioning would take place within that context. Negotiations to implement Article VI have not yet commenced and are not scheduled. The way forward agreed by NPT States Parties at the 2000 NPT review conference is set out in the final document produced by that conference. The UK has made considerable progress on measures contained in the final document and will play a full role in the third session of the NPT Preparatory Committee in April this year.
  519W

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum-seekers have been detained pending removal at the Oakington Immigration Reception Centre during 2003. [145365]

  Beverley Hughes
  Information on the number of people detained pending removal from the United Kingdom and on the total number of detainees held under the Immigration Act during 2003 is not available and could be obtained only by examination of individual case-files at disproportionate cost.

  Applications1 received for asylum in Europe, including dependants, by year of application, 1988 to 2003

  1998

  1999

  2000

  20012

  20023

  20033

  Austria

  13,800

  20,100

  18,300

  30,100

  39,400

  32,400

  Belgium4

  25,000

  40,800

  48,700

  28,000

  21,400

  19,300

  France4

  25,500

  35,100

  44,200

  53,900

  58,100

  69,300

  Germany

  98,600

  95,100

  78,600

  88,300

  71,100

  50,400

  Greece5

  3,000

  1,500

  3,000

  5,500

  5,700

  8,200

  Italy6

  9,500

  33,400

  18,000

  9,600

  7,300

  n/a

  Luxembourg5

  1,700

  2,900

  600

  700

  1.000

  1,600

  Netherlands

  45,200

  39,300

  43,900

  32,600

  18,700

  13,400

  Portugal5

  400

  300

  200

  200

  200

  100

  Spain

  6,600

  8,400

  7,200

  9,200

  6.200

  5,700

  Denmark7

  5,700

  6,500

  10,100

  12,500

  5,900

  4,600

  Finland7

  1,300

  3,100

  3,200

  1,700

  3,400

  3,100

  Ireland

  4,600

  7,700.

  10,900

  10,300

  11,600

  7,900

  Sweden7

  12,800

  11,200

  16,300

  23,500

  33,000

  31,400

  United Kingdom8

  58,500

  91,200

  98,900

  91,600

  103,100

  61,100

  Total EU

  312,300

  396,700

  401,900

  397,600

  386,100

  308,400

  1Figures rounded to the nearest 100.

  2Provisional figures.

  3Revised figures.

  4Figures based on IGC data but adjusted to include an estimated number of dependants.

  5Figures based on UNCHR data, including dependants.

  6UNHCR data.

  7Signed up to the Schengen agreement but not operating its provisions.

  8Figures have been adjusted to include an estimated number of dependants between 1998 and 2001,2002 and 2003 figures based on actual data.

  Annual data on asylum applications to EU member states are published in quarterly web pages and in the Home Office annual statistical bulletin Asylum Statistics United Kingdom, copies of which are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration 1.html.

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his forecasts are for asylum applications for each of the next five years; and what the comparable figures are for each EU member state. [155509]

  Beverley Hughes
  We have already reduced the monthly intake of asylum applications by half since October 2002. Current policy initiatives, such as juxtaposed controls in France and the deployment of detection technology at continental ports, are designed to prevent those who seek to circumvent our controls at specific ports of entry from doing so. The Government are confident that this and further measures will continue to reduce misuse of the asylum system and the numbers of unfounded asylum claims. The measures we
  520W
  The latest available information on people held in the Immigration Removal Estate show that at 27 September 2003 260 people were housed at the Oakington Immigration Reception Centre.

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications the UK has received for each of the last five years; and what the comparable figures are for each country in the European Union. [155508]

  Beverley Hughes
  The table shows the number of asylum applications received in each European Union country in each of the last five years.

  introduced in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and the subsequent robust measures to ensure the integrity of our borders are testament to that.

  Population and migration projections are published by the Government Actuary's Department, available from the Library of the House.

  Charles Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) financial and (b) other support services are available to an asylum seeker aged between 16 and 18-years-old who is in the UK without family. [155641]

  Beverley Hughes
  Services for unaccompanied asylum seeking children aged between 16 and 18-years-old are the responsibility of local authority social services departments. Their needs are assessed and support services provided accordingly in ways that are the equivalent of any other child in need. In all but a very few cases the local authority will make all necessary financial provision for them. In the few cases, for example, where leave to remain has been granted and their individual social services pathway plan permits, they may access benefits as part of an overall range of provision.
  521W
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unaccompanied children he estimates arrived in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years from out side the EU. [155797]

  Beverley Hughes
  I regret that reliable information on the entry routes of unaccompanied children to the UK is not available. The available information which relates to the number of asylum applications made by unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the last five years is given in the table.

  Asylum applications from unaccompanied children aged 17 or under1

  Number of principal applicants

  Year

  Total

  Port

  In country

  19982

  3,035

  1,085

  1,955

  19992

  3,350

  1,500

  1,850

  20002

  2,735

  1,395

  1,340

  20012

  3,470

  1,645

  1,820

  20023

  6,200

  1,240

  4,955

  20033,4

  2,800

  555

  2,245

  1Figures rounded to nearest five. Unaccompanied at point of arrival, aged (or if no proof) determined to be 17 or under and not known to be joining a relative or guardian in the UK. Figures exclude disputed age cases.

  2May exclude some cases lodged at Local Enforcement Offices.

  3Not comparable with manual counts data prior to 2002.

  4Provisional figures.

  Information on the number of asylum applications from unaccompanied children is published in quarterly web pages and in the annual statistical bulletin Asylum Statistics United Kingdom. Copies of these publications and others relating to general immigration to the UK are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Research Development arid Statistics Directorate website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigrationl.Html

  Cannabis
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the schedule of advertising was for the 2004 cannabis advertising campaign; and what the full cost of the campaign was, broken down by media outlet. [153984]

  Caroline Flint
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: The schedule and costs for advertising are as follows:

  Radio advertising started on the 22 January for four weeks, on 48 national and regional commercial radio stations in England. Total costs including production, media and research: £387,000.

  Press advertising consisted of two insertions in five national press titles (Sun, Mirror, News of the World, Guardian and Telegraph) and one insertion in each of the 108 regional titles. These insertions were on or near the reclassification dated 29 January. Total costs including production, media and research: £305,000.

  Other costs including briefings for police, teachers and other professionals; 2.5 million leaflets to be distributed through youth clubs, schools and community groups; postcards appearing in 660 pubs acid bars in England and Wales and a contingency fund for reprints: £300,000.
  522W
  Mr. Peter Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much (a) has been spent in the last 12 months and (b) will be spent in the next 12 months on public information advertising relating to cannabis. [155475]

  Caroline Flint
  The costs for public information activities relating to cannabis are as follows:

  Radio advertising for four weeks. On 48 national and regional commercial radio stations in England. Total costs including production, media and research: £387,000.

  Press advertising consisted of two insertions in five national press titles (Sun, Mirror, News of the World, Guardian and Telegraph) and one insertion in each of 108 regional titles. These insertions were on or near the reclassification dated 29 January.

  Total costs including production, media and research: £305,000.

  Other costs including briefings for police, teachers and other professionals; 2.5 million leaflets to be distributed through youth clubs, schools and community groups; postcards appearing in 660 pubs and bars in England and Wales and a contingency fund for reprints: £300,000.

  No decision has been made to date as to how much will be spent over the next 12 months.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 6 January 2004 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Raymond McGinty. [154062]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 25 February 2004.

  Immigration and Nationality Directorate
  Mr. Love
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on recent staff turnover at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, with particular reference to caseworkers dealing with asylum applications; [153700]

  (2) what measures his Department is taking to minimise disruption to asylum applications resulting from turnover of Immigration and Nationality Directorate caseworkers. [153702]

  Beverley Hughes
  Staffing levels in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate are continually monitored so that staff turnover can be anticipated and planned for to minimise disruption.

  The Asylum Casework Directorate utilises business planning forecast models to anticipate and plan for staff turnover. Staff turnover has, as a result, been carefully managed to minimise disruption to the processing of asylum applications. About 80 per cent. of new applications are currently decided within two months (against a target of 75 per cent.).
  523W

  Prisons
  Mr. Mark Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Prison Service review of the open prison estate; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [155065]

  Paul Goggins
  In his statement on 6 January, in response to concern about prisoners absconding from open prisons, my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary said that he had asked the new chief executive of the National Offender Management Service to "report on the operation of open prisons". This was a request for advice from officials not for a formal report or review. I am at present considering the advice but it would be inappropriate to publish it and I have no plans to do so.

  Venezuelan Nationals
  Mr. Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the Venezuelan nationals admitted to the United Kingdom during 2002 returned to their country of origin within the period of their visa requirements. [155404]

  Beverley Hughes
  No data are available on the numbers of persons who return to their country of nationality before their leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom expires. We do not routinely manually count passengers into and out of the United Kingdom.

  We are keeping the option for embarkation controls under review while exploring the extent to which new technology could provide us with more efficient ways of checking those leaving the country.

  Visa Requirements
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2004,Official Report, column 269W, on visa requirements, whether anti-trade union activity is regarded as not being conducive to the public good. [155561]

  Beverley Hughes
  Each case is considered on its individual merits. A person engaged in anti-trade union activity may be refused entry if their presence in the UK was not considered to be conducive to the wider public good.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Fairtrade Products
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee if he will recommend to the Refreshment Department that it stocks Fairtrade fruit and chocolate bars in all catering outlets on the Parliamentary Estate. [155813]

  Mr. Dennis Turner
  The Refreshment Department was one of the first organisations to support the Fairtrade movement and has done so for many years. We already stock chocolate made by The Day Chocolate Company throughout our cafeterias, and purchase Fairtrade bananas whenever they are available from our suppliers. All fresh coffee served by the 524W
  Department is made from beans approved by the Fairtrade organisation, and we stock fairly traded "Clipper" teas and "Geobars" (a cereal snack bar).

  The Refreshment Department will be actively supporting the Fairtrade Fortnight, which is being held from Monday 1 March to Sunday 14 March, by promoting our Fairtrade Mark products under their banner "A taste for life". We will also be selling other fairly traded goods, including dried fruits, cookies, pasta, oranges and grapes, which are not always available to the catering market. We believe that these will prove popular with our customers and we hope by this means to encourage our suppliers to stock these products.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  Nicaragua
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the national level workshop in Nicaragua supported by his Department in 2003. [155244]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The Nicaraguan workshop took place on 3 March 2003. It brought together, for the first time in Nicaragua, Government officials, the private sector, labour organisations, representatives of international certification programmes and retailers. Its aim was to identify possible ways to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of corporate codes of conduct in Nicaragua and thereby improve both the conditions of workers in export industries and the ability of these industries to be competitive internationally.

  The workshop made a number of recommendations for action to be taken by the Government, private sector and civil society in Nicaragua: the need to clarify the roles of those involved in monitoring corporate codes of conduct, to improve cooperation between national government officials and international certification programmes, to rationalise monitoring to avoid duplication and conflicting recommendations to factories, and to increase the knowledge of workers of corporate codes of conduct and national labour legislation.

  One impact of the workshop was that the women workers association (the Maria Elena Cuadra Movement of Women Workers and Unemployed) integrated the recommendations into its training, advisory and policy work to improve the conditions of workers in the garment industry of the tax free zones.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Agricultural Market Price Support
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the instruments of agricultural market price support; and how each is(a)defined and (b)calculated. [151647]

  Alun Michael
  The Common Agricultural Policy includes several instruments whose objective is to support market prices for agricultural products. These are: (i) intervention storage, where public intervention
  525W
  agencies guarantee to buy products at a set price; (ii) export refunds, which bridge the gap between EU internal market and world market prices, (iii) import tariffs which are a fixed or variable levy on each unit of imported product, and (iv) aid for private storage.

  The OECD produces annual estimates of the transfers to agricultural producers which result from market price support in the EU. The estimates are calculated as the difference between the EU domestic price and the equivalent world price multiplied by the level of EU production. The OECD estimates EU market price support for the major commodities in 2002 at around Euro 61 billion.

  Avian Influenza
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 5 February 2004,Official Report, column 1012W, on avian influenza, what varieties of poultry have been imported from (a) Thailand, (b) Pakistan, (c) Indonesia, (d) Vietnam and (e) other countries in South East Asia in each of the last 24 months for which records are available. [155974]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Information on imports of poultry meat by species is not available.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on Common Agricultural Policy reform. [155186]

  Alun Michael
  The EU agreed on 26 June 2003 to a radical shift in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In future, the bulk of subsidies will no longer be linked to production, freeing farmers to produce the safe, high quality food which people want and bringing environmental improvements.

  On 12 February my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, announced how she proposed to implement key features of that groundbreaking reform in England. We will decouple fully in 2005 and move over an eight year transition period towards a fiat rate Single Farm Payment to farmers. England will be split into two regions—land in the severely disadvantaged areas (SDAs) of the less favoured areas (LFAs) and all other eligible land. Different rates will apply in these regions. This represents a decisive irreversible and forward-looking shift consistent with the direction that we have already set in the Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy (SFFS) and in the June 2003 CAP reform negotiations.

  Departmental Reports
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the reports her Department has published in each of the last five years; and what the cost has been to public funds of producing each one. [155406]

  Alun Michael
  A list of publications produced by Defra is on the departmental website Defra, UK—publications home page, and this includes many of the 526W
  reports that Defra produces. To collate the information requested and to establish the individual production costs would be disproportionate.

  Kew Gardens
  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much Government funding has been provided for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in each year since 1996 at current prices. [153871]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  Government grant in aid (including capital) to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for each of the years since 1996 was:

  £000

  1996–97

  18,936

  1997–98

  20,951

  1998–99

  17,551

  1999–2000

  17,219

  2000–01

  16,935

  2001–02

  19,729

  2002–03

  16,629

  Milk
  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the increase in price noted in her Department's milk price survey raw milk producers will receive; and what steps she has taken to ensure that raw milk producers receive a fair share of this increase. [154890]

  Alun Michael
  The milk price survey run by the Department records the price paid by the purchasers of raw milk to raw milk producers. Therefore, by definition, all of the increase in price recorded by this survey is received by raw milk producers.

  The Office for National Statistics also produce data on the retail price of milk. Transmission of changes between retail and farmgate prices is more complex. This issue was looked at in depth by London Economics for KPMG its report on "Prices and Profitability in the GB Dairy Chain", which was commissioned by the Milk Development Council. London Economics examined the UK milk market for the period from January 1995 to December 2001. On the basis of a rigorous statistical analysis, it concluded that adjustments to retail prices for liquid milk were fully passed back to the farmgate price, although there was a lag of five months before the retail price change was fully reflected in the farmgate price. There were no differences in the impact of retail price increases and decreases on farmgate prices, both were fully transmitted. In contrast a 1 pence increase in the farmgate price resulted in only a 0.6 pence increase in the retail price of liquid milk whereas a 1 pence decrease in farmgate price reduced the retail price by 0.7 pence.

  London Economic also looked at the market in cheddar cheese. They found some evidence of a widening gap over the seven year period to 2002 between the retail price and farm gate price on a milk equivalent basis.
  527W

  Net Mesh Sizes
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has conducted on the relationship between net mesh sizes required in commercial trawls and minimum landing sizes. [150939]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  For the main commercial species research has established the general relationship between cod-end mesh size and the average size of fish that can escape through those meshes, on which the minimum landings size is based.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many days on average her Department took in session 2002–03 to give a substantive answer to a parliamentary question for ordinary written answer; and what the greatest number of days taken to answer such a question was. [155923]

  Alun Michael
  Records for session 2002–03 were not maintained in such a way to enable the Department to extract the information requested without incurring disproportionate costs but this sort of information will be available in the future following the creation of a new database.

  Defra endeavours to reply to all parliamentary questions within parliamentary deadlines wherever possible. None of the 5,444 questions tabled to the Department during the 2002–03 session were left unanswered at Prorogation.

  Turf Farming
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government' policy towards(a) turf farming and (b) the restoration of land used when turf farming has ceased in a particular area. [154815]

  Alun Michael
  The Government encourage diversification of agricultural businesses but recognises that this must be done in a sustainable manner. Turf farming involves the cutting and inevitable removal of some topsoil. The use of modern machinery, which removes only a very thin layer of root matter and soil, is encouraged.

  There is no specific policy directly addressing this issue but the guidance provided in the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Soil should be adhered to. The formation of fertile, rich topsoil with high organic matter content is a very slow natural process. Removal of topsoil reduces the productivity of the land by reducing the water and nutrients available to plants and making soil more likely to suffer structural damage. Shallow compact soils are also less able to absorb rainfall and the risk of water erosion and associated diffuse pollution may be increased. Therefore the loss of topsoil should be kept to a minimum in any turf farming operation.

  Due consideration needs to be given on the likely risk of compacting the soil and leaving it in a bare condition that could encourage erosion and runoff of water and associated soil materials to water courses, roads etc. To
  528W
  minimise this risk. land formally subject to turf farming should be re-vegetated as soon as practicable. The soil should not be mined of available water and nutrients such that it cannot support the previous agricultural land use once restoration activities are complete.

  It should be noted that removing large amounts of surface soil could be regarded as a development as defined by section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). As such the business will need planning permission. If businesses do not receive planning permission it is an offence under the Agriculture Land (Removal of Surface Soil) Act 1953 to remove for sale, more than five cubic yards of surface soil from agricultural land in any three-month period unless the removal is reasonably necessary for cutting turf or peat. Advice is available from the local planning authority (usually district council or unitary authority) about commercial turf cutting from agricultural land when planning permission is required. The Local Planning Authorities are required to consult with Defra before granting permission for a planning application which is not in accordance with the development plan and would involve (1) the loss of 20 ha or more of grades 1, 2 or 3a agricultural land or (2) a loss which is less than 20 ha but is likely to lead to further losses amounting cumulatively to 20 ha or more.

  Victorian Theme Park (Isle of Wight)
  Mr. Andrew Turner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her reasons for grant aiding the proposed development of a Victorian Theme Park at Holliers Farm, Branstone, Newchurch, Isle of Wight; and what account she took of the proximity of the Isle of Wight Observatory. [155666]

  Alun Michael
  If the question refers to the Rural Enterprise Scheme 16/020/8002, submitted by Mr. Paul Smith of Jayland Ltd. on 23 December 2002, for the development of Jubilee Park, I can confirm that the application was formally withdrawn on 4 July due to the absence of planning consent. The application was never formally presented to the Defra Regional Appraisal Panel to consider approval for grant aid.

  Impacts on the Isle of Wight Observatory would be a matter for consideration by the Local Planning Authority, I understand the authority has received correspondence from the Observatory in respect of potential light pollutions.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

  Ministerial Meetings
  Adam Price
  To ask the Leader of the House how many meetings he has had in his capacity as Leader of the House in the past eight months. [153624]

  Mr. Hain
  I undertake a wide range of meetings with interested parties. These include meetings with Mr. Speaker, Members of the House, House officials and Cabinet colleagues.
  529W

  Opposition Days
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Leader of the House (1) for how long(a) the Opposition front-bench speakers, (b) the Government front-bench speakers and (c) other front-bench speakers spoke in Opposition Day debates in each year since 1974; [157062]

  (2) how many back-bench members were called to speak, excluding interventions, in Opposition Day debates in each year since 1974; [157063]

  (3) how much parliamentary time was allowed for Opposition Day debates in each year since 1974; [157064]

  (4) how much parliamentary time was taken by backbench speeches, excluding interventions, in Opposition Day debates in each year since 1974; [157065]

  (5) how many interventions to their speeches were granted by (a) Government Ministers and (b) Opposition front-bench speakers in Opposition Day debates in each year since 1974. [157066]

  Mr. Hain
  This information is a matter of public record, but could be collated only at disproportionate cost.

TREASURY

  Alcoholic Drinks (Duty)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the loss of duty payable to the Government consequent on the purchase of(a) beer, (b) wine and (c) spirits in France by United Kingdom residents in the last year for which figures are available. [155233]

  John Healey
  The most recent estimates of the loss of duty and VAT payable to the Government consequent on purchases of beer, wine and spirits made in all EU member states and on ferries by UK cross-border shoppers during 2001–02 are contained in "Measuring and Tackling Indirect Tax Fraud" (December 2003), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Business Skills
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's policy is on developing business skills in young people; and if he will make a statement. [155586]

  John Healey
  The Government are implementing a range of policies to develop business skills in young people, including the recommendations of the Davies Review of Enterprise and the Economy in Education. Enterprise Learning Pathfinders began in this academic year and, from September 2005, all pupils will experience at least five days of enterprise education before they leave school. The Government also provide funding for Enterprise Advisers for disadvantaged schools and in Enterprise Areas, supports organisations such as Young Enterprise and Enterprise Insight, and is setting up a National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship.
  530W

  Customs and Excise
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will change the policy of Her Majesty's Customs and Excise that genuine mistakes made in good faith are not reasonable excuses for surcharge purposes. [156047]

  John Healey
  The VAT system aims to encourage payment of the right tax at the right time. As well as safeguarding revenues, this provides equity for all taxpaying businesses. A business may be penalised if it does not pay the right tax at the right time: the misdeclaration penalty penalises significant or repeated errors in the amount of tax paid and the default surcharge penalises late payment.

  The VAT penalty system has safeguards to ensure that businesses are not treated over-harshly. For the smallest businesses, several warnings are issued before a late payment penalty is issued—so that a business would not be penalised until its fifth default. Both misdeclaration penalties and default penalties can be withdrawn if there is a reasonable excuse for an error or delay. In this context, reasonable excuses can include compassionate circumstances or unforeseen events. However, this would not include mistakes of the type to which the hon. Gentleman refers since the penalties are, in part, designed to encourage accuracy.

  Earnings Statistics
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of(a) male, (b) female and (c) all full-time workers in (i) Scotland, (ii) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (iii) Great Britain had hourly gross earnings (A) including and (B) excluding overtime of below (1) £7.58, (2) £5.68 and (3) £4.20. [156219]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Ms Annabelle Ewing, dated 26 February 2004:
  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question on the proportion of (a) male, (b) female and (c) all full-time workers in (i) Scotland, (ii) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (iii) Great Britain had hourly gross earnings (A) including and (B) excluding overtime of below (1) £7.58, (2) £5.68 and (3) £4.20. (156219)
  I attach two tables showing the proportion of male and female workers whose average gross hourly pay in 2003 falls below the stated thresholds in Great Britain, Scotland and in Scottish local authorities. Estimates for pay including and excluding overtime are shown separately.
  Average earnings are estimated from the 2003 New Earnings Survey (NES) and are provided for full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose pay was unaffected by absence during the pay period. This is the standard definition used for NES tables. The NES does not collect data on the self-employed and people who do unpaid work.
  The New Earnings Survey publication criteria ensures that all estimates are undisclosive and of reliable quality, and suppresses estimates that do not meet these criteria. A number of estimates have been removed from the table for this reason. The information is based on the 2003 NES, the latest survey for which data are available.
  531W

  Percentage of full-time employees whose average gross hourly pay (including overtime) 2003 fell below three stated thresholds

  Male employees' pay thresholds

  Female employees' pay thresholds

  All employees' pay thresholds

  Area

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  Great Britain

  26.4

  8.5

  1.2

  36.8

  14.7

  1.9

  30.3

  10.9

  1.4

  Scotland

  29.8

  10.3

  1.2

  39.2

  15.3

  1.5

  33.8

  12.5

  1.3

  Local Authorities

  Aberdeen City

  23.8

  10.0

  —

  32.7

  11.2

  —

  27.3

  10.4

  —

  Aberdeenshire

  35.4

  9.8

  —

  46.8

  26.1

  —

  40.0

  16.4

  —

  Angus

  38.4

  11.6

  —

  44.2

  18.2

  —

  41.1

  14.7

  —

  Argyll and Bute

  39.7

  —

  —

  41.7

  —

  —

  40.5

  11.6

  —

  Scottish Borders, The

  43.0

  15.1

  —

  57.3

  25.6

  —

  50.0

  20.2

  —

  Clackmannanshire

  —

  —

  —

  50.0

  —

  —

  35.7

  17.9

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  49.2

  15.6

  —

  52.1

  26.0

  —

  50.5

  20.2

  —

  Dundee City

  26.3

  10.3

  —

  37.4

  16.3

  —

  31.1

  12.9

  —

  East Ayrshire

  31.0

  17.2

  —

  38.9

  18.1

  —

  34.6

  17.6

  —

  East Dunbartonshire

  25.0

  —

  —

  29.5

  —

  —

  27.3

  —

  —

  East Lothian

  36.5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  32.0

  —

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  36.1

  —

  —

  41.7

  —

  —

  38.9

  13.9

  —

  Edinburgh, City of

  26.3

  11.0

  1.4

  31.7

  10.1

  —

  28.5

  10.6

  1.2

  Falkirk

  32.6

  13.9

  —

  38.5

  11.9

  —

  35.2

  13.0

  —

  Fife

  29.7

  8.5

  —

  46.5

  12.5

  —

  36.7

  10.2

  —

  Glasgow City

  27.4

  9.8

  1.1

  34.9

  12.1

  —

  30.8

  10.8

  1.1

  Highland

  33.6

  11.8

  —

  45.8

  18.7

  —

  38.7

  14.7

  —

  Inverclyde

  37.8

  14.9

  —

  36.8

  22.8

  —

  37.4

  18.3

  —

  Midlothian

  30.5

  —

  —

  35.9

  —

  —

  32.7

  14.3

  —

  Moray

  44.7

  —

  —

  58.6

  31.0

  —

  50.3

  16.8

  —

  North Ayrshire

  23.7

  —

  —

  37.5

  18.1

  —

  29.6

  11.8

  —

  North Lanarkshire

  33.2

  10.2

  —

  38.6

  10.9

  —

  35.2

  10.5

  —

  Orkney Islands

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37.5

  25.0

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  30.8

  11.5

  —

  48.0

  25.5

  —

  38.4

  17.7

  —

  Renfrewshire

  30.8

  10.6

  —

  39.8

  17.1

  —

  34.3

  13.1

  —

  South Ayrshire

  23.5

  —

  —

  37.5

  12.5

  —

  29.6

  8.9

  —

  South Lanarkshire

  24.2

  8.3

  —

  44.9

  19.0

  —

  33.2

  13.0

  2.1

  Stirling

  29.7

  —

  —

  37.3

  23.5

  —

  32.8

  16.8

  —

  West Dunbartonshire

  29.7

  —

  —

  48.4

  19.4

  —

  38.9

  15.1

  —

  West Lothian

  30.3

  9.0

  —

  46.3

  12.6

  —

  36.7

  10.4

  —

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37.5

  —

  —

  Percentage of full-time employees whose average gross hourly pay (excluding overtime)in 2003 fell below three stated thresholds

  Male employees' pay thresholds

  Female employees' pay thresholds

  All employees' pay thresholds

  Area

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  £7.58

  £5.68

  £4.20

  Great Britain

  27.9

  9.5

  1.3

  37.4

  15.1

  1.9

  31.5

  11.6

  1.5

  Scotland

  31.6

  11.6

  1.3

  39.9

  16.0

  1.6

  35.1

  13.5

  1.4

  Local Authorities

  Aberdeen City

  25.1

  11.0

  —

  32.3

  11.2

  —

  27.9

  11.0

  —

  Aberdeenshire

  39.0

  13.4

  —

  46.8

  27.9

  —

  42.2

  19.3

  —

  Angus

  38.4

  15.1

  —

  45.5

  19.5

  —

  41.7

  17.2

  —

  Argyll and Bute

  42.5

  —

  —

  41.7

  —

  —

  42.1

  14.9

  —

  Scottish Borders, The

  45.3

  18.6

  —

  57.3

  26.8

  —

  51.2

  22.6

  —

  Clackmannanshire

  —

  —

  —

  50.0

  38.5

  —

  35.7

  19.6

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  50.0

  18.0

  —

  52.1

  28.1

  —

  50.9

  22.5

  —

  Dundee City

  29.4

  10.8

  —

  37.4

  15.6

  —

  32.8

  12.9

  —

  East Ayrshire

  34.5

  19.5

  —

  40.3

  19.4

  —

  37.1

  19.5

  —

  East Dunbartonshire

  29.5

  —

  —

  29.5

  —

  —

  29.5

  —

  —

  East Lothian

  39.7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  34.0

  11.0

  —

  East Renfrewshire

  33.3

  —

  —

  41.7

  —

  —

  37.5

  13.9

  —

  Edinburgh, City of

  27.7

  11.6

  1.7

  32.4

  10.1

  —

  29.7

  11.0

  1.4

  Falkirk

  33.3

  16.7

  —

  39.4

  11.9

  —

  36.0

  14 6

  —

  Fife

  32.5

  8.5

  —

  48.0

  12.9

  —

  39.0

  10.3

  —

  Glasgow City

  28.5

  10.5

  1.1

  35.8

  12.8

  —

  31.8

  11.5

  1.1

  Highland

  35.0

  12.3

  —

  47.1

  19.4

  —

  40.0

  15.2

  —

  Inverclyde

  36.5

  20.3

  —

  38.6

  22.8

  —

  37.4

  21.4

  —

  Midlothian

  30.5

  13.6

  —

  35.9

  —

  —

  32.7

  16.3

  —

  Moray

  48.2

  11.8

  —

  58.6

  32.8

  —

  52.4

  20.3

  —

  North Ayrshire

  25.8

  —

  —

  42.3

  21.1

  —

  32.7

  14.3

  —

  North Lanarkshire

  35.2

  10.8

  —

  39.1

  10.9

  —

  36.6

  10.8

  —

  Orkney Islands

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  37.5

  25.0

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  32.3

  14.6

  —

  49.0

  24.5

  —

  39.7

  19.0

  —

  Renfrewshire

  32.8

  11.1

  —

  39.0

  18.7

  —

  35.2

  14.0

  —

  Shetland Islands

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  30.3

  —

  —

  South Ayrshire

  23.5

  —

  —

  37.5

  14.8

  —

  29.6

  9.9

  —

  South Lanarkshire

  26.8

  9.1

  —

  44.9

  19.5

  —

  34.7

  13.6

  —

  Stirling

  36.1

  16.7

  —

  39.2

  23.5

  —

  37.4

  19.5

  —

  West Dunbartonshire

  29.7

  —

  —

  50.0

  21.0

  —

  39.7

  15.9

  —

  West Lothian

  35.4

  9.7

  —

  46.3

  14.7

  —

  39.7

  11.7

  —

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  41.0

  —

  —

  532W

  Equitable Life
  Mr. Sarwar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the matters he referred to the Serious Fraud Office in respect of Lord Penrose's report on Equitable Life. [156233]

  Ruth Kelly
  It would not be appropriate to refer to the content of Lord Penrose's report on Equitable Life in advance of publication.

  Individual Savings Accounts
  Sue Doughty
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will amend the regulatory requirements on transfer of mini cash ISAs between account providers to speed up transfer time; and if he will make a statement. [156402]

  Ruth Kelly
  The ISA regulations state that a transfer of an ISA between account providers must take place within the time stipulated by the investor. However, providers are given a reasonable business period (not exceeding 30 days) to allow for the practical implications of making the transfer.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are employed by the Inland Revenue in(a) Lancashire and (b) Chorley. [156131]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Within the North West Government Office Region (excluding Merseyside) the Inland Revenue employed 8,534 people at 1 April 2003. Of these 76 were employed in Chorley.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to his Department of using management consultants has been in each of the last five years. [148025]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost; HM Treasury does not hold data specifically on the costs of management consultants. Data on the total costs to HM Treasury for external consultants was given in my answer of 31 March 2003,Official Report, column 562W.

  Stress Audits
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many stress audits were carried out in his Department in each of the last five years; what the cost of each audit was; what assessment of the effects of the audits has been made; and if he will make a statement. [156590]

  Ruth Kelly
  A stress audit was carried out in 2000 at a cost of £20,000. The audit drew attention to several problems and a staff group was set up to assess its recommendations and to take forward an action plan. To measure progress against the 2000 stress audit, a follow up well being survey was carried out in 2003 at a cost of £15,000. Generally the results of the survey were positive: levels of stress had decreased since the 2000 stress audit. However there remained scope for improvement and a new staff group has been set up to focus on what more should be done.
  534W

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

  Access to Legal Advice
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the same levels of legal advice and support are available to people throughout England. [155034]

  Mr. Lammy
  Our aim in providing legal advice and support is to provide common levels of provision across the country, taking into account local needs. This is done through the Legal Services Commission, which is responsible to the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs for maintaining and developing the Community Legal Service (CLS). The key aim of the CLS is to provide greater and more easily accessible civil legal advice services to people within England and Wales. Regional Legal Services Committees and CLS Partnerships are responsible for co-ordinating the delivery of local legal and advice services in their area and, through an analysis of priority legal needs at a local level, can ensure that resources are targeted more effectively to those most in need.

  In addition, the Commission has put in place a number of initiatives to improve access to advice that go beyond the traditional model of legal aid provided by solicitors from their offices, including the 'Just Ask!' website and telephone advice services. A national telephone advice service will be available from summer 2004 following a successful pilot.

  Magistrates Courts (Closure)
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will list each magistrates court that has closed in the last two years, broken down by(a) parliamentary constituency and (b) date of closure. [155954]

  Mr. Leslie
  The responsibility for the number and location of magistrates courts in England and Wales falls to individual Magistrates' Courts Committees (MCCs) to determine, in consultation with their local paying authority. A paying authority that is aggrieved by a determination of an MCC has the right to appeal under section 56(3) of the Justice of the Peace Act 1997 to the Secretary of State for Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) within one month of receipt of the written notice of determination.

  However, MCCs are not required by statute to inform the Department of proposed courthouse closures that are not subject to an appeal. The following table shows the closures of magistrates courts in England and Wales in 2002 and 2003 compiled from the information that is available to my Department:

  Court

  Parliamentary constituency

  Date of closure

  Bridgenorth

  Ludlow

  31 January 2002

  Leominster

  Leominster

  31 January 2002

  Fakenham

  North Suffolk

  1 May 2002

  Tunbridge Wells

  Tunbridge Wells

  2 June 2002

  Beaconsfield

  Beaconsfield

  1 July 2002

  Buckingham

  Buckingham

  1 July 2002

  Evesham

  Mid Worcestershire

  30 November 2002

  Thame

  Henley

  31 January 2003

  Droitwich

  Mid Worcestershire

  21 March 2003

  535W

  Court

  Parliamentary constituency

  Date of closure

  Machynlleth

  Meirionnydd Nant Conwy

  31 March 2003

  Chester le Street

  North Durham

  31 March 2003

  Rugeley

  Cannock Chase

  31 May 2003

  Lampeter

  Ceredigion

  9 June 2003

  Tenby

  Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire

  30 June 2003

  Camberley

  Surrey Heath

  30 June 2003

  Trowbridge

  Westbury

  30 September 2003

  Whitchurch

  North Shropshire

  03 October 2003

  Long Sutton

  South Holland and The Deepings

  31 October 2003

  Caistor

  Gainsborough

  31 December 2003

  Horncastle

  Louth and Horncastle County

  31 December 2003

  Probate
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what representations he has received concerning delays in confirming probate on settlements relating to the estates of deceased mineworkers; and if he will make a statement. [155594]

  Mr. Lammy
  None, although I am informed that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has received representations on this issue. Officials at the DTI are working with solicitors on an indemnity form to ensure grants of probate will not be required on low-value offers. However, all the parties involved are aware of their legal obligations to guarantee that compensation is granted to the right individual.

  Small Claims Track
  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what guidance is given to district judges about how to manage cases in the small claims track in which one party is represented and the other not. [155381]

  Mr. Leslie
  Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board (JSB), an independent body chaired by Lord Justice Keene. The JSB provides written guidance to district judges on the conduct of small claims cases in its Civil Bench Book and on the particular needs of litigants in person in its Equal Treatment Bench Book. Both publications are publicly available via the JSB's website. They are supplemented by a video on the needs of litigants in person. The video is used as a an aid to syndicate discussion on the Civil Continuation Seminar. All district judges attend a Civil Continuation Seminar at three-yearly intervals.

  Vera Baird
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what guidance is given to the management of the small claims track about the availability of free legal advice to litigants in the court building. [155385]

  Mr. Leslie
  In 2001 all civil and family courts in England and Wales gained a Quality Mark under the Community Legal Service (CLS) scheme. This confirms that those courts are committed to improving public access to quality information and legal services, by promoting the services of the CLS.

  This involves as a minimum, active signposting and referring people to the CLS directory, but many courts go much further by including reference to the CLS helpline and the 'Just Ask!' Website in leaflets, posters
  536W
  and court correspondence. The allocation questionnaire (a form prescribed by rule) that seeks case management information from the parties currently does not specifically refer to the CLS. In addition a small claims leaflet is sent with the hearing notice, but again there is no reference to free legal advice or where it can be obtained.

  The Court Service is working in partnership with the Legal Services Commission and work is already under way to improve public awareness as to where they can obtain free legal advice. That work includes a full review of computer-produced documentation and forms and two pilot schemes. One pilot is providing from court premises up to 30 minutes FREEFONE access to solicitors and advice agencies and the other is establishing an improved and more pro-active level of information service under the CLS scheme.

  Supreme Court
  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what arrangements have been made to find a suitable building for the proposed Supreme Court. [156330]

  Mr. Leslie
  An extensive property search was commissioned to identify suitable locations for the new Supreme Court in central London. Following that, a number of options are being considered, both commercial sites and those already on the Government estate. An evaluation of those sites is currently being conducted to identify the preferred building solution.

  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether it is the Government's policy to construct a new building for the proposed Supreme Court. [156331]

  Mr. Leslie
  A number of options are being considered. whatever solution is ultimately chosen, the new building for the Supreme Court will need to provide a secure working environment for judiciary and staff and contain appropriate hearing rooms and ancillary accommodation and facilities. It will also have to provide value for money.

  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs who has been engaged by the Government to find a suitable location for the proposed Supreme Court. [156332]

  Mr. Leslie
  My Department has reviewed its own estate and consulted the Office of Government Commerce about availability on the London Civil Estate. Additionally, we have approached all Government Departments direct. In order to establish availability in the commercial market, we have engaged the services of property agents Knight Frank to carry out a thorough search of central London locations suitable for the new UK Supreme Court.

  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been spent so far on outside consultants charged with the task of finding a suitable location for the proposed Supreme Court. [156333]

  Mr. Leslie
  My Department has committed fees of approximately £19,000 on the search for potential sites for the new Supreme Court. A further £83,000 has been
  537W
  committed on the analysis and evaluation of the options and completion of the necessary Treasury 'Green Book' style economic appraisals.

  As a result of commercial negotiations, this is slightly lower than the figure given by my right hon. and noble Friend, Lord Falconer, in the other place on the 29 January.

  Mr. Alan Duncan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will publish the specifications set by the Government for a suitable building for the proposed Supreme Court. [156334]

  Mr. Leslie
  The property search is being undertaken on the basis of a requirement for a new or existing building in central London. The space requirement was calculated on the basis of providing at least three hearing rooms requiring 500 m2, 14 judicial chambers and ancillary accommodation totalling 1300 m2, staff accommodation and facilities totalling 800 m2, 400 m2 of public area and facilities and 550 m2 for library and records storage.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Access Courses
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what projects his Department is piloting to increase the number of part-time students from the poorest communities taking up and completing access courses. [156305]

  Alan Johnson
  My Department is piloting no such projects. However, I have asked the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), which regulates the national recognition of Access Courses, to make proposals which modernise the criteria for access courses, so that they are sufficiently flexible and attractive to meet the needs of today's adult learners. My Department is expecting these proposals in the spring.

  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations his Department has received on the impact of the benefits system on the take up of part-time access courses. [156307]

  Alan Johnson
  Neither my Department nor that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions have received any specific representations.

  Adult and Community Learning
  Mr. Simmonds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) how many people were enrolled on adult and community learning programmes in each year since 1995; [147441]

  (2) how many people in England and Wales are enrolled on adult and community learning programmes. [147442]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The numbers of learners in (i) adult and community learning and adult education courses run through local education authorities; (ii) LearnDirect; and (iii) adult basic skills, are set out as follows.
  538W
  The number of enrolments on adult education courses run through local education authorities (LEAs) in England at 1 November each year is published annually in the Statistical First Release, "Adult Education Enrolments in England". Data on adult and community learning in Wales were collected and published by the National Assembly for Wales. The following table shows the number of enrolments in England and Wales as at 1 November in each year from 1995 to 2002, the latest year for which figures are available. These figures include enrolments on both courses that do and do not lead to a recognised qualification.

  Adult education enrolments1 in England and Wales: 1995 to 2002

  Thousand

  November

  England

  Wales

  1995

  1,153

  28

  1996

  1,232

  39

  1997

  1,062

  52

  1998

  1,115

  62

  1999

  1,054

  67

  2000

  1,041

  64

  2001

  1,052

  259

  2002

  1,042

  256

  1Enrolments are not the same as learners. Individuals on a number of courses are counted more than once.

  2Due to changes in data collection, figures from 2001 onwards are not directly comparable with those prior to 2001. Furthermore, data from 2001 relate to the number of enrolments in the first week of December as opposed to November.

  Sources:

  Statistical First Release: "Adult Education Enrolments in England—November 2002"

  Statistical First Release: "Adult Education in Wales: Local Authority Provision 2000"

  Statistical Bulletin: "Adult Continuing Education in Wales 2001/02 and 2002/03"

  The figures in the following table show the numbers of learners on LearnDirect provision in England and Wales in each year since 2000/01, the earliest year for which figures are available.

  Learners (in thousands) on LearnDirect provision in England and Wales 2000/01 to 2002/03

  Academic year

  England

  Wales

  2000/01

  137

  4

  2001/03

  347

  11

  2002/03

  485

  n/a

  Sources:
  LearnDirect
  National Council-ELWa

  The final table shows the number of enrolments on adult basic skills courses in England and Wales.

  Enrolments (in thousands) on adult basic skills in England and Wales—2000/01 to 2002/03

  Academic year

  England

  Wales

  2000/01

  724

  25

  2001/03

  1,136

  25

  2002/03

  1,230

  n/a

  Notes:
  1. England enrolment data includes Learning and Skills Council funded learning opportunities; estimates from the Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit; and the Department for Work and Pensions.
  2. Wales enrolment data from 'National Council-ELWa'.
  539W

  Building Schools for the Future Fund
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills for what reasons the London Borough of Islington was unsuccessful in its recent bid for support from the Building Schools for the Future Fund. [156594]

  Mr. Miliband
  All applications for funding in the first wave of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) were appraised against the criteria we set out in our invitation to all authorities to apply for prioritisation. These criteria were need, as shown by low school standards and relative social deprivation indicated by high levels of take-up for free schools meals, the strength of the authority's educational vision and its capacity to deliver a large procurement project to support that vision. All proposals were rigorously appraised against these criteria and there was stringent moderation to ensure fairness. We prioritised projects which best met these criteria. Unfortunately, total demand was several times the total of over £2 billion we have available for BSF in 2005–06. All unsuccessful wave 1 authorities are automatically eligible, without further application, for prioritisation in subsequent waves of BSF, along with all authorities which expressed interest in later inclusion. Prioritisation of wave 2 and beyond will be on need as shown by low school standards and take-up of free school meals. We aim to announce prioritisation of authorities in further waves of BSF funding later this year.

  Departmental Minutes
  Mr. Lilley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is his Department's policy to make notes of(a) meetings and (b) telephone conversations involving Ministers; and under what circumstances no notes would be taken. [149529]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  [holding answer 20 January 2004]The Department follows the central "Guidance on the Management of Private Office Papers", which makes clear that good record management procedures are necessary not least to ensure accountability and provide an audit trail. Among the records covered by the guidance are Ministers' meetings and telephone conversations.

  Funds/Grants
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the(a) standards funds and (b) special grants in operation; and if he will make a statement. [156591]

  Mr. Miliband
  The following table shows the Standards Fund grants and special grants allocated by the Department of Education and Skills in 2003–04. The figures include Government grant and local authority contributions where required.

  Standards Fund Grants 2003–04

  Allocations (£ million)

  Leadership Incentive Grant

  174.9

  Targeted Improvement Grant

  38.3

  Special Educational Needs

  79.0

  Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Education and Prevention

  12.4

  540W

  Standards Fund Grants 2003–04

  Allocations (£ million)

  Study Support (National)

  54.5

  Study Support (Excellence in Cities)

  18.8

  Study Support: Quality Development Programme

  0.6

  Investigation and Referral Support Co-ordinators

  1.2

  Vulnerable Children

  80.1

  National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies

  211.9

  Primary Behaviour Pilot

  4.3

  Key Stage 3 Strategy

  218.9

  Ethnic Minority Achievement

  155.0

  Raising Achievement of African Caribbean Pupils Project

  0.5

  National Primary Strategy English as an Additional Language Pilot Project

  0.4

  Gypsy-Traveller Achievement Project

  0.2

  Education Health Partnerships

  5.7

  Music Services

  54.5

  Playing for Success

  4.7

  Early Excellence Centres

  16.4

  School Achievement Awards

  59.1

  New Excellence Clusters

  29.3

  Behaviour Improvement Programme

  65.9

  Aimhigher (pre-16)

  25.4

  Summer Schools for Gifted and Talented Children

  3.8

  Gifted and Talented Children: Sports Grant

  0.3

  Specialist Schools

  195.2

  Beacon Schools

  40.6

  City Learning Centres

  26.0

  Diversity Pathfinders

  0.7

  Extended Schools

  7.7

  Federations

  3.3

  Leading Edge Schools

  5.6

  14–19 Pathfinders

  9.0

  Enterprise Learning Pathfinders

  4.7

  Key Stage 2 Language Pathfinders

  3.0

  Golden Hello Payments

  7.1

  Training Schools

  4.7

  Advanced Skills Teachers

  57.4

  School Support Staff

  268.0

  School Support Staff: Training and Development

  35.5

  LEA Support for School Workforce Remodelling

  15.0

  Teacher Sabbaticals

  9.9

  Early Professional Development Pilot Scheme

  8.8

  Transforming School Workforce Pathfinder

  1.0

  Fast Track Pay for Teachers

  0.9

  Fresh Start and New Partnerships

  19.9

  Information Communication Technology in Schools: Infrastructure

  284.2

  Information Communications Technology In Schools: Broadband Connectivity

  71.0

  Devolved Formula Capital

  561.9

  Seed Challenge Capital

  60.0

  Staff Workspaces

  25.0

  Capital Funding for Nursery Education in Disadvantaged Areas

  20.0

  Capital Projects

  49.2

  e-Learning Credits

  99.9

  Interactive Whiteboards [London)

  15.0

  Laptops for Teachers

  59.9

  Electronic Registration Systems in Secondary Schools

  1.5

  Other grants paid through the Standards Fund payment system

  School Standards Grant

  800.1

  Additional Budget Support Grant

  28.2

  London Budget Support Grant

  11.3

  Performance Pay Funding

  202.5

  Teachers Threshold Grant

  549.9

  Capital Flexibility Funding for Voluntary Aided School

  7.7

  Special Grants 2003–2004

  Excellence in Cities and Excellence Clusters

  219.1

  Excellent and 3* Education Authorities1

  27.4

  Condition Funding

  445.3

  Total

  5,579.5

  541W
  1Grant for local authorities rated Excellent and 3* Education under the Audit Commission's Comprehensive Performance Assessment 2002.

  Further and Higher Education
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the rate of participation in(a) higher and (b) further education was in each ward in each of the principal seaside towns in England and Wales in the latest month for which figures are available, listed in descending order, with figures for Welsh seaside towns disaggregated; and if he will make a statement on measures the Government are taking to increase participation in each case. [154961]

  Alan Johnson
  [ holding answer 23 February 2004]: The information covering England is not held centrally; figures for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Data on the percentage of students participating in education or training are not calculated for areas smaller than LEAs, as reliable estimates cannot be made.

  The available data for FE show participation rates by LEA for 16 and 17 year olds, and are published in an annual National Statistics Bulletin, 'Participation in Education and Training by 16 and 17 Year Olds in Each Local Area in England'. This latest bulletin is published solely on the DfES website: http://www.dfies.gov.uk/rsqatewav/DB/SBU/b000369/index.shtml

  Table three gives participation rates for 16 year olds in full-time education by Local Education Authority, 1998 to 2000, the latest year for which figures are available. Copies of the Bulletin have been placed in the Libraries.

  The available data for HE show the proportion of 18 year olds from each LEA who were accepted for entry to full-time undergraduate courses, and are shown in the table.

  The Aimhigher programme seeks to improve the attainment of young people in disadvantaged areas, and to raise their aspirations towards higher education. In 2004, Aimhigher will merge with "Partnerships for Progression", a programme funded jointly by the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Council. This will create a new, national outreach programme which will operate most intensively in deprived areas. The new programme will cover all seaside towns in England.

  Learning and Skills Council
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what buildings are owned by the Learning and Skills Council; what the estimated value is of each; and if he will make a statement [156592]

  Alan Johnson
  This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Member with this information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

  Modern Apprenticeships
  Rob Marris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many businesses provided 542W
  places for modern apprenticeships for the first time in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03 to support trainees receiving training through (i) further education colleges and (ii) private training organisations. [150005]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. I have therefore asked Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, to write to my hon. Friend with the information requested and to place a copy of his reply in the Library.

  Ofsted
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost of Ofsted was in each year from 1997–98 to 2005–06 (estimate); how many staff were employed in each year; and if he will make a statement. [156611]

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

  Parliamentary Questions
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will answer the question, reference no. 143066, tabled by the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham on 4 December 2003. [151034]

  Alan Johnson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given today, and I apologise for the delay in replying. The data he requested on students completing three year courses in 2003 have only recently become available.

  Portsmouth City Council
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what factors underlay the decision of his Department to require Portsmouth City Council to consolidate the one-off additional budget supplementary grant for 2003–04 into the 2004–05 settlement. [157282]

  Mr. Miliband
  In 2003–04, the Department made available an additional budget support grant of £28 million to ensure all authorities received at least a minimum increase of 3.2 per cent. per pupil, after taking account of the effect of the Standards Fund and teachers' pension changes.

  Portsmouth's share of this was £891,000. This grant has been added to the 2003–04 baseline and Portsmouth's 5 per cent. per pupil Schools Formula Spending Share increase is on top of this enlarged baseline. Therefore, the SFSS for 2004–05 incorporates the £891,000 and the Government expect authorities to passport the full increase in SFSS into the Schools Budget. Portsmouth's Revenue Support Grant for 2004–05 also incorporates this funding as the increase in Revenue Support Grant of 4.2 per cent. was also on top of a baseline that included the –891,000 grant.

  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he has given to(a) Portsmouth City Council and (b) other local education authorities on funding his 4 per cent. pledge to schools in 2004–05; and if he will make a statement. [157283]
  543W
  Mr. Miliband
  The Department has provided detailed guidance to local education authorities concerning the funding changes for 2004–05 through the teachernet website and through direct letters. The Department ensured that every authority received an increase in Schools Formula Spending Share per pupil of at least 5 percent., compared to the 4 percent. minimum guarantee for schools. The Department continues to be in dialogue with the handful of authorities that are having difficulty in implementing the guarantee.

  Removing Barriers To Achievement
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what sources of funding will be made available to fund Removing Barriers to Achievement; and if he will make a statement. [156067]

  Mr. Miliband
  "Removing Barriers to Achievement" sets out our long-term plans for working in partnership with local authorities, early years settings, schools and the health and voluntary sectors to improve provision for children with special educational needs.

  The Strategy contains a programme of sustained action and review over a number of years. The Government have invested significant sums in education with a real terms increase of over 25 percent. since 1997. Total estimated gross expenditure on pupils with SEN for 2003–04, including estimated spending on centrally funded SEN activities is almost £3.5 billion—as reported by local education authorities in February 2004 as part of their Section 52 Budget Statements. The SEN Strategy focuses on getting the best value for money and using those substantial resources as efficiently and effectively as possible. At national level, improving provision for children with special educational needs will be integral to our existing and developing national strategies and programmes. Similarly, the work set out in the Strategy which is designed to build our evidence base, develop and test out different approaches and spread best practice will also be funded from within existing resources.

  Decisions on resources for all areas of public spending from 2006–07 onwards will be taken later in the year as part of the Government's Spending Review.

  School (Corporate Advertising)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will estimate the revenue generated for schools in England through corporate advertising in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [156135]

  (2)how many schools in England are receiving revenue from corporate advertising; and if he will make a statement; [156136]

  (3)if he will list the companies advertising in schools in England; and if he will make a statement. [156137]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Department does not collect this information.

  School Buildings
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list, for each local 544W
  authority with one or more schools designated under section 104 and section 100 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, how many schools so designated are proposed for (a) new building, (b) major refurbishment or remodelling of existing building,(c) minor repairs and refurbishment to existing buildings and (d) no capital works in the local education authority's response to the Building Schools for the Future initiative. [155620]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 25 February 2004]: Local education authorities (LEAs) submitted proposals and expressions of interest for Building Schools for the Future (BSF) outlining what sort of work they envisaged for their schools and included 118 selective schools. The following table gives the breakdown requested. Given the long planning period of 10 to 15 years from 2005–06, these figures should be treated with some caution.

  Table listing for each local authority with one or more schools designated under section 104 and section 100 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, how many schools so designated are proposed for (a) new building, (b) major refurbishment or remodelling of existing building, (c) minor repairs and refurbishment to existing buildings and (d) no capital works in the local education authority's response to the building schools for the future initiative

  LEA

  Number of selective schools

  Type A1

  Type B2

  Type C3

  Type D4

  Birmingham

  8

  0

  8

  0

  0

  Bournemouth

  2

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Bromley

  2

  1

  2

  2

  2

  Buckinghamshire

  13

  10

  13

  13

  13

  Calderdale

  2

  2

  1

  0

  0

  Devon

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Enfield

  1

  1

  1

  1

  0

  Essex

  4

  4

  4

  4

  3

  Kent

  32

  32

  22

  0

  11

  Kingston upon Thames

  2

  1

  2

  2

  0

  Kirklees

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Liverpool

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Medway

  6

  6

  6

  6

  4

  North Yorkshire

  3

  2

  2

  0

  0

  Plymouth

  3

  2

  2

  2

  0

  Poole

  2

  0

  2

  2

  0

  Reading

  2

  2

  2

  2

  0

  Redbridge

  2

  2

  2

  2

  0

  Southend-on-Sea

  4

  3

  4

  4

  4

  Stoke-on-Trent

  1

  1

  1

  1

  0

  Sutton

  5

  5

  5

  2

  4

  Telford and Wrekin

  2

  2

  1

  1

  1

  Torbay

  3

  3

  1

  2

  3

  Trafford

  7

  7

  5

  2

  0

  Walsall

  2

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Warwickshire

  5

  5

  5

  5

  3

  Wiltshire

  1

  1

  1

  0

  1

  Wolverhampton

  1

  0

  1

  1

  0

  1New build

  2Refurbishment and remodelling of existing buildings

  3Minor refurbishment with limited repairs to existing buildings

  4 No work proposed

  For each school LEAs were requested to indicate what percentage of work fell into each of the types above. For example a school may have 25 per cent. type A, 25 per cent. type B, 25 per cent. type C and 25 per cent. type D. The table shows the number of selective schools included in each LEA and the numbers of those where some work is included in each type of work. Some LEAs chose not to give school details in their expressions of interest and, therefore, no information is available for these.

  Specialist Schools
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list each(a) specialist school and (b) non-specialist school designated under section 104 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, together with the number of pupils they have selected in each of the last six years. [155623]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 25 February 2004]: Section 104 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 relates to designation of schools as grammar schools. Of the 164 maintained grammar schools in England, 98 are also specialist schools. The list below shows which grammar schools are specialist and which are not.

  Grammar schools select the whole of their intake. Information is not held centrally on the actual numbers admitted by each of these schools.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many specialist schools are receiving sponsorship from corporate and charitable sponsors. [156138]

  Mr. Charles Clarke
  All specialist schools are required to raise a proportion of the £50,000 unconditional sponsorship from corporate or charitable sponsors. Therefore, the 463 schools which became operational as specialist schools in September 2003, and the 240 which will be operational from September 2004, all receive funding from these sources.

  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the corporate sponsors sponsoring specialist schools. [156139]

  Mr. Miliband
  All specialist schools are required to raise a proportion of the £50,000 unconditional sponsorship from corporate or charitable sponsors. It would be disproportionately costly to provide information on all corporate sponsors currently sponsoring individual specialist schools. In addition, some sponsors prefer to remain anonymous. However, the Specialist Schools Trust, who are charged with raising sponsorship for specialist schools, will be able to provide a list of some of the main corporate sponsors of specialist schools. I will write to you with this information once permission has been obtained from the relevant sponsors

  Strategic Area Reviews
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made by learning and skills councils in carrying out strategic area reviews; and if he will make a statement. [156633]

  Alan Johnson
  Last April all local Learning and Skills Councils (LSCs) started strategic area reviews of post-16 LSC-funded provision. These reviews assess the extent to which the current pattern of post-16 learning in each local area meets the needs of learners, employers and the community and are a key driver for change.

  Each local LSC has developed project plans, put in place local review arrangements and agreed a timetable for the review process. The majority of local LSCs are now completing the information gathering and analysis
  546W
  stage of the review and some are now starting to consider possible strategic options. There will be full consultation with local stakeholders throughout the reviews.

  By Spring 2005 most local LSCs will have completed the reviews and published resulting outcomes.

  Teacher Training Agency
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost of the Teacher Training Agency was in the last financial year; and if he will make a statement. [156589]

  Mr. Miliband
  In 2002–03, the annual administrative cost of the Teacher Training Agency was £9.369 million.

  Teachers (Fast Track Recruitment)
  Mr. Laws
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the cost of the Fast Track teacher recruiting programme for each year from 2001–02 to 2005–06; and if he will make a statement. [156696]

  Mr. Miliband
  The Fast Track teaching programme is a long-term investment in developing effective leadership in schools; it is not primarily a recruitment programme. So far this year, applications are 19 per cent. higher than they were in the same period last year. The number of Fast Track teachers and trainees currently on the programme is more than double last year's number.

  The cost of Fast Track for the years 2001–05 is shown in the table. Future budgets are subject to the current Spending Review.

  £million

  2000ߝ01

  4.60

  2001ߝ02

  8.27

  2002ߝ03

  8.07

  2003ߝ04

  113.3

  2004ߝ05

  218.5

  1Estimated end of year forecast

  2Estimated,dependent on recruitment levels

  Universities
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students started three year courses at UK universities in 1997–98 and 1999–2000; and how many students graduated from those universities with degrees in 2000–01 and 2002–03. [143066]

  Alan Johnson
  The available figures are given in the tables. Students starting courses lasting three years in 1997/98 would normally graduate in 1999/2000.

  Full time first degree entrants on courses expected to last three years at UK HE institutions

  Year of entry

  Number

  1998/99

  190,395

  1997/98

  201,948

  1998/99

  197,073

  1999/2000

  196,355

  2001/01

  214,348

  Source:
  Higher Education Statistics Agency
  547W

  Full time first degree graduating from courses expected to last three years at UK HE institutions

  Year of graduation

  Number

  1998/99

  150,728

  1999/2000

  152,414

  2000/01

  150,890

  2001/02

  153,047

  2002/03

  159,047

  Source:
  >Higher Education Statistics Agency

  Universities UK Spending Review
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the Universities UK Spending Review 2004; and if he will make a statement. [156070]

  Alan Johnson
  'Achieving our vision', the Universities UK 2004 spending review submission for England and Northern Ireland, provides details of their assessment of the financial needs of the higher education sector over the next few years. Decisions on resources for all areas of public spending from 2006/07 onwards will be taken later in the year as part of the Government's Spending Review.

TRANSPORT

  Bus Services
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the bus industry has achieved the target of 99.5 per cent. reliability agreed between his Department and the Confederation of Passenger Transport; and if he will make a statement. [156169]

  Mr. McNulty
  Reliability is defined as the percentage of scheduled bus mileage actually run, excluding lost mileage outside operators' control. The baseline for the reliability target is 98.2 per cent. in England in the year to March 2001. Reliability rose to 98.5 per cent. in the year to March 2003. However, it was estimated to have fallen back to 98.2 per cent. (seasonally adjusted) in the period July-September 2003, the most recent quarter for which data are available. We are considering the reasons for this with the Confederation of Passenger Transport.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications he has received from local authorities to implement bus quality contracts; how many statutory bus quality partnerships have been registered; and which local authorities have introduced them. [156172]

  Mr. McNulty
  We have to date received no applications for bus quality contracts schemes, though I recently announced the Government's intention to consult on the proposal to reduce the 21-month minimum period that must elapse between the making of a quality contracts scheme and its coming into force. No statutory bus quality partnerships have yet been registered, although informal partnerships are placed in over 130 areas across the country. Plans by West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority and Birmingham City Council for the introduction of the first statutory quality partnership, on the Route 67 bus corridor in Birmingham, are very well advanced.
  548W
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people are employed by the Vehicles Inspectorate to undertake bus quality checks; and how many person hours were devoted to bus quality checks in the last year for which figures are available. [156173]

  Mr. Jamieson
  The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), formerly the Vehicle Inspectorate, employs 15 Bus Compliance Officers, two of whom are funded directly by the Welsh Assembly. The Bus Compliance Officers carry out monitoring of local bus services outside London, which involves checking that vehicles comply with their registered timetables and routes. The Officers also investigate complaints about possible instances of non-compliance. In 2002-03 18,725 man hours were devoted to these activities.

  VOSA also employs some 300 Vehicle Examiners who carry out roadworthiness checks on passenger service vehicles (buses, coaches and mini buses licensed to carry more than eight passengers) as part of their duties. During 2002–03 £24,786 vehicles were examined in spot and fleet roadworthiness checks. Approximately 32,500 man hours were devoted to this work. This figure cannot be broken down to identify the proportion of time spent solely on bus checks.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who the five worst bus operators in terms of punctuality and reliability were in each of the areas covered by the Traffic Commissioners in the last year for which figures are available; which operators have been fined by the Traffic Commissioners for poor performance; and what fines have been paid. [156175]

  Mr. McNulty
  Information is not available in the form requested.

  In 2002–03, across all traffic areas, traffic commissioners held 41 disciplinary public inquiries relating to local bus services, and in 22 cases financial penalties were imposed (although some were subsequently subject to appeal to the Transport Tribunal), the majority relating to punctuality or reliability. It is not possible to rank them in order of severity, given the wide variation in scale of operation and other factors.

  Since February 2003 fines totalling £122,533 have been paid by bus operators following disciplinary action by traffic commissioners.

  Further details, including breakdown by traffic area are available in tables 17.1 and 17.2 of the "Traffic Commissioners' Annual Reports for 2002–03". Copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.

  Nick Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many(a) villages and (b) towns have been served by bus services in (i) Devon and (ii) the South West in each year since 1993; and if he will make a statement; [156063]

  (2)how many (a) daily and (b) weekly bus routes to (i) villages and (ii) towns have operated in (A) Devon; and (B) the South West in each year since 1993; and if he will make a statement; [156064]

  (3)how many rural bus routes served (a) Devon and (b) the South West in each year since 1993; and if he will make a statement; [156065]
  549W
  (4) how many (a) daily and (b) weekly rural bus services there were in each year since 1993 in (i) Devon and (ii) the South West; and if he will make statement. [156066]

  Mr. McNulty
  The information requested is not available and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Dibden Bay Container Port
  Dr. Julian Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he has made a decision on whether the Dibden Bay container port will be built; [156363]

  (2) on what date he received the inspector's report resulting from the public inquiry into the Dibden Bay container port application; and when it will be published; [156364]

  (3) whether it is his policy to approve the building of one container port in advance of receiving the report of the public inquiry into proposals to build another container port simultaneously elsewhere; [156365]

  (4) whether it is his intention to (a) make and (b) publish his decisions on the proposals for container ports at (i) Dibden Bay and (ii) Shell Haven (London Gateway) at the same time; [156366]

  (5) if he will make it his policy not to publish his decision on the Dibden Bay container port proposal prior to the publication of the report of the public inquiry into the creation of a New Forest national park. [156367]

  Mr. Jamieson
  It is the Government's policy to consider each proposal on its merits, having regard to relevant development considerations. The inspector's report of the public inquiry into the Dibden Bay container port application was received in my Department at the end of September 2003 and will be published when a decision is made and announced.

  The publication of the report of the public inquiry into the creation of a New Forest National Park is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  Passenger Numbers
  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the most recent Passenger in Excess of Capacity figures are for the(a) morning and (b) evening peaks in (i) West Yorkshire, (ii) Greater Manchester, (iii) the West Midlands, (iv) South Yorkshire, (v) Merseyside, (vi) Strathclyde and (vii) London and the South East. [156170]

  Mr. McNulty
  Passengers In Excess of Capacity (PIXC) is a mechanism applied exclusively in London and the South East and on Edinburgh commuter services across the Forth Bridge. The results of the 2003 counts have not yet been produced. The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) published the results of the 2002 counts in their "On Track" publication in June 2003, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Passenger Transport Executives may apply similar regimes in their areas, but they do not use the same criteria and are not comparable with the SRA PIXC figures.
  550W

  Railways
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what work(a) the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) Network Rail has been engaged in the Eddisbury constituency in the last 18 months, broken down by location; what the costs are of such works, broken down by project; what surveys were commissioned prior to such works being carried out into the extent of damage caused by badgers at or near in-use railway lines; what consultations were undertaken in each relevant local community prior to works being commissioned and carried out on alternative methods of removing badgers from current setts; and what the timescale is for (i) post-audit and (ii) value for money exercises to be carried out on these projects. [155278]

  Mr. McNulty
  This is an operational matter for Network Rail. I have passed this to Network Rail who will respond directly to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to ensure a competitive market for existing railway rolling stock once existing contracts inherited from British Rail have expired. [156174]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Strategic Rail Authority is charged with securing value for money in rolling stock procurement. As part of that responsibility, it is considering how best to deal with the large number of rolling stock leases which fall due for renewal shortly. Whether more general changes are needed to the present arrangements in this area is among the issues that are being considered as part of the rail review announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 19 January.

  Mr. Truswell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the most recent reliability levels of rail services are for(a) Great Britain and (b) each region; and what policies he is implementing to ensure the achievement of the 99.5 per cent. reliability target. [156168]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Government requires Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to set themselves reliability targets in their Passengers' Charters. Reliability performance is a measure of trains run/cancelled and does not include punctuality. TOCs publish details of their reliability performance at train stations every four weeks. If reliability falls below the trigger point set out in the Passengers' Charter, season ticket holders can claim a discount on renewal of their ticket. Within this framework, operational plans for avoiding cancellations are a matter for TOCs.

  The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) measures train performance by the Public Performance Measure (PPM) which combines reliability and punctuality. It is published by train operator in the SRA's quarterly National Rail Trends (NRT). The latest publication covers performance to the year ending 30 September 2003 and is placed in the Library of the House.

  Recruitment Advertising
  Pete Wishart
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his Department's expenditure on recruitment advertising was in each of the last three years, broken down by publication; and what
  551W
  proportion of such expenditure was (a) to advertise vacant posts and (b) in the form of other general recruitment advertising [155528]

  Mr. McNulty
  The Department for Transport has only been in existence since May 2002.

  The Department uses the most appropriate publication for recruitment advertising, be it national, regional, trade magazine or website, depending on the nature of the vacancy. To provide a breakdown between publications would be at disproportionate cost.

  Below are details of the costs incurred by DfT (Central) for recruitment advertising for vacant posts.
  2002–03: £241,868.87
  2003–04 to date: £461,262.81

  This does not include the Departments Agencies as they have responsibility for their own recruitment below Senior Civil Service. Nor does it include NDPBs. These costs could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.

  The Department for Transport has not participated in a general recruitment since May 2002.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

  Copyright/Trade Marks (Offences)
  Dr. Cable
  To ask the Solicitor-General how many Crown prosecutions have been made for counterfeiting and copyright theft(a) since the introduction of the Copyright etc. and Trade Marks (Offences and Enforcement) Act 2002 and (b) in each of the last seven years; and how many prosecutions resulted in convictions. [154955]

  The Solicitor-General
  The CPS does not hold central records on the numbers of particular offences prosecuted or resulting in conviction. Information at this level of detail could be obtained only by examining individual case files, some of which may be held in CPS offices and some in central archives and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Some files will have been destroyed in accordance with Public Records Act practice.

  Offences under this legislation are also prosecuted by other agencies such as Trading Standards, the Federation Against Software Theft (FAST), and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).

  Guantanamo Bay Detainees
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Solicitor-General what consideration was given during the Attorney-General's recent discussions with US officials to proceedings for treason being brought by the Crown Prosecution Service against the British detainees in Guantanamo Bay. [155014]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General has explained to the US Administration the options for the possible prosecution for treason of the British detainees in Guantanamo Bay. As I set out in my reply to the hon. Member dated 5 January 2004,Official Report, column 74W, decisions to prosecute are made independently by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The
  552W
  Attorney-General may be consulted on prosecution decisions. A prosecution will be brought if there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute. If a decision to prosecute is made all relevant charges will be considered in deciding what charge an individual should face.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Solicitor-General what representations the Attorney-General received from the United States Administration on the treatment that United Kingdom citizens detained in Guantanamo Bay would receive on repatriation to the UK. [155015]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Attorney-General has had no discussions with The US Administration about the treatment that the British nationals detained in Guantanamo Bay would receive on repatriation to the UK, but there have been discussions on this issue involving other UK Government officials. The Government does not intend to provide details of confidential exchanges between the British and US Governments.

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Solicitor-General what progress has been made in obtaining the repatriation of the British detainees in Guantanamo Bay; and if she will make a statement. [155016]

  The Solicitor-General
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 19 February, in which he explained that five of the UK detainees would be returning to the UK in the next few weeks and that the Government continues to discuss with the US the situation of the remaining four. The Government's position remains that the detainees should either be tried in accordance with international standards or they should be returned to the UK.

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Access to Work
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many complaints the agency Access to Work has received over delays in processing applications in the latest three years for which data are available; [155598]

  (2) what targets the agency Access for Work has for the processing of applications for grants for equipment needed by disabled people in their places of work; and what has been its measured performance against this target in the last three years for which data are available; [155599]

  (3) what the performance targets are for the agency Access to Work; and what its measured performance has been against these targets in the last three years for which data are available. [155600]

  Maria Eagle
  Access to Work is a programme run by Jobcentre Plus, which helps disabled people to get or keep jobs by contributing towards the extra employment costs that arise because of their disability. It provides practical assistance to help disabled people compete on a more equal basis with their non-disabled colleagues by removing obstacles linked to disability.
  553W
  For the last three years, throughout the UK, Access to Work teams have received approximately 60 written complaints specifically about delays in processing applications. Over the same period, there were over 40,000 new applications for help through the programme.

  Access to Work is measured against two key performance standards: first, decisions on eligibility for help should be made within 10 days of an application; second, provision of first help to applicant should be within 60 days of an application.

  For the year April 2001 to March 2002, 98 per cent. of decisions on help and 87 per cent. of first help to applicants were within standards; for the year 2002–03 97 per cent. of decisions on help and 85 per cent. of first help to applicants were within standards. This is in the context of continuing increases in both numbers helped and programme spend.

  For year to date, April 2003 to December 2003, 99 per cent. of decisions on help and 85 per cent. of first help to applicants are within standards.

  Child Support Agency
  Hugh Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will investigate the Child Support Agency's treatment of Mrs. Christine Last of Leeds, Kent, case number YW436272D; and if he will make a statement. [156481]

  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. Hugh Robertson, dated 26 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 the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will investigate the Child Support Agency's treatment of Mrs Christine Last of Leeds, Kent, case number YW436272D; and if he will make a statement.
  As individual cases are confidential I will write separately to you about Mrs Last's case.

  Economic Inactivity
  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects of economic inactivity on the children of economically inactive parents. [152940]

  Mr. Pond
  There are a number of DWP reports in this area that highlight a range of outcomes, mainly negative, for children whose parent or parents are not in employment. The reports are as follows and are available in the Library.

  Millar, J. and Ridge, T. (2001) Families, poverty, work and care. A review of the literature on lone parents and low-income couple families with children. DWP research report 153.
  Ermisch J., Francesconi M. and Pevalin D., (2001), 'Outcomes for children of poverty', DWP research report no. 158.
  Vegeris S. and McKay S., (2002), 'Low/moderate families in Britain: Changes in Living Standards 1999–2000', DWP research report 165.
  554W
  External research has also substantiated the findings of DWP commissioned research.

  Mr. George Osborne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the relationship between economic inactivity and social exclusion. [152941]

  Mr. Pond
  The Government recognize that inactivity and social exclusion are closely related. An analysis of the extent and causes of inactivity and policies to address these is set out in the report "Full Employment in Every Region", produced jointly by the DWP and the Treasury and published in December 2003. The Government have made tackling poverty and social exclusion a key priority since 1997 and their strategy and progress is outlined in the DWP report "Opportunity for All; Fifth Annual Report 2003". Both reports are available in the Library.

  Two other studies which show that becoming economically active and moving into work is associated with increased social inclusion, improved living standards, and self esteem are also available in the Library. These are Marsh and Rowlingson (2001), Low/Moderate-income families in Britain: Changes in 1999–2000. DWP Research Report 165 and Marsh and Perry (2003), Family Change 1999 to 2001. DWP Research Report 180.

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  David Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the status of Dupuytren's contracture is under the assessment criteria for industrial injuries disablement benefit. [155639]

  Mr. Browne
  Dupuytren's contracture is not a prescribed disease under the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme.

  The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) has recently commenced a review of work-related upper limb disorders which it expects to complete by the middle of 2005.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Brighton and Hove Local Plan
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether the report of the planning inspector into the Brighton and Hove Local Plan will constitute a material consideration in respect of his determination of the called-in application proposing a football stadium at Falmer; [156368]

  (2) what weight he intends to attach to representations he receives between the closing of the public inquiry into the proposal for a football stadium at Falmer and his decision on the report of the inspector handling that inquiry. [156369]

  Keith Hill
  The Inspector's report into the applications made by Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club are currently with my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for decision. For reasons of procedural propriety the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is unable to discuss the details of the case.
  555W
  The decisions will be made on the basis of all the relevant available evidence. Representations received after the close of the public inquiry will be taken into account as far as they are relevant. In general terms the weight to be given to a material consideration will be considered as part of the decision process. It will be clear from the decision letter when issued what matters have been taken into account and the weight that has been attached to any particular matter.

  Business Rate Relief
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact that his Department's proposals for business rate relief will have on businesses with a rateable value of more than £8,000. [156713]

  Phil Hope
  In the White Paper "Strong Local Leadership—Quality Public Services", December 2001, it stated that if relief were granted to all properties with a rateable value of under £8,000, then the funding of such relief would require an addition of 2.5 per cent. to the bills of other properties. However, as also stated in the White Paper, the relief will only be available where a property with a rateable value of under £8,000 is the only rateable property occupied by the business concerned. This will ensure that relief goes to small businesses, rather than small properties which may be owned in large number by a large business. This rule also means that the addition of 2.5 per cent. to the bills of other ratepayers may be too high an estimate. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is therefore undertaking research to determine the number of businesses that will be eligible for the relief and the addition required to the bills of other ratepayers to fund the relief. The results of this research will be available by July 2004.

  Council Tax (Capping)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he intends to exercise his capping powers in respect of the council tax increases announced by(a) Dorset Police Authority, (b) Dorset Fire Authority, (c) Christchurch borough council and (d) East Dorset district council. [156677]

  Phil Hope
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will take a view on whether to exercise its capping powers once the budget information from all authorities has been considered.

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many houses in multiple occupation there are in each ward in each principal seaside town in England, listed in descending order; and if he will make a statement on action he is taking to require landlords to improve housing standards in houses in multiple occupation. [154957]
  556W
  Keith Hill
  Information about the number of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) by ward in seaside towns is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Housing Bill, introduced on 8 December 2003 is aimed at raising the standards of management and physical conditions in HMOs by requiring rented properties that represent the greatest risks to their occupants to be licensed by the local authority. Licensing will ensure that suitable managers suitably manage such properties. By identifying where they are and who their landlords are, the physical conditions in such properties can be more easily targeted under Part 1 of the Bill. Local authorities will be required to license larger HMOs of three storeys or more that are occupied by five persons. They will also have discretionary powers to license categories of smaller HMOs where there are particular problems that need to be addressed and when, following a local consultation, it is decided that alternative measures would not be entirely effective.

  Planning Application (Vale of White Horse)
  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the reasons were for the delay between the Government Office for the South-East informing the Vale of White Horse district council that its decision to permit the development in the case of the planning application (SUN/2963/11 or GOSE/103/3/VALE/29) for residential development on the Foxcombe Road site of the old Warnborough College on Boars Hill, near Oxford, was in breach of direction from the Secretary of State and his direction that the planning permission be referred to him. [156051]

  Keith Hill
  The 'decision' of the Vale of White Horse district council to 'grant' planning permission in December 1999, despite an Article 14 holding direction being in place, related to a previous application (SUN/2963/9), which was called in February 2000 but was subsequently withdrawn after the court action concerning the validity of the 'permission' was resolved in October 2000. Application SUN/2963/11 was referred to the Government Office of the South East on 13 December 2000 and called in on 19 February 2001.

  Dr. Evan Harris
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to amend his procedures following his submission to judgments in the High Court in April 2002 and September 2003 in the case of the planning application (SUN/2963/11 or GOSE/103/3/VALE/29) for residential development on the Foxcombe Road site of the old Warnborough College on Boars Hill, near Oxford. [156052]

  Keith Hill
  This particular case is unusual in its protracted nature. It is not considered necessary to amend the procedures and it is considered unlikely that this case would set a precedent for others. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will of course keep this under review.
  557W

HEALTH

  Agenda for Change
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what flexibilities exist within Agenda for Change to provide high cost of living supplements to wage payments. [156281]

  Mr. Hutton
  Under the proposed new pay system, Agenda for Change, current arrangements for London allowances will be replaced by a new harmonised system of high cost area supplements. Any changes to the value or geographic coverage of these supplements will usually be agreed at national level. National health service employing organisations will also have the flexibility to pay recruitment and retention premiums, subject to consultation with neighbouring employers and strategic health authorities.

  Care Workers
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy towards the employment in the UK of care workers from(a) non-EU European countries, (b) Asia and (c) Africa. [153914]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 11 February 2004]: It is the responsibility of individual employers to ensure that their recruitment policies and procedures comply with current legislation whether recruiting within England or abroad.

  Following research and advice obtained from a broad range of industry bodies, in consultation with Work Permits (UK)'s healthcare sector panel, the role of care assistant (or other occupational roles involving duties and responsibilities at a similar level) has been identified as not satisfying the skills criteria of the work permit arrangements. Consequently, even though employers may be experiencing difficulty in recruiting for posts of this level, as the job itself does not satisfy the criteria of the arrangements, applications would necessarily be refused.

  Children Green Paper
  Mrs. Shephard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what role is envisaged for school nurses arising from proposals for improved child protection in the Children Green Paper. [153898]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 9 February 2004]: It is expected that school nurses will continue to contribute to child protection, working with others to identify, monitor and support vulnerable school aged children and young people. As a result of the Green Paper, school nurses will be expected to work more closely with education and social care, contributing to common assessments and working in integrated children's teams, through initiatives such as extended schools. There will be a greater focus on early intervention and prevention and school nurses will need to ensure that children and young people are involved in decision making.
  558W
  The chief nursing officer is currently undertaking a review of the nursing/midwifery and health visiting contribution to children at risk, which will include school nursing.

  Consultant Contract
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the cost to public funds of the consultant contract. [154145]

  Mr. Hutton
  The estimated costs of the new consultant contract, as agreed between the Department, the British Medical Association and NHS Confederation, are around £135 million in 2003–04, rising to around £250 million in 2005–06.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's timetable is for implementation of the new consultant contract. [154439]

  Mr. Hutton
  Following the agreement reached last year with the British Medical Association and the NHS Confederation, national health service trusts and other employing organisations were asked to use the new NHS consultants' contract for all new appointments advertised after 31 October 2003 and to give all existing consultants the opportunity to indicate by 31 October 2003 whether they wished to give a commitment to the new contract. For existing consultants, the timetable assumed that, once a commitment had been given, trusts and consultants should seek to agree new job plans typically within three months, but the timetable recognised that trusts might need slightly longer than this to complete the process for all their consultants. We expect that the great majority of consultants who have given a commitment to the new contract will have agreed job plans by 31 March 2004. Where, exceptionally, there are any consultants whose job plans have taken longer to complete than other consultants, NHS trusts and other employing organisations have been asked to agree arrangements with their strategic health authority to complete the process as early as possible in the new financial year.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on delays in the implementation of the new consultant contract. [154440]

  Mr. Hutton
  We are aware that the British Medical Association and some individuals have expressed concerns about the time needed for trusts to complete the process of agreeing new job plans with their consultants. The timetable agreed with the British Medical Association explicitly recognised that trusts may need longer than three months to agree job plans. We have nonetheless asked trusts to ensure that they complete the great majority of new job plans by 31 March, while continuing to ensure that job planning delivers the intended benefits of the new consultants' contract for national health service patient care.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding has been allocated for implementation of the new consultant contract; and whether that funding has been spent. [154441]
  559W
  Mr. Hutton
  For 2003–04, additional funding worth 0.3 per cent. of allocations (around £135 million) has been allocated to primary care trusts to meet the estimated costs of the new consultant contract, with a further 0.1 per cent. in 2004–05 and a further 0.1 per cent. in 2005–06. Information on the expenditure so far committed to meet the costs of the new contract is not available centrally.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the funding of the new consultant contract; and if he will make a statement. [154442]

  Mr. Hutton
  A number of national health service organisations have sought further information from the Department about the basis for the funding allocated to primary care trusts for 2003–04 onwards to meet the estimated costs of the new contract. The Department and the NHS Modernisation Agency have provided further guidance to the NHS on this subject. The allocations are based on cost assumptions agreed with the British Medical Association and the other parties to the negotiations on the new contract.

  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the maximum number of programmed activities that a consultant should undertake per week is under the consultant contract. [154443]

  Mr. Hutton
  The new consultants' contract is based on a standard weekly commitment of 10 programmed activities for full-time consultants. The inclusion of additional programmed activities in consultants' job plans is ultimately a matter for agreement locally between national health service employing organisations and consultants, subject to ensuring that such agreements do not contravene the requirements of the Working Time Directive. The Department, the British Medical Association and NHS Confederation have agreed, however, that it should be one of the principal objectives of the contract to prioritise the use of consultants' time more effectively and better manage consultant workload.

  Consultant Job Plans
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects all consultants to have a job plan. [154148]

  Mr. Hutton
  We expect that the great majority of consultants who have given a commitment to the new national health service consultants' contract will have agreed job plans by 31 March 2004. Where, exceptionally, NHS trusts and other employing organisations consider that it will take longer to complete the job planning process for all consultants, they have been asked to agree arrangements with their strategic health authority to complete the process as early as possible in the new financial year.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to reply to the hon. Member for Southend West's letter of 13 November 2003. [156355]

  Dr. Ladyman
  A reply was sent to the hon. Member on Thursday, 11 December 2003.
  560W

  Dental Treatment
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ring fence the expenditure of primary care trusts for dental treatment. [155436]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  [holding answer 23 February 2004]: The resource s for general dental services (CDS) which are currently held centrally will be devolved to primary care trusts (PCTs) from 1 April 2005. PCTs will be notified of these devolved dentistry budgets for 2005–06 during Autumn 2004. The dentistry budgets will be issued alongside PCTs' general allocations. The allocations will include funds currently spent on emergency dental services.

  We have guaranteed that dentists working in the GDS will have an automatic right to a contract under the new arrangements and that their gross earnings will be protected over the transition period of three years. During this period. PCTs' newly devolved dentistry allocations will represent a minimum level of spend on national health service dentistry which PCTs must maintain.

  Dentists
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 14 January 2004,Official Report, column 799–804W, to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow), if he will make a statement on the impact of the change in dentist numbers in Hampshire between 2002 and 2003 on access to (a) dentists and (b) dentists who accept NHS patients. [151979]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  [holding answer 30 January 2004]: I refer the hon. Member to my pursuant response on Wednesday 28 January 2004, Official Report, column 398W.

  Family Health Services Appeal Authority
  Mr. James Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will appoint an appeal panel under the Family Health Services Appeal Authority to consider the case of Dr. Barney Williams of the Marshfield Road Surgery, Chippenham; [156650]

  (2) how hon. Members can make representations to an appeal panel set up under the Family Health Services Appeal Authority. [156679]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Family Health Services Appeal Authority (FHSAA) is an independent tribunal. Its procedures are set out in the FHSAA (Procedure) Rules 2001 (SI 2001/3750) and the FHSAA (Primary Care Act) Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/3743). The hon. Member may wish to write to The President, Family Health Services Appeal Authority, 30 Victoria Avenue, Harrogate HG1 5PR.

  Female Doctors
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2004,Official Report, column 967W, on medical students, what assessment he has made of the numbers of female doctors working (a) in general practice and (b) in

  561W
  hospitals wishing to (i) work part-time and (ii) take career breaks; and what impact this is having on the NHS. [155683]

  Mr. Hutton
  The number of female doctors working in hospitals and in general practice who are part time is shown in the table. Information on the number of doctors who take career breaks is not available.

  The proportion of staff who are working part time and the impact of this on participation in the workforce is factored into the Department's and the National Health Service's workforce planning processes.

  Hospital, Public Health Medicine and Community Health Services (HCHS) Staff and General Medical Practitioners Female doctors working part-time

  England, as at 30 September 2002

  Numbers (headcount)

  All staff

  of which: Female

  of which: Part-time

  All doctors1

  104,460

  38,755

  11,647

  of which:

  HCHS Staff1

  72,168

  26,159

  5,566

  of which:

  Medical Staff1

  68,514

  24,478

  4,714

  of which:

  Consultant

  26,408

  6,406

  1,892

  Associate Specialist/Staff Grade

  6,790

  2,438

  988

  Registrar Group

  13,450

  5,208

  841

  Senior House Officer

  16,685

  7,493

  288

  House Officer

  3,953

  2,042

  18

  Other CHS

  1,228

  891

  687

  General Medical Practitioners2

  32,292

  12,596

  6,081

  of which:

  Unrestricted Principals and Equivalents (UPEs)3

  28,031

  9,626

  4,356

  Restricted Principals

  86

  41

  11

  Assistants

  455

  284

  231

  GP Registrars

  1,980

  1,199

  165

  Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SPA)

  87

  54

  28

  PMS Other

  543

  305

  203

  GP Retainers

  1,110

  1,087

  1,087

  Notes:

  1Excludes Hospital Medical Hospital Practitioners and Hospital Medical Clinical Assistants most of whom are GPs working part time in hospitals.

  2All Practitioners include UPEs, Restricted Principals, Assistants, GP Registrars, Salaried Doctors (Para 52 SFA), PMS Other and GP Retainers.

  3UPEs include QMS Unrestricted Principals, PMS Contracted GPs and PMS Salaried GPs.

  Source:

  Department of Health Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

  Department of Health General and Personal Medical Services
  Statistics.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the implementation of Standard 6 of the National Service Framework for Mental Health; [154823]

  (2) what indication he has given of the priority that the Government expects the NHS and social services departments to give to the achievement of Government targets for carers of people with mental health problems. [154827]
  562W
  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The national service framework (NSF) for mental health provides rationale and evidence base for a national standard for mental health services relating to carers of people with mental health problems.

  In accordance with this NSF standard, all individuals who provide regular and substantial care for a person on the care programme approach should have an assessment of their caring, physical and mental health needs repeated on at least an annual basis. People who provide regular and substantial care for a person on the care programme approach are also entitled to have their own written care plan, which is given to them and implemented in discussion with them.

  The Department published "Developing Services for Carers and Families of People with Mental Illness" in November 2002, the recommendations of which are being taken forward by the National Institute for Mental Health in England.

  The importance of support for carers was further emphasised in the NHS Plan (2000) and in the priorities and planning framework 2003–06 issued to local services.

  Progress on the development of robust local delivery plans for all the targets set out in the NHS Plan is assessed by the Department in partnership with strategic health authorities. In addition, progress is reported by an annual self-assessment exercise undertaken by mental health trusts.

  Keith Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of staff in NHS mental health services are from an ethnic minority. [155605]

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

  GPs
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) headcount and (b) whole-time equivalent general practitioners there were in each year since 1997, broken down by (i) strategic health authority and (ii) primary care trust. [156005]

  Mr. Hutton
  The earliest date for which information is available on a primary care trust level (PCT) is 2001.

  Information on the number of general practitioners (excluding GP retainers) in England and in each strategic health authority area since September 1997 and in each PCT since 2001, by headcount and whole time equivalent has been placed in the Library.

  Group B Streptococcus
  Mr. Hancock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when testing using enriched culture media will be available in the NHS for diagnosing group B streptococcus colonisation in pregnant women. [156556]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The recently published National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline on antenatal care recommends that pregnant women should not be offered routine antenatal screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) because evidence of its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness remains uncertain.
  563W
  The United Kingdom National Screening Committee (NSC) is currently reviewing the prevention of GBS infection in new-born babies. As part of this review, the NSC organised a workshop in November 2003. The workshop discussed both the current tests available and potential tests for diagnosing GBS colonisation in pregnant women which are the subject of research now under way. This includes the enriched culture medium test. Further work on the use of different tests will be undertaken.

  Hospital Construction
  Mr. Collins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the new hospitals to be built in(a) Bassetlaw, (b) Birmingham, Northfield, (c) Birmingham, Perry Barr, (d) Blaydon, (e) Blyth Valley, (f) Bootle, (g) Bradford West, (h) Braintree, (i) Burton, (j) Coventry North West, (k) Coventry South, (l) Dover, (m) Ealing North, (n) Eltham, (o) Feltham and Heston, (p) Forest of Dean, (q) Gateshead East and Washington West,

  Constituency

  Hospital scheme in constituency

  Date of initial business case approval

  (a) Bassetlaw

  None

  (b) Birmingham, Northfield

  None

  (c) Birmingham, Perry Bar

  None

  (d) Blaydon

  None

  (e) Blyth Valley

  None

  (f) Bootle

  None

  (g) Bradford West

  Bradford Hospitals—£191 million

  February 2001

  (h) Braintree

  None

  (i) Burton

  None

  (j) Coventry North West

  None

  (k) Coventry South

  None

  (1) Dover

  East Kent Hospitals—£200 million

  February 2001

  (m) Ealing North

  None

  (n) Eltham

  None

  (o) Felthan and Heston

  None

  (p) Forest of Dean

  None

  (q) Gateshead East and Washington West

  None

  (r) Hammersmith and Fulham

  None

  (s) Hendon

  None

  (t) Hornsey and Wood Green

  None

  (u) Ilford North

  None

  (v) Kettering

  None

  (w) Knowsley South

  St. Helens and Knowlsey Hospitals—£229 million

  February 2001

  (x) Lancaster and Wye

  None

  (y) Leeds North East

  None

  (z) Leeds West

  None

  (aa) Leicester East

  University Hospitals of Leicester—£403 million

  February 2001

  (bb) Lewisham, Deptford

  Lewisham Hospital—£51 million

  February 2001

  (cc) Liverpool, Riverside

  None

  (dd) Loughborough

  None

  (ee) Manchester, Withington

  None

  (ft) Milton Keynes North East

  None

  (gg) Northampton South

  Northampton PCT—£28.9 million

  April 1999

  (hh) North West Leicestershire

  None

  (ii) Reading East

  None

  (jj) Reading West

  None

  (kk) Rugby and Kenilworth

  None

  (ll) Sheffield, Attercliffe

  None

  (mm) Sheffield, Hillsborough

  None

  (nn) Sittingbourne and Sheppey

  None

  (oo) Stevenage

  None

  (pp) Stockton North

  None

  (qq) Stoke-on-Trent

  North Staffordshire Hospital—£269 million

  February 2001

  (rr) Stourbridge

  None

  (ss) Thurrock

  None

  (tt) Tyne Bridge

  None

  (uu) Wallasey

  None

  564W
  (r) Hammersmith and Fulham, (s) Hendon, (t) Hornsey and Wood Green, (u) Ilford North, (v) Kettering, (w) Knowsley South, (x) Lancaster and Wyre, (y) Leeds North East, (z) Leeds West, (aa) Leicester East, (bb) Lewisham, Deptford, (cc) Liverpool, Riverside, (dd) Loughborough, (ee) Manchester, Withington, (ff) Milton Keynes North East, (gg) Northampton South, (hh) North West Leicestershire, (ii) Reading East, (jj) Reading West, (kk) Rugby and Kenilworth, (ll) Sheffield, Attercliffe, (mm) Sheffield, Hillsborough, (nn) Sittingbourne and Sheppey, (oo) Stevenage, (pp) Stockton North, (qq) Stoke-on-Trent, (rr) Stourbridge, (ss) Thurrock, (tt) Tyne Bridge, (uu) Wallasey, (vv) Wansbeck, (ww) Waveney, (xx) West Lancashire, (yy) Wirral West, (zz) Wolverhampton North East and (aaa) Wolverhampton South East; and when the decision was taken to build them. [153778]

  Mr. Hutton
  Planned new hospital schemes to be built, with the date of the initial business case approval, are shown in the table.
  565W

  Constituency

  Hospital scheme in constituency

  Date of initial business case approval

  (vv) Wansbeck,

  Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland MH— £25 million

  February 2001

  (ww) Waveney,

  None

  (xx) West Lancashire,

  None

  (yy) Wirral West,

  None

  (zz) Wolverhampton North East

  Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals—£31 2 million

  February 2001

  (aaa) Wolverhampton South East

  None

  Hospital Waiting Lists
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people who have received a referral from their general practitioner are waiting to be accepted onto a hospital waiting list after(a) one month, (b) two months, (c) three months and (d) six months, broken down by NHS trust. [155153]

  Mr. Hutton
  The information requested is not available.

  National health service trusts should place patients on their waiting list upon receipt of referral from a general practitioner. There should therefore be no significant delay between a GP making a referral and the trust placing the patient on the waiting list.

  By 31 December 2005, all patients will be able to book their appointment at the point of referral. GPs will be able to book an appointment direct from their surgery while the patient waits, or, if preferred, the patient can telephone a call centre to book their hospital appointment when they get home.

  Out-patient waiting time data are available in the Library.

  Hospitals (Star Ratings)
  Mr. Rosindell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the performance indicators for the 2003–04 star ratings exercise for hospitals. [155871]

  Mr. Hutton
  The indicators to be used in the 2003–04 National Health Service performance ratings were published by the Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) on 18 December 2003. Full details can be found on the CHI website at: www.chi.nhs.uk. The results of the 2003–04 assessment will be published by the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection.

  National Health Statistics
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 18 December 2003,Official Report, columns 1128–30W, on national health statistics, whether decisions have now been made on NHS statistical collections which will be discontinued. [155030]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 23 February 2004]: The Department's review of national health service statistical collections is continuing, and final decisions on discontinuing returns have not yet been made.
  566W
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 18 December 2003,Official Report, columns 1128–30W, on national health statistics, if he will publish, for each set of statistics which the Department has not collected since 1999, the figures for each of the five years prior to collection being discontinued. [155031]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 23 February 2004]: The information on each set of statistics is as follows.

  Professional advice and support programmes: Community Maternity Services (KC54): statistics were published in the series "Community Maternity Services: summary information for England" for each year 1995–96 to 1999–2000. The most recent is available at www.publications.doh.gov.uk/public/kc549900.htm

  Clinical psychology (KT24): statistics were published in the series "Clinical Psychology: summary information for England" for each year 1999–2000 to 2002–03. The three most recent publications are available at:
  www.publications.doh.gov.uk/public/kt240001/index.htm
  www.publications.doh.gov.uk/pubLic/kt240102/index.htm
  www.publications.doh.gov.uk/public/kt240203/index.htm

  Summary of patient activity (KP70): statistics were published in the series "Ordinary and day case admissions" for each year 1994–95 to 1997–98. Figures on ordinary and day case admission are available from the Hospital Episode Statistics system for 1998–99 onwards at: www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsandStatistics/Statistics/HospitalEpisodeStatistics

  General ophthalmic services (GOS) losses and recoveries. GP fundholding budget and expenditure (PC1–01 to 04).

  These two returns were used for internal management purposes at the Department of Health and the information was not published. Figures could be provided now only at disproportionate cost.

  Monitoring of delayed discharges (CC MON). This return was collected by the NHS Eastern Regional Office (which no longer exists) as an internal management tool; the information was not published.

  Availability of dentistry: Quarterly Monitoring Report (A6). Statistics were produced for the period 1997 to 2002 quarter 1, but were not routinely published. Figures are given in the table.
  567W

  General Dental Services; Number and whole time equivalent of salaried dentists at the last day of each quarter until 2002 quarter one, England

  Number

  Whole time equivalent

  1997

  Q1

  179

  98.5

  Q2

  182

  98.8

  Q3

  189

  104.1

  Q4

  187

  103.7

  1998

  Q1

  192

  105.1

  Q2

  190

  107.3

  Q3

  186

  104.9

  Q4

  178

  94.6

  1999

  Q1

  179

  94.4

  Q2

  137

  81.2

  Q3

  137

  78.8

  Q4

  125

  77.1

  2000

  Q1

  122

  68.2

  Q2

  118

  67.2

  Q3

  132

  69.4

  Q4

  115

  63.9

  2001

  Q1

  111

  52.4

  Q2

  101

  52.4

  Q3

  85

  33.9

  Q4

  77

  31.1

  2002

  Q1

  63

  24.0

  Transfer record for the CFISSA Programme—2003–04

  £ millions

  Overall CFISSA Programme announced in HSC 2002/012 (18 December 2002)

  8,645

  Less amount included in PCT initial resource limits

  -207

  Less amount included in PCT allocations for cost of living addition

  -109

  Other net changes to overall programme before February 2003

  29

  Starting point for 2003–04

  8,358

  In year changes to the programme

  Net effect of in-year transfers to/from other Government Departments

  338

  Net transfers from FHS non-discretionary funds

  1,656

  Net transfers to/from Central Health and Miscellaneous Services programme

  -30

  Net transfers to/from Personal Social Services, Centrally Financed Services programme

  40

  Transfer from Capital

  318

  Net transfers to/from Admin

  -6

  Additional expenditure funded by higher levels of receipts

  10

  Reductions in PCT allocations to fund additional central expenditure

  33

  Pensions Indexation (additional funds from Treasury)

  1,664

  Cost of Capital and Discount Rate changes (additional funds from Treasury)

  305

  Inter-Year Flexibility as applied to the CFISSA programme

  344

  Overall effect of in-year changes

  4,672

  Revised level of CFISSA programme

  13,030

  NHS Closures
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the(a) hospitals, (b) doctors' surgeries and (c) other NHS clinics which have been closed since 1997. [154401]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on hospital closures ceased to be collected in 1991 following the introduction of the national health service internal market and trusts.
  568W
  All publications are available in the Library.

  NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will respond to the consultation on proposals to reform and modernise the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992. [156714]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  We are considering carefully the report, received in January 2004, of the expert advisory group set up to advise how best to implement our proposals to reform the NHS (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 1992. The group considered views received on the Department's consultation document issued in August 2003. We will make further announcements as soon as possible.

  NHS Budgets
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the centrally funded initiatives and services and special allocations budget for 2003–04(a) has not
  been spent and (b) has been transferred into another budget. [151686]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Centrally Funded Initiatives and Services and Special Allocations (CFISSA) programme is fully committed in 2003–04. Approximately £37 million remains to be formally allocated to primary care trusts. In addition, further scheduled payments still need to be made in the period to 31 March 2004 in fulfilment of existing contracts and service level agreements.

  The table shows the transfers to and from the CFISSA programme in 2003–04.

  Hospital reprovision will often lead to fewer hospital buildings (for example, because of consolidation on a single site), but the resulting modernised, fit-for-purpose new facilities will offer better patient care and better quality services.

  Information on the closure of doctors' surgeries is not held centrally. Primary care trusts (and their health authority predecessors) will be aware of individual

  569W
  closures. Modernisation of primary care facilities will often lead to fewer, larger premises (for example, one-stop centres providing a wider range of services to patients).

  NHS Foundation Trusts
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his proposed review of the first wave of NHS foundation trusts; when the review will(a) begin and (b) end; what its terms of reference will be; what resources will be allocated to the review; whether the (i) terms of reference and (ii) report produced will be made public; whether parliamentary time will be set aside to debate the review and its outcome; and whether the review will include a consultation process. [156283]

  Mr. Hutton
  Details of the review of national health service foundation trusts will be announced before the first NHS foundation trusts are authorised by the Independent Regulator of NHS foundation trusts.

  NHS Trust Star Ratings
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1)pursuant to his statement of 7 January 2003,Official Report, column 279, which trusts received an increased star rating as a result of the recalculations; [149942]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the removal of the (a)information management and technology and (b) catering criteria from the 2002 star ratings on the scoring methodology; [151720]

  (3) which individual NHS trust ratings the Secretary of State queried during consideration of the 2002 star ratings; and what the reasons were in each case; [149943]

  (4) on which 3-star NHS trusts at risk of losing a star Ministers raised queries during consideration of the 2002 star ratings; [149944]

  (5) how many recalculations of the 2002 NHS trust star ratings took place (a) before and (b) after 15 to 16 July 2002; and what the reasons were for each recalculation; [149945]

  (6) which criteria in the 2002 NHS trust star ratings were changed when they were recalculated on 15 to 16 July 2002; [149946]

  (7) for what reasons no trust lost a star rating following the recalculation of the 2002 star rating on 15 to 16 July 2002. [151722]

  Mr. Hutton
  The first calculation of provisional 2002 national health service trust performance ratings to be based on a full data set took place on 9 July 2002. Calculations were then checked and, where necessary, refined on a regular basis through to the publication on 24 July 2002, in order to correct any data errors and ensure the results represented an accurate reflection of NHS performance.

  The specific change to the criteria used to calculate provisional performance ratings between 15 and 16 July 2002 was the removal of two performance indicators, covering access to catering facilities and information management and technology, which had been proposed as part of the rating system. The indicators were
  570W
  removed following a significant number of concerns raised by NHS trusts over the quality of their construction and the data that would have to be used.

  The star ratings system uses the relative position of trusts against a wide range of performance indicators to help distinguish between three, two and one star ratings. So, in principle, a trust's position could be improved or worsened by changes to the indicator scores of other trusts. No trust's provisional rating dropped on 15 to 16 July because other indicator data did not change significantly at that time. However, by the time the ratings were published on 24 July 2002, the removal of these two indicators had contributed to a lower rating for some trusts, aided by the relative position of other trusts having improved as data on other indicators changed. If these indicators had remained part of the 2002 performance ratings, 11 acute NHS trusts would have received a different rating at the time of publication: seven trusts would have had a lower rating; four trusts would have had a higher rating.

  Overall, as a consequence of the removal of the two indicators and a number of other data corrections and refinements, there were 23 acute and specialist NHS trusts that had an increased performance rating between the 12 July 2002 calculation of provisional ratings and their final rating for that year. The 23 trusts which increased from their provisional rating were:

  Barts and the London NHS Trust

  Basildon and Thurrock NHS Trust

  Birmingham Women's Health Care NHS Trust

  Brighton Health Care NHS Trust

  Burnley Health Care NHS Trust

  Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

  Cardiothoracic Centre—Liverpool NHS Trust

  Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust

  Gloucestershire Royal NHS Trust

  Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust

  Kettering General Hospital NHS Trust

  Kingston Hospital NHS Trust

  Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

  Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust, London

  North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trust

  Rotherham General Hospitals NHS Trust

  Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust

  Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust

  Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust, Bath

  South Durham Health Care NHS Trust

  University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

  Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery NHS Trust

  Wirral Hospital NHS Trust.

  The then Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn), raised queries about the provisional rating of nine acute NHS trusts, in the run-up to publication, to satisfy himself that ratings to be awarded were based on robust evidence and represented an accurate reflection of NHS performance. The nine acute trusts whose provisional rating the then Secretary of State queried are listed. Those marked with an asterisk are trusts which had been three-star in the 2001 performance ratings.
  571W

  Barts and the London NHS Trust

  Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Trust*

  Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust*

  Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust*

  Northumbria Health Care NHS Trust*

  South Durham Healthcare NHS Trust*

  The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust*

  University College London Hospitals NHS Trust

  West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust*.

  Organ Donation
  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of registrations were made via each procedure available for individuals to register themselves on the organ donor register in the last year for which figures are available. [156191]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Registrations onto the national health service organ donor register, 2003 by source of registration—proportions

  Source

  Percentage

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  37

  Family Health Services Authorities

  28

  Organ Donor Leaflet

  3

  Passport Office

  1

  Boots Advantage Card

  14

  On-line

  1

  Other

  16

  Note:
  Analysis on 15 January 2004

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cadaveric organ donations there were in each of the past three years. [156192]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The number of cadaveric organ donors in each of the past three years—2001–03—is shown in the table.

  Donors

  2001

  778

  2002

  770

  2003

  710

  Source:
  UK Transplant

  Ms Atherton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many non-heartbeating organ donations there were in each of the past three years; and in how many cases the deceased was on the donor register. [156193]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The number of non-heart-beating (NHB) organ donors over the last three years and the number of those who were on the organ donor register (ODR) is shown in the table.

  NHB donors

  Number on ODR

  Percentage on ODR

  2001

  39

  10

  25.8

  2002

  53

  12

  22.6

  2003

  66

  17

  25.8

  Total

  158

  39

  24.7

  Source:
  UK Transplant
  572W
  Mr. Carmichael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are on the organ donor register; and how many people joined the register in each of the last five years. [156622]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  There are currently 11.11 million people registered on the national health service organ donor register.

  The number of registrations added to the register over the last five years—1999 to 2003—are shown in the table.

  Number added (million)

  1999

  1.51

  2000

  1.23

  2001

  0.74

  2002

  1.08

  2003

  0.87

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Brady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many days on average his Department took in Session 2002–03 to give a substantive answer to a parliamentary question for ordinary written answer; and what the greatest number of days taken to answer such a question was. [155922]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  The average time take to answer an ordinary written parliamentary question in the 2002–03 session was 12 working days. The greatest number of days taken to answer such a question was 127 working days.

  The Department strives to answer hon. and right hon. Members' questions in a timely and helpful fashion and is currently seeking to improve performance.

  PFI Projects
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many PFI projects in progress have(a) delayed timetables and (b) cost overruns; and if he will list the time delays and cost implications in each case. [155460]

  Mr. Hutton
  Indicative timetables and budgets are set for all schemes as part of their project management arrangements. During procurement, timetables are revised as necessary to reflect changed circumstances. Planned costs may also change but the scheme must remain affordable to the local health economy, and demonstrate value for money.

  Firm completion dates (that is, when the hospital is open) are set only once contracts are signed for private finance initiative (PFI) schemes. To date, all major PFI schemes have been opened on or ahead of their planned completion target date.

  Once contracts are signed, the risk of cost overruns is borne by the consortium.

  Primary Care
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints have been received about(a) general practitioner co-operatives undertaking out

  573W
  of hours service provision and (b) private companies providing out of hours primary care on behalf of the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [154438]

  Mr. Hutton
  Information on the number of complaints made against either general practitioner co-operatives or private companies providing out of hours care, is not held centrally. Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for ensuring that out of hours services provided meet nationally set quality standards, which include compliance with the national health service complaints procedure.

  Under the new general medical services (GMS) contract, everyone who provides services out of hours, including individuals contracted by the PCT, as well as organisations, will need to meet the national quality standards. These standards are currently under review by an expert group to make them an integral part of GMS and personal medical services (PMS) contracting. Strategic health authorities have responsibility for performance managing PCTs in their delivery of out of hours services.

  Commission for Health Improvement
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the costs have been of the Commission for Health Improvement in each year since its creation. [154468]

  Mr. Hutton
  The costs published in Commission for Health Improvement's annual accounts are shown in the table.

  Cost (£ million)

  1999–2000

  1.461

  2000–01

  11.272

  2001–02

  22.586

  2002–03

  28.5

  Red and Yellow Cards
  Paul Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) 'red' and (b) 'yellow cards' have been issued by hospitals in England in each of the past three years. [153292]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information is not recorded centrally. The issuing of 'red cards' and 'yellow cards' is the responsibility of the individual health bodies.

  Restructuring/Change Programme
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the expected impact is of the departmental change programme on the provision of benefit and welfare services to the public; [153680]

  (2) what the specific objectives are of the departmental change programme; and how the Department has consulted (a) staff, (b) other Government Departments and agencies and (c) external agencies and partners about this matter; [153682]

  (3) what analysis has been carried out to demonstrate that the restructuring programme for the Department will provide (a) better value for money and (b) better accountability; [153683]
  574W
  (4) what health programmes and services will be affected by the reorganisation and staff cuts within the Department. [153684]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Department will be responsible for setting overall direction for the health and social care system, enabling choice in service provision, setting standards, securing resources, making the big investment decisions and holding the whole system to account through independent regulation and inspection. This will mean that the capacity needed for the whole system to operate effectively is available. Patients, service users and providers of care will all know what is expected anywhere in the country. Where standards are not being met, the Government will intervene where necessary.

  The change programme will focus the Department on a more strategic role, devolving responsibility to the front line. It will change the way the Department does its business so that it can provide more effective leadership and a better service to Ministers and the public. This will result in a reduction in the size of the core Department by 1,400—from over 3,600 posts to 2,200—by October 2004.

  Staff have been consulted through major events and workshops in London and Leeds to help design the Department, monthly written and face-to-face briefings and monthly workshops on human resource questions. Government Departments, agencies and other partners have been consulted through special events in June and October 2004 to help design the changes, a series of one-to-one meetings on particular issues and progress updates from the Permanent Secretary, Sir Nigel Crisp, in June and October 2004.

  The restructuring will provide a slimmer, more focused centre—reducing burden and duplication in the system. New policy development processes will ensure we make the best use of resources by focusing on priorities and involving service users in policy development. New working methods will improve our accountability to Parliament and the public. The change programme will be evaluated to check its delivery.

  The change programme supports the drive for better public services. It ensures that the 'centre of gravity' moves closer to the frontline. More freedom for frontline staff will lead to better services for patients and users.

  Rural Health Care
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on shortages of general practitioners in rural areas. [154908]

  Mr. Hutton
  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) routinely publishes data classifying health authorities (HAs) into categories, including urban and rural. In the future, this will be by primary care trust. The latest published data refer to 2001. In that year, in England, the rural HAs had 59.7 unrestricted principals and equivalent (UPEs) per 100,000 registered patients, while the national average was 54.3 UPEs per 100,000 registered patients. There is, therefore, no evidence of under-doctoring in rural areas overall, although there will be some areas with recruitment difficulties.
  575W
  The Government are committed to expanding the general practitioner workforce and have implemented a range of measures to increase the supply of GPs.

  The Flexible Careers Scheme

  The GP Returner Scheme

  The Golden Hello Scheme

  The NHS Delayed Retirement Scheme

  International recruitment

  Extension of the improving working lives initiative to primary care

  Increasing training places, including new premises to train and employ more Gps.

  Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch)
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004,Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), what estimate he has made of the current value of his Department's interest in the accommodation; [155493]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), if he will make a statement on the work which is ongoing to secure an assignee or subtenant; [155494]

  (3) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), what has been the cost since 1999 of efforts to dispose of the accommodation; and how much has been spent in the last year; [155495]
  576W
  (4) pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1209W, on Saxon Square Health Centre (Christchurch), whether the NHS will enter discussions with the head leaseholder to surrender the leasehold interest. [155496]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 23 February 2004]: Since 1999, the total costs attributable to the disposal of this accommodation are in the order of £8,500 and approximately £3,000 has been spent in the last year.

  Discussions are currently taking place with a national health service trust with a view to them taking responsibility for this leasehold interest.

  The current estimated value for the health centre is commercially confidential.

  Further negotiations will be held with the head leaseholder if and when it is in the best interests of the NHS.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Norman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether compliance with the European Working Time Directive for doctors in training will become a Commission for Health Improvement performance indicator. [153699]

  Mr. Hutton
  From April 2004, the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection will take over responsibility for developing indicators and national health service performance ratings. The latest performance indicators, published by the Commission for Health Improvement for use in the 2003–04 performance ratings, includes an indicator for qualified junior doctors' working hours. The indicator relates to post registration house officers, senior house officers and specialist registrars only.

  Conservation Areas
  Conservation Areas
  Palestinian Negotiations Affairs Department
  Palestinian Negotiations Affairs Department
  Crumlin Road Courthouse, Belfast
  Crumlin Road Courthouse, Belfast
  House of Lords: Public Display of Documents
  House of Lords: Public Display of Documents
  Entente Cordiale
  Entente Cordiale
  Trafficking People
  Trafficking People
  Metropolitan Police: London Parks
  Metropolitan Police: London Parks
  Licensed Premises: Attacks on People
  Licensed Premises: Attacks on People
  House of Lords Reform
  House of Lords Reform
  Charities
  Charities
  Marriage
  Marriage
  Road Fuel
  Road Fuel
  Whale Protection: Sakhalin Energy
  Whale Protection: Sakhalin Energy
  Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations
  Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations
  Health Cash Plan Providers
  Health Cash Plan Providers
  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  Deafblind People
  Deafblind People
  NHS: Recipient Transplant Co-ordinators
  NHS: Recipient Transplant Co-ordinators
  Obesity
  Obesity
  Hare Coursing
  Hare Coursing
  Temik
  Temik
  Science Advisory Council
  Science Advisory Council
  Railways
  Railways