Written Answers of 15 June 2004

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

  Departmental Initiatives
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the(a) budget, (b) expenditure and (c) amount spent on administration was for each area-based initiative for which her Department and its predecessors have been responsible in each year since 1997. [177108]

  Alun Michael
  The information is as follows:

  Warm Zones

  DEFRA and DTI jointly contributed £0.5 million each towards the pilot programme of five Warm Zones to run from 2001–04, which brings together a range of public and private sector funding. An independent evaluation of the pilots is being carried out by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of DEFRA. Final results of the evaluation are expected at the end of 2004.

  Market Towns Initiative

  £37 million has been provided to the Regional Development Agencies and the Countryside Agency since 2000 to reinvigorate small rural towns, help them meet the needs of local people and provide access to a wide range of retail, leisure, professional and public services and enables regional partnerships to target towns in their region according to selection criteria agreed regionally. A full assessment of this initiative is under way.

  Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Programme

  The Department is to provide £10 million over the period 2003–04 to 2005–06 for capacity building in the voluntary sector in rural areas. During 2003–04 £86,000 has gone toward developing Voluntary and Community Sector consortia across the existing or former shire county areas. The remainder will be spent during 2004–05 and 2005–06 on the delivery of generalist and specialist support to the Sector frontline bodies in rural areas. The first strand will go towards priorities identified by these county consortia, the second will be to increase the uptake of financial entitlements among pensioners in some rural areas and the third will be go towards researching the potential for sustainable income generation through trading by rural voluntary and community organisations.

  Horse Passports
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to implement a system of horse passports; and if she will make a statement on her strategy for increasing public awareness of the need for such passports prior to their implementation. [177705]
  790W
  Alun Michael
  Legislation on requirements for horse passports came into effect on 30 November 2003. This has been updated by the Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004, which came into force on 10 June.

  We have worked alongside the horse industry and passport issuing organisations to publicise this requirement. Bearing in mind the diversity of the target audience, our strategy has been to concentrate on specialist and regional media for news and advertising activity, and providing information direct to a full range of horse establishments (including riding stables, retail and service outlets.)

  Moorland Fires
  Tom Levitt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial and other support her Department(a) has given, (b) is giving and (c) plans to give to the use of helicopters in fighting moorland fires. [178099]

  Alun Michael
  No support is given to this activity, nor has support been given in the past but officials will review the position as part of a forthcoming review of policy concerning moorland management.

  Orchards
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the acreage of(a) apple, (b) pear, (c) plum and (d) cherry orchards is in active production in England; and whether that has varied over the last 10 years. [177782]

  Alun Michael
  The following figures show the total estimated area of orchard fruit from 1994 to 2003 in England and Wales.

  Crop area (hectares)

  Apples (dessert and culinary)

  Pears

  Plums

  Cherries

  1994

  14,477

  3,032

  1,669

  611

  1995

  12,797

  2,941

  1,588

  604

  1996

  11,993

  2,739

  1,444

  592

  1997

  12,783

  2,665

  1,672

  645

  1998

  12,506

  2,500

  1,596

  578

  1999

  12,013

  2,360

  1,367

  591

  2000

  11,457

  2,355

  1,213

  459

  2001

  9,970

  2,330

  1,072

  473

  2002

  8,373

  2,041

  947

  428

  2003

  7,796

  1,742

  1,003

  381

  Notes:

  1. Data for 1994 and 1995 relates to England only.

  2. Data for 1994 to 2000 inclusive excludes minor holdings.

  3. The Orchard Fruit Survey is conducted on a sample basis with estimates made for non-responders and those holdings not surveyed.

  Source:

  Orchard Fruit Survey (England and Wales)

  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much money was paid to English apple growers under the Countryside Stewardship scheme in each of the last 10 years. [177786]
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  Mr. Bradshaw
  Annual payments to Countryside Stewardship agreement holders, for the restoration of traditional orchards in each of the last 10 years were as follows:

  £000

  Amount

  1994

  99

  1995

  133

  1996

  146

  1997

  192

  1998

  220

  1999

  265

  2000

  294

  2001

  343

  2002

  387

  2003

  470

  These orchards can be apple, pear, cherry, plum or damson, or cider and perry orchards, or cob nut platts.

  Water Technologies
  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications have been received for products to be included in the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme for Water Technologies; and how many have been refused. [175276]

  Margaret Beckett
  Since the launch of the scheme, 366 applications for inclusion of products have been received. Of these applications, 147 have been refused inclusion in the scheme, as the products failed to meet the relevant technical specifications.

  Mrs. May
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost is to date of the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme for Water Technologies. [175277]

  Margaret Beckett
  When the Government announced the introduction of the scheme in 2003, it published estimated Exchequer costs of £20 million in 2003–04, £30 million in 2004–05 and £25 million in 2005–06.

  Actual Exchequer costs will depend upon take-up of the qualifying technology products. It is too early to comment on the actual take-up.

  Working Time Directive
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many employees in her Department have(a) signed a formal opt out from and (b) are exempt from the Working Time Directive; and how many employees in her Department have recorded hours, including any accruing on a flexitime basis, in excess of the maximum allowed under the Working Time Directive in the last month for which figures are available. [178363]

  Alun Michael
  Currently 13 staff in DEFRA have signed voluntary agreements to disapply the 48 hour limit set by the Working Time Regulations. The Department has determined that none of its staff is exempt from their provisions. The Department does not have centralised records to show how many staff have worked in excess of the maximum in the last month. The Regulations require that the 48 hour limit is measured 792W
  over a 17 week period but a flexibility to the Regulations introduced in 1999 removed the requirement for employers to keep records of the hours worked by staff who voluntarily agree to disapply the limit. DEFRA has stated its commitment to keep to an absolute minimum the numbers of staff who regularly work more than 48 hours per week and continually reviews this including staff who are working close to but may not actually exceed the limit.

  Wyevale Garden Centre (Birds)
  Mr. Webb
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason her Department granted a licence to Wyevale Garden Centre near Thornbury to shoot robins; and if she will make a statement. [176392]

  Mr. Bradshaw
  [holding answer 27 May 2004]: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes provision for a system of licensing to allow certain persons to undertake actions against birds which would otherwise be illegal in terms or the Act.

  Section 16(1)(i) gives powers to the Secretary of State to grant licences for the purpose of preserving public health or public or air safety, subject to there being no other satisfactory solution.

  An application was received by the Department to kill a small number of robins that were persistently fouling a cafeteria located within a garden centre. The application was considered by one of the Department's wildlife management advisers and based on the adviser's recommendation the licensing unit granted a licence to allow up to four robins to be killed to preserve public health and safety. An investigation of this case, showing that the shooting of the birds by a pest control company was legal and proper procedures were followed, was published on the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk) on 11 June.

TRANSPORT

  Speed Cameras
  Mr. Chope
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the responses received from safety camera partnership project managers in England and Wales to his Department's letter of 19 December 2003 about the safety camera programme. [155540]

  Mr. Jamieson
  [holding answer 23 February 2004]: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has today made a Statement to hon. Members on the successful operation of the Safety Camera Programme, and have placed in the Libraries of the House, copies of the Partnerships' replies to my Department's letter of 19 December, regarding their work.

  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 1002W, on speed cameras, at which locations in Humberside he has given permission for (a) fixed and (b) mobile camera sites to be placed; and what criteria he took into account before granting permission for these sites. [176050]
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  Mr. Jamieson
  The approved sites are listed as follows. They were assessed against and meet the criteria for proposed new sites set out in flat current 'Handbook of rules and guidance for the operation of the national road safety camera programme for England and Wales', a copy of which was placed in the Library in December, including the criteria for the number of collisions over the preceding three years (4 or more collisions involving people being killed or seriously injured (KSIs) or eight or more personal injury collisions (PICs) for fixed speed camera sites, and 2 KSIs or 4 PICs for mobile speed camera sites.

  Fixed Cameras

  Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) collisions in the preceding three years

  Personal Injury Collisions (PIC) in the preceding three years

  Clough Road

  5

  12

  Spring Bank west

  4

  28

  B1239 North of Preston

  4

  6

  A1079BeverleyRoad

  6

  6

  Mobile Cameras

  KSI casualties in the preceding three years

  PIC collisions in the preceding three years

  Greenwood Avenue

  4

  13

  A614 North of Shiptonthorpe Roundabout

  3

  6

  Ashby Road, near Pittwood

  3

  22

  Luneburg Way

  2

  7

  Bricknell Avenue

  2

  4

  Anlaby Road

  2

  20

  Cromwell Road, Grimsby

  2

  6

  Saltshouse Road

  2

  3

  Queensway

  2

  22

  A161 Belton

  2

  6

  A 1077 Barton

  2

  5

  A614, south of Shiptonthorpe

  2

  1

  Pelham Road, Immingham

  2

  11

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
  Mr. Hendrick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the current state of Mr. Sharon's plan to move out of Gaza and the effect of that on the road map. [178640]

  Mr. Rammell
  I welcome the 6 June announcement of approval in principle by the Israeli Cabinet for the removal of settlements in Gaza and four from the West Bank. I hope that preparations for withdrawal will be carried out without delay and that implementation swiftly follows. Withdrawal of settlements would be in line with Israel's commitments under Phase One of the roadmap.

  Libya
  John Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in UK relations with Libya. [178642]
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  Mr. Rammell
  Libya's decisions to formally accept responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing, renounce terrorism and take action to dismantle its Weapons of Mass Destruction development programmes opened the way for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, to meet Colonel Qadhafi on 25 March.

  The Government are building on this contact to develop further our political, cultural and commercial ties, while continuing to seek progress on the difficulties that remain between us.

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Chaytor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent advice he has given to British nationals resident in Saudi Arabia. [178643]

  Mr. Rammell
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises British nationals resident in Saudi Arabia that if they choose to remain in Saudi Arabia they should take all necessary steps to protect their safety and should make sure they have confidence in their individual security arrangements. They should maintain a high level of vigilance, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners. They should adopt a low profile and avoid public gatherings, which could lead to disorder. They should remember that Islamic law is strictly enforced in Saudi Arabia.

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice makes clear that there is a continuing high threat of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. Following terrorist attacks in April and May 2004, we continue to believe that terrorists are planning further attacks against Westerners and places associated with Westerners.

  The full test of our advice is available at: www. fco.gov.uk. We keep our travel advice under close review.

  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account the Government takes of the changing(a) security and (b) political situation in Saudi Arabia when making decisions on arms export licences; and if he will make a statement. [178139]

  Mr. Rammell
  Export licence applications for Saudi Arabia, as for all countries, are assessed against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Criteria, taking account of the circumstances at the time and other announced Government policies. In assessing export licence applications, the Government take account of all available and relevant information.

  Cyprus
  Syd Rapson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the(a) Turkish and (b) Greek Governments about the future of Cyprus. [178644]

  Mr. MacShane
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington, North. The Government, at the 26 April General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels and the 17 May UK-Turkey summit, and via our Ambassadors in Ankara and Athens, have been
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  in regular contact with the Turkish and Greek Governments following the 24 April referendums on the UN Secretary-General's Cyprus settlement plan.

  Mr. Lyons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Turkish Government on protecting cultural sites in Turkish-occupied Cyprus. [178134]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Government attaches importance to the protection of cultural sites throughout Cyprus. We urge the authorities on both sides of the island to co-operate for the protection and preservation of Cyprus's cultural heritage for the benefit of all Cypriots.

  Aung San Suu Kyi
  Dr. Naysmith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the regime in Burma about human rights and the treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi. [178645]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mr. Lazarowicz).

  EU Enlargement
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the enlargement of the European Union on 1 May. [178646]

  Mr. MacShane
  The enlargement of the EU on 1 May was a historic event. It will make a lasting contribution to peace, stability and prosperity across the continent.

  St. Helena
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an official visit to St. Helena. [178647]

  Mr. Rammell
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit St. Helena.

  European Constitution
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on negotiations on the European Constitution. [178648]

  Mr. MacShane
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary took part in a further round of negotiations with European partners yesterday in Brussels. I understand that he intends to make a statement to the House tomorrow.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a list of the changes to the draft European Constitution demanded by the Government representative on the Convention on the Future of Europe. [178649]

  Mr. MacShane
  Throughout the 18 months of the Convention on the Future of Europe the British Government representative, the right hon. Mr. Hain, submitted many amendments, comments and suggestions 796W
  to different versions of the draft Constitution as it developed. The written amendments can be found on the Convention website at: www.european-convention.eu.int

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made for international supervision and monitoring of the forthcoming elections in Afghanistan. [178039]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The Joint Elections Management Body (JEMB), comprised of the Afghan Transitional Administration (ATA) and UN representatives, and chaired by Interior Minister Jalali, is responsible for election preparations. As part of its electoral support plans, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) intends to establish an 'Observation Office' to facilitate national and international election observation. The Office is intended to support information exchange between Afghan and international observers and other interested parties; provide briefing packages for observers; and develop training materials for Afghan observers.

  We are currently discussing with EU partners and the European Commission a range of measures to support the elections, including deployment of monitors and advisers. There are also likely to be observer teams from a number of other countries. Work is also in hand to develop domestic monitoring capacity. Afghan civil society organisations involved in this have formed a 'Core Group' to coordinate domestic monitoring activities.

  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of the reform of the Afghan National Army since 2002. [178054]

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  The creation of multi-ethnic and accountable armed forces, providing the elected Government with the institutional means to exercise their authority, is one of the key challenges for the Afghan Government and international community in post-conflict Afghanistan. Considerable progress has been made, and the Afghan National Army (ANA) is now about 10,000 strong. In recent months the training of officers and soldiers has been accelerated after the building of further capacity at the military training centre in Kabul and a total of 1,800 additional troops are now able to undergo training at any one time.

  International support in this area is led by the United States. UK military forces stationed within the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are providing training and mentoring for Afghan NCOs. In the next few months the ANA will start to establish permanent bases in cities outside Kabul, with the first to be established in Kandahar. This follows successful deployment of ANA battalions in March and April 2004 in response to unrest in the Herat and Faryab regions.

  Biological Materials (US Exports)
  Mr. Hancock
  To :ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence he has collated on US exports of biological materials between February 1985 and November 1990. [177154]
  797W
  Mr. MacShane
  None, other than information published by the United States Administration.

  China
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the actions of the Chinese Government in respect of the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. [178583]

  Mr. Rammell
  We are concerned by reports from Human Rights NGOs that at least 12 dissidents were put under house arrest or surveillance in the run up to this anniversary. Those under house arrest included the leader of the Tiananmen Mothers Group, Ding Zilin.

  The UK raised the harassment of dissidents, including those linked to the events in Tiananmen Square, most recently at the May round of our human rights dialogue with China.

  Correspondence
  Sir Gerald Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he will reply to the letter to him dated 26 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Yakubu Kabiz; [177998]

  (2) when he will reply to the letter to him dated 26 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to H S Khan. [178945]

  Mr. Mullin
  My right hon. Friend's letter refers to documentary evidence at appeal, which is collated by the Immigration Appellate Authority. The letter has been transferred to the Department of Constitutional Affairs as the Department responsible for the Immigration Appellate Authority. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs (Mr. Lammy) will reply to my right hon. Friend.

  Cuba
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to encourage the US Administration to remove its sanctions against Cuba. [178129]

  Mr. Rammell
  The UK prefers a policy of constructive engagement and dialogue with Cuba, and we make our objections known to US policy every year at the United Nations General Assembly. On 4 November 2003, we again voted to adopt the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the USA against Cuba.

  Guantanamo Bay
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Gordon Prentice) on 26 May 2004,Official Report, column 1634W, on Guantanamo Bay, on how many occasions, and in respect of how many individuals concerns were raised with the US authorities; and on what dates. [179054]
  798W
  Mr. Mullin
  We are not in a position to provide the detailed information requested. This information is withheld under Exemption 12 of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The Data Protection Act also prevents us from disclosing personal data on individual cases under Exemption 15 of the Code.

  We are very conscious of the importance of seeking to safeguard the welfare of all British nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay. Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are in touch with the families of the British detainees, who are advised of the welfare visits by British officials to Guantanamo Bay.

  Iraq
  Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2004,Official Report, column 581W, on Iraq, what the basis is of the Government's understanding that the originators of the intelligence that Iraq sought the supply of uranium from Africa discussed the issue with the International Atomic Energy Agency shortly before the International Atomic Energy Agency Report of 7 March 2003. [178086]

  Mr. MacShane
  As stated in the answer my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave to my hon. Friend, together with subsequent answers given to my hon. Friend on this issue, I am withholding further details of intelligence exchanges with allies under Exemption 1(c) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to whom the Coalition Provisional Authority is accountable. [178397]

  Mr. Rammell
  The role of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was recognised and further defined in resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003, and its authority is set out in CPA Regulation No 1, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. Resolution 1483 will continue to operate until 30 June, when the handover of authority to the Iraqi Interim Government will be complete and the CPA will dissolve. Security Council Resolution 1546 of 8 June sets out the transition arrangements for after 30 June.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to whom the Iraq Survey Group is accountable. [178398]

  Mr. MacShane
  The Iraq Survey Group forms part of the Joint Task Force Iraq, which reports through the chain of command to General Abizaid and upwards to the US Secretary of State for Defense. The US Director Central Intelligence has overall responsibility for the search for weapons of mass destruction. The British element of the Group has a national link to the Secretary of State for Defence through the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood and the UK Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Iraq Survey Group to complete its work; and what criteria will be applied when deciding whether the work of the Iraq Survey Group is complete. [178399]
  799W
  Mr. MacShane
  There is no set timetable for Iraq Survey Group activities. The Group will continue its work for as long as appropriate. It is not possible to say when the Iraq Survey Group will have completed its task

  Sudan
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Independent Expert mandated by the 23 April UN Commission on Human Rights decision on Sudan to be appointed. [177384]

  Mr. Mullin
  The UN Economic and Social Council has to endorse the decision of the Commission on Human Rights before an Independent Expert can be appointed. We have pressed for an early decision of the Council and consultations are under way. Once the decision is approved, the Chairman of the Commission on. Human Rights will then be in a position to appoint an individual to the post.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT

  Alcohol Licences
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many premises have a licence to serve alcohol all night, broken down by local authority. [178410]

  Mr. Caborn
  Alcohol licences are granted by licensing justices and, where available, statistics are broken down by petty sessions areas and not by local authority areas. Generally, no justices' licences permit the sale or consumption of alcohol all night. This is the effect of section 60 of the Licensing Act 1964 which details the permitted hours for the sale and supply of alcohol from licensed premises. There are however four exceptions. Firstly, all on-licensed premises are able to sell alcohol all night on each New Year's Eve unless the premises are subject to a restriction order. Secondly, the 1964 Act does not prohibit or restrict the sale or supply of alcohol to, or its consumption by, any person in any licensed premises where he is residing, or the supply for consumption by any private friends of such a person who are being entertained by that person at his own expense. Thirdly, the 1964 Act does not prohibit or restrict the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises to persons employed there for the purposes of the business carried on by the holder of a justices' licence if the alcohol is supplied at the expense of their employer or the person carrying on or in charge of the business on the premises. Fourthly, under section 74 of the 1964 Act, justices of the peace on application from premises situated in the immediate neighbourhood of a public market or place where people follow a lawful trade or calling, may grant an order adding, either generally or for such days as may be specified in the order such hours as may be so specified, to the permitted hours in those premises. These are commonly called "general orders of exemption". There are no centrally held statistics on the numbers or dispersal of general orders of exemption. However, the number permitting the sale or supply of 800W
  alcohol all night in connection with a public market (for example, Smithfields Meat Market in London) is believed to be very small.

WALES

  A483
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has held with National Assembly for Wales Secretaries concerning improvements to the A483. [177368]

  Mr. Hain
  Responsibility for the A483 Trunk Road rests, in Wales, with the National Assembly, and in England with the Highways Agency. Officials from these two bodies meet regularly to discuss improvements.

  A public consultation was held last year, on a Route Management Strategy for the A5/A483 Trunk Roads. Further consultation is planned towards the end of this year, on the Pant—Llanymynech by-pass, and it is hoped to award the contract for this work at around the same time.

  Administration Budget
  Mr. Letwin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made towards the 5 per cent. reduction in real terms in his Department's administration budget by 2008, announced by the Chancellor in the House on 17 March 2004,Official Report, column 331. [177423]

  Mr. Hain
  The real terms reduction of 5 per cent. or more will be a central feature of the public spending settlements for 2006–08 to be announced in detail later this year.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have left employment in his Department because of(a) anxiety, (b) stress, (c) depression and (d) other mental health reasons in each year since 1997. [175673]

  Mr. Hain
  Since the establishment of the Wales Office on 1 July 1999 there have been no departures by staff from the Wales Office because of anxiety, stress, depression or mental health reasons.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

  India
  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will cease his Department's funding of the state's deregulatory Centre for Good Governance in Andhra Pradesh, India. [178607]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The Centre for Good Governance (CGG) was set up in 2001 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh (AP) to assist it in developing and implementing its governance reform programme. The programme has many strands, and since its inception, the Centre for Good Governance has undertaken work on a wide range of issues. Highlights
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  include a thorough assessment of public expenditure management systems, and an action plan for their improvement. The Centre has also studied Citizens' Charters and how they can be effectively used to improve services. Other work includes analysing corruption-prone processes, and assisting the Government to develop a broad anti-corruption strategy. CGG is currently completing a study on local bodies, and how their effectiveness can be improved. In addition to assisting the AP Government, the Centre is working with the Government of India, particularly in the areas of civil service reform and e-governance.

  Recognising the importance of governance to tackling poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals, DFID has committed up to £5.9 million for the Government of Andhra Pradesh's governance reform programme; this lasts until March 2005. The assistance is provided in a flexible way so that it can respond to the state Government's evolving agenda. Regular discussions are held on the work programme of the Centre to ensure that it is line with the Government's priorities.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will end the arrangement which places the Implementation Secretariat of the Andhra Pradesh state's Public Enterprises Department under the control of the Adam Smith Institute. [178608]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  The Implementation Secretariat is responsible for taking forward the Government of Andhra Pradesh's public enterprise reform programme. It has always been under the control of the state government, and is headed by an Andhra Pradesh government official. The Implementation Secretariat reviews the options for state enterprises, and recommends their closure, restructuring or sale; it then implements the state government's decision.

  Adam Smith International (ASI) won a competitive tender to provide advisory and administrative support to the Government of Andhra Pradesh. In the first stage, as well as providing consultancy advice, ASI also engaged the local consulting firms and staff for the Implementation Secretariat. In 2003, the Implementation Secretariat itself took over these administrative responsibilities. DFID is discussing its programme, including assistance to public enterprise reform, with the new government, to ensure that it reflects their priorities and makes the most effective contribution to their efforts to tackle poverty.

  Alan Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the viability of his Department's commitments entered into as a result of the Vision 2020 document produced by McKinsey & Co for Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister Naidu. [178609]

  Mr. Gareth Thomas
  Vision 2020, published in 1999, set out the vision of the Government of Andhra Pradesh for development in the state. It committed the government to a number of goals, including the eradication of poverty and universal primary education, and included many ideas and approaches about how these goals could be achieved. It was not however, a strategy or plan that could he funded. The projects which DFID is supporting in Andhra Pradesh were each based on requests for assistance, and were designed and 802W
  agreed only after detailed appraisals and discussions with government. They are regularly reviewed to assess progress and agree any changes.

  DFID has a wide-ranging programme in Andhra Pradesh. It includes both support to the government in implementing cross-cutting reforms and support for programmes providing basic services such as primary schooling and treatment of Tuberculosis. DFID also has two large programmes—AP Rural Livelihoods (APRLP) and AP Urban Services for the Poor (APUSP)—which aim to make government more responsive to the needs of poor people, and to encourage the involvement of poor communities in decisions which affect their lives. APRLP works in five of the poorest rural areas, and has a central focus on agriculture, on which most poor people depend. APUSP works in 32 towns, and as well as improving government's services, it finances new infrastructure in slum areas, for example to address drinking water and sanitation needs. Both projects include components to help poor families to make a better living by developing new opportunities to earn income, for example through skills training.

  The new state government of Andhra Pradesh is setting out its priorities for development and poverty reduction. Discussions have started on how DFID can most effectively support government's efforts to tackle poverty, and this dialogue will include reviewing existing projects to see whether any changes are required.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Bercow
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the cost to public funds of travel expenses incurred by Ministers in his Department in(a) domestic journeys and (b) journeys abroad was in each year since 1997. [176659]

  Hilary Benn
  In respect of overseas travel by Ministers, since 1999 the Government has published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. The Government have also published on an annual basis the cost of all Ministers' visits overseas. Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the House. These reports give information reaching back to 1995–96. Information for 2003–04 will be published in due course.

  For domestic travel the information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  All Ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

  Palestinian Authority
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department has provided to enable the Palestinian Authority to prepare for elections. [178594]

  Hilary Benn
  The Government welcomes the recent announcement by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to hold municipal elections between August 2004 and mid-2005. The European Commission has committed
  803W
  €10 million to enable the PA to prepare for these and other elections. 17 per cent. of this expenditure is attributable to the UK. DFID has no plans to provide additional bilateral financial assistance for elections.

  Rome Declaration on Humanitarian Aid
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made on the Rome Declaration on Humanitarian Aid. [176793]

  Hilary Benn
  The UK is one of 23 members of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)'s Development Assistance Committee (DAC), which provides a means for donors to share experience and develop best practice in aid management. In February 2003, an OECD High Level Forum in Rome agreed a series of Good Practice Papers on the Harmonisation of Donor Practices for Effective Aid Delivery. With support from DFID and other agencies, the DAC has been developing means to measure progress in this work and a report will be published in December 2004.

  The UK Harmonisation Action Plan was also agreed in February 2003, and over the last year DFID has been at the forefront of advocating harmonisation, both by testing out new approaches and by working collectively with others to change ways of working. This should significantly reduce the burden imposed on partner countries by the wide range of procedures that donors now apply to very similar tasks in delivering their assistance, for example during audit and evaluation.

  As co-chair of the Strategic Partnership for Africa (SPA), DFID has also supported efforts to improve donor harmonisation. The 2003 survey indicated that alignment with national Poverty Reduction Strategies was still falling short. However, work is now being carried out jointly by SPA donors to identify how to make faster progress.

  Rwanda
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what(a) action is being taken and (b) aid is planned to be offered by the United Kingdom Government to help Rwanda reach the targets set in the memorandum of understanding; and what aid is being offered from other western countries, with particular reference to the United States of America. [177665]

  Hilary Benn
  DFID's programme of support to Rwanda is set out in the Rwanda Country Assistance Plan. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) complements this, providing the political framework in which the Country Assistance Plan is set.

  The United Kingdom Government is committed to helping Rwanda reach the targets set out in these documents. Officials from DFID work closely with colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and with other donor Governments, to ensure our approach is consistent and focused on helping the poor of Rwanda.
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  The UK/Rwanda MoU was first signed in 1999 and is renewed on an annual basis. It underpins the UK/ Rwanda bilateral relationship, and provides a sound basis for constructive dialogue and assessment of progress on political developments.

  The UK Government maintains a regular dialogue with the Government of Rwanda and has gained their trust and respect. The UK's strong relationship with the Government of Rwanda enables us to have open and frank discussions on a range of issues, including performance against targets set out in the Memorandum of Understanding.

  The UK Government remains committed to reducing poverty in Rwanda and to the targets set out in the Government of Rwanda's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The MoU sets out Rwanda's commitment to this and reaffirms the UK Government's long-term commitment to poverty reduction in Rwanda.

  DFID has committed £42 million for poverty reduction in 2004–05 and £47 million in 2005–06. Two thirds of the money—equating approximately to all the salaries for all the teachers in Rwanda—is given direct to the Government of Rwanda in the form of Poverty Reduction Budget Support.

  The United States of America, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed $46 million (£25 million) to Rwanda through both bilateral $36 million/£19.5 million) and non-bilateral programmes ($10 million/£5.5 million). Over half of the US programme ($29 million/£16 million) is committed to Health and HIV/AIDS programmes, $13.5 million (£7 million) to agriculture, food security and economic growth and $3.5 million (£2 million) to democracy and governance programmes.

  Other bilateral donors active in Rwanda include Switzerland, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Belgium, France and Canada. Together they have committed an estimated £61.5 million to Rwanda in 2004. This makes the UK the largest bilateral donor in Rwanda. Multilateral donors, notably the European Union to which the UK provides an annual contribution, are also present in Rwanda. The EU has committed approximately £74.7 million to Rwanda in 2004.

  To ensure that aid given to Rwanda is used in the most effective way, all bilateral and multilateral donors are working to harmonise their approaches and develop complementary programmes.

  Sudan
  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if his Department will(a) increase pledges to and (b) ensure more supplies are delivered and pre-positioned in Darfur, Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [178238]

  Hilary Benn
  During my visit to Darfur last week I announced a further allocation of £15 million for humanitarian response to the situation in Darfur. This takes the total DFID humanitarian response to the crisis to £34.5 million since September 2003. The UK is the
  805W
  second largest bilateral donor in Darfur. We are urging other donors to make significant contributions and will keep our own levels of funding under review.

  DFID is working closely with the UN and other operational agencies and donors to ensure that the delivery of assistance is increased as more areas become accessible and as operational capacity on the ground increases. This includes supporting the World Food Programme to pre-position foodstuffs in the areas likely to be cut off during the rainy season.

  I refer the hon. Member for Banbury to the Statement I made in the House on 9 June 2004, Official Report, column 275, on my return from Sudan.

  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations his Department has made(a) bilaterally to the Government of Sudan and (b) through the international community, with particular reference to the EU, to ensure resources ate made immediately available for the rapid deployment of the ceasefire monitoring mechanism in Darfur and if he will make a statement. [178239]

  Hilary Benn
  The UK has been heavily engaged in ensuring an effective deployment of the African Union (AU) Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism.

  I have emphasised to the Government of Sudan on several occasions the importance of swift agreement to and full co-operation with the African Union Monitoring Mechanism. In particular, during the visit of the Sudanese Foreign Minister to London on 11 May, during a telephone conversation with the Sudanese Foreign Minister on 20 May and during my visit to Sudan on 6–8 June. In addition, the Joint DFID/FCO Sudan Unit is in almost daily contact with the Government of Sudan in London and Khartoum and have been reiterating these messages.

  Following agreement of the AU proposals on 28 May, the UK committed £2 million to the mission and one observer. EU member states last week approved an EC proposal to provide the AU mission with 12 million euros (c. £8 million) from the Africa Peace Facility, which is funded from the European Development Fund. This will cover over half of the estimated costs. DFID have urged other donors to support the AU mission. The EU and member states are also contributing six observers to be integrated with each of the six AU observer teams (including the observer for the UK), a representative on the political-level Joint Commission and the Deputy Chairman of the Ceasefire Commission.

  Effective deployment of the African Union Monitoring Mechanism will play a critical part in improving the security situation in Darfur. I met with the first group of monitors in E1 Fasher on 7 June. I refer the hon. Member for Banbury to the statement I made to the House on 9 June 2004, Official Report, column 275 on my return from Sudan.

  Tony Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if his Department will maintain pressure on the Government of Sudan to 806W
  permit only the voluntary return of displaced people and refugees in relation to Darfur; and if he will make a statement. [178269]

  Hilary Benn
  During my visit to Sudan I raised with the Government of Sudan, including the first vice-President, the urgent need for the Government of Sudan to rein in the Janjaweed and other militias, to condemn these acts of violence and to provide adequate protection for displaced people. The UK is fully involved in the situation in Darfur and will continue to press the Government of Sudan to take all steps to ensure the security of its citizens, including by ensuring that any return of internally displaced persons (IDP)s and refugees is voluntary and with adequate protection. I was told by the Sudanese Government that IDPs and refugees would not return unless there was adequate security.

  I refer the hon. Member for Banbury to the Statement I made in the House on 9 June 2004, Official Report, column 275, on my return from Sudan.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

  Antisocial Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Gibb
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what guidelines are issued to magistrates on the consequences of a youth breaking an antisocial behaviour order. [178470]

  Mr. Leslie
  A sentencing guideline for a breach of an ASBO has been produced for use in the Adult court by the Magistrate's Court Sentencing Guidelines Working Party. However, due to the specific legislative and other considerations applicable when dealing with youths, these guidelines cannot be readily applied within the youth court.

  The Criminal Justice Act 2003 provided for the creation of the recently formed Sentencing Guidelines Council, and it will fall to them to determine in due course, whether Youth court guidelines should be provided. The Judicial Studies Board (JSB) is planning to undertake a review of its Youth Court Bench Book during this financial year and will consider whether information and guidance on the breach of an ASBO could be included.

  Statutory responsibility for the training of magistrates currently rests with the 42 independent Magistrates Courts' Committees (MCCs). The JSB has provided training materials to MCCs on ASBOs, which encourage through case studies, discussion of the issues arising in sentencing on the breach of orders, including those in the Youth court. In addition, in February 2004, the JSB advised MCCs that it expected every magistrate to receive a minimum of two hours face to face training on ASBOs by the end of this financial year.

  In court lay magistrates sit with their justices' clerk or a legal adviser. The justices' clerk has a statutory duty to provide advice to the magistrates on questions of law, practice and procedure. This will include advice on applying any case law and relevant Court of Appeal judgments when making decisions on sentence.

  Fixed-Term Parliaments
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether the Secretary of State has considered, as part of the Government's programme of constitutional reform, the introduction of fixed-term parliaments; and if he will make a statement. [178720]

  Mr. Leslie
  No.

  Judges (Ethnic Minorities)
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many(a) men and (b) women from ethnic minorities sit as judges in the High Court. [178686]

  Mr. Leslie
  There are at present no High Court judges who declare themselves as from minority ethnic communities.

  Opinion Polls
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what(a) regulations and (b) code of standards govern the opinion polling industry. [178184]

  Mr. Timms
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Data Protection Act 1998 applies to market research and opinion polling. Professionally conducted market research and opinion polling should be carried out in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Guidelines of the Market Research Society.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps the Department is taking to ensure standards of accuracy and integrity in opinion polling. [178185]

  Mr. Timms
  I have been asked to reply.

  These are matters for the industry's professional body, the Market Research Society, to address in the first instance.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans his Department has to undertake an investigation into the methods used by polling organisations to gather, use and present information. [178186]

  Mr. Timms
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department has no such plans.

DEFENCE

  1958 Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on the retrieval and assessment of the radiation from badges worn by participants in the Technical Services Forward Group during the nuclear tests in August and September 1958; and if he will make a statement. [178576]

  Mr. Caplin
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The Ministry of Defence has received one representation on this issue in the last six months, which was a letter on 808W
  6 January 2004 from my hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy (Dr. Moonie) on behalf of one of his constituents.

  Afghanistan
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with the work of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. [178146]

  Mr. Ingram
  Under the terms of the United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1510, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) continues to assist the Afghan Transitional Authority in maintaining security in Afghanistan, and the United Nations and other international civilian organizations engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction work. Work is in hand in NATO to expand the ISAF across Afghanistan.

  Alvis plc
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assurances General Dynamics has given regarding the continuance of(a) Alvis plc's UK-based and (b) Alvis Hagglund's development and production programmes and capabilities; [177780]

  (2) what light and medium armour capabilities are produced by General Dynamics Corporation and its subsidiaries; what discussions have been held with General Dynamics concerning Alvis plc's Future Rapid Effects System activities; and if he will make a statement on the defence implications of the Office of Fair Trading's investigation into the proposed takeover of Alvis plc by General Dynamics Corporation. [177892]

  Mr. Ingram
  General Dynamics Corporation (GDC) and its subsidiaries produce a full suite of light and medium armour capabilities. Since the GDC offer to acquire Alvis plc was announced there have been several high-level discussions between the Ministry of Defence and GDC. These discussions covered both Alvis plc and the Future Rapid Effects System programme. On 3 June 2004 the Alvis plc Board recommended to its shareholders their acceptance of an offer from BAE Systems to acquire the company. GDC subsequently announced on 4 June 2004 that it would not revise its offer. The GDC offer for Alvis plc formally lapsed on 7 June 2004.

  Army Medal Office
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to delay the closure of the Army Medal Office until the end of the 2006–07 financial year. [178994]

  Mr. Caplin
  No. I am convinced that the investment of effort now to modernise medals delivery through the formation of a Joint Medal Office linked to the new Joint Personnel Administration system, will be to the ultimate benefit of veterans, and serving personnel.

  Commonwealth War Graves
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with(a) the Israeli

  809W
  Government and (b) the Palestinian authority regarding the protection of Commonwealth war graves. [178584]

  Mr. Caplin
  Neither my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, nor the Secretary of State for Defence has had discussions on this subject with the Israeli Government. However, the Consul-General in Jerusalem has raised the vandalism of the Commonwealth War Graves at Gaza War Cemetery on Sunday 9 May with the Palestinian authority, which has undertaken to investigate.

  The Commonwealth War Graves Commission views the recent vandalism at Gaza War Cemetery as an isolated incident. Officials at local level within the Israeli Government and the Palestinian authority have given the Commission assurances that there is continuing respect for their cemeteries among the local population.

  Defence Medical Services
  Miss McIntosh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances service personnel who have had private medical treatment or diagnosis owing to delays in receiving such treatment and diagnosis from the Defence Medical Services will be refunded the cost of such treatment. [170006]

  Mr. Caplin
  The Defence Medical Services are responsible for the provision of clinical care to military personnel. Secondary care for military personnel is usually provided through routine treatment within the national health service unless there are operational reasons to do otherwise. In such cases, accelerated access to diagnosis and treatment can be provided at NHS hospitals that host the Ministry of Defence Hospital Units. An initial decision on the most appropriate care pathway is made at the time of referral, and is reviewed once the diagnosis is confirmed. Occasionally, use is made of private healthcare providers to enable Service personnel to be returned to operational fitness quickly it' it is anticipated that treatment within the NHS would fail to meet an urgent operational requirement. However, no financial provision is made for reimbursing the cost of diagnosis and treatment if individuals choose to seek private medical care.

  Explosion Mitigation Technology
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the use of explosion mitigation technology in the fuel tanks of armoured fighting vehicles used by British forces. [177214]

  Mr. Ingram
  In the main, the armoured vehicles used by the British forces rely on the protection afforded to the fuel tanks by the vehicle's armour and the positioning of tanks themselves within the vehicle. Some of the newer armoured vehicles currently in service, however, have additional measures incorporated in their design, with the intention of reducing the risk of fire and explosion in the fuel tanks.

  In addition, since the acceptance and implementation of the current NATO Single Fuels Policy by the United Kingdom in 1991, all operational vehicles procured will run on diesel or kerosene type fuels which are inherently
  810W
  safer than gasoline. This in itself mitigates against the threat of fire, because of the reduction in the flammability of the fuel. For older vehicles, conversion programmes have been undertaken where this represents a cost-effective option for the remaining life of the fleet.

  FRES Programme
  Mr. Gray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the strategic purpose is of the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme; if he will make a statement on the range of technologies required for FRES; how many of the technologies needed for the FRES programme will be UK-sourced; what importance he places on FRES being a British developed and manufactured capability; and what role(a) Alvis Hagglund and (b) Alvis plc are expected to have in the FRES programme. [177781]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Future Rapid Effects System will provide a family of network-capable armoured vehicles as part of a coherent, effective and highly deployable medium-weight force, able to operate across the full spectrum of conflict, but with a significantly improved rapid intervention capability to prevent escalation of conflict and more protracted military commitment. However, the overall utility of FRES is much broader than just rapid intervention, as the vehicles will fulfil a wide range of combat and combat support roles.

  There are a number of technologies that are under consideration, and early work will focus on maximising our understanding of their risks and maturity levels before we determine what is, and what is not, suitable for FRES.

  FRES provides excellent opportunities for the United Kingdom industry to engage in the programme in line with the Defence Industrial Policy. However, until we have a better understanding of the FRES capability, and the potential solutions for providing it, the industrial arrangements must remain flexible in order to avoid prejudicing future options.

  HMS Caroline
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in securing the retention of HMS Caroline in Belfast once decommissioned by the Royal Navy. [178548]

  Mr. Caplin
  After consideration by the Ministry of Defence, it has been decided to retain HMS Caroline for the foreseeable future as the RN Reserve Training Centre in Belfast. HMS Caroline will remain under the ownership of the Warship Support Agency who fund the maintenance of the ship.

  Iraq
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the operation of the concessionary postal service for forces personnel in Iraq. [178432]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer the hon. Member to my Written Statement of 27 February 2004,Official Report, column 70WS, and subsequent answers of 5 March 2004, Official Report, column 1155W, to the hon.

  811W
  Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock), 1 April 2004, Official Report, column 1605W, to the hon. Member for Mid-Norfolk (Mr. Simpson) and 5 May 2004, Official Report, column 1527W, to the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Randall).

  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sites where it is known that cluster bombs were dropped by UK forces in Iraq have been cleared; how many sites await clearance; and if he will make a statement. [161586]

  Mr. Ingram
  To date, around 1.1 million individual items of unexploded ordnance have been cleared in the Multinational Division (South East) Area of Operations. This figure includes around 6,000 items of submunitions, though it is not possible to break down this figure into type of submunition or the county from which individual submunitions originated.

  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are being made governing the responsibility for prisoners currently detained by the occupation forces in Iraq when powers of sovereignty are returned to Iraq on 1 July 2004. [167376]

  Mr. Ingram
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 8 June 2004,Official Report, columns 292–93W, to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell).

  Adam Price
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether British Service personnel have used stress postures as a technique of interrogation in Iraq. [174619]

  Mr. Ingram
  [holding answer 20 May 2004]: The use of stress positions is not a permitted interrogation technique and is therefore not permitted in Iraq.

  Overseas Dentists
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of the Minister of State, Department of Health hon. Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), of 11 May 2004,Official Report, column 22WH, how many overseas dentists he expects to start working in the armed services; and if he will make a statement. [178565]

  Mr. Caplin
  The Ministry of Defence employs two types of dentist—those who are part of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and Civilians employed as Civilian Dental Practitioners (CDPs) or as locums, who work within the Defence Dental Agency (DDA).

  In order to become a military dentist, individuals have to satisfy the nationality requirement to join the armed forces. This requires that applicants must be UK, Commonwealth or Irish Republic nationals. Therefore recruitment of Military dentists from outside of these areas does not take place.

  The DDA does however recruit some civilian and locum dentists from the European Economic Area (EEA) and other countries, in addition to those from the UK, Commonwealth and the Irish Republic.

  Prisons
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many(a) men and (b) women held in British-run
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  military and civilian prisons in Iraq have been charged with (i) criminal and (ii) military offences; and if he will make a statement. [177249]

  Mr. Ingram
  As of 10 June 2004 the United Kingdom were holding in Iraq 78 male internees no female internees and no detainees at the Divisional Temporary Detention Centre in Shiabah. Individuals are classified as internees if they pose or are judged likely to pose a threat to Coalition Forces. They are classified as detainees if they are suspected of a criminal act under Iraqi law. Detainees are immediately handed over to the Iraq Police Service.

  Procurement
  Richard Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he takes account of the sustainability of the UK defence industrial base when making decisions on defence acquisitions for UK forces. [177389]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Government's Defence Industrial Policy, published in October 2002, seeks to provide the armed forces with the equipment which they require at best value for money for the taxpayer while sustaining a healthy and globally competitive defence industry. The factors that we take into account when making acquisition decisions are set out in Tables 1 and 2 of the Policy and, taken together, enable the best value for money solution to be identified. These factors include consideration of the impact on long-term value for money and on industrial capabilities which it is desirable to retain in the United Kingdom industrial base not only for defence reasons but also owing to the high value which they bring to the industrial economy. Copies of the Policy, together with detailed implementation guidance are freely available, and are included on the Ministry of Defence's website (www.mod.uk).

  Sexual Offenders
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what measures he has taken to ensure that non-commissioned officers convicted of child pornography sex offences are debarred from further contact with young soldiers; and if he will make a statement on the particular circumstances of an NCO serving in the Royal Regiment of Wales; [175197]

  (2) what steps were taken to inform civilian authorities in (a) Kosovo and (b) Germany following the conviction in 2002 of a Royal Regiment of Wales non-commissioned officer for offences involving child pornography. [175198]

  Mr. Ingram
  All personnel convicted of child pornography offences will have details of the charges, and punishment, recorded on their career file and conduct sheet. Subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, this will be taken into consideration during the selection process, in order to assess an individual's suitability for any particular post.

  There is no record of a non-commissioned officer currently serving in, or attached to, the Royal Regiment of Wales being convicted, in 2002, of offences related to child pornography, though a junior NCO attached to RRW was convicted in 2004 as a result of an investigation started in 2002.
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  No provision exists within the Sexual Offences Act requiring the armed forces to inform other jurisdictions that a sex offender is intending to visit their country; this is a matter for the civil police.

  Shipbuilding
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of defence-related ship building in the United Kingdom. [178588]

  Mr. Ingram
  The Ministry of Defence has embarked on the largest procurement programme of new ships for the Royal Navy in many years, including orders for six Type 45 destroyers, three ASTUTE Class submarines and four Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary).

  Future plans include the purchase of two new aircraft carriers, further orders of Type 45 destroyers and Astute Class submarines, and the progressive replacement of existing RFA vessels.

  Looking further ahead, we expect to replace the capability provided by the Type 22 and 23 Frigates with the Future Surface Combatant.

  It remains the policy of this Government that all warships for the Royal Navy, or vessels designated warlike, will be built in the United Kingdom, although weapon, command and propulsion systems, may be procured from overseas, following open competition.

  All bidders for new procurements will, of course, have to demonstrate the capability and competitiveness to meet our needs, but this future programme should provide an excellent opportunity for the UK's shipbuilding industry.

  Thales (Racal Acquisition)
  Mr. Gerald Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what undertakings were given to his Department by Thales when they acquired Racal. [177146]

  Mr. Ingram
  When Thomson CSF (now Thales) acquired Racal Electronics plc in July 2000, contractual undertakings addressing national security aspects were provided to the Ministry of Defence by Thomson CSF.

  Statutory undertakings were also provided to the Department of Trade and Industry as part of the regulatory clearance for the acquisition. These are in the public domain and provide assurance that the company will comply with the contractual undertakings provided to the MOD.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Business Support
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies have benefited from the Small Businesses Loan Scheme in(a) Greater London and (b) each London borough in each of the last three years. [177130]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Government do not operate a Small Business Loan Scheme.

  Carbon Emissions
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of changes in carbon emissions which would result if all gas fired power stations which have been approved, but are yet to enter service, replaced existing carbon emitting generators. [178323]

  Mr. Timms
  The answer depends on the assumptions made about the type of existing carbon emitting generation which the new gas-fired capacity would replace and the load factor for the new gas-fired plant. There is currently around 4,800MW of gas-fired capacity, comprising six large stations, approved but yet to enter service.

  If coal-fired plants are replaced then the carbon saving would amount to around 4 million tonnes per annum as coal emits more than twice the amount of carbon as gas per TWh of generation. If older gas-fired generation plants were replaced then the change in emissions would be around 0.3 million tonnes per annum, the change reflecting only the higher efficiency of new gas-fired generation compared with older gas generation technologies. A load factor of 70 per cent. is assumed for gas-fired generation.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of how much carbon would be emitted if all gas fired power stations which have been approved, but are yet to enter service, entered service. [178324]

  Mr. Timms
  There is currently around 4,800MW of gas-fired capacity comprising six large stations, approved but yet to enter service. The level of associated carbon emissions will depend on the operational load factor associated with this capacity. On the assumption of a 70 per cent. load factor, emissions from these stations would amount to around 3 million tonnes of carbon per annum. The net impact on UK emissions will depend on what type of capacity (conventional fossil fuel or nuclear generation) this new capacity is replacing.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the likely changes in carbon emissions if all renewable electricity generators which have been approved, but are yet to enter service, replaced carbon emitting generators. [R] [178325]

  Mr. Timms
  There is currently around 1700MW of renewable capacity approved but yet to enter service. This comprises 500MW of onshore wind and 1200MW of offshore wind as well as 20MW of hydro power. The change in carbon emissions associated with this level of new renewables capacity will depend on the assumption made about the type of carbon emitting generation which it replaces and the operational load factors associated with the renewables capacity.

  If new renewables capacity replaces gas-fired generation, which would otherwise have been built, then the reduction in emissions would amount to around 0.5 million tonnes of carbon per annum. If the new capacity is assumed to have replaced coal-fired generation then the change in emissions would amount to around 1.2 million tonnes of carbon per annum.

  815W
  These figures are based on the assumptions of a 30 per cent. load factor for onshore wind and 35 per cent. for offshore wind and hydro.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Jonathan Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies her Department has undertaken to assess the(a) economic impact and (b) carbon savings of requiring energy suppliers to have a statutory requirement to include combined heat and power as part of their overall production; and if she will make a statement. [177692]

  Mr. Timms
  In 2003, the DTI and DEFRA commissioned Cambridge Econometrics to undertake a study of the prospects for CHP to 2010. This work included an analysis of the effects of a CHP obligation along the lines of the existing Renewables Obligation. The results of this study were published in November of that year and can be found at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/environment/energy_efficiency/chpreport.pdf

  DVDs/Videos
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 24 May 2004,Official Report, column 1442W, on DVDs/videos, if she will ask the Office of Fair Trading to investigate whether fair pricing competition exists between national supermarket chains and small independent retailers of DVDs and videos. [178670]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]It is for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), as the UK's independent competition authority, to decide whether to investigate competition issues. Any information or evidence concerning market failure or anti-competitive practices should be submitted directly to the OFT.

  Management Earnings (Merseyside)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average gross weekly pay for(a) managers and (b) senior officials in (i) Merseyside and (ii) the UK was in 2003; and if she will make a statement. [177918]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Claire Curtis-Thomas, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the average gross weekly wage for (a) Managers and (b) Senior Officials in (i) Merseyside and (ii) the UK for 2003. (177918)

  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, by their place of work. 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. I attach a table showing the average gross weekly wage for Managers and Senior Officials in both Merseyside and the UK.

  The NES, carried out in April of each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the UK. It is a one per cent. sample of all employees who are members of pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) schemes, but because of its sampling frame, it
  816W
  has difficulty capturing data on people with very low pay. It is therefore likely to under-represent relatively low paid staff earning below the tax threshold.

  The New Earnings Survey publication criteria ensures that all estimates are undisclosive and of reliable quality. A number of estimates have been removed from the published tables for these reasons.

  Average gross weekly pay for (a) Managers and (b) Senior Officials in (i) Merseyside and (ii) the UK for 2003

  Weekly earnings (£)

  Managers

  732.2

  Senior Officials

  1,739.9

  Merseyside

  Managers

  585.6

  Senior Officials

  1—

  1Data are not shown due to the small sample size.

  Notes:

  1. The occupation groups are defined using Standard Occupational Coding 2000. Managers have been taken as SOC 2000 Major Group 1, Managers and Senior Officials. Senior Officials have been taken as SOC 2000 Minor Group 111 Corporate Managers and Senior Officials. Here is a link to SOC 2000: http://www. statistics. gov. uk/methods_quality/ns_sec/downloads/SOC2000_Vol1_V5.pdf

  2. The New Earnings Survey release criteria currently require that any estimate: (a) of a mean is based on a sample size of at least 30 and that the associated coefficient of variation does not exceed 5 per cent. (b) of a quantile such as a percentile, quartile or median, or of a percentage, is based on a sample size of at least 10 and that the sample size is either at least 225 or that the relative coefficient of variation is less than 20 per cent.

  3. Estimates are based on the workplace location.

  Source for earnings data:

  New Earnings survey, April 2003

  Electricity Generation/Supply
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what basis her Department includes(a) generators subject to transmission constraints and (b) inherently intermittent generators in aggregated totals of generation capacity when comparing levels of installed generation capacity against possible levels of electricity demand. [178351]

  Mr. Timms
  National Grid Transco (NGT) reports the level of installed generating capacity relative to forecast levels of electricity peak demand in its annual "Seven Year Statement" (SYS) and the associated quarterly Updates.

  NGT do not currently differentiate the capacity of intermittent generators directly connected to the system from other forms of installed capacity. The registered capacity of any transmission-constrained generator is adjusted to the limit of the constraint in question.

  Export Credits Guarantee Department
  Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 13 January 2004,Official Report, column 696W, on the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD), what information her Department can provide within reasonable cost that will not prejudice ECGD negotiations. [177722]
  817W
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  We are able to provide a breakdown of all of ECGD's unrecovered claims on a market-by-market basis (see following table). This information is updated regularly on ECGD's website at www.ecgd.gov.uk. These figures do not include our assessment of what claims are or ate not recoverable. To disclose these figures would prejudice ECGD's attempts to recover claims outstanding.

  Country

  Unrecovered claims ((£)

  Algeria

  129,541,473.30

  Angola

  52,540,571.75

  Antigua and Barbuda

  2,745,763.44

  Argentina

  31,517,224.98

  Australia

  7,144,450.70

  Bahrain

  69,465.62

  Belgium

  18,688,061.48

  Benin

  1.00

  Bolivia

  0.00

  Bosnia and Herzegovina

  895,641.37

  Brazil

  176,101,779.37

  Bulgaria

  0.01

  Burkina Faso

  0.00

  Cameroon

  24,387,259.69

  Canada

  17,085,467.64

  Central African Republic

  144,745.87

  Chad

  0.00

  Colombia

  1,024,981.33

  Congo

  58,027,462.04

  Costa Rica

  0.00

  Cote D'Ivoire

  21,029,634.18

  Croatia

  46,133,199.40

  Cuba

  52,146,568.31

  Cyprus

  454.00

  Dominica

  981,167.37

  Ecuador

  27,136,774.09

  Egypt

  134,034,814.42

  El Salvador

  0.00

  Ethiopia

  10,996,463.86

  France

  83,801.01

  Gabon

  74,718,999.71

  Germany

  0.00

  Ghana

  50,821,016.55

  Greece

  120,559.82

  Grenada

  957,608.78

  Guinea

  922,419.10

  Guyana

  0.01

  India

  1,742.06

  Indonesia

  772,775,807.24

  Iran (Islamic Republic of)

  28,766,647.48

  Iraq

  621,852,319.97

  Israel

  0.00

  Italy

  71,063.06

  Jamaica

  1,170,673.49

  Jordan

  216,315,339.29

  Kazakhstan

  5.97

  Kenya

  16,555,734.19

  Korea, Democratic People's Republic

  5,864,356.17

  Kuwait

  1,398,519.12

  Lebanon

  77.14

  Liberia

  7,875,586.13

  Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

  8,972,335.50

  Macedonia

  2,382,683.45

  Madagascar

  9,930,882.07

  Malawi

  306,816.44

  Mali

  0.04

  Mauritania

  0.00

  Mexico

  1,291,657.72

  Morocco

  19,684,364.48

  Mozambique

  159,513.38

  Myanmar

  22,904,009.02

  Nicaragua

  367,532.50

  Niger

  3,370,318.92

  Nigeria

  1,650,458,746.72

  Pakistan

  6,517,406.84

  Paraguay

  5,939.89

  Peru

  56,027,018.47

  818W

  Country

  Unrecovered claims ((£)

  Philippines

  6,089,710.50

  Poland

  359,163,789.81

  Portugal

  1.00

  Russian Federation

  570,898,987.19

  Saudi Arabia

  1,305,765.53

  Senegal

  616,506.63

  Serbia Republic

  148,479,862.67

  Seychelles

  882,602.43

  Sierra Leone

  810,763.64

  Singapore

  5,326.27

  Somalia

  10,380,865.12

  Spain

  64,866.50

  Sri Lanka

  811.63

  Sudan

  89,460,418.44

  Switzerland

  23,412,038.16

  Syrian Arab Republic

  0.00

  Taiwan

  0.00

  Tanzania, United Republic of

  7,374.26

  Togo

  9,460,912.59

  Turkey

  1,632,772.29

  Turkmenistan

  0.00

  Uganda

  619.00

  United States

  3,207,078.66

  Vietnam

  5,528,838.01

  Yemen

  0.00

  Yugoslavia

  0.00

  Zaire

  24,652,248.37

  Zambia

  67,215,313.47

  Zimbabwe

  85,797,036.06

  Flexible Working
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the merits of allowing employment tribunals to test the business case for the refusal of a request for flexible working; and if she will make a statement. [178115]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The flexible working law was designed by the Work and Parents Taskforce to be light-touch and is based on employer best practice. In translating the Taskforce proposals into legislation, the Government accepted their recommendation on handling unresolved requests. As the law currently operates, the facts on which the business case is based can be contested in an employment tribunal, as long as the appeal stage has been exhausted.

  Since its introduction in April 2003, we have been constantly monitoring the impact of the law. We are committed to not making any changes to the laws for working parents until after their impact is reviewed in 2006. We continue to work with stakeholders and intermediaries, as well as engaging the views of both employers and parents directly to build up a strong evidence base for the review.

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many requests for flexible working from(a) women and (b) men were for (i) shorter working hours and (ii) compressed working hours. [178116]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The DTI published results of the first flexible working employee survey in April 2004. The survey reported the types of flexible working requested by male and female employees since the introduction of the new employment rights in April 2003.
  819W

  Table A4—Types of flexible working requested (percentage)

  Male employees

  Female employees

  All employees

  Part-time

  31

  41

  38

  Flexitime

  30

  23

  25

  Reduced hours for a limited period

  1—

  12

  13

  Work from home on a regular basis

  17

  1—

  10

  Compressed working week

  1—

  1—

  8

  1 Sample size too small for a reliable estimate. Percentage of those employees surveyed who had requested flexible working.

  Notes:

  1. Respondents could give multiple responses.

  2. Respondents also stated other types of flexible working, but sample sizes were too small to report above.

  3. All employees who requested flexible working since April 2003. Total of 456 employee responses.

  Source:

  ONS Omnibus Survey, September to November 2003 and February 2004.

  In total an estimated 56,000 men and 294,000 women have requested shorter working hours, although the sample size was not large enough to include the number of men requesting reduced hours for a limited period, so this has not been included.

  The sample sizes were too small to reliably estimate the number of women or men requesting compressed working hours.

  Industrial Development Grants (Crosby)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public funding from industrial development grants has been spent in Crosby. [177946]

  Jacqui Smith
  There have been two offers made to businesses in Crosby since 1997 worth £154,401.

  Minerals
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the total gross value added to the economy from the mining and quarrying of minerals in each year between 1994 and 2004. [178661]

  Jacqui Smith
  The gross value added of mining and quarrying of minerals and of the whole economy from 1994 to 2002 (latest available) are:

  Gross value added at basic prices (£ billion)

  Mining and quarrying of minerals

  Whole economy

  Minerals share of whole economy (percentage)

  1994

  1.2

  608.7

  0.2

  1995

  1.4

  639.9

  0.2

  1996

  1.6

  680.2

  0.2

  1997

  1.7

  720.4

  0.2

  1998

  1.6

  762.4

  0.2

  1999

  1.7

  797.8

  0.2

  2000

  1.8

  839.2

  0.2

  2001

  1.9

  880.9

  0.2

  2002

  2.3

  925.6

  0.2

  820W
  Note:

  Minerals comprise subsection CB of the Standard Industrial Classification—Mining and Quarrying Except Energy Producing Materials.

  Sources:

  1. Office for National Statistics.

  2. UK National Accounts (the Blue Book), 2003 edition, table 2.3.

  National Minimum Wage (Scotland)
  John Barrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people aged(a) between 18 and 21 and (b) over 21 years of age are receiving the national minimum wage in Scotland, broken down by parliamentary constituency or nearest available area. [176733]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  It is not possible to provide estimates for individual parliamentary constituencies.

  Based on the Office for National Statistics' Low Pay data released in 2003, the DTI estimates that between 100,000 and 120,000 people in Scotland were expected to have benefited from the October 2003 up-rating of the national minimum wage. However, it is not possible to provide estimates specifically for the development rate because of small sample size.

  New Businesses
  Mr. Stephen O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new firms have been established in the UK during each of the last five years. [178665]

  Nigel Griffiths
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) on 20 May 2004,Official Report, column 1118W.

  Nuclear Material/Power
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the occasions since 1974 when nuclear material has been found to be unaccounted for, broken down by(a) the material and (b) the location where it had been held. [179055]

  Mr. Timms
  In accordance with international practice, the inventory difference that occurs when the result of a physical inventory of nuclear material is compared with the book inventory is referred to as MUF (material unaccounted for'. The difference may be negative (an apparent loss) or positive (an apparent gain). MUF is a recognised feature of accounting for nuclear material and is caused primarily by the uncertainties inherent in the techniques used to measure nuclear material.

  MUF figures at UKAEA, BNFL and Urenco sites are published annually by the industry. Figures published since 1973—74 will be placed in the Libraries of the House. There is no evidence to suggest that there have been any real losses or gains of nuclear material.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the employment rights and benefits of constables in the Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary will change under the provisions of the Energy Bill. [178317]
  821W
  Mr. Timms
  The Energy Bill requires that the Secretary of State make a nuclear transfer scheme providing for the transfer to the Civil Nuclear Police Authority those employees of the UKAEA who are members of the UKAEA Constabulary. The Bill also provides for members of the UKAEA Constabulary to hold office as members of the new Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

  There will be no practical effect on the employment rights and benefits of members of the UKAEA Constabulary as a result of this transfer. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) will apply, and current and future members of the Constabulary will continue to be eligible for membership of the UKAEA pension scheme.

  The Bill prohibits members of the Constabulary from joining trade unions (subject to the same limited exceptions that apply to other police officers). This puts current informal arrangements on a statutory footing. It also brings the Constabulary into line with long established arrangements for other police forces. The restriction on trade union membership will not extend to civilian employees of the Police Authority.

  The Bill also provides for statutory recognition of a Civil Nuclear Police Federation, and requires the Civil Nuclear Police Authority to align any provisions it makes about conditions of service of members of the new Constabulary with the provision made on such matters by police regulations (unless differences are justified due to the circumstances and structure of the Constabulary). Again this provides a statutory basis for current informal arrangements.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the proposed decommissioning dates are of each nuclear power station in the UK; and what level of carbon emissions would result if each was replaced by combined cycle gas turbine generation. [R]178321]

  Mr. Timms
  The proposed closure dates of each nuclear power station in the UK are as follows:

  Name of power plant

  Current proposed closure date

  Chapelcross

  2005

  Dungeness A

  2006

  Sizewell A

  2006

  Oldbury

  2008

  Dungeness B

  2008

  Wylfa

  2010

  Hinkley Point B

  2011

  Hunterston B

  2011

  Hartlepool

  2014

  Heysham 1

  2014

  Heysham 2

  2023

  Torness

  2023

  Sizewell B

  2035

  Output from nuclear generation in 2003 amounted to 82TWh. If this output was replaced by combined cycle gas turbine generation then the increase in carbon emissions would be around eight million tonnes of carbon per annum.

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the decision by the Office of Fair Trading not to include the impact of local authorities' purchasing power on the financial viability of nursing homes in its investigation into nursing homes. [178141]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The Office of Fair Trading is an independent body, and Ministers have no role to play in relation to its decisions about the conduct of market studies.

  Parental Leave
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of eligible(a) men, (b) women and (c) parents have taken parental leave in each year since its introduction. [175407]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  [holding answer 24 May 2004]Take-up of parental leave is not recorded by the DTI. However, a DWP report ("Maternity and Paternity Rights in Britain 2002: Survey of Parents") suggests that around 8 per cent. of eligible female employees whose employers provided parental leave used the provision. The same report also states around 10 per cent. of eligible male employees whose employers provided parental leave used the provision.

  Petrol Prices
  Mr. Simon Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) evidence she has collated and (b) representations she has received regarding cartels in petrol prices, with particular reference to West Wales. [177601]

  Mr. Timms
  [holding answer 8 June 2004]I have received no such evidence or representations. Under the Competition Act 1998 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is responsible for anti-cartel enforcement. Where the OFT has reasonable grounds to suspect a cartel in a particular sector of the economy, it will investigate the matter. Evidence of anti-competitive behaviour should therefore be passed to the OFT. The OFT's powers of investigation were strengthened by the Enterprise Act 2002, which also introduced a criminal penalty for cartel activity.

  Regional Development Agency Funding
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which organisations have received funds from each of the regional development agencies, for each year since 1999; and how much funding was received in each case. [178858]

  Jacqui Smith
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The RDA's fund an enormous number of organisations including businesses, local authorities, voluntary groups and partnerships. Such information could be obtained and made available only at a disproportionate cost.

  Further information on RDA expenditure is available from their annual reports and accounts.

  Rochdale Constituency
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many residents of the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale have benefited from a reduction of the working week to 48 hours; and what percentage of those are(a) women and (b) of Asian origin. [178516]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The Working Time Regulations provide workers with the right to refuse to work more than 48 hours on average, if they do not want to. Numbers for Rochdale are not available, however it has been estimated that around 300,000 workers resident in the North West stood to benefit from the introduction of the weekly working time limits in 1998.(a) Around 30,000 (10 per cent.) of the workers in the North West who stood to benefit from the introduction of the weekly working time limits in 1998 were female.
  (b) The number of workers in the North West who stood to benefit from the introduction of the weekly working time limits in 1998 of Asian origin was too small to provide a reliable estimate.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the benefits to the residents of the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale of the new rights for nightshift workers. [178517]

  Mr. Sutcliffe
  The Working Time Regulations came into force on 1 October 1998. The regulations limit working time to 48 hours per week averaged over a 17-week reference period. For night workers the limit is eight hours per day on average, including overtime where it is part of a night worker's normal hours of work. There is no opt-out from the night working time limit.

  Night workers are entitled to 11 hours rest between working days, one day's rest per week, and a 20-minute in work rest break if the working period is longer than six hours.

  All night workers should be offered a free health assessment before they start working nights and thereafter at regular intervals for as long as they are working nights. The health assessments should take account of the nature of the work and the restrictions on a worker's working time under the regulations. Workers who suffer from problems as a result of working at night, should as far as practicable be offered alternative day work.

  All workers are entitled to four weeks paid annual leave. There is no specific data available for night shift workers in Rochdale.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government have taken to help small businesses in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale since 1997. [178562]

  Nigel Griffiths
  The Business Link Operator for North Manchester has provided assistance to 1,795 enterprises in the constituency of Rochdale since 2001. The Small Business Service was set up as an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry in April 2000. Contracts were exchanged with a national network of 45 Business Link Operators (seven in the North West) to provide Business Support to small and medium sized 824W
  enterprises from April 2001. Before this date Government Support to businesses was provided through Training and Enterprise Councils and the Small Business Service does not have access to this data.

  The type of assistance provided to the 1,795 companies include Business Finance, Environmental, E-services, High Growth, International trade, Innovation and Technology, Micro Support, Workforce Development and other Account Management assistance.

  Under the Enterprise Grant scheme (EGS), which has now come to a close (April 2004), 27 companies have received offers of grant with a total value of £994,500 since 1997.

  Under the Research and Development grant scheme (R&D), six companies have received offers of grant with a total value of £325,776.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new businesses have started up in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale since 1997 and what percentage are run by(a) women and (b) people of Asian origin. [178563]

  Nigel Griffiths
  Barclays Bank's latest survey of business creation includes non-VAT registered firms and shows that there were 115,000 business start ups in England and Wales, including 400 in Rochdale local authority (for which Rochdale is a constituency), in the last quarter of 2003. Data for local authorities are not available for before 2003.

  The latest yearly figures show 465,000 business start ups in England and Wales in 2003. This represents a 19 per cent. increase on the year before.

  DTI figures based solely on VAT registrations for Rochdale local authority (for which Rochdale is a constituency) are shown as follows for the period 1997 to 2002. Data for 2003 will be available in autumn 2004.

  VAT registrations per year-Rochdale

  Number

  1997

  480

  1998

  455

  1999

  440

  2000

  430

  2001

  455

  2002

  465

  Source:

  Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations 1994-2002. Small Business Service, available from www.sbs.gov.uk/analytical/statistics/vatstats.php. The figures are also in the Library of the House.

  VAT registrations do not capture all start-up activity. Businesses are unlikely to be registered if they fall below the compulsory VAT threshold, which has risen in each year since 1997. Similarly, businesses that de-register will not necessarily have closed. Only 1.8 million out of 3.8 million enterprises were registered for VAT at the start of 2002.

  The numbers of businesses starting in Rochdale that are run by women, or people of Asian origin, are not available.
  825W
  The Small Business Service Omnibus Survey from autumn 2002 estimates that the proportion of businesses in England with one to 249 employees, with a majority of women in control of the business, is 13 per cent.; and the proportion of businesses in England with one to 249 employees, with a majority of people of Asian origin (Bangladeshi, Indian or Pakistani) in control of the business, is 3 per cent.

  Utility Bills (Direct Debit)
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what protection is available for people against utility company levies that are added to their bills because they choose not to pay by direct debit. [178668]

  Mr. Timms
  The protection available to utility customers varies according to the industry concerned, each of which is subject to specific regulation. In respect of gas, electricity and telephone, levies are not applied to customers who choose to pay by standard credit,826W
  although direct debit customers ordinarily receive a discount because of the lower costs of administering their accounts. Gas and electricity prepayment meter customers will ordinarily pay a higher tariff than other customers because of the costs of the meters and the infrastructure that supports them, but some suppliers do not maintain differentials between their standard credit and prepayment tariffs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for matters concerning the water industry.

  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the practice of utility companies in imposing different levels of charges upon customers who pay for their services by direct debit and those who do not. [177659]

  Mr. Timms
  Direct debit is the most cost-efficient payment method for companies because, among other things, it guarantees payment and reduces invoicing costs. Utility companies therefore customarily offer a discount on their standard tariff for those paying by direct debit.

TREASURY

  Carers
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many carers of working age are(a) in full-time employment, (b) employed part-time and (c) not in paid work. [178198]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Helen Jones, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many carers of working age are a) in full-time employment, b) employed part-time and c) not in paid work. (178198)

  Information on economic activity of people in households providing unpaid care is available in table S026 in the 2001 Census National Report for England and Wales. This volume is available in the House of Commons Library and also on the National Statistics website through http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/cn_87.asp. Figures derived from this table are shown in Table 1 below.

  Census information on economic activity was coded for all people aged 16–74, rather than the usual 'working age' definition covering all males aged 16–64 and all females aged 16–59. Table S026 follows the convention of presenting results for this wider population.

  Table 1: Economic activity and provision of unpaid care All people aged 16–74 in households, 2001 England and Wales

  All people

  Providers of unpaid care

  All people

  37,049,262

  4,776,934

  Full-time employment1

  17,535,321

  1,852,762

  Part-time employment1

  5,143,701

  847,002

  Not in paid employment1

  13,462,160

  2,029,437

  Economically active full-time students

  908,080

  47,733

  1 Excluding economically active full-time students.

  Source: S026, Census 2001 National report for England and Wales

  Helen Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer that would result if the unpaid care provided for older or disabled people by their relatives had to be paid for from public funds; arid if he will make a statement. [178118]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Government have made no estimate of the cost to the Exchequer that would result if the unpaid care provided for older or disabled people by their relatives had to be paid from public funds. The Royal Commission on Long Term Care included an assessment of the contribution made by carers. In response to the Commission's recommendations to increasingly offer flexible support services for carers, the Government introduced a specific carers grant that will provide over £600 million for carers by 2006.

  Unemployment (London)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in London were unemployed in each year since 1997 according to the(a) claimant count and (b) survey definition; and what proportion this was of total unemployment in the UK on each definition. [177901]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Willetts, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about measures of unemployment. (177901)

  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.

  Table 1 overleaf gives estimates of the number of unemployed people in London as measured by the LFS and expresses them as a percentage of the United Kingdom totals for the 12 month periods ending February in 1997, and each year from 2000 to 2003. Comparable information is not available for 1998 and 1999. As with any statistical sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to sampling variability.

  ONS also compiles statistics of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (ISA). Table 2 overleaf gives the annual average numbers of JSA claimants for the London region, also expressing them as a percentage of the United Kingdom totals, for each year from 1997 to 2003.

  Table 1: Estimated number of unemployment people London, 12 months ending February in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003

  Estimate

  As percentage of UK total

  1997

  380,000

  17.2

  2000

  258,000

  15.3

  2001

  245,000

  16.1

  2002

  240,000

  16.5

  2003

  254,000

  17.0

  Source:

  ONS Labour Force Survey

  Table 2: Number of claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance (annual averages) London, 1997–2003

  Number

  As percentage of UK total

  1997

  269,717

  17.0

  1998

  225,367

  16.7

  1999

  203,133

  16.3

  2000

  174,458

  16.0

  2001

  154,917

  16.0

  2002

  166,000

  17.5

  2003

  170,692

  18.3

  Source:

  Jobcentre Plus Administrative system

  Job Creation (Stoke-on-Trent North)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new jobs have been created in Stoke-on-Trent, North in each year since 1997. [177632]

  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 Joan Walley, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about jobs created in Stoke-on-Trent.

  While statistics of new jobs created art not available explicitly, statistics from surveys enable comparisons to be made of net changes, in numbers of jobs, from year to year.

  The following table, from the Annual Business Inquiry (a survey of businesses), shows the informat on requested, relating to jobs located in Stoke-on-Trent North, for each year from 1997 to 2002, the latest year available. The fall in the overall number of jobs almost all occurred in the manufacturing sector, and over the period 1997 to 2002 as a whole, there were increases in jobs in Stoke-on-Trent North in the sectors relating to: distribution, hotels and restaurants, transport and communication, and public administration, education and health.

  The Labour Force Survey (a survey of households) shows a that the number of people of working age resident in the Stoke-on-Trent North Constituency who were is employment fell from 32,800 to 31,100 between the two 12 month periods ending respectively in February 1997 and February 2003, the latest period for which such information is available. However, the working age employment rate rose from 65.2% to 67.1%.

  Total number of employees1 with workplace in Stoke-on-Trent North Parliamentary Constituency: 1997 and 2002

  Total

  Number of employees

  Change on previous year2

  1997

  27,800

  -

  1998

  29,400

  1,600

  1999

  25,200

  -4,200

  2000

  24,500

  -700

  2001

  23,900

  -700

  2002

  22,800

  -1,000

  1Employee jobs only, not self-employed jobs

  2 The change figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred separately from rounded levels for individual years

  Source:

  1997; Annual Employment Survey, rescaled 2002; Annual Business Inquiry (ABI)

  Rochdale Constituency
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many job vacancies there were in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale in(a) 1997 and (b) 2003. [178543]

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

  Letter from Colin Mowl to Mrs. Fitzsimons, dated 15 June 2004:

  The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about job vacancies in Rochdale. I am replying in his absence (178543)

  According to Jobcentre Plus administrative records, the number of unfilled vacancies in the Rochdale travel-to-work area was 800 on average during 1997. This represents only a proportion of all the vacancies available, as not all vacancies are notified to Jobcentres.
  830W
  Figures are not available for Rochdale alone because the vacancies are allocated to local Jobcentres, not according to constituency boundaries, and because of the practice of notifying some vacancies centrally with one Jobcentre taking vacancies for others in the same district.

  Jobcentre vacancy statistics were withdrawn from National Statistics in September 2001 as a result of distortions to the data, which occurred following the introduction of new administrative procedures by Jobcentre Plus. Comparable figures for vacancies in 2003 are therefore unavailable.

  Results from the ONS Vacancy Survey were released as National Statistics from July 2003, but are not available for local areas.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale have received child tax credit; and what percentage were of Asian origin. [178546]

  Dawn Primarolo
  For the total number of such families, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Burton (Mrs. Dean) on 15 March 2004,Official Report, column 98W. Details of the ethnic groups of tax credits claimants are not currently available.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many businesses in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale have benefited from the 100 per cent. tax exemption for the purchase of computer and internet equipment; and what percentage of those businesses was owned or run by(a) people of Asian origin and (b) women. [178547]

  Dawn Primarolo
  We regret that the information is not available to estimate the number of businesses in a given constituency which have benefited from the 100 per cent. first year capital allowances for the purchase of information and communication equipment. Neither is any breakdown available from tax records on business ownership by ethnic group or gender.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the annual total public sector expenditure in Rochdale was in(a) 1997–98 and (b) 2003–04. [178552]

  Ruth Kelly
  HM Treasury annually publishes analyses of public expenditure outturn data by country and region as National Statistics, in chapter 8 of the command paper 'Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses'. The latest edition was published in April 2004 as Cm 6201—Public Expenditure Statistical analyses 2004'.

  The ONS have also published a one-off set of experimental statistics of sub regional government accounts for 1998. The link to the article is: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/ theme_other/Regional_Government_Accounts.pdf

  However no such information is available for Rochdale in either of these sources, as it is neither published nor collected to this degree of detail.

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the(a) change and (b) percentage change was in full-time permanent jobs in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale from 1997 to 31 December 2003; [178554]
  831W
  (2) how many new jobs have been created in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale since 1997; [178556]

  (3) how many people were employed in manufacturing-related jobs in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale (a) on the latest date for which figures are available and (b) in 1997. [178557]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mrs. Lorna Fitzsimons, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about jobs created in Rochdale. (178554, 178556 and 178557)

  While statistics of new jobs created are not available explicitly, statistics from surveys enable comparisons to be made of net changes, in numbers of jobs, from year to year.

  The attached table shows the information requested, relating to jobs in Rochdale, for 1997 and the latest year available, 2002.

  Number of full-time employees and total number of employees1 with workplace in Rochdale parliamentary constituency: 1997 and 2002

  Number, per cent

  Manufacturing

  Full-Time

  Total

  Number of employees

  1997

  8,700

  24,700

  36,000

  2002

  7,200

  27,500

  39,400

  Change from 1997 to 20022

  Absolute

  -

  2,900

  3,400

  Percentage

  -

  10.4

  8.7

  1 Employee jobs only, not self-employed jobs.

  2 The 1997 to 2002 change has been rounded to the nearest hundred separately from rounded levels for 1997 and 2002.

  Source:

  1997; Annual Employment Survey, rescaled 2002; Annual Business Inquiry (ABI).

  Advisers/Consultants
  Bob Spink
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on external consultants and advisers in each of the last three years. [172437]

  Ruth Kelly
  The Inland Revenue, HM Customs and Excise, Office for National Statistics, Office of Government Commerce, National Savings and Investment, Royal Mint, Valuation Office, Debt Management Office and Government Actuary's Department's spend on external consultants in the last three years is as follows (using the OGC's definition of consultancy):

  £million

  2001–02

  173

  2002–03

  78

  12001–02 excludes data for Inland Revenue. The data has been archived and would only be available at disproportionate cost.

  Reliable data for 2003–04 is not yet available. Figures relate to resource expenditure.

  Correspondence
  Sir Gerald Kaufman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter to him dated 27 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Patrick McKenna. [178951]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I replied to the right hon. Member on 9 June.

  Departmental Savings
  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total saving to his three departments has been in each of the years to April(a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004 arising from the STEPS agreement. [178604]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Over the 20-year life of the STEPS contract, when compared with the Public Sector Comparator, the Departments expect to save £344 million (in net present values), with an estimated first year saving of some £27 million. In addition further benefits and savings will accrue over the life of the contract, for example through the transfer of risk and payment by the departments of a reduced facilities price as an offset against the deferred capital payment at the outset of the contract. Because all of these savings and benefits are taken over the 20 year life of the contract it is not possible to quanify annual savings.

  Departmental Surveys
  Norman Lamb
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what surveys of public perceptions of(a) his Department and of its areas of responsibility, (b) Customs and Excise and (c) the Inland Revenue have taken place over the last 12 months; what the (a) title and (b) nature of these surveys was; what the findings of each survey were; where these findings have been published; what the cost of such surveys was; and if he will make a statement and place copies of the surveys in the Library. [176944]

  Ruth Kelly
  The information is as follows:

  HM Treasury

  No surveys of public perception of HM Treasury have been conducted during the past 12 months.

  HM Customs and Excise

  HM Customs and Excise commissioned a programme of 'Business Needs' surveys at the end of 2003. The cost of these surveys was £79,959 (including VAT).

  An overall measure of customer satisfaction, obtained by combining results from the separate surveys, is used to monitor performance against the customer satisfaction element of the Department's current Public Service Agreement (PSA) Target 4.

  Reports on these surveys will, following completion, be published on the Customs and Excise website and hard copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  No other surveys of this type were conducted during the past 12 months.
  833W
  Inland Revenue

  The Customer Service Performance Indicator (CSPI) is used as a performance indicator score for the Revenue's Public Service Agreement (PSA) Target 5. Information about the nature of the CSPI survey and the overall score produced by the 2003 survey have been published in the Inland Revenue's Spring Departmental Report (May 2004 (Cm 6225) Page 23). A research summary of the findings for the customer groups covered is under preparation and will be included in the Inland Revenue's publication schedule copies of which will be placed in the House of Commons Library. The cost of the 2003–4 CSPI survey was £292,810 (including VAT).

  The Brand Tracking study tracks customer perception of the Inland Revenue over time.

  A research report summarising the findings for future waves of Brand Tracking will be produced and will be included in the Inland Revenue's publication schedule copies of which will be placed in the House of Commons Library. The total cost of the two waves of Brand Tracking Research was £115,020.80 (including VAT).

  EU Savings Directive
  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue change to the Treasury arising from the implementation of the EU Savings Directive. [178130]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Regulatory Impact Assessment, published on 16 December 2003, which considers the costs and benefits of implementation of the EU Savings Directive. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment were placed in the Library of the House. It is also available on the Inland Revenue website http://www.ir.gov.uk/ria/eusd- ria.pdf.

  Financial Regulation
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department maintains a record of the annual percentage which financial institutions add to their with profits endowments, mortgage annuities and pension financial vehicles for their investors; whether any financial regulatory body keeps such a record; if he will require such a record to be made available in the public domain; what steps he is taking to(a) encourage competition between such financial institutions and the financial vehicles they promote and (b) enable investors to make an informed choice; and if he will make a statement. [178400]

  Ruth Kelly
  With-profits bonus decisions are publicly available through a variety of sources including statements to policyholders, annual reports and accounts, regulatory returns made to the Financial Services Authority and reports in both the general and the specialist financial press. There are no plans to compile and make available a comprehensive record. These are medium and long-term r olicies for which one year's annual bonus percentage provides only part of the information relevant to understanding the policy.
  834W
  The Financial Services Authority tells me that it regards improving transparency for existing and potential policyholders and treating customers fairly as the cornerstones of the changes that are being introduced for with-profits. Enabling consumers and those who advise consumers on their choice of investment to make rational choices on the basis of clearer and more transparent information will encourage healthy competition within the industry.

  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to improve investment competition by reducing penalties upon investors who wish to opt out of very low paying annual percentage additions to with profits endowments, mortgage annuities and pension financial vehicles; if he will instruct the Financial Services Authority to bring forward proposals to ensure that investors are not effectively locked in to uncompetitive financial vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [178401]

  Ruth Kelly
  The value of with-profits funds depends on the interaction between annual bonuses over the lifetime of the policy and the level of terminal bonus. Surrender values sometimes incorporate market value reductions where the nominal value of a policyholders funds is in excess of the value of the underlying assets and the terms of the insurance contract allow one to be imposed. It is important that the amounts paid to departing policyholders are fair both to those who leave the fund and to those who wish to remain invested for the longer term.

  The Financial Services Authority has already made a number of proposals relating to closed with-profits funds including better provision of information to policyholders explaining the circumstances of closure, setting out the options available to policyholders and better planning for the run-off of the fund.

  Imported Electricity
  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons electricity imported into the United Kingdom via interconnectors is not subject to the Climate Change Levy. [178352]

  John Healey
  Climate change levy is a single-stage tax which becomes due when a utility supplies a consumer with electricity, whether produced in the UK or imported via an interconnector.

  International Development
  Tom Brake
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 27 May 2004,Official Report, column 1725W, on international development, if he will define what constitutes the usual representations. [178244]

  John Healey
  The Government have received many representations from Members, private individuals and other bodies such as NGOs on the subject of the 0.7 per cent. target for official development assistance. These include letters, e-mails and postcards.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) pursuant to the answer of 27 May 2004,Official Report, column 1728W, on tax credits, where the reference to (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit appears in the document sent to all honourable Members; [178844]

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 27 May 2004, Official Report, column 1728W, on tax credits, whether (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit are subject to the right to reside test. [178845]

  Dawn Primarolo
  I refer the hon. Member to page 3 of the briefing sent to all Members of Parliament on 10 May 2004 by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration (Mr. Browne).

  Professional Football Clubs
  Hugh Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many professional football clubs have gone into receivership or administration since 1997; and what the average percentage is of the money they owed to the Government that(a) the Inland Revenue and (b) Customs and Excise has agreed the clubs should repay. [178177]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Individual businesses are monitored by both revenue departments when they fall into arrears. However, information on the debts of particular groups according to the nature of their business is not held centrally in both departments. The information requested is therefore not readily available.

  STEPS Agreement
  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much in total has been paid to external commercial, legal and financial advisers in respect of the STEPS agreement. [178102]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The STEPS agreement can be split into two distinct activities—the STEPS Project prior to contract go live in April 2001 and STEPS Contract Management since then. The costs given as follows for external commercial, legal and financial advice in respect of the STEPS agreement reflect this:

  £

  STEPS

  Cost

  Project

  8,545,992

  Contract 1 April to 4 April

  4,838,910

  Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid by the Department to Mapeley STEPS Contractor Limited in each year to April(a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004. [178131]

  Dawn Primarolo
  Payments to Mapeley STEPS Contractor Limited for the Chancellors Departments are:

  To April

  £

  2002

  301,945,016.19

  2003

  309,546,889.08

  2004

  309,264,264.67

  Taxation (Married People)
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the cost to the Exchequer of allowing married people to transfer their unused income tax allowance to a spouse with a taxable income in respect of families where the child is(a) under one year old, (b) one, (c) two, (d) three, (e) four and (f) five years old. [178857]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The cost to the exchequer through lower income tax of allowing married persons with children to transfer their full personal allowance to their spouse if he or she has a higher gross income for the options are listed as follows.

  Cost in 2004–05 per annum

  Option

  Amount(£ million)

  (a) married and with at least one child aged less than one year

  320

  (b) married and with at least one child aged one year

  340

  (c) married and with at least one child aged two years

  360

  (d) married and with at least one child aged three years

  350

  (e) married and with at least one child aged four years

  370

  (f) married and with at least one child aged five years

  340

  Notes:

  1. Figures rounded to the nearest £10 million. They exclude any estimate of behavioural response to the tax change.

  2. Age of child at last birthday.

  The change in revenue for other taxes can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Trade (Endangered Species)
  Norman Baker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many articles were seized by HM Customs under the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species in each year since 1997–98. [178758]

  John Healey
  HM Customs and Excise reported in their Departmental Annual Reports for 1997–98 and 1998–99 details of Cites seizures for those years. Detailed information for the period April 1999 to December 2000 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Customs' Spring Departmental Report 2004 (Cm 6224) contains details of the numbers of Cites seizures for the nine months from 1 April 2003 to 31 December 2003, and the tables show details of seizures for the calendar years 2001–03.

  Seizures may be recorded by weight or number and seizures of items such as traditional Chinese medicines may be recorded either according to the individual count of capsules or according to the quantity of containers.
  837W

  2001

  Number of seizures

  Number of items seized

  Weight of items seized (kg)

  Live animals and birds

  49

  5,196

  Parts and derivatives of endangered species

  204

  15,908

  19

  711,071

  Ivory

  40

  347

  4

  476,850

  Plants

  28

  3,923

  1

  4,800

  Other CITES listed species

  45

  1,489

  20

  29,376

  Preparations of oriental medicines that include parts or derivatives of endangered species

  50

  37,205

  2002

  Number of seizures

  Number of items seized

  Weight of items seized (kg)

  Live animals and birds

  114

  8,685

  Parts and derivatives of endangered species

  238

  9,672,827

  4

  227,600

  Ivory

  29

  156

  Plants

  13

  758

  Other CITES listed species

  51

  6,664,307

  30

  107,675

  Preparations of oriental medicines that include parts or derivatives of endangered species

  60

  5,597,596

  2003

  Number of seizures

  Number of items seized

  Weight of items seized (kg)

  Live animals and birds

  99

  2,925

  Parts and derivatives of endangered species

  144

  2,143

  Ivory

  33

  145

  Plants

  15

  2,044

  Other CITES listed species

  53

  18,972

  29

  73.5

  Preparations of oriental medicines that include parts or derivatives of endangered species

  20

  5,042,728

  18

  469.3

  Travel Expenses Claims
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many self-employed individuals who work as temporary workers under a terms of engagement for services arrangement have appealed against Inland Revenue decisions not to grant in full their claims for travel expenses. [178759]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The Inland Revenue does not keep central records of disallowed travel expenses claimed by the self-employed or of appeals against refused claims.

  The general rule for self-employed working under a contract for services is that travel expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of a trade are tax deductible.

  UK Tax Burden
  Mr. Reed
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how much extra tax revenue would be generated if the UK tax burden was at the EU average; and if he will make a statement. [178471]

  Dawn Primarolo
  The latest available figures on total tax revenues and social security contributions across the EU are published in "OECD Revenue Statistics 1965–2002", October 2003 edition: p.18—Table A; p.109—Table 38; and p.111—Table 41. A copy of this publication is available in the Library of the House.

  Workless Households
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of children were living in households with no-one in work in each year since 1992. [177903]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. David Willetts, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about children in workless households. (177903)

  The attached table gives the estimates of the number and the percentage of children who were living in workless households for the three months ending May of each year from 1992 to 2003.

  As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) are subject to sampling error.

  Children1 living in workless households2—United Kingdom, three months ending May each year from 1992 to 2003

  Thousands, per cent Children1 living in workless households2

  Year

  Number ( thousands)

  Percent3

  1992

  2,219

  18.8

  1993

  2,288

  19.2

  1994

  2,398

  20.0

  1995

  2,339

  19.4

  1996

  2,344

  19.4

  1997

  2,163

  17.9

  1998

  2,156

  17.9

  839W

  Children1 living in workless households2—United Kingdom, three months ending May each year from 1992 to 2003

  Thousands, per cent Children1 living in workless households2

  Year

  Number (thousands)

  Percent3

  1999

  2,086

  17.3

  2000

  1,896

  15.7

  2001

  1,830

  15.3

  2002

  1,889

  15.9

  2003

  1.796

  15.2

  1 Children under 16 years.

  2 A workless household is a household that includes at least one person of working age, and in which no one aged 16 or over is in employment.

  3 Children in workless households as a percentage of children in all working age households.

  Note:

  These LFS estimates have not been adjusted to reflect the 2001 Census results.

  Source:

  ONS—Labour Force Survey

  Unemployment (Coventry)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the levels of long-term(a) adult and (b) youth unemployment in Coventry over the last seven years. [178143]

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

  Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 15 June 2004:

  As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about unemployment. (178143)

  The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of unemployment from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) following International Labour Organisation definitions. However, the LFS sample size is too small to give reliable estimates of unemployment in the Coventry South Constituency.

  ONS also compiles statistics of those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (ISA) for local areas including parliamentary constituencies.

  The table below gives total JSA claimants claiming for over 12 months and those aged 18 to 24 years old claiming for over 12 months for the Coventry South constituency. The figures are annual averages for each year since 1997. The data are not seasonally adjusted.

  JSA claimants for over 12 months in the Coventry, South constituency annual averages (computerised claims only), 1997–2003

  All ages

  18 to 24 years

  1997

  1,033

  154

  1998

  772

  90

  1999

  649

  19

  2000

  450

  10

  2001

  357

  11

  2002

  319

  12

  2003

  306

  11

WORK AND PENSIONS

  Asbestos
  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the 840W
  tonnage of materials containing white asbestos in use by the farming industry; and what the total costs of disposal would be at current prices. [176644]

  Jane Kennedy
  Asbestos is present on a large proportion of farms in the form of asbestos cement sheeting. Much, though not all, of this material contains white asbestos. There is no requirement under the new duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises regulation to remove or dispose of asbestos-containing material if it is in good condition. HSE advice is that in this case it is safer to leave it in place and manage it.

  The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the new regulation estimated the total cost of compliance for agricultural buildings at a present value of £180 million over the 50 years, 2000–50. There are approximately 163,540 agricultural premises in Great Britain. The cost of disposal was not estimated separately.

  Mr. Paterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when farmers will be expected to be fully compliant with the provisions of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. [176650]

  Jane Kennedy
  The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 came into force in November 2002 with the exception of Regulation 4: the Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises, which came into force on 21 May this year.

  Now that the new duty is in force, HSE expects duty-holders to have adopted a precautionary approach to prevent accidental exposure and to deal with emergency situations. They also expect to see a compliance strategy in place, which should set out how and when the specific steps required in the legislation will be complied with.

  Assuming these steps have been taken, HSE inspectors do not necessarily require farmers or any group to be fully compliant with the duty to manage asbestos in these early stages.

  However, HSE inspectors will take enforcement action where disregard for the Regulation means that people are being put at serious risk of asbestos exposure.

  Carers
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how much carers have received in allowances in each of the last 10 years(a) as a total for each year and (b) on average for each carer per week; [177707]

  (2) how many people have registered as full-time carers in each of the last 10 years. [177708]

  Maria Eagle
  The Department does not hold records of the number of full-time carers. Carers may be entitled to carer's allowance if they provide a minimum of 35 hours care per week to a severely disabled person in receipt of either attendance allowance or the highest or middle rate of the care component of disability living allowance. They must also meet the other conditions of entitlement. The numbers of carers in receipt of carer's allowance in each of the last 10 years is in Table 1.
  841W

  Table 1: Invalid care allowance/carer's allowance1.2

  Caseload(Thousand)

  Expenditure(£ million)

  Average weekly amount(£)

  1994–95

  261

  526

  39

  1995–96

  309

  617

  38

  1996–97

  348

  736

  41

  1997–98

  371

  746

  39

  1998–99

  373

  782

  40

  1999–2000

  375

  835

  43

  2000–01

  375

  867

  44

  2001–02

  380

  932

  47

  2002–03

  395

  995

  48

  2003–04

  434

  1,052

  46

  1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest thousand; expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds; average weekly amounts in Table I are rounded to the nearest pound, and are derived from the annual caseload and expenditure data.

  2 It is a basic principle of the social security system that only one benefit at a time can be paid for the same purpose. For example, even though the circumstances that give rise to entitlement to carer's allowance (CA) and state pension (SP) are different, they are both designed to provide a degree of replacement for lost or foregone income. CA replaces income where the carer is over working age or has had to give up the chance of working to look after a severely disabled person, while SP replaces income in retirement. CA is therefore not payable, or not payable in full, in addition to SP The payment of SP takes precedence, either extinguishing or reducing the payment of CA.

  Tables 2 and 3 show expenditure and caseload information for the carer premium in income support and income-based jobseeker's allowance respectively.

  It is not possible to disaggregate other benefit payments to carers, as there may more than one reason for receipt (for example, disability or lone parenthood).

  Table 2: Income support carer premium1.2

  Caseload(Thousand)

  Expenditure(£ million)

  Carer premium(£)

  1993–94

  96

  60

  11.95

  1994–95

  121

  78

  12.40

  1995–96

  150

  98

  12.60

  1996–97

  170

  115

  13.00

  1997–98

  182

  127

  13.35

  1998–99

  188

  134

  13.65

  1999–2000

  194

  141

  13.95

  2000–01

  201

  149

  14.15

  2001–023

  219

  278

  24.40

  2002–03

  237

  307

  24.80

  2003–04

  Not available

  Not available

  25.10

  1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest thousand; expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds; average weekly amounts in Table 1 are rounded to the nearest pound, and are derived from the annual caseload and expenditure data.

  2 Nevertheless, the income of a person in these circumstances will be at least as high as the rate of CA, and is usually higher. In addition, where the benefit cannot be paid, the person will keep underlying entitlement to CA, which gives them access to the carer premium, currently £25.55, in the income-related benefits such as housing benefit and council tax benefit or a similar additional amount through pension credit.

  3 Tables 2 and 3 do not take account of recipients' other income. They include information on income support for the unemployed and minimum income guarantee (information for pension credit in 2003–04 is not currently available).

  842W

  Table 3: Income-based jobseeker's allowance carer premium1.2

  Caseload(Thousand)

  Expenditure(£ million)

  Carer premium(£)

  1996–97

  Not available

  Not available

  13.00

  1997–98

  8

  5

  13.35

  1998–99

  7

  5

  13.35

  1999–2000

  6

  4

  13.65

  2000–01

  5

  4

  14.15

  2001–023

  4

  5

  24.40

  2002–03

  4

  5

  24.80

  2003–04

  Not available

  Not available

  25.10

  1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest thousand; expenditure figures are rounded to the nearest million pounds; average weekly amounts in Table 1 are rounded to the nearest pound, and are derived from the annual caseload and expenditure data.

  2 Nevertheless, the income of a person in these circumstances will be at least as high as the rate of CA, and is usually higher. In addition, where the benefit cannot be paid, the person will keep underlying entitlement to CA, which gives them access to the carer premium, currently £25.55, in the income-related benefits such as housing benefit and council tax benefit, or a similar additional amount through pension credit.

  3 Tables 2 and 3 do not take account of recipients' other income. They include information on income support for the unemployed and minimum income guarantee.

  Note:

  The increase in expenditure in Tables 2 and 3 from 2000–01 to 2001–02 reflects a £10 real increase in the carer premium.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action his Department is taking to support carers. [177709]

  Maria Eagle
  As part of the Government's National Strategy for Carers, substantial improvements have been made to the financial support available to the carers of severely disabled people from social security benefits. These include extending the availability of carer's allowance to new carers aged 65 and over and for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for, increasing the earnings limit for the benefit and linking it to the national insurance lower earnings limit so that it goes up each year. This means that carers can now earn up to £79 per week net of allowable expenses and still be entitled to the benefit. It is therefore possible for a carer to earn well in excess of £79 per week and be entitled to carer's allowance.

  For those entitled to carer's allowance and on low incomes, the carer premium in the income-related benefits and the equivalent amount payable through pension credit has been substantially increased. Carers may also be entitled to other benefits depending on their circumstances. Carers who wish to keep in touch with the labour market can get help, advice and training from personal advisers in Jobcentre Plus.

  Departmental Sick Leave
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many days of sick leave were taken in his Department in 2003; how many related to employees suffering(a) stress and (b) other mental health problems; and what the cost was to his Department. [177525]

  Maria Eagle
  1.7 million days sick leave were taken by DWP staff during 2003, of which 187,900 days were for stress, and 293,600 were for other mental health problems.
  843W
  The total cost to the Department of sick leave during 2003 was around £100 million, of which around £28 million was attributed to stress and other mental health problems.

  Source:

  DWP Sickness Absence Model.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Andrew Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many visits by Band Three Inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive in 2003–04 per week were made in(a) the north west region and (b) the west Midlands region. [176724]

  Jane Kennedy
  In the year to 3 April 2004 Band 3 operational inspectors in operational groups from the Health and Safety Executive's North West and Midlands Divisions made, on average, 3.25 and 3.9 contacts per week respectively.

  During this period new working arrangements were piloted in North West Division with the aim of increasing the amount of time spent by operational inspectors on contact activities. In the period of the pilot (July—December 2003) each operational Band 3 inspector made, on average, 4.4 contacts.

  Andrew Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the Band Zero and Band One staff in each of the regions of the Health and Safety Executive received performance awards in financial year 2003–04. [176725]

  Jane Kennedy
  Performance reviews and recommendations for performance awards for the reporting year April 2003 to March 2004 are still being processed. The information will not be available until later in the year.

  Andrew Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many retired employees, and at what grade, have subsequently been re-employed by the Health and Safety Executive since 2001; and what plans he has to cease this policy. [176728]

  Jane Kennedy
  Since 2001 there have been, broken down by grade, the following numbers of re-employed staff:

  Grade

  Number of staff

  Band 1 (grade 6 equivalent):

  1

  Band 2 (grade 7):

  6

  Band 3 (SEO):

  5

  Band 4 (HEO):

  2

  Band 5 (E0):

  0

  Band 6 (AO/AA):

  2

  As these individual cases are based on justified business needs, there are no plans to review the current policy until such time as the provisions of the EU Directive "establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation" commonly known as the "Employment Directive" (2000/78/EC) and the provisions specifically relating to discrimination on the grounds of age have been implemented into UK legislation (by the end of 2006).

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the average duration of an incapacity benefit claim has been in each year since 1997; [177957]

  (2) what has been the average duration of a claim for incapacity benefit in each year since 1995. [178847]

  Maria Eagle
  Information is not available in the format requested. The available information is in the table.

  Incapacity benefits claimants by duration of claims to date

  Percentage

  November

  Duration of claim to date

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  0–3 months

  6

  5

  5

  5

  3–6 months

  5

  4

  5

  4

  6–12 months

  7

  7

  7

  7

  1–2 years

  11

  11

  11

  10

  2–5 years

  26

  25

  23

  23

  5 + years

  46

  47

  50

  51

  Notes:

  1. The figures provided are for length of incapacity benefits claims to date, as data on the average length of completed claims is unavailable.

  2. Reliable information on the duration of claims prior to 2000 is unavailable.

  Source:

  Incapacity Benefit quarterly figures, 5 per cent. sample.

  The incapacity benefits caseload is now broadly stable after more than 20 years of significant growth. However, we are determined to help people on these benefits realise their aspirations of a return to work. The Pathways to Work approach, which combines specialist advice, mandatory work-focused interviews, rehabilitation provision, and financial incentives is the most advanced welfare to work policy for this group anywhere in the world.

  Mobile Jobcentres
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many mobile jobcentres have been established; in which areas they have operated; how many people have been obliged to attend work-focused interviews as a result and how many people have found work as a result. [177900]

  Jane Kennedy
  We have established no mobile jobcentres. We do however acknowledge the need to reach out to the communities that we serve. We do have mobile information services that go into the community to provide information and advice. They do not carry out work-focused interviews.

  For example an Ethnic Minority Outreach service provider in North London uses a mobile bus service to meet customers on their doorsteps, bringing access to a range of job and training opportunities. Action Teams make use of mobile units to reach jobless residents who would not normally register with Jobcentre Plus services. The St. Helens Action Team, for example, reached out to 46 eligible customers with their mobile units in May 2004, placing 27 of them into work.

  Departmental Special Advisers
  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the visits abroad made by his Department's(a) special advisers and (b) unpaid advisers without Ministers in their official capacity in each year since 1996–97. [174644]

  Maria Eagle
  Since 1 April 2002, departmental special advisers have travelled abroad on one occasion, to Boston and Washington, USA at a cost of £4,900.00. Information prior to 1 April 2002 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has no unpaid advisers.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the external speeches his Department's(a) special advisers and (b) unpaid advisers have made in their official capacity in each year since 1996–97. [174645]

  Maria Eagle
  Since 1 April 2002, the Department's special advisers have made no external speeches in an official capacity. Information prior to 1 April 2002 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has no unpaid advisers.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list the attributable(a) articles and (b) contributions that his Department's (i) special advisers and (ii) unpaid advisers have made to newspapers, magazines, journals, books and other media in their official capacity in each year since 1996–97; [174647]

  (2) if he will list the attributable interviews that his Department's (a) special advisers and (b) unpaid advisers have given to newspapers, magazines and other media in their official capacity in each year since 1996–97. [174648]

  Maria Eagle
  Special advisers' contacts with the media are conducted in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. Since 1 April 2002, the Department's special advisers have given no attributable articles, contributions or interviews to these media. Information prior to 1 April 2002 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has no unpaid advisers.

  Mr. Tyrie
  To ask the Secretary a State for Work and Pensions if he will list the appearances that his Department's(a) special advisers and (b) unpaid advisers have made before parliamentary select committees in their official capacity in each year since 1996–97. [174650]

  Maria Eagle
  Since 1 April 2002, the Department's special advisers have made no appearances before parliamentary select committees in their official capacity. Information prior to 1 April 2002 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The Department has no unpaid advisers.

  Disabled Workers
  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the 846W
  measures introduced to improve the working conditions of disabled workers in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale over the last seven years. [178536]

  Maria Eagle
  We have a number of measures in place nationally to help improve conditions for disabled people at work, as well as measures to improve their access to services generally. None of these are specific to Rochdale, but all are available to disabled people who live and work there.

  From 1996, the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act required most employers of 20 or more staff not to discriminate against, and to make reasonable adjustments for, disabled job applicants or employees; in December 1998, we reduced this threshold to 15 employees. From October this year, the small employer exemption will be removed and most currently excluded occupations, such as police officers, fire-fighters, and partners in business partnerships will be brought within the scope of the Disability Discrimination Act employment provisions.

  Jobcentre Plus runs a number of specialist programmes providing help for disabled people, including New Deal for Disabled People, Workstep, Access to Work, the Job Introduction Scheme, and Work Preparation. All these programmes provide practical advice and support to disabled people and their employers to help overcome work-related obstacles resulting from disability. Since 1997–98, there have been year-on-year increases in both numbers helped and programme spend.

  To help people access appropriate help, Jobcentre Plus has established a network of Disability Service Teams. The teams are made up of Disability Employment Advisers, Access to Work Advisers and Occupational Psychologists; their services are accessed through local Jobcentres.

  Since April 2003, disabled people in work have been receiving financial support through the working tax credit. This is available if a person is working an average of at least 16 hours per week (self-employed or for an employer); and have a disability which puts them at a disadvantage in getting a job. 70,000 families (including over 32,000 adults without children) are benefiting from the disability element within the working tax credit, compared to 38,000 who benefited from the old disabled person's tax credit.

  Tax Credits
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimates he has made of the number of his Department's staff who act as appointees of applicants for tax credits. [177954]

  Maria Eagle
  The information is not available.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

  Cash Incentive Scheme
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Cash Incentive Scheme grants were made by each local authority in 2003–04; and what the total value of these grants was in each authority. [178690]
  847W
  Keith Hill
  Information on Cash Incentive Scheme grants made in 2003–04 will not be available until autumn 2004. The number of Cash Incentive grants made and the total expenditure by each local authority in 2002–03 has been made available in the Libraries of the Houses. In England, local authorities reported that 574 Cash Incentive Scheme grants were made, with a value of around £8.95 million.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to his response to Recommendation 18 of the Home Ownership Task Force, if he will commission research into the strategic benefits of Cash Incentive Scheme grants. [178733]

  Keith Hill
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is committed to encouraging social tenants to move into home ownership where they can afford to do so, while minimising unnecessary loss of social housing. The Home Ownership Task Force was established to help with this objective. We have or are already taking forward the majority of its recommendations. Consideration is still being given to the research project on Cash Incentive Schemes recommended by the Task Force alongside other priorities for the limited research funds for 2004–05.

  Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the(a) nature and (b) value was of contracts, consultancies and other services placed with (i) Deloitte and Touche, (ii) Ernst and Young, (iii) KPMG and (iv) Pricewaterhouse Coopers since 2000–01 by the former Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions and its agencies. [177506]

  Yvette Cooper
  The value of contracts placed by the former Department for Transport Local Government and the Regions and its agencies for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02 with the suppliers detailed in the question was as follows.

  £

  PWC

  4,239,936

  Ernst and Young

  112,000

  Deloitte & Touche

  860,831

  KPMG

  2,292,625

  The nature of such contracts across the Department and its agencies can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Government Office of the West Midlands
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total expenditure on consultants and contractors for the Government Office of the West Midlands was in each year since 1997. [176900]

  Yvette Cooper
  Detailed expenditure of this type is no longer available for 1997–98. Also, expenditure on "contractors" is not recorded separately from a wide range of general administrative costs. "Consultants" costs are recorded under the heading of professional 848W
  services for which total expenditure was as follows:

  Professional Services

  £

  1998–99

  41,000

  1999–2000

  115,000

  2000–01

  119,000

  2001–02

  68,000

  2002–03

  58,000

  2003–04

  560,000

  The 2003–04 data involves a change of definition and is not compatible with previous figures.

  Homebuy Loans (London)
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Homebuy loans were made in each local authority area in London in 2003–04. [178691]

  Keith Hill
  A total of 1,061 home purchases were completed with Homebuy loans, funded by the Housing Corporation through its Approved Development Programme, in London in 2003–04. The following table shows a breakdown of the total by local authority area.

  Local authority

  Number

  Barking and Dagenham

  38

  Barnet

  27

  Bexley

  48

  Brent

  21

  Bromley

  57

  Camden

  3

  Croydon

  61

  Ealing

  42

  Enfield

  57

  Greenwich

  91

  Hackney

  23

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  12

  Haringey

  41

  Harrow

  13

  Havering

  36

  Hillingdon

  52

  Hounslow

  34

  Islington

  16

  Kensington and Chelsea

  3

  Kingston upon Thames

  27

  Lambeth

  20

  Lewisham

  46

  Merton

  25

  Newham

  24

  Redbridge

  41

  Richmond upon Thames

  10

  Southwark

  17

  Sutton

  51

  Tower Hamlets

  15

  Waltham Forest

  71

  Wandsworth

  29

  Westminster

  10

  Total

  1,061

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Homebuy loans were made to(a) those in social housing, (b) those on housing waiting lists and (c) key workers in London in 2003–04. [178732]
  849W
  Keith Hill
  1,061 home purchases with Homebuy loans were completed in London during 2003–04. From a Housing Corporation survey, CORE Sales, at least 211 of these Homebuy loans were given to tenants in social housing and at least 59 to people on housing waiting lists. The Housing Corporation's investment system shows that over 400 of the loans were made to key workers in London.

  Local Authority Websites
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the Government are tackling access barriers to disabled people on local government websites. [177020]

  Phil Hope
  Under the local e-Government programme the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is supporting a national project called LAWS—Local Authority Websites, to develop guidance for local authorities on best practice for designing and managing websites. One of the issues addressed is website accessibility, including for disabled people. Ensuring that their websites are accessible to all their citizens is fundamental to the design of individual authorities' websites. Another national project, e-SB—the Standards Body, will incorporate website accessibility information into the forthcoming website standards for local authorities.

  Housing Corporation (Crosby)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much public funding has been spent from the Housing Corporation Programme in Crosby. [177854]

  Keith Hill
  The following table shows the Housing Corporation Social Housing Grant expenditure in Sefton for the past five years.

  Social sector lettings in England and the regions

  England

  North East

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  East Midlands

  East of England

  London

  South East

  South West

  West Midlands

  North West

  Total lettings by local authority

  1979–80

  412,200

  35,400

  54,300

  38,000

  37,900

  57,900

  44,400

  29,800

  51,000

  63,600

  1980–81

  444,000

  39,800

  57,500

  35,900

  n/a

  68,200

  n/a

  27,800

  53,600

  67,300

  1981–82

  415,500

  36,300

  52,800

  32,700

  32,400

  81,400

  41,000

  25,700

  47,400

  65,900

  1982–83

  439,500

  40,500

  55,500

  36,600

  35,200

  71,800

  44,900

  29,200

  52,600

  73,100

  1983–84

  429,100

  36,800

  57,400

  35,600

  36,200

  70,200

  43,500

  29,200

  50,200

  70,000

  1984–85

  429,300

  38,900

  54,700

  36,400

  34,100

  66,200

  45,300

  29,600

  53,300

  70,700

  1985–86

  436,600

  38,900

  59,800

  36,800

  36,600

  63,900

  45,600

  29,500

  55,900

  69,700

  1986–87

  430,200

  39,600

  59,300

  36,900

  33,600

  59,800

  44,800

  29,200

  56,100

  70,900

  1987–88

  425,800

  38,200

  57,400

  34,500

  33,300

  59,200

  43,300

  27,900

  57,100

  75,000

  1988–89

  410,200

  38,600

  55,400

  33,400

  30,500

  58,300

  42,700

  26,800

  53,300

  71,400

  1989–90

  390,300

  37,800

  51,200

  30,600

  30,700

  57,300

  40,600

  25,500

  49,200

  67,300

  1990–91

  400,900

  35,000

  51,900

  31,400

  34,400

  65,200

  41,200

  27,500

  48,700

  65,700

  1991–92

  406,500

  36,800

  52,200

  31,300

  32,200

  71,400

  40,300

  28,300

  51,500

  62,500

  1992–93

  399,900

  37,000

  52,200

  32,000

  31,400

  67,000

  38,900

  27,300

  50,700

  63,200

  1993–94

  404,900

  36,400

  51,600

  34,500

  32,500

  65,800

  38,600

  28,700

  53,400

  63,400

  1994–95

  407,900

  39,000

  56,800

  34,300

  31,500

  62,900

  35,600

  27,300

  53,600

  66,900

  1995–96

  415,200

  41,000

  58,700

  35,500

  31,900

  61,300

  34,200

  27,400

  54,000

  71,200

  1996–97

  422,000

  42,200

  59,900

  39,100

  32,100

  62,300

  32,400

  26,700

  56,200

  71,000

  1997–98

  403,900

  41,500

  56,900

  38,200

  31,400

  57,600

  30,300

  24,300

  53,200

  70,500

  1998–99

  379,200

  39,500

  56,000

  37,400

  30,700

  48,200

  28,300

  21,400

  49,300

  68,500

  1999–2000

  353,900

  38,600

  55,900

  33,900

  29,000

  42,100

  25,800

  18,800

  45,200

  64,700

  2000–01

  326,600

  36,500

  53,300

  32,500

  27,200

  39,300

  23,800

  16,500

  40,100

  57,300

  2001–02

  289,700

  29,700

  49,300

  29,200

  25,700

  35,200

  20,500

  15,400

  33,600

  51,100

  2002–03

  272,800

  26,900

  49,000

  29,100

  22,700

  34,300

  21,200

  14,200

  31,000

  44,400

  England

  Total lettings by housing association

  1995–96

  135,700

  8,100

  22,200

  11,500

  9,700

  13,800

  11,600

  13,900

  23,000

  21,900

  1996–97

  187,200

  9,600

  29,300

  16,500

  13,500

  20,000

  15,500

  17,800

  35,500

  29,500

  1997–98

  202,800

  10,000

  33,600

  20,300

  15,400

  22,300

  16,500

  19,300

  36,100

  29,400

  1998–99

  212,000

  11,300

  35,300

  21,300

  15,600

  24,000

  18,800

  20,300

  35,300

  30,100

  850W

  £ million

  1999–00

  6.711

  2000–01

  4.768

  2001–02

  3.816

  2002–03

  6.000

  2003–04

  4.663

  The Housing Corporation gathers information at local authority level, therefore information for the constituency of Crosby is not available. Crosby is within the local authority of Sefton.

  Regional Assemblies (Referendums)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what date the proposed referendums on regional assemblies will take place; and whether the voting will be all-postal. [178719]

  Mr. Raynsford
  The Government intend to hold the referendums this autumn by all-postal ballot. We will be laying orders to that effect this summer.

  Social Housing
  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many(a) local authority and (b) housing association lettings were made in each Government Office Region in each year since 1980. [178734]

  Keith Hill
  The number of local authority and housing association lettings made in each Government Office region are tabled as follows.

  In the table, information on local authority lettings is provided for the years 1979–80 to 2002–03 and on housing association lettings for the years 1995–96 to 2003–04.
  851W

  Social sector lettings in England and the regions

  England

  North East

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  East Midlands

  East of England

  London

  South East

  South West

  West Midlands

  North West

  1999–2000

  214,300

  11,300

  37,500

  21,100

  16,100

  24,900

  21,500

  19,700

  32,800

  29,500

  2000–01

  214,000

  11,600

  39,100

  20,200

  16,900

  26,800

  20,100

  18,800

  32,400

  28,100

  2001–02

  224,200

  15,500

  42,800

  20,400

  16,600

  29,100

  20,200

  18,100

  32,600

  29,000

  2002–03

  225,100

  15,400

  44,500

  21,400

  16,700

  28,100

  19,900

  19,000

  32,100

  27,900

  2003–04

  212,400

  13,100

  41,100

  21,300

  15,600

  28,400

  18,400

  18,400

  28,900

  27,200

  Notes:

  n/a = denotes that information is unavailable.

  1. Regional totals include estimates for non-response.

  2. The number of lettings given by local authorities includes any transfers and exchanges, as well as secure and non-secure lettings.

  3. The number of lettings given by housing associations includes those for general as well as supported needs. Figures for 1995–96 include only lettings given for general needs.

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of new social housing for rent built in each year since 1990 had three or more bedrooms. [178735]

  Keith Hill
  The percentages of registered social landlord (RSL) new build completions in England that had at least three bedrooms are shown in the table. Equivalent figures for local authority new build are not readily available.

  Percentage

  1990–91

  20

  1991–92

  20

  1992–93

  26

  1993–94

  31

  1994–95

  34

  1995–96

  35

  1996–97

  36

  1997–98

  39

  1998–99

  38

  1999–2000

  37

  2000–01

  35

  2001–02

  33

  2002–03

  38

  2003–04

  32

  Ms Oona King
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will add to his Department's Public Service Agreement 5 a performance indicator for the number of families with children living in overcrowded housing. [178736]

  Homeless households1 with dependent children in all forms of temporary accommodation by Government Office Region

  2002

  2003

  March

  June

  September

  December

  March

  June

  September

  December

  North East2

  270

  440

  1,220

  280

  220

  300

  250

  360

  North West

  990

  1,110

  1,200

  1,130

  1,230

  1,280

  1,450

  1,220

  Yorkshire and Number

  800

  970

  960

  1,080

  1,160

  1,190

  1,140

  1,120

  East Midlands

  1,350

  1,620

  1,560

  1,500

  1,650

  1,770

  1,890

  1,930

  West Midlands

  1,030

  800

  1,100

  800

  870

  860

  1,090

  1,130

  East of England

  3,840

  3,710

  3,850

  4,030

  4,740

  5,070

  5,460

  4,990

  London

  20,860

  26,320

  31,190

  29,120

  31,100

  31,400

  33,660

  34,380

  South East

  7,560

  8,270

  9,110

  7,310

  8,760

  9,170

  8,800

  8,540

  South West

  3,110

  3,710

  4,030

  2,740

  3,350

  4,250

  4,100

  3,480

  England3

  39,810

  46,950

  54,220

  47,980

  53,070

  55,280

  57,840

  57,140

  1 Households in accommodation arranged by local authorities pending inquiries or after being accepted as homeless under the 1996 Act (including any residual cases under the 1985 Act).

  2 Figures for December 2002 onwards reflect changes in lettings policies by a local authority in the region.

  3 Totals may not equal the sum of components because of rounding.

  Urban Regeneration
  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what funding has been allocated to the
  852W
  Keith Hill
  No. The Office's Public Service Agreement 5 underpins the Government's commitment to improve the balance between supply and demand for housing. In this context, the main function of a performance indicator for overcrowding would be to monitor progress in alleviating the position of those at the bottom of the housing ladder. However, PSA5 already incorporates such an indicator— number of statutory homeless households with children in temporary accommodation. The further indicator proposed here would simply cover the same ground, albeit from a slightly different perspective.

  Temporary Accommodation (Children)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many children were living in temporary accommodation in each year since 1997, broken down by region; and if he will make a statement. [178148]

  Yvette Cooper
  Information on the number of children living in temporary accommodation is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Information on the number of households that contain dependent children and/or expectant mothers in various types of temporary accommodation has been collected since March 2002. The following table shows this information by Government Office Region for all eight quarters since March 2002.

  Liveability Fund for financial year (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06, broken down by region; and what funding plans are in place to continue the work of the Liveability Fund from financial year 2005–06 onwards. [178107]
  853W
  Keith Hill
  The Liveability Fund allocations, by region, for these two years are as follows:

  Region

  2004–05

  2005–06

  East of England

  4,310,500

  4,425,000

  East Midlands

  4,010,000

  4,030,000

  London

  4,680,000

  4,555,000

  North East

  3,664,730

  3,760,000

  North West

  4,170,000

  4,170,000

  South East

  4,692,400

  4,105,000

  South West

  4,534,640

  4,425,000

  West Midlands

  4,769,636

  4,650,000

  Yorkshire and the Humber

  4,441,000

  4,380,000

  Total

  39,272,906

  38,500,000

  Funding plans for future years are currently under consideration as part of the on-going 2004 Spending Review.

  Mr. Edward Davey
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what funding from(a) his Department and (b) non-departmental public bodies has been allocated to urban regeneration companies for financial year (i) 2005–06 and (ii) 2006–07. [178149]

  Keith Hill
  The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not provide funding directly to any urban regeneration company (URC). All funding is provided by the partners in each URC. This usually comprises the Regional Development Agency (RDA), the local authority or authorities, and English Partnerships (EP). The following table shows the revenue funding that EP and the various RDAs estimate will be allocated to the individual URCs for 2005–06 and 2006–07, based on current projections. Capital funding for development projects is not normally provided to the URCs themselves; expenditure on projects is incurred by the partners on the basis of agreed strategies in pursuit of URC objectives.

  Revenue Allocations to URCs

  £

  URC

  2005–06

  2006–07

  Bradford City Regeneration

  845,000

  845,000

  CPR Regeneration

  544,000

  544,000

  Catalyst Corby

  544,000

  544,000

  Derby Cityscape

  544,000

  544,000

  Gloucester Heritage

  544,000

  544,000

  Hull Citybuild

  693,000

  693,000

  Leicester Regeneration

  540,000

  560,000

  Liverpool Vision

  771,000

  771,000

  New East Manchester

  713,000

  736,000

  RegencoSandwell

  544,000

  544,000

  Sheffield One

  746,000

  746,000

  Sunderland Arc

  660,000

  660,000

  The New Swindon Company

  544,000

  544,000

  Number of ASBO applications, by result, and the number given on conviction, in Gloucestershire, by local authority area, as notified to the Home Office, 1 April 19991 to 31 December 2003

  ASBOs on application2

  ASBOs on conviction

  Period/local authority area

  Total applications

  Total refused

  Total issued

  Total issued

  Total issued on application/on conviction

  1 June 2000 to 31 December 2000

  Cheltenham borough council

  1

  -

  1

  n/a

  1

  Forest of Dean district council

  1

  -

  1

  n/a

  1

  Sub-total

  2

  -

  2

  n/a

  2

  1 January 2001 to 31 December 2001

  Cheltenham borough council

  2

  -

  2

  n/a

  2

  Sub-total

  2

  -

  2

  n/a

  2

  854W

  Revenue Allocations to URCs

  £

  URC

  2005–06

  2006–07

  Tees Valley Regeneration

  623,000

  623,000

  Walsall

  544,000

  544,000

  West Lakes Renaissance

  200,000

  200,000

  Total

  9,599,000

  9,642,000

  Note:

  The West Lakes URC does not receive revenue funding from English Partnerships (EP). All other figures are collated EP and Regional Development Agency estimates. Where appropriate, the figures include funding to cover non-recoverable VAT.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Action Against Business Crime Group
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which towns and communities in Wales have benefited from Action Against Business Crime Group grants; and how much grant has been allocated to each town or community, broken down by constituency. [177205]

  Paul Goggins
  The Action Against Business Crime Group has not yet allocated funds to any individual towns or communities. The Home Office agreed a contract with the British Retail Consortium to set up the Action against Business Crime Group in March 2004 and Government funding has been provided to enable the Group to set up partnerships in priority locations. The Home Office will work with the Group to identify the criteria for priority locations, but it will be for them to decide how best to allocate the funding provided in order to meet the agreed outcomes.

  Antisocial Behaviour Orders
  Mr. Drew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders were(a) sought and (b) achieved in each district council area in Gloucestershire for each year since the introduction of this legislation. [178462]

  Ms Blears
  Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been available, on application to the magistrates courts, since 1 April 1999. The Police Reform Act 2002 authorised the magistrates courts and the Crown court to issue ASBOs on conviction, and the county courts (from 1 April 2003) to issue ASBOs on application, alongside other proceedings. Information, as notified to the Home Office, is given in the table, by local authority area and result, up to 31 December 2003 (latest available), on the number of ASBOs within Gloucestershire.
  855W

  Number of ASBO applications, by result, and the number given on conviction, in Gloucestershire, by local authority area, as notified to the Home Office, 1 April 19991 to 31 December 2003

  ASBOs on application2

  ASBOs on conviction

  Period/local authority area

  Total applications

  Total refused

  Total issued

  Total issued

  Total issued on application/on conviction

  1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002

  Cheltenham borough council

  1

  -

  1

  -

  1

  Sub-total

  1

  -

  1

  -

  1

  1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003

  Cheltenham borough council

  2

  -

  2

  -

  2

  Gloucester city council

  -

  -

  -

  1

  1

  Stroud district council

  2

  -

  2

  -

  2

  Sub-total

  4

  -

  4

  1

  5

  Total

  9

  -

  9

  1

  10

  n/a = Not applicable.

  1 From 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2DOO data were collected by police force area on ASBO numbers only. During this period no ASBOs were reported to the Home Office for Gloucestershire.

  2 Only covers applications dealt with by 31 December 2003.

  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been(a) sought and (b) granted in the Greater London area; and if he will make a statement. [177818]

  Ms Blears
  Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been available, on application to the magistrates courts, since 1 April 1999. The Police Reform Act 2002 authorised the magistrates courts and the Crown court to issue ASBOs on conviction, and the county courts (from 1 April 2003) to issue ASBOs on application, alongside other proceedings. Information, as notified to the Home Office, is given in the table, by result, up to 31 December 2003 (latest available), on the number of ASBOs within Greater London.

  Number of ASBO applications, by result, and the number given on conviction, in Greater London, as notified to the Home Office, 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2003

  ASBOs on application

  Number

  Total applications

  121

  Total refused

  9

  Total issued

  112

  ASBOs on conviction

  Total issued

  42

  Total issued on application/on conviction

  154

  Mrs. Fitzsimons
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in the parliamentary constituency of Rochdale. [178507]

  Ms Blears
  Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) have been available to the courts since 1 April 1999. From commencement, up to 31 December 2003 (latest available), the Home Office has been notified of 20 ASBOs issued within the Rochdale metropolitan borough council area, in which the constituency of Rochdale is located.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are 856W
  taking to improve the removals process and to ensure that it is transparent and fair. [151474]

  Mr. Browne
  The Government are committed to identifying and removing those who have no right to be here by ensuring a transparent and fair system where all applicants are treated humanely and fairly and only seeking to return those who have no legal basis of stay in the UK. This is done by having an internal complaints procedure and an independent appeal system established by Parliament to resolve disputes between the Home Office and applicants who feel that their applications for leave to remain or asylum have not been properly assessed or the correct decision reached.

  We are constantly striving to improve the way this process works by continually monitoring and reviewing internal procedures and practices.

  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent on the removal of failed asylum seeker; and how many asylum seekers were removed, in each year since 1997. [173676]

  Mr. Browne
  [holding answer 18 May 2004]The information is as follows:

  (a) The cost of the removal of failed asylum seekers is not disaggregated from the overall costs of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) and therefore not readily available. Any attempt to calculate the cost of removal of failed asylum seekers would need to take into account a large number of factors and this could be done only at disproportionate cost. However the total public spending for IND is set out in the published Home Office report.

  (b) The number of asylum seekers who were removed in each year since 1997 is shown in the table.

  Removals and voluntary departures1 of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, 1997 to 2003

  Principal applicants

  Dependants2

  Total2

  1997

  7,165

  n/a

  n/a

  1998

  6,990

  n/a

  n/a

  1999

  7,665

  n/a

  n/a

  2000

  8,980

  n/a

  n/a

  857W

  Removals and voluntary departures1 of asylum applicants, excluding dependants, 1997 to 2003

  Principal applicants

  Dependants2

  Total2

  2001

  9,285

  1,495

  10,780

  20023

  10,740

  3,170

  13,910

  20033

  12,490

  4,550

  17,040

  n/a = Not available.

  1 Includes persons departing 'Voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them, persons leaving under Assisted Voluntary Return Programmes run by the International Organisation for Migration, and removals on safe third country grounds.

  2 Data on dependants removed have only been collected since April 2001.

  3 Provisional figures.

  Note:

  Figures rounded to the nearest five, with* = one or two, and may not sum due to rounding.

  Church Yards
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for closure of church yards have been refused in the past five years. [174282]

  Paul Goggins
  The Home Office does not keep a record of this information. However, the majority of applications that fail do so because they do not fall within the main criteria for closure as agreed by the Home Office, local authority representatives and representatives of the Church of England:

  There is no proper room for new graves;

  Further burials would be contrary to decency;

  Discontinuance of burials would prevent or mitigate nuisance;

  Further burials would constitute a health risk.

  Correspondence
  Sir Gerald Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter to him dated 27 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Ihsan Mehrobi and Ms Bethan Galliers. [178946]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 10 June 2004.

  Sir Gerald Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter to him dated 22 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. N. Sibanda. [178947]

  Mr. Blunkett
  I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 10 June 2004.

  Court Attendance (Merseyside)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the non-attendance of witnesses and defendants in Merseyside. [170534]

  Paul Goggins
  The Government's Criminal Case Management Programme will reduce the non-attendance of defendants and witnesses. It is made up of three complementary strands: ensuring that charges are 858W
  more appropriately brought; providing victims and witnesses with proper care and attention; and ensuring that trials are effectively managed.

  Witness care units are currently at the planning stage in Merseyside and will be introduced for Crown courts towards the end of this year and in the magistrates courts in 2005. As part of its delivery plan to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, Merseyside Criminal Justice Board carried out a survey examining reasons for witness non-attendance. The results will be used as part of the planning process for the introduction of witness care units. For example, one petty sessional area found that if witnesses were contacted by telephone shortly before they were due to appear, attendance increased, and consequently, this practice is being rolled out across Merseyside.

  The Effective Trial Management Programme will be implemented in Merseyside in November. It includes specific measures to improve defendant attendance at court hearings through the early communication of the benefits of co-operating with the process and the potential consequences of non-attendance, as well as improved enforcement procedures for non-attendance.

  There are a number of warrant enforcement initiatives in place in Merseyside to ensure that defendants are brought to justice for failing to appear in court. Bench warrants in Merseyside are circulated on the Police National Computer as soon as they are received from the courts, with priority given to persistent offender and street crime offences. Merseyside police have also run Operation 'Cardsharp' in which defendants were sent letters following their failure to appear, informing them that a warrant had been issued and advising them to surrender to the court or face police visits. This initiative proved to be a success, with defendants surrendering themselves to the court after receiving the letter, and over 1,000 warrants executed in the month the operation was running. It is continuing to operate successfully in Merseyside, and has now been recognised as best practice nationally.

  Drug Offences (London)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) arrests have been made, (b) convictions have been obtained and (c) cautions have been issued in (i) Greater London and (ii) each London borough for offences relating to (A) possession and (B) dealing in (1) Class A, (2) Class B and (3) Class C drugs in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [177180]

  Ms Blears
  Information collected centrally on arrests is broken down only into the main offence groups. Within the "drug offences" group we are unable to identify different classes of drugs or different kinds of offences.

  The information contained in the tables relates to persons found guilty of possession of, or dealing in Class A, B and C drugs, 1998 to 2002, in each borough in outer London and each magistrates court in inner London (it

  859W
  is not possible from the statistics collected centrally to identify boroughs in inner London). The figures include persons found guilty at the Crown court when committed for trial or sentence from the courts/boroughs shown. Caution data cannot be broken down

  Number1 of persons cautioned by the Metropolitan or City of London Police, or found guilty of certain drug offences in Greater London2 by magistrates court/London Borough: 20021

  Possession

  Class A drug

  Class B drug

  Class C drug

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Inner London magistrates courts2

  City of London Police

  Guildhall Justice Rooms

  3_

  23

  3)_

  54

  3_

  3_

  Total City of London Police

  31

  23

  448

  54

  1

  3_

  Metropolitan police

  Bow Street

  3_

  206

  3_

  286

  3_

  3

  Camberwell Green/Tower Bridge

  3_

  227

  3_

  338

  3_

  1

  Greenwich/Woolwich

  3_

  105

  3_

  333

  3_

  1

  Highbury Corner

  3_

  164

  3_

  314

  3_

  1

  Horseferry Road

  3_

  121

  3_

  266

  3_

  3_

  Marylebone

  3_

  -

  3_

  4

  3_

  3_

  South Western

  3_

  75

  3_

  312

  3_

  3_

  Thames

  3_

  205

  3_

  448

  3_

  3_

  West London

  3_

  124

  3_

  435

  3_

  1

  Outer London boroughs

  Metropolitan Police

  Barking and Dagenham

  3_

  51

  3_

  185

  3_

  3_

  Barnet

  3_

  21

  3_

  145

  3_

  3_

  Bexley

  3_

  31

  3_

  84

  3_

  3_

  Brent

  3_

  97

  3_

  237

  3_

  3_

  Bromley

  3_

  33

  3_

  117

  3_

  3_

  Croydon

  3_

  51

  3_

  236

  3_

  3_

  Ealing

  3_

  131

  3_

  212

  3_

  3_

  Enfield

  3_

  42

  3_

  142

  3_

  3_

  Haringey

  3_

  104

  3_

  348

  3_

  2

  Harrow

  3_

  37

  3_

  80

  3_

  3_

  Havering

  3_

  107

  3_

  88

  3_

  3_

  Hillingdon

  3_

  55

  3_

  182

  3_

  3_

  Hounslow

  3_

  76

  3_

  166

  3_

  3_

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  3_

  66

  3_

  71

  3_

  3_

  Merton

  3_

  15

  3_

  79

  3_

  3_

  Newham

  3_

  92

  3_

  271

  3_

  3_

  Redbridge

  3_

  26

  3_

  99

  3_

  3_

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  3_

  17

  3_

  95

  3_

  3_

  Sutton

  3_

  15

  3_

  61

  3_

  3_

  Waltham Forest

  3_

  50

  3_

  156

  3_

  1

  Total Metropolitan Police

  595

  2,344

  10,612

  5,790

  31

  9

  Total Greater London

  626

  2,367

  11,060

  5,844

  32

  9

  Dealing

  Class A drug

  Class B drug

  Class C drug

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Inner London magistrates courts2

  City of London Police

  Guildhall Justice Rooms

  3_

  12

  3_

  5

  3_

  3_

  Total City of London Police

  595

  12

  10,612

  5

  31

  3_

  Metropolitan police

  Bow Street

  3_

  20

  3_

  16

  3_

  2

  Camberwell Green/Tower Bridge

  3_

  104

  3_

  52

  3_

  3_

  Greenwich/Woolwich

  3_

  74

  3_

  38

  3_

  3_

  Highbury Corner

  3_

  97

  3_

  41

  3_

  3_

  Horseferry Road

  3_

  58

  3_

  26

  3_

  3_

  Marylebone

  3_

  3_

  3_

  1

  3_

  3_

  South Western

  3_

  24

  3_

  17

  3_

  3_

  Thames

  3_

  104

  3_

  33

  3_

  3_

  West London

  3_

  47

  3_

  23

  3_

  1

  Outer London boroughs

  Metropolitan Police

  Barking and Dagenham

  3_

  4

  3_

  11

  3_

  3_

  Barnet

  3_

  18

  3_

  14

  3_

  3_

  Bexley

  3_

  6

  3_

  12

  3_

  3_

  Brent

  3_

  24

  3_

  22

  3_

  3_

  860W
  beyond police force area in the statistics collected centrally, and is given as a total for the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police Force area.

  Statistics on court proceedings and cautions for 2003 will be published in the autumn.
  861W

  Dealing

  Class A drug

  Class B drug

  Class C drug

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Cautioned

  Found guilty

  Bromley

  3_

  8

  3_

  8

  3_

  3_

  Croydon

  3_

  34

  3_

  23

  3_

  3_

  Ealing

  3_

  36

  3_

  15

  3_

  3_

  Enfield

  3_

  1

  3_

  3

  3_

  3_

  Haringey

  3_

  24

  3_

  27

  3__

  3_

  Harrow

  3_

  10

  3_

  8

  3_

  3_

  Havering

  3_

  8

  3_

  6

  3_

  3_

  Hillingdon

  3_

  548

  3_

  197

  3_

  3

  Hounslow

  3_

  13

  3_

  15

  3_

  3_

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  3_

  11

  3_

  10

  3_

  3_

  Merton

  3_

  4

  3_

  8

  3_

  3_

  Newham

  3_

  33

  3_

  23

  3_

  3_

  Redbridge

  3_

  12

  3_

  11

  3_

  3_

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  3_

  5

  3_

  12

  3_

  3_

  Sutton

  3_

  13

  3_

  4

  3_

  3_

  Waltham Forest

  3_

  12

  3_

  12

  3_

  3_

  Total Metropolitan Police

  33

  1,352

  179

  688

  3_

  6

  Total Greater London

  628

  1,364

  10,791

  693

  31

  6

  1These data are on the principal offend basis

  2 Information held centrally does not allow a breakdown of cases by borough in the inner London area

  3 Not available

  Criminal Records Bureau
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of how long the Criminal Records Bureau is taking to process applications from voluntary organisations. [174668]

  Ms Blears
  Information is not available to determine how long the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is taking to process applications from voluntary organisations; this information is not held centrally.

  The CRB continually assesses its performance against its service standards across all sectors and aims to make further improvements to the service it provides. Since June 2003, the CRB has been issuing on average 93 per cent. of all Standard and Enhanced Disclosures within two and four weeks respectively, against published service standards of 90 per cent.

  Drug Treatment and Testing Orders
  Phil Sawford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug treatment and testing orders have been issued in(a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland in each year for which figures are available. [174850]

  Paul Goggins
  The number of drug treatment and testing orders (DTTOs) made since roll-out of the order across England and Wales in October 2000 is:

  Number

  2000–01 (six months)

  1,256

  2001–02

  4,854

  2002–03

  6,145

  2003–04

  8,515

  The number of DTTOs imposed by Scottish courts since 2000 is:

  Number

  2000

  59

  2001

  198

  2002

  342

  862W

  Number

  2003

  348

  2004 (to 21 May 2004)

  171

  Dungavel Family Unit
  Annabelle Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Church and Nation Committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland about the family unit at Dungavel. [176553]

  Mr. Browne
  [holding answer 7 June 2004]My predecessor, my right hon. Friend, the Member for Stretford and Urmston, (Beverley Hughes) met representatives of the Church and Nation Committee of the Church of Scotland at the end of October 2003. Discussions included the family unit at Dungavel.

  Durham Jail
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the total capacity in Durham jail in each of the next 10 years. [176669]

  Paul Goggins
  The operational capacity at Her Majesty's Prison Durham, as at Friday 28 May, is 638 for male prisoners and 110 for female prisoners.

  Following the change of function, the Area Manager will set the operational capacity of Her Majesty's Prison Durham taking into account control, security the proper operation of the planned regime and the alterations that are currently being made to parts of the residential accommodation.

  It is not possible to give figures for each of the next 10 years.

  Gas Cartridge Weapons
  Mr. Todd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many self-contained gas cartridge weapons were surrendered to the police on or before 30 April; [175483]
  863W
  (2) how many firearm certificates were issued to owners of self-contained gas cartridge weapons on or before 30 April; [175484]

  (3) how many self-contained gas cartridge weapons he estimates there are in the UK. [175485]

  Caroline Flint
  I understand from the Association of Chief Police Officers that as at 30 April a total of 1,524 guns had been surrendered and a further 5,791 entered on a firearms certificate.

  Graves
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allow the re-use and relocating of graves; and if he will make a statement. [168050]

  Paul Goggins
  The current public consultation exercise "Burial law and policy in the 21st Century: the need for a sensitive and sustainable approach" seeks views on the existing arrangements for providing cemeteries and the possibility of re-using old ones. The results of this exercise, which is part of the on-going review of burial law and ends on 13 July 2004, will help to inform the Government's decision on whether to allow the re-use of graves in future. The relocation of graves is already permissible with the proper authority.

  Immigration Appeals
  Mr. Dismore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of legal costs for the future expected hearings relating to(a) detention under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and (b) deprivation of nationality under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, in respect of Treasury Solicitor and Counsel fees; and if he will make a statement. [174145]

  Mr. Browne
  Legal costs will depend on how many people are detained/deprived in the future, and to what level they appeal. As none of the current cases so far has reached its conclusion and we do not know about future numbers, it is not possible to make any realistic estimate of future expenditure.

  Iraq
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers Her Majesty's Inspector has to report on prison facilities in Iraq. [176311]

  Paul Goggins
  Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons has no powers to report on prison facilities in Iraq.

  National Criminal Intelligence Service
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) permanent and (b) seconded staff were employed at the National Criminal Intelligence Service in each of the last five years. [173134]

  Caroline Flint
  Records for the numbers of staff employed by the National Criminal Intelligence Service show the following:864W

  Directly employed staff

  Seconded staff

  Attached staff

  Total

  19991

  310

  233

  52

  595

  20001

  316

  227

  49

  592

  20011

  419

  257

  50

  726

  20021

  470

  293

  37

  800

  20032

  745

  254

  45

  1,044

  1 Based on April data.

  2 Based on November data.

  National Minorities Convention
  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) representations his Department has received and (b) meetings his Department has had with representatives of (i) national minorities, (ii) ethnic groups and (iii) others in respect of his Department's assessment of the Government's compliance with the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. [175399]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  [holding answer 24 May 2004]The information is as follows:

  (a) The Government have received written representations on the Government's 2nd compliance report under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities from the following organisations and members of Parliament:

  UK Race and European Network (UKREN);

  National Travellers Action Group;

  Cornish National Minority Steering Group;

  Cornwall 2000;

  Minority Rights Group;

  Jean Corston MP (as Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights); and

  Lord Lester

  (b) Home Office officials have had one meeting with non-governmental organisations in connection with the 2nd compliance report. That meeting took place on 20 April 2004 with representative of the Cornish National Minority Steering Group, Cornwall 2000 and the Federal Union of European Nationalities.

  Andrew George
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his Department's contribution to the Government's compliance report to the Council of Europe under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. [175401]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  The Home Office is co-ordinating the Government's second compliance report under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and we hope to complete a first draft later in the summer. We will circulate the draft widely to nongovernmental organisations for comment and aim to submit the final version to the Council of Europe in the autumn.

  On-the-spot Fines
  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many on-the-spot fines have been issued in each local authority in the last five years, broken down by region and listed in descending order. [172922]
  865W
  Alun Michael
  I have been asked to reply.

  Within Defra's area of responsibility local authorities in England are able to issue fixed penalty notices for offences related to litter, dog fouling and, since 31 March, graffiti and fly-posting They can also issue fixed penalty notices for night time noise offences but, until 31 March, only if they elected to do so. Only information for each is available in the form requested and the following information shows the litter fixed penalty notices issued in each local authority in the last five years. Local authorities that are not named did not issue any fixed penalty notices for litter during these periods.

  1998–99

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  East Midlands

  0

  East of England

  Colchester BC

  69

  Basildon DC

  13

  St. Albans CC

  2

  London

  Westminster CC

  3,486

  LB Hackney

  520

  LB Wandsworth

  242

  LB Greenwich

  120

  LB Ealing

  100

  RB of Kensington and Chelsea

  86

  LB Tower Hamlets

  43

  LB Richmond upon Thames

  1

  North East

  Darlington BC

  1

  North West

  Wycombe DC

  11

  Restormel BC

  9

  Warrington BC

  1

  South East

  Swale BC

  4

  Brighton and Hove BC

  1

  Canterbury CC

  1

  Portsmouth CC

  1

  South West

  S Somerset DC

  9

  Mid Devon DC

  2

  West Midlands

  0

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Bradford CC

  54

  Ribble Valley BC

  1

  1999–2000

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  East Midlands

  0

  East of England

  Colchester BC

  47

  Basildon DC

  13

  Broxbourne BC

  4

  St Albans CC

  4

  Braintree DC

  2

  London

  Westminster CC

  2,076

  LB Ealing

  310

  LB Tower Hamlets

  206

  RB of Kensington of Chelsea

  126

  LB Wandsworth

  46

  866W

  1999–2000

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  North East

  Middlesbrough CC

  44

  Darlington BC

  14

  North West

  Hyndburn BC

  4

  Warrington BC

  2

  South East

  Canterbury CC

  28

  Swale BC

  6

  Crawley BC

  2

  Portsmouth CC

  1

  South West

  S Somerset DC

  3

  E Devon DC

  2

  West Midlands

  0

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Bradford MDC

  30

  2000–01

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  East Midlands

  S Northamptonshire DC

  1

  East of England

  Colchester BC

  35

  Braintree DC

  16

  Basildon DC

  15

  Broxbourne BC

  9

  St Albans CC

  6

  Maldon DC

  2

  London

  LB Ealing

  489

  RB of Kensington of Chelsea

  466

  LB Lambeth

  321

  LB Tower Hamlets

  250

  LB Lewisham

  149

  LB Redbridge

  121

  LB Wandsworth

  64

  LB Hammersmith and Fulham

  13

  LB Richmond upon thames

  4

  North East

  Middlesbrough CC

  46

  Darlington BC

  29

  S Tyneside DC

  12

  North West

  Hyndburn BC

  11

  Ribble Valley BC

  1

  South East

  Southampton CC

  63

  New Forest DC

  12

  Maidstone BC

  2

  Swale BC

  2

  Canterbury CC

  1

  South West

  Christchurch BC

  18

  Bournemouth BC

  6

  Bath and North East Somerset

  1

  Exeter CC

  1

  West Midlands

  Birmingham CC

  59

  Dudley DC

  15

  867W

  2000–01

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Bradford MDC

  7

  2001–02

  Local authority

  Number off fines issued

  East Midlands

  Gedling DC

  13

  East of England

  Colchester BC

  54

  Broxbourne BC

  30

  Braintree DC

  11

  Tendring DC

  3

  Basildon DC

  2

  Milton Keynes BC

  2

  St. Albans CC

  2

  London

  Westminster CC

  17.862

  RB of Kensington and Chelsea

  643

  LB Lewisham

  513

  LB Ealing

  504

  LB Lambeth

  309

  LB Wandsworth

  197

  LB Hammersmith and Fulham

  195

  LB Greenwich

  159

  LB Barking and Dagenham

  84

  LB Redbridge

  14

  LB Enfield

  8

  North East

  Newcastle upon Tyne CC

  117

  Middlesbrough CC

  99

  Stockton-on-Tees DC

  46

  Sedgefield DC

  26

  Darlington BC

  14

  N Tyneside BC

  1

  North West

  Oldham BC

  23

  Hyndburn BC

  11

  Burnley BC

  1

  South East

  Southampton CC

  68

  Brighton and Hove BC

  52

  Wycombe DC

  17

  Thanet DC

  8

  Maidstone BC

  6

  Portsmouth CC

  1

  South West

  E Devon DC

  1

  Exeter CC

  1

  West Midlands

  Birmingham CC

  339

  Dudley DC

  29

  Sandwell BC

  24

  Rugby BC

  5

  Wolverhampton CC

  1

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Bradford MDC

  60

  Rotherham DC

  60

  1 Westminster figures for 2001–02 includes figures for 2000–01,

  2002–03

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  East Midlands

  Blaby DC

  3

  868W

  2002–03

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  S Kesteven DC

  1

  East of England

  Luton BC

  42

  Broxbourne BC

  36

  Colchester BC

  33

  Tendring DC

  32

  St. Albans CC

  28

  Stevenage BC

  10

  Braintree DC

  7

  Chelmsford BC

  5

  Basildon DC

  4

  St. Edmundsbury BC

  4

  Maldon DC

  3

  Forest Heath DC

  2

  London

  Westminster CC

  8,547

  RB of Kensington and Chelsea

  539

  LB Lewisham

  272

  LB Southwark

  258

  LB Haringey

  152

  LB Newham

  124

  LB Barking and Dagenham

  75

  LB Waltham Forest

  68

  LB Tower Hamlets

  65

  LB Enfield

  42

  LB Greenwich

  40

  LB Wandsworth

  37

  LB Islington

  14

  LB Redbridge

  10

  LB Richmond upon Thames

  5

  North East

  Newcastle upon Tyne CC

  239

  Stockton-on-Tees DC

  108

  Redcar and Cleveland DC

  60

  Darlington BC

  14

  N Tyneside BC

  3

  North West

  Wigan BC

  294

  Carlisle CC

  108

  Ribble Valley BC

  55

  Burnley BC

  41

  Oldham BC

  22

  Rossendale BC

  17

  Hyndburn BC

  16

  Allerdale BC

  2

  Manchester CC

  2

  Chorley BC

  1

  Warrington BC

  1

  South East

  Southampton CC

  95

  Milton Keynes BC

  64

  Wycombe DC

  27

  Maidstone BC

  9

  Canterbury CC

  4

  Portsmouth CC

  1

  Thanet DC

  1

  South West

  N Cornwall DC

  9

  Exeter CC

  6

  Restormel BC

  2

  E Devon DC

  1

  Sedgemoor DC

  1

  West Midlands

  Birmingham CC

  740

  Sandwell BC

  102

  Dudley DC

  19

  Wolverhampton CC

  3

  Coventry CC

  1

  869W

  2002–03

  Local authority

  Number of fines issued

  Yorkshire and Humber

  Rotherham DC

  208

  Sheffield CC

  76

  Barnsley MBC

  10

  Parole
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many life sentence prisoners were recalled to custody during each of the last 48 months; and what the reasons for recall were. [168022]

  Paul Goggins
  The numbers of life sentence prisoners recalled to custody from 1 April 2000 onwards are shown in the table. However, the reasons for these licence revocations are only recorded from October 2002.

  Life licences can be revoked for a specific reason or a combination of reasons. In broad terms, a licensee's recall to custody is likely to occur in two main areas. Firstly, where specific behaviour, criminal or otherwise, is giving rise to concerns over the potential risk of harm to the public. Secondly, where probation staff are unable safely to manage the level of risk as a result of the licensee's non-compliance with licence conditions. Other issues will frequently combine with these main factors, most notably concerns relating to alcohol and drug misuse.

  Of the 70 lifers recalled from 1 October 2002 to 31 March 2004, the reasons for recall were listed as:
  actual or potential risk of harm to others (17 cases);
  breach of licence conditions (20 cases);
  either or both of the above factors, linked to other concerns over behaviour (33 cases).

  Life sentence prisoner recalls April 2000 to March 2004

  Year/month

  Number of recalls

  2000

  April

  2

  May

  1

  June

  2

  July

  2

  August

  4

  September

  5

  October

  2

  November

  3

  December

  2

  2001

  January

  6

  February

  1

  March

  5

  April

  0

  May

  1

  June

  2

  July

  5

  August

  4

  September

  2

  October

  3

  November

  1

  December

  3

  2002

  January

  1

  February

  2

  March

  2

  April

  1

  870W

  Life sentence prisoner recalls April 2000 to March 2004

  Year/month

  Number of recalls

  May

  2

  June

  3

  July

  2

  August

  3

  September

  2

  October

  3

  November

  3

  December

  2

  2003

  January

  2

  February

  3

  March

  3

  April

  4

  May

  4

  June

  2

  July

  4

  August

  3

  September

  2

  October

  10

  November

  6

  December

  5

  2004

  January

  6

  February

  3

  March

  5

  Police Funding
  David Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much police expenditure was met by(a) council tax precepts and (b) Home Office grants, (i) as a percentage of local police force expenditure and (ii) in cash terms, broken down by police force, in each year since 1997–98. [170375]

  Ms Blears
  I have placed the information in the Library.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much of the cost of policing in Merseyside was paid for by(a) central government and (b) local taxes in each of the last eight years. [177847]

  Ms Blears
  The information is set out in the table.

  £ million

  Total gross revenue expenditure

  Government funding and specific grants1

  Other2

  Council tax

  1996–97

  225.6

  202.9

  -0.6

  23.3

  1997–98

  230.2

  206.1

  -3.2

  27.4

  1998–99

  246.8

  213.7

  3.8

  29.3

  1999–2000

  254.6

  216.1

  6.8

  31.7

  2000–01

  269.0

  226.3

  9.7

  33.0

  2001–02

  285.2

  235.9

  13.5

  35.8

  2002–03

  293.5

  244.4

  9.6

  39.5

  2003–04

  309.9

  260.0

  7.6

  42.3

  1 Includes principal Home Office police grant, ODPM Revenue Support grant and National Non Domestic Rates, Special grant, Revenue for Airwave, Crime Fighting Fund, Rural Policing grant, Loan charges grant, Street Crime Initiative grant and other specific grants.

  2 Includes all other force income apart from specific grants from Government and movements in reserves.

  Source:

  Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Police Statistics (Actuals 1997–98 to 2002–03 and Estimates 2003–04).

  871W
  Albert Owen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much of the cost of policing in North Wales was paid for from(a) central Government funds, (b) local council tax and (c) other sources in each year since 1996–97. [174068]

  Ms Blears
  The information is set out in the table.

  £ million

  Council tax

  Government funding and specific grants1

  Other2

  Total gross revenue expenditure

  1996–97

  10.7

  58.7

  2.0

  71.4

  1997–98

  11.2

  61.1

  0.4

  72.7

  1998–99

  13.6

  61.6

  2.0

  77.2

  1999–2000

  15.7

  64.0

  1.7

  81.4

  2000–01

  18.8

  67.3

  3.0

  89.1

  2001–02

  20.0

  74.8

  3.6

  98.4

  2002–03

  23.6

  78.4

  3.8

  105.8

  2003–04

  31.3

  78.2

  3.3

  112.8

  1 Includes Principal Home Office Police grant, Revenue Support Grant and National Non Domestic Rates (police general grants), Special Grant, Crime Fighting Fund, Rural Policing Grant, Loan Charge Grant and other specific grants.

  Under grant protection arrangements in England, police authorities have been guaranteed a minimum increase a 'floor' in general grant funding each year since 2002–03. Grant 'floors' are not applied by the Welsh Assembly, but to ensure North Wales received a grant increase equivalent to the English minimum of 2.3 per cent. in 2002–03, the Home Secretary made a special payment to North Wales Police Authority of £362,000. North Wales was also supported by this arrangement in 2004–05 (£1.5 million). Its increase in general grants in 2003–04 was 4.5 per cent. well above the funding floor of 3.0 per cent.

  2 Includes all other force income apart from specific grants from Government, and movement in reserves.

  Source:

  Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy Police Statistics (Actuals 1996–97 to 2002–03 and Estimates 2003–04), provided by the Police Authority.

  Police Numbers (Greater London)
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there were in each police force in Greater London in each year since 1997. [177076]

  Ms Blears
  The number of police officers in the City of London and the Metropolitan Police Service are given in the table:

  Police officer strength full-time equivalent

  Strength as at:

  City of London

  Metropolitan police

  Total

  31 March 1997

  859

  26,677

  27,536

  31 March 1998

  825

  26,094

  26,919

  31 March 1999

  778

  26,073

  26,851

  31 March 2000

  732

  25,485

  26,217

  31 March 2001

  703

  24,878

  25,581

  31 March 2002

  764

  26,223

  26,987

  31 March 20031

  808

  27,984

  28,792

  31 December 20031, 2

  842

  29,441

  30,283

  1 Comparable with previous data—excludes staff on career breaks and maternity/paternity leave.

  2 The latest available figures for the end of the year were issued with Home Office Press Release 095/2004 on 2 March 2004.

  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) Ministry of Defence police officers, (b) British Transport police officers, (c) National Crime Squad officers and (d) police force officers there were in Greater London in each year since 1997. [177099]
  872W
  Ms Blears
  The Home Office does not collect numbers of Ministry of Defence police officers. British Transport police officer numbers were collected for the first time on 31 March 2003. The National Crime Squad was established with effect from 1 April 1998 so data were collected only from 31 March 1999.

  Available data are given in the table:

  Police strength (FTE) as at:

  British Transport Police

  National Crime Squad

  Metropolitan Police and City of London

  31 March 1997

  —

  —

  27,536

  31 March 1998

  —

  —

  26,919

  31 March 1999

  —

  1,333

  26,851

  31 March 2000

  —

  1,389

  26,217

  31 March 2001

  —

  1,308

  25,581

  31 March 2002

  —

  1,176

  26,987

  31 March 2003

  2,176

  1,175

  28,792

  30 September 2003

  1,939

  1,179

  29,765

  Prison Staff (Retirement)
  Colin Burgon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Prison Officers' Association regarding the retirement age of prison staff. [173395]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 14 May 2004]: Retirement ages are currently under general review following the publication of the Green Paper "Simplicity, security and choice: Working and saving for retirement", published in December 2002. The Green Paper considers retirement ages for public servants, including specific groups. It refers to the different considerations applying to:
  "… the armed forces. fire service and police where the need for a recognised physical capacity justifies the award of normal pension at a lower age …".

  The Prison Officers' Association (POA) has made representations to be included as an additional special case to the departments with lead responsibility for pensions reforms—the Treasury, Inland Revenue and the Department for Work and Pensions. The POA has also made their views known to the Prison Service on a number of occasions and officials have passed the POA views to the lead Departments.

  Prison Service Plus
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what applications have been made to the European Social Fund in relation to resettlement activities in the Prison Service; and if he will make a statement. [166818]

  Paul Goggins
  From the information available centrally about European Social Fund (ESF) applications, the Prison Service has recently submitted an ESF application to extend Prison Service Plus to a £59 million programme operating until 31 December 2006 in at least 40 establishments (45 per cent. funded by ESF). Prison Service Plus is the largest ESF-funded resettlement programme in the Prison Service. It is currently a £29 million programme operating in 28 establishments until 31 August 2004 (45 per cent. funded
  873W
  by ESF) and is geared to delivering improved employment and accommodation outcomes for released prisoners.

  Prisons (Racial Conflict)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives his Department has put in place to deal with racial conflict in the prison system. [176556]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 9 June 2004]: The Prison Service is undertaking a number of initiatives to address racism. In December 2003 a full scale and comprehensive joint action plan to combat all aspects of racism was agreed between the Prison Service and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). The plan, entitled "Implementing Race Equality in Prisons—A Shared Agenda for Change", was produced in partnership with the CRE. It brings together work currently being undertaken to ensure compliance with the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 through the Prison Service Race Equality Scheme and incorporates lessons learned from the CRE Formal Investigation into race relations.

  Publicly Funded Programmes (Crosby)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much public funding has been spent in Crosby from the(a) Criminal Justice Interventions Programme, (b) Adult Drug Treatment Programme, (c) Building Safer Communities Programme, (d) Basic Command Unit Fund, (e) Wardens Scheme and (f) Regional Home Office Directors Fund. [177873]

  Ms Blears
  A breakdown of financial allocation to individual constituencies is not available. Funding is allocated at local authority level. The following amounts of funding have been allocated in Sefton:

  (a) Criminal Justice Interventions Programme (CJIP) to Sefton Drug Action Team (DAT):

  2003–04—£35,000

  2004–05—£222,235

  (b) Adult Drug Treatment Programme to Sefton DAT:

  2002–03—£971,000

  2003–04—£1,261,712

  2004–05—£1,416,095

  In order to ensure consistency, the figures supplied are based on funding streams associated with the National Drug Strategy and are readily verifiable. These funding streams are specifically targeted at tackling the harm caused to individuals, families and communities by the misuse of drugs. Other mainstream funding is made available at a local level. This varies both in amount and origin and as a result it is not possible to provide robust financial information.

  (C) Building Safer Communities Fund (BSC) to Sefton Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP).

  2003–04—£288,024

  2004/05—£295,225 + £25,000 for anti-social behaviour co-ordinator costs

  874W
  (d)Basic Command Unit (BCU) Fund to Sefton BCU.

  2003–04—£196,745

  2004–05—£196,745

  (e) Neighbourhood Wardens Scheme—there are no neighbourhood wardens in Sefton.

  (f) A broad, pan-Merseyside investment of £110,000 in 2003–04 and £45,000 in 2004–05 has been made available from the Home Office Regional Directors' allocation to the Multi-Agency Group/Joint Action Group strategic and tactical co-ordination arrangements. No funding has been given direct to Crosby or Sefton but those areas may benefit from the overall allocation.

  Antisocial Behaviour
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the recordable offences which he categorises as antisocial behaviour. [177465]

  Ms Blears
  [holding answer 9 June 2004]: All offences under provisions which carry the possibility of a custodial sentence are recordable. These are specified in the schedule for the National Police Records Regulations 2000.

  The decision as to what constitutes anti-social behaviour is for local communities and those public bodies that serve them. It is for local bodies to look carefully at recorded crime statistics, recordable offences, British Crime Statistics, plus reports from local people in order to understand anti-social behaviour locally.

  Section 44 Funding
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the total allocation of section 44 funding in each year since 1997. [174771]

  Fiona Mactaggart
  I have asked the Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality if he will write to my hon. Friend with this information in due course.

  Security Firm Contracts
  Mr. Oaten
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contracts his Department has with the security firm Reliance; whether these are being reviewed; and if he will make a statement. [175545]

  Paul Goggins
  [holding answer 25 May 2004]: Her Majesty's Prison Service for England and Wales currently contracts with Reliance Security Task Management Ltd. for the delivery of prisoner escort and custody services in the South West of England and South Wales.

  A Better Quality Services Review in 2002 recommended that court escort and custody services should remain contracted out but that there should be a re-competition of the current contracts.
  875W
  The re-competition has been undertaken and contracts are in the process of being awarded and a further contract will be awarded to Reliance.

  Sexual Offences
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of(a) drug rape and (b) sexual abuse where drugs had been administered were reported in England in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [171023]

  Caroline Flint
  It is not possible from the information collected centrally on recorded crime to determine the number of offences where drugs had been administered.

  Speed Cameras (Errors)
  Mr. Damian Green
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fines consequent on speed camera evidence have been rescinded for being erroneous in each year since 1998. [177995]

  Caroline Flint
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Stun Guns
  Ms Abbott
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many stun guns have been seized by the police in 2004. [177800]

  Caroline Flint
  The requested information is not collected centrally.

  Surrey Police
  Virginia Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers and (b) police support staff there have been in Surrey in each year since 1996. [177271]

  Ms Blears
  The information requested is given in the table:

  Full-time equivalents

  Surrey

  Police strength

  Police staff1

  31 March 1996

  1,644

  792

  31 March 1997

  1,620

  757

  31 March 1998

  1,608

  768

  31 March 1999

  1,662

  754

  31 March 2000

  1,785

  780

  31 March 20012

  2,066

  922

  31 March 2002

  1,992

  1,063

  31 March 20033

  1,906

  41,258

  31 December 20033

  1,922

  n/a

  1 Includes traffic wardens.

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

  3 Comparable strength (excludes staff on career breaks and maternity/paternity leave).

  4 Includes 21 Community Support Officers.

  Women Prisoners
  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women over the age of 70 years have been remanded to HMP Holloway in the last year; for how long in each case; and for what offences. [177407]
  876W
  Paul Goggins
  Two women over the age of 70 have been remanded to HMP Holloway in the last year, both for the offence of breaching a restraining order. The women spent one night and five nights in custody respectively.

  Mr. Stinchcombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicide attempts have been made by inmates of Holloway Prison in the last year. [177495]

  Paul Goggins
  In the calendar year 2003, there were 851 recorded acts of self-harm involving prisoners at HMP Holloway.

  Suicidal intent is not easy to establish. The reasons why people self-injure are highly complex, and it is difficult to distinguish between acts of self-harm that were attempts at ending life, and those that occurred for other reasons. It is not possible, therefore, for the Prison Service to determine from the general figures recording incidents of self-harm those acts that could be described as attempts at suicide. The figure above therefore includes all acts of self-harm, however serious.

  Women prisoners are to benefit from a specifically targeted and separate suicide prevention and self-harm management strategy being developed for them. This builds upon a number of interventions including: individual crisis counselling for women prisoners who self-harm; the continued development and evaluation of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, which is currently being trialled at Durham, Bullwood Hall and Holloway prisons; investment and planning to ensure progress on the detoxification strategy in women's prisons; and the introduction of a new training pack for all staff working with women in custody, which includes a module on the health and well-being of women prisoners. £1 million from the Department of Health has been allocated to women's prisons to be spent on the recruitment of psychiatric nurses.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many female inmates have committed suicide in England and Wales(a) broken down by prison and (b) in total in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [177508]

  (2) how many female suicides in prisons were (a) remand prisoners, (b) had a substance abuse problem prior to entering jail and (c) had been moved from another prison within the previous three months in each of the past three years; [177565]

  (3) how many suicides there were in each women's prison in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement. [177568]

  Paul Goggins
  The following table shows the number of self-inflicted deaths involving women prisoners in each year since 1997, the establishments in which the deaths occurred, the number of women who were on remand when they died, and the number of women who had moved from another prison in the three months before their deaths.
  877W

  Number of self-inflicted deaths per calendar year

  Establishment

  1997

  1998

  1999

  2000

  2001

  2002

  2003

  20041

  Askham Grange

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Brockhill

  —

  1

  1

  2

  1

  —

  1

  1

  Buckley Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Bullwood Hall

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Cookham Wood

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Downview

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Drake Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Durham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  3

  1

  East Sutton Park

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Eastwood Park

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  1

  1

  —

  Edmunds Hill

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Foston Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Highpoint

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Holloway

  —

  1

  2

  1

  1

  1

  —

  2

  Low Newton

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Morton Hall

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  New Hall

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  2

  3

  1

  Risley

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Send

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Styal

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  2

  4

  —

  Winchester

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  PECS2 Area 3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  PECS Area 6

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Annual Total

  3

  3

  5

  8

  6

  9

  14

  9

  Remand Total3

  —

  1

  3

  3

  4

  5

  —

  1

  Moved from another prison in previous three months4

  —

  1

  2

  —

  —

  1

  4

  3

  1 To 1 June.

  2 Prison Escort and Custody Services. Deaths in PECS custody include those that occur in courts, or during transfer from police custody to court or prison, to or from court, or between prisons.

  3 Annual total includes all remand, convicted/ unsentenced, sentenced and judgment respited categories. The remand total is for those who died while on remand only.

  4 Three months has been defined as 92 days. The definition does not rule out prisoners who may have spent time in their final prison on an earlier occasion.

  It is not possible to determine how many of the women who died had a substance misuse issue prior to entering prison, as such data are not collated centrally.

  The number of self-inflicted deaths among women prisoners is recognised as a very serious concern by the Prison Service and Ministers. Women prisoners are to benefit from a specifically targeted and separate suicide prevention and self-harm management strategy being developed for them. This builds upon a number of interventions including: individual crisis counselling for women prisoners who self-harm; the continued development and evaluation of dialectical behaviour therapy, which is currently being trialled at Durham, Bullwood Hall and Holloway prisons; investment and planning to ensure progress on the detoxification strategy in women's prisons; and the introduction of a new training pack for all staff working with women in custody, which includes a module on the health and well-being of women prisoners. £1 million from the Department of Health has been allocated to women's prisons to be spent on the recruitment of psychiatric nurses.

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons there were housing women prisoners in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [177509]

  Paul Goggins
  The number of prisons in England and Wales with female units at any time during the year, in each year since 1997, is given in the table.
  878W

  Prisons with female units England and Wales

  Number

  1997

  16

  1998

  17

  1999

  17

  2000

  16

  2001

  18

  2002

  19

  2003

  19

  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of transferring female prisoners between jails; and if he will make a statement; [177566]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact on the mental health of women prisoners of the distance of the prison from their families. [177567]

  Paul Goggins
  There is no specific research on the effects of transferring women between prisons nor on the mental health effects of being located far from home. But we do know from other data that being close to family and friends is particularly important for female prisoners and moving between prisons is bound to he disruptive to any prisoner.

  The Prison Service has recently started research with Oxford University Public Health Department on the effects of imprisonment on women's health. The effects of women's locations in relation to their families and the effects of transfers between prisons are expected to be examined as part of that work. It is hoped that the preliminary results will be available by the end of 2005.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Cattle Diseases
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average length of time was that cattle remained on farms before being collected following a positive test for(a) brucellosis and (b) tuberculosis in 2003. [R] [178388]

  Mr. Pearson
  The information is as follows:

  (a) In 2003, the average length of time that elapsed between a positive brucellosis test and slaughter of the reactor animal was 14 working days.

  (b) In 2003, the average length of time that elapsed between a positive tuberculosis test and slaughter of the reactor animal was 21 working days.

  GCSEs
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average point score of GCSE pupils in Northern Ireland was in each of the past five years. [177666]

  Mr. Gardiner
  The average point scores for GCSE pupils in Northern Ireland over the last five years are as follows:

  Academic year

  Average point score

  1997–98

  35.1

  1998–99

  36.3

  1999–2000

  36.9

  Percentage

  Social class

  I Professional

  II Intermediate

  III Skilled Non-manual

  III M Manual Skilled

  IV Partly Skilled

  V Unskilled

  1995–96

  8

  41

  15

  24

  8

  4

  1996–97

  8

  40

  16

  25

  8

  3

  1997–98

  8

  42

  17

  22

  8

  3

  1998–99

  7

  42

  17

  24

  8

  3

  1999–2000

  8

  41

  17

  23

  8

  3

  2000–01

  9

  40

  18

  23

  8

  3

  2001–02

  8

  41

  18

  23

  8

  3

  Notes:

  1. Individual figures have been rounded which means that the sum of percentages in each row may not total 100.

  2. The last year for which data on social class is available is 2001–02. From 2002–03, UCAS provide a Socio-Economic Classification (SEC) of students which is not directly comparable with the social class information.

  Source:

  UCAS

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what Government spending on student support in Northern Ireland has been as a proportion of gross domestic product in the last 10 years. [178243]

  Mr. Gardiner
  Student support information on the basis of Resource Allocation Budgets in Northern Ireland is only available in the Department for Employment and Learning from the 2001–02 financial year. Estimates of Gross Value Added (GVA), previously known as gross domestic product, are not yet available for Northern Ireland beyond 2001–02. Currently, therefore, the only year for which the
  880W

  Academic year

  Average point score

  2000–01

  36.9

  2001–02

  37.7

  2002–03

  37.9

  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether vocational GCSE grades are included when calculating the average point scores of pupils in Northern Ireland. [177668]

  Mr. Gardiner
  Vocational GCSE's were introduced in September 2002. The first awards are expected at the end of the 2003–04 academic year. From this point they will be included in the calculation of average point scores of pupils in Northern Ireland.

  Higher Education
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of young entrants to higher education in Northern Ireland were from social classes(a) iii, (b) iv and (c) v since 1995–96. [178241]

  Mr. Gardiner
  The Department for Employment and Learning does not hold information on social class of all students at Northern Ireland higher education institutions. However, data are available for Northern Ireland domiciled entrants to higher education in Northern Ireland who applied using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

  Information for NI domiciled accepted applicants to degree courses at NIHE institutions through UCAS by social class from 1995–96 to 2001–02 is as follows.

  information can be calculated is 2001–02. For that year, Government spending on student support was £59,263,000 or 0.29 per cent. of GVA.

  Hotels
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the hotel occupancy rates were in Northern Ireland in each(a) year and (b) month in the last 20 years. [178842]

  Mr. Gardiner
  The table provided by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board gives the breakdown of annual and monthly percentage room and bedspace occupancy levels for Northern Ireland.
  881W

  Hotel occupancy1

  Percentage rate

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  June

  2004

  Room

  46

  56

  56

  —

  —

  —

  Bedspace

  28

  37

  35

  —

  —

  —

  2003

  Room

  40

  51

  52

  55

  60

  66

  Bedspace

  24

  32

  32

  36

  39

  41

  2002

  Room

  41

  53

  51

  53

  62

  63

  Bedspace

  23

  31

  32

  34

  38

  41

  2001

  Room

  41

  50

  49

  49

  58

  66

  Bedspace

  22

  29

  29

  31

  35

  40

  2000

  Room

  39

  46

  50

  58

  62

  63

  Bedspace

  22

  28

  29

  38

  38

  39

  1999

  Room

  40

  47

  47

  51

  58

  63

  Bedspace

  23

  28

  30

  33

  36

  41

  1998

  Room

  43

  53

  50

  53

  59

  64

  Bedspace

  24

  31

  28

  32

  34

  39

  1997

  Room

  39

  51

  51

  52

  53

  59

  Bedspace

  22

  31

  33

  32

  34

  37

  1996

  Room

  44

  55

  56

  58

  66

  67

  Bedspace

  25

  32

  34

  36

  42

  44

  1995

  Room

  46

  55

  62

  60

  67

  72

  Bedspace

  27

  33

  39

  42

  44

  48

  1994

  Room

  36

  48

  50

  49

  54

  57

  Bedspace

  21

  27

  28

  31

  34

  35

  1993

  Room

  37

  51

  49

  48

  53

  62

  Bedspace

  23

  31

  31

  32

  37

  40

  1992

  Room

  34

  46

  46

  46

  51

  54

  Bedspace

  21

  29

  28

  32

  35

  36

  1991

  Room

  37

  42

  44

  48

  56

  57

  Bedspace

  22

  27

  30

  32

  38

  37

  1990

  Room

  33

  45

  53

  49

  59

  62

  Bedspace

  21

  28

  34

  33

  40

  40

  1989

  Room

  37

  47

  49

  53

  56

  55

  Bedspace

  23

  31

  32

  34

  36

  37

  1988

  Room

  35

  44

  46

  46

  45

  52

  Bedspace

  22

  26

  29

  31

  32

  33

  1987

  Room

  33

  49

  46

  49

  51

  52

  Bedspace

  21

  30

  29

  33

  35

  35

  1986

  Room

  31

  42

  41

  42

  47

  50

  Bedspace

  19

  25

  26

  27

  31

  33

  1985

  Room

  37

  42

  45

  49

  51

  51

  Bedspace

  24

  27

  27

  34

  36

  35

  1984

  Room

  30

  41

  42

  44

  49

  51

  Bedspace

  19

  27

  28

  31

  35

  35

  1983

  Room

  29

  34

  42

  41

  42

  45

  Bedspace

  19

  21

  28

  29

  30

  32

  1982

  Room

  25

  30

  35

  32

  38

  37

  Bedspace

  16

  19

  22

  22

  26

  25

  1981

  Room

  30

  37

  38

  33

  34

  34

  Bedspace

  19

  23

  24

  23

  22

  22

  882W 883W

  Hotel occupancy1

  Percentage rate

  January

  February

  March

  April

  May

  June

  1980

  Room

  32

  33

  34

  35

  36

  41

  Bedspace

  19

  21

  23

  23

  24

  27

  July

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  Year average

  2004

  Room

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Bedspace

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2003

  Room

  56

  66

  68

  61

  56

  46

  56

  Bedspace

  40

  49

  43

  39

  34

  30

  37

  2002

  Room

  54

  60

  61

  56

  50

  39

  53

  Bedspace

  38

  42

  38

  35

  31

  25

  34

  2001

  Room

  51

  62

  62

  55

  53

  41

  53

  Bedspace

  35

  44

  38

  34

  31

  27

  33

  2000

  Room

  52

  59

  62

  55

  50

  43

  53

  Bedspace

  36

  40

  38

  33

  28

  26

  33

  1999

  Room

  54

  59

  66

  59

  54

  41

  53

  Bedspace

  37

  41

  41

  38

  31

  25

  34

  1998

  Room

  51

  60

  61

  53

  51

  38

  53

  Bedspace

  34

  41

  36

  33

  29

  24

  32

  1997

  Room

  45

  59

  66

  62

  56

  45

  53

  Bedspace

  30

  41

  41

  37

  32

  27

  33

  1996

  Room

  52

  60

  62

  56

  57

  41

  56

  Bedspace

  36

  43

  39

  34

  33

  26

  35

  1995

  Room

  61

  70

  75

  65

  65

  45

  62

  Bedspace

  45

  53

  49

  41

  38

  28

  41

  1994

  Room

  44

  54

  60

  55

  55

  44

  51

  Bedspace

  31

  38

  38

  33

  33

  28

  31

  1993

  Room

  47

  52

  55

  50

  43

  32

  48

  Bedspace

  35

  39

  37

  32

  25

  21

  32

  1992

  Room

  49

  56

  56

  49

  43

  34

  47

  Bedspace

  36

  43

  37

  33

  28

  22

  32

  1991

  Room

  55

  59

  59

  50

  47

  33

  49

  Bedspace

  40

  46

  40

  33

  30

  22

  33

  1990

  Room

  50

  58

  62

  53

  46

  34

  50

  Bedspace

  37

  43

  42

  35

  29

  23

  34

  1989

  Room

  50

  56

  59

  51

  53

  34

  50

  Bedspace

  36

  40

  41

  35

  33

  23

  33

  1988

  Room

  47

  48

  53

  46

  47

  32

  45

  Bedspace

  35

  35

  33

  30

  28

  23

  30

  1987

  Room

  46

  54

  58

  53

  45

  32

  47

  Bedspace

  35

  39

  39

  34

  28

  21

  32

  1986

  Room

  44

  53

  51

  48

  41

  30

  43

  Bedspace

  32

  40

  34

  30

  25

  20

  29

  1985

  Room

  51

  54

  48

  50

  42

  28

  46

  Bedspace

  37

  41

  37

  38

  28

  19

  32

  1984

  Room

  44

  54

  52

  49

  43

  34

  44

  Bedspace

  35

  43

  38

  32

  28

  24

  31

  884W 885W

  July

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  Year average

  1983

  Room

  41

  47

  44

  40

  40

  31

  40

  Bedspace

  31

  36

  32

  28

  27

  22

  28

  1982

  Room

  33

  40

  40

  39

  32

  28

  34

  Bedspace

  25

  31

  26

  25

  20

  19

  23

  1981

  Room

  33

  31

  36

  38

  31

  26

  33

  Bedspace

  22

  26

  25

  20

  17

  15

  22

  1980

  Room

  36

  40

  43

  35

  34

  25

  35

  Bedspace

  25

  28

  24

  22

  24

  17

  23

  1 A new survey methodology was introduced in 1997 therefore caution should be taken when comparing pre-1997 results with post-1997 results.

  Hunting Bill
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about the extension of the Hunting Bill to Northern Ireland. [175638]

  Mr. Pearson
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Rural Affairs referred to the issue of the introduction of a Hunting Bill with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland during an informal conversation in late 2002. There have been no other discussions with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  Lyric Theatre, Belfast
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance the Government is providing for the redevelopment of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. [178476]

  Angela Smith
  No decision has yet been taken on whether the Government will provide financialassistance for the redevelopment of the Lyric Theatre. This will depend on the strength of the business case and the availability of funding to meet the capital costs. My Department is currently working with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and The Lyric Theatre to develop a robust and up-to-date business case for support from public sector funds.

  Music Teaching
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what risk assessment was carried out when deciding upon a maximum class size of 20 for music classes; by whom this risk assessment was carried out; and what evidence there is to support the limiting of class sizes to 20 pupils. [178539]

  Mr. Gardiner
  The maximum class size of 20 for pupils in practical music classes was initially included in the Department's 2001 Circular on Class Sizes in Practical Subjects. More recently the Department reassessed the position by consulting with various educational specialists/organisations including the Department's Education and Training Inspectorate, representatives of heads of post-primary schools, school authorities and teacher unions.
  886W
  The professional view emerging from this consultation again confirmed that in general, health and safety hazards are such that adequate and safe supervision of pupils is not possible if more than 20 pupils are present in a class and involved in practical activities. This limit only applies to music classes involving the practical use of musical instruments. Also, the limit does not apply to choirs or orchestras, which are not classified as classes for the purposes of the Department's circular.

  Should issues arise for specific schools with regard to meeting the maximum class size requirement of 20 pupils for music, schools can seek advice from the Department on an appropriate way forward.

  National Stadium
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the outcome was of the recent feasibility study into a National Stadium for Northern Ireland; whether a potential developer has been identified; and if he will make a statement. [178519]

  Angela Smith
  I made an announcement on 24 May 2004 on the outcome of the recent business plan exercise in relation to the concept of a Northern Ireland multi-sports stadium. This was to the effect that such a venture could be operationally viable provided the sports of Soccer, Rugby and Gaelic Games were engaged. No potential developer has been identified as it would be premature to seek to do so prior to the completion of a proper examination of site options and a formal commitment from the three sports concerned to a multi-sports stadium. I have arranged for a copy of my statement on this matter to be sent to the hon. Lady. A copy will also be placed in the Library

  Northern Ireland Assembly
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the sums paid to Assembly Members in(a) salaries and (b) office and staff allowances since the Northern Ireland Assembly elections in November 2003. [176958]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Following my determination under Section 47 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 in respect of Members' salaries and allowances effective from 5 December 2003, a total of £1.377 million has been paid in respect of Members' salaries with a farther £1.518 million paid in respect of office costs and other
  887W
  allowances, including Members' travel and subsistence. These figures include payments made up to 31 March 2004.

  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the costs of the Northern Ireland Assembly since its suspension in October 2002. [176970]

  Mr. Paul Murphy
  Since its suspension on 14 October 2002, the cost associated with maintaining the Assembly up to 31 March 2004 is £36.6 million. This figure comprises costs relating to Members and parties of £15.4 million; property, accommodation and business services £7.5 million; and salaries of the Assembly Secretariat of £13.7 million. An element of this latter figure is attributable to Assembly staff who have been working on non Assembly projects within the wider public sector in Northern Ireland since June 2003.

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Gregory Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the Department for Health in Northern Ireland to tackle osteoporosis in females. [178610]

  Mr. Pearson
  The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is promoting action to prevent osteoporosis through a range of strategies and action plans designed to encourage regular exercise, a balanced diet, smoking prevention/cessation, home accident prevention and a responsible approach to alcohol consumption.

  In addition to lifestyle changes, there are a number of interventions, including medicines, used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. The choice of intervention is a matter for clinical judgment, having taken account of the evidence of effectiveness, clinical circumstances and the views expressed by the individual patient.

  Policing Board for Northern Ireland
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the outcome was of the recruitment competitions for the post of Communications Director for the Policing Board for Northern Ireland commenced in(a) July 2003 and (b) January 2004. [177671]

  Mr. Pearson
  I am advised by the Policing Board that there was no appointment made from the July 2003 Communications Director competition because none of the candidates interviewed were deemed suitable for the post. Therefore the post was re-advertised in January 2004. An offer has been made to a candidate and the Policing Board is awaiting a formal acceptance.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what account the Policing Board for Northern Ireland has taken of the Fair Employment Tribunal decision in the case of Willis v. Police Authority for Northern Ireland and others with regard to (a) the necessity of short-listing, (b) interview panels' notes to record assessments of candidates and decisions in relation to the short-listing and interviewing process and (c) the requirement to retain all application forms and related documents for 12 months; [177672]
  888W
  (2) for what reason the panel of the Policing Board for Northern Ireland decided not to record their individual assessments and selections in short-listing applicants for the post of Communications Director in July 2003; [177673]

  (3) for what reason the Policing Board for Northern Ireland decided not to retain documentation relating to the recruitment competition for the post of Communications Director commenced in July 2003. [177674]

  Mr. Pearson
  I have been advised by the Policing Board that these are issues that have been raised in an application to the Fair Employment Tribunal in Northern Ireland by a candidate who was an unsuccessful applicant for the July 2003 competition for the post of Communications Director. As there are ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Dodds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a code of conduct has been published in respect of members of the Implementation Body on Language. [176891]

  Angela Smith
  The North South Ministerial Council at a meeting on 14 June 2002 approved the code of conduct for Board members of the North South Language Body. The code of conduct has not been published.

  Salmon
  David Burnside
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made regarding the buy-out of salmon nets in Northern Ireland's river estuaries. [178622]

  Angela Smith
  The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has spent just over £1.1 million on the buy-out of 27 owners of commercial salmon nets with the potential to operate 49 commercial salmon nets in the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) area. This represents an 87.5 per cent. reduction in the potential number of commercial nets available to fish in the FCB area. The 10-year average number of salmon taken by these nets was 9,800 out of a 10-year average declared commercial catch of between 10,000–11,000 salmon.

  Smoking
  Lady Hermon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) discussions he has had with and (b) advice he has received from the Chief Medical Officer in relation to the possible introduction of a ban on smoking in public places in Northern Ireland. [178702]

  Mr. Pearson
  The Chief Medical Officer and I have had a number of wide-ranging discussions about tobacco control, including a possible ban on smoking in public places in Northern Ireland. We agreed that it was important for us to contribute to the wider UK debate on possible smoking prohibitions/restrictions by assessing the level of public support here. We also agreed that officials should consider the implications of a ban, including those relating to enforcement.
  889W
  As Dr. Campbell made clear in her recent interview with the Belfast Telegraph, while she favours a ban, this would not, of itself, address the appalling toll of premature death and avoidable illness caused by smoking. The ongoing inter-agency work to implement the Tobacco Action Plan is of paramount importance in pursuing our long-term aim of a tobacco-free society.

  Students (Appeals)
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on future arrangements for students to appeal against decisions made by further education colleges, which are currently dealt with by the Education Department. [177738]

  Mr. Gardiner
  Colleges have formal procedures for dealing with complaints that involve the Principal, the Board of Governors and ultimately referral to the Department for Employment and Learning. The Department has the power to give direction to remedy the complaint. These arrangements, however, are being reviewed in partnership with the Association of Northern Ireland Colleges, the Trade Unions and the Department.

  Variable Fees
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the advice provided by the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council to him on the proposal to introduce variable fees in Northern Ireland. [177737]

  Mr. Gardiner
  The Northern Ireland Higher Education Council (NIHEC) is art advisory body to the Department for Employment and Learning on higher education matters.

  The Council has provided advice on a number of key issues including the implications for Northern Ireland of proposals to increase funding of higher education through the introduction of variable deferred fees.

  NIHEC advice is provided to the Department on a confidential basis.

  Vehicle Tax
  Mr. Donaldson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to assist motorists and hauliers whose MOT and PSV tests have been postponed as a result of industrial action by civil servants and who are unable to tax their vehicles. [178856]

  Angela Smith
  The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA), which is responsible for vehicle testing, has taken a range of measures to alleviate the impact of industrial action. These include contacting customers directly affected and, where possible, offering alternative appointments; maximising the use of the capacity available at other test centres; redeploying staff from non-urgent duties; and cancelling non-essential training.

  DVTA has also introduced temporary exemption certificates for goods vehicles, to mitigate the difficulties for the commercial sector. A temporary exemption certificate allows a vehicle to be used on the road without a goods vehicle test certificate for up to three
  890W
  months from the date of issue. It does not alter the responsibility of the owner or operator to maintain the vehicle in a roadworthy condition. The use of temporary exemption certificates has freed up capacity for the testing of vehicles in priority categories such as ambulances and public service vehicles.

  DVTA has also been keeping in contact with the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) regarding the implications for motorists. The law is very clear: technically it is an offence to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate, and it is an offence to use or keep an unlicensed vehicle on a public road. However, PSNI and DVLNI are aware of the difficulties and have advised that for the moment each case will be considered on its merits. They have also indicated that all relevant circumstances will be taken into account before anyone is prosecuted. The agency has also been in touch with the Association of British Insurers, who have indicated that in most cases motorists affected by industrial action will continue to be covered by their insurance policies. However, they have also advised those affected to check the detail of their policies and also to make direct contact with their insurers.

  Longer term measures under active consideration include temporary exemption certificates for cars and making alternative arrangements for vehicle testing.

  Young Offenders
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) boys and (b) girls up to the age of 16 years are detained in young offenders' institutes in Northern Ireland. [178684]

  Mr. Pearson
  At present there are two boys aged 16-years-old detained at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre in Northern Ireland. There are currently no females up to the age of 16 detained in young offenders institutions in Northern Ireland.

HEALTH

  Carers
  Helen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of carers of working age who gave up jobs to care for a sick or disabled relative in each of the last five years. [178199]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The Government have made no estimate of the number of carers of working age who have given up work to provide care.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in(a) the UK and (b) Scotland are carers; and what the estimated cost of paid carers being substituted for the care they provide would be. [178596]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The number of people providing unpaid care in England as recorded in the 2001 Census
  891W
  is 4.9 million. The Government have made no estimate of the cost of paid carers being substituted for the care they provide.

  Matters relating to Scotland and Wales are matters for the devolved administration. While the institutions in Northern Ireland are dissolved, responsibility rests with the Northern Ireland Office.

  Mr. Tynan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of carers in(a) the UK and (b) Scotland have access to respite care. [178599]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The information on the proportion of carers in England that have access to short breaks is not held centrally. Local authority data showed that the 2002–03 Carers' Grant provided 2,140,632 breaks for 143,231 carers, with 31,082 carers benefiting from the services provided directly to them.

  Matters relating to Scotland and Wales are matters for the Devolved Administration. While the institutions in Northern Ireland are dissolved, responsibility rests with the Northern Ireland Office.

  Fast Food Outlets
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made of the capacity of local authority environmental health departments to police adequately fast food restaurants and other food outlets; and if he will make a statement. [178256]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  There has been no recent assessment of the capacity of local authority environmental health departments to police fast food restaurants and other food outlets. Local authorities receive funding through the Revenue Support Grant, to enable them to undertake inspections to the full range of food premises. It is for each local authority to decide specific resource allocations to ensure that it has the capacity to undertake this work.

  The Food Standards Agency monitors and audits the food law enforcement work of local authorities. This enables assessments to be made of individual local authority food law enforcement systems and activities, including whether food businesses are inspected in accordance with risk as required under statutory codes of practice.

  Alzheimer's Disease
  Mr. Laurence Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of(a) nursing and (b) personal care for people with Alzheimer's disease, with particular reference to funding. [176768]

  Dr. Ladyman
  [holding answer 7 June 2004]: Everyone, including those with Alzheimer's, should receive care based on an assessment of their long term care needs. Where they have a primary need for health care, all their care will be provided and funded by the
  892W
  national health service. Where they have a need for care from a registered nurse this will also be funded by the NHS. Where the assessment shows that their care needs do not currently meet the criteria for fully funded NHS care or care from a registered nurse, personal care can be provided by social services on a means tested basis.

  Autistic Spectrum Disorder
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the appropriate qualifications and experience required of psychiatrists treating(a) in-patients and (b) out-patients who have an autistic spectrum disorder. [178955]

  Dr. Ladyman
  None. This is a professional matter. It is the responsibility of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of the number of people with Asperger's syndrome who are misdiagnosed as schizophrenic. [178957]

  Dr. Ladyman
  None. Where people have Asperger's syndrome or any other form of autistic spectrum disorder, it is important to distinguish behaviours due to their autism from any that might be attributable to a mental health problem in order to ensure that anti-psychotic drugs are prescribed only where they are appropriate.

  Clinical Waste (Incineration)
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals in the Greater London area are able to incinerate their own clinical waste. [177823]

  Mr. Hutton
  The disposal of clinical waste can only be undertaken at facilities licensed by the Environment Agency. There are no national health service trusts in greater London area that are licensed to operate such facilities and each therefore contracts with the private sector to dispose of this waste.

  Coldeast Hospital Site, Fareham
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the status is of the housing development for which planning permission has been granted to a private sector developer on the Coldeast Hospital Site, Fareham.[176695]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 7 June 2004]: The ownership of the Coldeast Hospital site is split between the Secretary of State for Health, Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Hampshire Partnership National Health Service Trust.

  Reserved matters planning consent has recently been granted for a total of 253 housing units on those parts of the site owned by the Secretary of State for Health and Fareham and Gosport PCT. The planning consent was not granted to a private sector developer.

  As part of a larger portfolio, an agreement in principle has been reached to transfer the land in the

  893W
  ownership of the Secretary of State for Health to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Discussions are continuing on the details of the transfer of the portfolio but once it takes place it will be for ODPM to move forward with the redevelopment of this part of the site.

  Fareham and Gosport PCT is firming up its plans for the health service needs of both Fareham and Gosport residents, and the health campus on the Coldeast site is a key part of those plans.

  Complementary and Alternative Medicine Council
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated cost of registration with the new Complementary and Alternative Medicine Council will be. [175937]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 27 May 2004]: On 2 March the Department published proposals for the statutory regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture practitioners. The consultation period closed on 7 June. I am aware that the cost of statutory regulation is of interest to practitioners and I will carefully consider the comments about costs made in response to the consultation exercise. At this stage we are unable to provide a more accurate estimate of cost than that set out in paragraph 25 of the Department's consultation document, "Regulation of herbal medicine and acupuncture".

  Contaminated Blood Products
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many compensation payments have been made, and of what total value, to sufferers of hepatitis C as a result of infection by NHS supplied contaminated blood products. [176223]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The National Blood Authority has made payments of £2,608,075 in respect of 107 cases. These payments have been made following Mr. Justice Burton's judgment of 26 March 2001 under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 in respect of patients infected with hepatitis C through blood transfusions between March 1988 and September 1991.

  The NHS Litigation Authority has made payments of £727,027 in respect of 14 cases brought against national health service trusts and health authorities.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2004.Official Report, column 797W, on dentistry, if he will place a copy of the full report, or of its recommendations and conclusions, in the Library. [177806]

  Ms Rosie Winterton
  We plan to publish the report shortly.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are registered with NHS dentists in Shrewsbury and Atcham. [177681]
  894W
  Dr. Ladyman
  The number of people registered with a national health service dentist as at 31 March 2004 in the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust area, which covers the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency, is shown in the table.

  Registrations

  Numbers registered at 31 March 2004

  Adults

  69,550

  Children

  38,991

  Total

  108,541

  Disability Equipment
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many items of disability equipment issued by the NHS or social services went missing in the last year for which figures are available. [178349]

  Dr. Ladyman
  This information is not collected centrally. However, as part of the integration and modernisation of community equipment services over the past three years, services have been encouraged to improve systems for tracking equipment issued so that it can be recovered when economical to do so, with a view to decontamination and re-issue.

  In addition, the national health service counter fraud and security management service (CFSMS) has set out in its strategy document, "A professional approach to managing security in the NHS", that the security of property and assets is one of its four priority areas. Currently, the CFSMS is working with the Home Office on a Treasury-funded safer hospitals project to look at how technology can be used to better protect staff, professionals and property.

  Dr. Jonathan Lampard
  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was paid by the NHS to Dr. Jonathan Lampard to set up his NHS dentistry service. [177679]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Jonathan Lampard received a grant of £45,000 to help establish his new practice in Shrewsbury in 1998.

  The grant was provided under the Investing in Dentistry scheme through Section 56 of the National Health Service Act 1977 and approved by the Secretary of State. The conditions agreed by Mr. Lampard included the registration of at least 2,000 patients within one year of opening the practice, the addition of 200 patients during the second year and maintaining that level for a further year. The agreement remained valid for a period of three years from the date of the first registrations (26 March 1998) after which time Mr. Lampard was free of all commitment to the NHS under the agreement.

  Mr. Paul Marsden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how NHS terms and conditions allowed Dr. Jonathan Lampard, a dentist in Shrewsbury, to leave the NHS. [177680]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Under current arrangements, dentists working in the general dental services (GDS) are self employed independent contractors providing dental services. Dentists can practice wherever they like. There
  895W
  are no restrictions and, provided they meet the conditions of suitability, they have an automatic right to provide GDS. They can accept as many or as few national health service patients as they wish and can alter that commitment at will without reference to the primary care trust (PCT). If a dentist working in the GDS wishes to terminate a patient's NHS registration, he/she must give three months notice of his/her intention to the patient. Dentists can quite legally accept only certain categories of patients, for example, children and exempt adults. There is no requirement to give any notice to the PCT about changes in practice acceptance arrangements or of termination of registrations.

  Under proposals in the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003, PCTs will be given new responsibility to secure dental services and will be able to provide assistance and support to dental practices with which they contract. With this responsibility will go the resources, totalling some £1.4 billion for 2004–05, held centrally for dentistry to support them in delivering their new duties on dentistry.

  The shadow special health authority we set up last August for dentistry is aiming to issue in July indicative contract values to dentists and PCTs to enable them to begin discussions about contracts under the new arrangements. PCTs will be able to agree an increase in a dentist's contract value in return for increased commitment.

  E-administration
  Mrs. Iris Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when(a) electronic transmission of prescriptions and (b) e-booking will commence within the health service. [176864]

  Mr. Hutton
  The electronic transmission of prescriptions in England is scheduled to be implemented from the beginning of 2005. E-booking is being introduced from summer 2004, initially at a small number of sites, but will then be rolled out across the national health service in England with the aim of full coverage by the end of 2005.

  Elderly Care Services
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to reassess performance indicators for services for older people. [175921]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The independent Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection is responsible for developing a performance assessment system for use in the national health service, including health services for older people. They are considering how to develop the current performance assessment system for the future.

  The Commission for Social Care Inspection is responsible for devising criteria to be used for the basis of assessing the performance of local authority social services and awarding them a star rating, and for developing performance indicators as part of those criteria.

  Fertility Treatment
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the available 896W
  capacity in England to implement the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems; and if he will publish the full results of this assessment; [177215]

  (2) what account was taken of national health service capacity during the development of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems; and with whose advice; [177216]

  (3) what steps he is taking to ensure that there is adequate capacity available to the NHS to implement in full the National Institute for Clinical Excellence's clinical guideline on the assessment and treatment of people with fertility problems. [177217]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, such as those for fertility services, are based on assessments of clinical and cost-effectiveness rather than national health service capacity. We recognise, as does NICE, that the NHS cannot reasonably be expected to implement the fertility guideline overnight, but primary care trusts (PCTs) will need to consider the detail of the guideline and review their services. We have advised all PCTs to offer, by April 2005, a minimum of one cycle in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to those who meet the clinical criteria, and to give priority to couples with no children living with them. We expect the NHS, overall funding for which is increasing from £56 billion to over £90 billion between 2003–04 and 2007–08, to make progress to full implementation in the longer term, including progress towards the maximum of three cycles of IVF which the guideline recommends.

  Foundation Trusts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much is planned to be spent by the first wave NHS foundation trusts on new corporate governance arrangements, including elections and support for boards of governors; and if he will make a statement. [178251]

  Mr. Hutton
  The cost of the governance arrangements is a matter for each national health service foundation trust. These costs will not be entirely additional as they will replicate some current activity that trusts are already doing around informing the public, patients and staff about issues affecting each trust.

  Hospital Building Projects
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new NHS hospital building projects are under way in England and Wales. [177819]

  Mr. Hutton
  Currently in England there are 117 hospital schemes counting towards the NHS Plan target of 100 new hospital schemes by 2010. 107 will be built under the private finance initiative (PFI). Of the 107, 38 are now operational and a further 22 are under construction. Of the 10 publicly procured schemes, six are now operational and four are under construction.

  Since devolution to the National Assembly of Wales, no information is held centrally on the hospital building programme in Wales.
  897W
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) planned and (b) actual dates for each stage of new hospital projects approved by the Department were; when each scheme started on site; and when they reached financial close. [171590]

  Mr. Hutton
  The tables show planned and actual dates for the key stages of new hospital projects prioritised by the Department. All schemes are set

  Schemes which are operational

  Trust

  Approval of outline business case

  Publication of advert in Official Journal of EU

  Date of financial close

  Operational

  North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  January 1994

  January 1996

  November 1997

  April 2000

  Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust

  March 1995

  September 1995

  July 1997

  September 2000

  South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust

  September 1994

  January 1995

  December 1997

  October 2000

  Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust

  April 1995

  March 1995

  July 1998

  February 2001

  North Durham Health Care NHS Trust

  January 1994

  December 1994

  March 1998

  April 2001

  Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust

  December 1994

  July 1995

  July 1998

  April 2001

  South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust

  March 1994

  April 1995

  June 1998

  July 2001

  Norfolk and Norwich NHS Trust

  January 1995

  February 1995

  January 1998

  September 2001

  Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust

  January 1995

  June 1995

  March 1999

  March 2002

  Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust

  December 1995

  February 1995

  February 1999

  March 2002

  Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  June 1995

  July 1995

  March 1999

  March 2002

  South Durham Healthcare NHS Trust

  January 1994

  December 1994

  May 1999

  June 2002

  King's Healthcare NHS Trust

  July 1995

  September 1995

  December 1999

  October 2002

  Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust

  December 1993

  October 1999

  October 1999

  December 2002

  Leeds Community and Mental Health services Teaching NHS Trust

  January 1996

  October 1996

  March 2000

  December 2002

  Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  November 2002

  November 2002

  December 2000

  March 2003

  Bromley Healthcare NHS Trust

  March 1995

  September 1995

  November 1998

  March 2003

  Berkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  October 1997

  December 1998

  May 2001

  April 2003

  West Middlesex University Hospitals NHS Crust

  August 1999

  September 1998

  January 2001

  May 2003

  South Tees Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  October 1994

  March 1995

  August 1999

  August 2003

  St. George's Hospital NHS Trust

  June 1995

  March 1996

  March 2000

  September 203

  Schemes which have reached financial close with planned operational date.

  Trust

  Approval of outline business case

  Publication of advert in Official Journal of EU

  Date of financial close

  Planned operational

  Gloucestershire Royal NHS Trust

  April 1998

  April 2000

  May 2002

  November 2004

  Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust

  November 1996

  September 1998

  May 2001

  December 2004

  University College London Hospitals NHS trust

  March 1995

  October 1995

  July 2000

  April 2005

  East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

  May 2000

  May 2000

  July 2003

  July 2005

  North West London Hospitals NHS Trust

  December 2001

  May 2002

  November 2003

  September 2005

  Avon and Western Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust

  January 2002

  February 2002

  March 2004

  March 2006

  University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

  July 2000

  August 2000

  November 2002

  May 2006

  Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust

  March 2000

  August 2001

  January 2004

  November 2006

  Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust

  June 2001

  July 2001

  December 2003

  May 2007

  Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  June 2000

  June 2000

  September 2003

  May 2008

  Schemes yet to reach financial close. Operational dates yet to be finalized

  Trust

  Approval of outline business case

  Publication of advert in Official Journal of EU

  Planned financial close1.2

  Brighton Health Care NHS Trust

  February 2002

  July 2002

  2nd Quarter 2004

  Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust

  June 2002

  June 2002

  2nd Quarter 2004

  Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  December 2000

  Aug 2001

  3rd Quarter 2004

  Central Manchester Healthcare/Manchester Childrens Hospitals NHS Trust

  May 2000

  June 2001

  2nd Quarter 2004

  Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals/Newcastle City Health NHS Trusts

  June 2001

  July 2001

  4th Quarter 2004

  Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  September 2001

  October 2001

  2nd Quarter 2004

  Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust

  June 2002

  November 2002

  4th Quarter 2004

  Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust

  August 2002

  October 2002

  4th Quarter 2004

  North Staffordshire Hospital NHS Trusts

  August 2002

  August 2002

  4th Quarter 2004

  Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  November 2002

  December 2002

  4th Quarter 2004

  North Middlesex Hospitals NHS Trust

  August 2002

  December 2002

  4th Quarter 2004

  University Hospital Birmingham/South Birmingham Mental Health NHS Trusts

  March 2002

  April 2002

  1st Quarter 2005

  Pinderfield and Pontefract Hospitals/Wakefield and Pontefract Community NHS Trust

  November 2002

  November 2002

  1st Quarter 2005

  St. Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust

  November 2002

  November 2002

  1st Quarter 2005

  898W
  indicative timetables as part of good project management. Planned financial close dates are given for schemes yet to reach financial close and these are subject to change. They are regularly reviewed and adjusted accordingly; full records of these changes are not held centrally.

  Detailed information on new hospital projects that have not been prioritised by the Department (generally below £20 million) is not held centrally.
  899W

  Schemes yet to reach financial close. Operational dates yet to be finalized

  Trust

  Approval of outline business case

  Publication of advert in Official Journal of EU

  Planned financial close1.2

  Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust

  May 2003

  May 2003

  2nd Quarter 2005

  Barts and The London NHS Trust

  Feb 2002

  Feb 2002

  2nd Quarter 2005

  Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust

  March 2003

  May 2003

  2nd Quarter 2005

  Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust

  November 2003

  November 2003

  3rd Quarter 2005

  Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust

  November 2003

  November 2003

  3rd Quarter 2005

  Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust

  May 2003

  May 2003

  3rd Quarter 2005

  Peterborough Hospitals NHS Trust

  March 2003

  September 2003

  4th Quarter 2005

  University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

  November 2002

  December 2002

  4th Quarter 2005

  Notes:

  1 Full business case approval, financial close and start on site are, generally, co-terminous.

  2 By calendar year quarters.

  Schemes yet to publish an advert in Official Journal of EU.

  Whipps Cross University Hospital

  Walsall Hospitals/Walsall Community Health NHS Trusts

  Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust

  Barnet & Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust

  Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust

  South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

  Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells/lnvicta Community Care NHS Trusts

  Paddington Basin

  Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust

  United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust

  Schemes under review

  East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust

  Locum Staff
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the average cost of(a) a locum doctor and (b) an agency nurse for one day. [178478]

  Mr. Hutton
  This information is not held centrally. Although the Department collects data on overall expenditure on non-national health service staff by NHS trusts and primary care trusts, it does not collect separate information on the numbers of days worked by temporary staff, or on expenditure on agency staff.

  Drug Addiction
  Tom Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated number of drug addicts was at the latest date for which figures are available. [174497]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Jim Cunningham), on 10 June 2004,Official Report, columns 545–47W.

  National Blood Authority
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the 5,560 staff reported in the Department of Health Report 2004 as employed by the National Blood Authority are in administrative or managerial posts. [175689]
  900W
  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The National Blood Service (NBS) currently employs 5,378 (whole-time equivalent) staff. The approximate breakdown of staff within the NBS is as follows:34 per cent.—professionally qualified clinical staff;
  This includes all doctors, qualified nurses, qualified scientific and technical staff.
  55 per cent.—support to clinical staff;
  This includes staff working in direct support of clinical staff, often with direct donor care. These staff have a direct impact on the NBS' ability to supply blood and patient services to hospitals;
  approximately 10 per cent.—central functions such as human resources, finance and information technology, property and estates, and managers; and
  approximately one per cent.—senior managers with overall responsibility for budgets, manpower or assets, or accountable for a significant area of work.

  National Service Framework (Long-term Conditions)
  Mrs. Betty Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the National Service Framework for Long Term Conditions; and what input he has received from(a) the National Assembly for Wales and (b) other Welsh organisations in developing the framework for the benefit of those people in Wales who receive neurological services from centres in England. [178095]

  Dr. Ladyman
  The external reference group which we established to support development of the national service framework for long term conditions submitted its advice to the Department last month. We are committed to publishing the framework as soon as possible but we need to consider the economic and practical implications of the advice before publishing the framework and will therefore keep the publication and implementation timetable of the framework under review.

  The framework will focus on improving services for people with neurological conditions and addressing some of the common issues that can promote independence for people with other long term conditions. It will apply to services across England and the people that receive treatment, care and support at these services.

  Officials from the National Assembly for Wales were involved in the early scoping of the framework and there have been follow up bilateral discussions with departmental officials during its development.
  901W
  The National Assembly for Wales is also conducting a strategic review of neuroscience services in Wales, which will consider equity of service provision for people in Wales who are receiving services in England and those receiving services in Wales.

  NHS Continuing Care (Recompense)
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his answer of 10 May 2004,Official Report, column 157W, on continuing NHS care, how many people were granted recompense for being wrongly denied fully funded national health service continuing care; and what the aggregate cost of that recompense was. [177789]

  Dr. Ladyman
  Information on the number of people who were wrongly denied fully funded national health service continuing care and the overall cost of recompense will be published once the data has been validated.

  Obesity
  Mr. Flight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been(a) allocated and (b) spent for anti-obesity advertising in every year since 1997. [174157]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 19 May 2004]There has been no expenditure by the Department of Health specifically on anti-obesity advertising during this period.

  The Government lead a range of programmes aimed at improving nutrition and promoting physical activity that will help fight obesity. Spending on Department of Health-led programmes aimed at improving children's diets was £140.98 million in 2002–03, including the national school fruit scheme (with funding from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF)), food in schools (in conjunction with the Department for Education and Skills), welfare foods and support for breastfeeding; plus funding not specific to children of £9.83 million, including five-a-day community initiatives (from NOF), Food Standards Agency activities and grants to charities.

  Spending on Department of Health-led programmes to increase physical activity includes £1 billion by 2006 to transform physical education and school sport, £3 million over the next three year, to create a team of regional cycling co-ordinators, £10 million for Sporting Playgrounds programme, £32 million on improving, and creating new playing fields (from the Sports Lottery Fund), £115 million to expand the numbers of sports colleges, £108 million in innovative sport and exercise facilities (from Sport England and NOF), and £2.6 million for 10 local exercise action pilots (Sport England and the Countryside Agency)

  In addition, local nutrition and activity initiatives are funded through health action zones, sure start, healthy
  902W
  living centres and through general funding allocations to health authorities and primary care trusts, on which information is not collected centrally.

  Orthopaedics
  Mr. Burstow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the success rates of orthopaedic procedures undertaken by overseas surgeons on short-term contracts. [174474]

  Mr. Hutton
  All contracts for orthopaedic procedures, including those involving overseas surgeons, are subject to review including audit of clinical outcomes by the employing trusts. All contracts are subject to local clinical governance policies which will include the audit of surgical procedures. Information on clinical outcome will be held locally.

  Plutonium
  Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the studies on plutonium and teeth to which reference is made in the reply to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) of 4 November 2003,Official Report, columns 597–98; and whether further work has been funded by his Department on that matter since this date. [178722]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  The study referred to was published as a scientific paper entitled, "Variations in the Concentration of Plutonium, Strontium-90 and Total Alpha-emitters in Human Teeth Collected Within the British Isles", R. G. O'Donnell et al. Science of the Total Environment, 201 (1997) 235–243.

  The Department has not funded further studies specifically aimed at measurement of radioactivity in children's teeth. Since 1985, the Department has funded a programme of research in the field of radiological protection and the study by O'Donnell et al was funded from this programme.

  Registered Doctors
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made of the number of doctors(a) from the UK, (b) from the European Economic Area, (c) from overseas and (d) in total who have registered in the UK in the last year. [178263]

  Mr. Hutton
  The General Medical Council is the independent regulatory body responsible for registering doctors in the United Kingdom. Figures held by it are collated annually. The table shows the number of doctors whose primary medical qualification was obtained in the area specified.

  2003

  Number of doctors

  UK

  4,732

  European Economic Area

  2,129

  Overseas

  12,282

  Total

  19,143

  903W
  Dr. Murrison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors from overseas took the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board test in order to register to practise in the UK in the last 12 months. [178267]

  Mr. Hutton
  The General Medical Council is responsible for administering the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test for overseas doctors, and collates figures annually. The table shows the figures for 2003.

  PLAB 2003

  Part One

  Part Two

  Attempted

  12,513

  6,580

  Passed

  7,711

  5,207

  Percentage pass rate

  62

  79

  Serotonin
  Ann Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the drug manufacturers which have submitted studies to the comprehensive review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being undertaken by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulations Agency; and how many of the studies each manufacturer submitted are(a) published and (b) unpublished; [176934]

  (2) how many (a) published studies and (b) unpublished studies have been submitted by drug manufacturers to the comprehensive review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being undertaken by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulations Agency; [176935]

  (3) which (a) drugs and (b) drug manufacturers are the subject of the comprehensive review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being undertaken by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulations Agency; [176936]

  (4) when the comprehensive review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors being undertaken by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulations Agency will be published. [176940]

  Dr. Ladyman
  GlaxoSmithKline, Eli Lilly and Co Ltd., Solvay Healthcare Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Organon Laboratories Ltd., Lundbeck Ltd. and Pfizer Ltd. have submitted information to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for review by the committee on safety of medicines' expert working group on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

  The information submitted is in the form of study reports, analyses of studies and data from spontaneous reporting schemes. The following table provides the drug substance names and the number of placebo-controlled studies represented in the submissions on use in children and adolescents for each drug substance.

  Drug substance (product)

  Number of placebo-controlled studies submitted (paediatric use, any indication)

  Paroxetine (Seroxat)

  6

  Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  4

  Fluvoxamine (Faverin)

  2

  Venlafaxine (Efexor)

  4

  Mirtazapine (Zispin)

  2

  904W

  Drug substance (product)

  Number of placebo-controlled studies submitted (paediatric use, any indication)

  Citalopram (Cipramil)

  2

  Escitalopram (Cipralex)

  0

  Sertraline (Lustral)

  3

  The expert working group has completed its review of SSRIs in the treatment of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents and has published previously unpublished summaries of the trials on which its advice was based. The review of SSRIs in adults is on-going and further data are expected for most substances. To date the MHRA has received reports of 214 studies conducted in adult patients and 94 studies conducted in healthy volunteers involving paroxetine. It is not possible to identify from the data submitted which of the studies have been published in the scientific literature.

  The expert working group expects to publish its report later this year.

  Smoking Cessation
  Mr. Baron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the validity of the four-week follow-up in determining the success of smoking cessation programmes. [176102]

  Miss Melanie Johnson
  [holding answer 27 May 2004]We considered whether to monitor the success of clients using the national health service stop smoking services at longer intervals than four weeks, such as six months and one year, but decided that this would present practical difficulties for the stop smoking services, after a trial of monitoring at 52 weeks which produced high lost-to-follow up rates.

  We have research n place to evaluate how the services have performed in practice, the final results of which will be available later in the year. The preliminary findings of this work led the research team to estimate that around a quarter of those successfully quit after four weeks will still be abstinent after a year. These results are consistent with those of clinical trials used to guide the setting up of the services.

  Waiting Lists/Times
  Mr. Lansley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the(a) mean and (b) median waiting times for inpatients were in the NHS for each year from 1991 to 2003. [178886]

  Mr. Hutton
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The table shows estimates of the mean and median waiting times for inpatients from 1991 to 2003.

  Estimated average time patients on the list had been waiting for elective admission England: (commissioner based1

  Average waiting time in months

  March

  Mean

  Median

  1991

  7.57

  4.43

  1992

  5.12

  3.20

  1993

  4.53

  3.18

  1994

  4.60

  3.24

  1995

  4.04

  2.85

  1996

  3.67

  2.73

  905W

  Estimated average time patients on the list had been waiting for elective admission England: (commissioner based1

  Average waning time in months

  March

  Mean

  Median

  1997

  4.18

  3.05

  1998

  4.62

  3.43

  1999

  4.30

  2.97

  2000

  4.30

  2.97

  2001

  4.18

  2.90

  2002

  4.01

  2.92

  2003

  3.61

  2.75

  2004

  2.85

  2.35

  1 Commissioner based data is only avail Able from 1994, provider based data is used prior to that date.

  Source:

  Department of Health form KHO7

  Wheelchairs
  Tim Loughton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many wheelchairs have been issued through the NHS or social services departments in each of the last seven years. [178496]

  Dr. Ladyman
  These figures are not held centrally.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

  Access to State Education
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will set out the educational provision and access to state education within the UK for

  Eligibility for further education

  EU citizens

  Non-EU citizens with work permits

  Non-EU citizens with student visas

  Asylum seekers

  Young people

  Young people aged 16 to 19

  Eligible for public funding if: EU national and resident in EEA for three years or UK passport holder. Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate.

  Eligible for public funding if: resident in England for three years; or if accompanying parents with work permits. Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate.

  Ineligible for public funding. May access FE at overseas student tuition fee rates.

  Eligible for public funding if supported by NASS or similar, or in the care of local authority. Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate.

  Adults

  Adults eligible for public funding may be required to contribute to the costs of their learning. There is a fee assumption that adult adults will contribute 25 per cent. of the basic cost of the course. This fee contribution may be varied at the discretion of the college. Fees for adults on low incomes may be waived.

  Eligible for public funding if: EU national and resident in EEA for three years Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate

  Eligible for public funding if resident in England for three years. Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate.

  Ineligible for public funding. May access FE at overseas student tuition fee rates.

  Eligible for public funding if supported by NASS or similar. Otherwise, liable for tuition fees at overseas rate.

  FE Learner Support Funds

  All eligibility constraints on Learning Support Funding (LSF), for learners 16–18 who are undertaking state/ publicly funded courses have been removed. All learners enrolled on a LSC funded sixth form or FE course will have access to LSF including funding for transport, child care, residential and hardship.

  EU citizens aged 16–19 are eligible for FE Learner Support Funds if they have seen ordinarily resident in the UK for a three year period and have settled status in the UK. These students aged 19 plus are eligible for FE learner support funds if: (i) The student has been settled in the UK (i) The with no restriction on the period of stay) (ii) Elie student must have

  Non EU citizens with work permits are not eligible for FE Learning Support Funds.

  Non EU citizens with s are not eligible for FE Learning Support Funds.

  Asylum seekers aged between 16 and 19 are entitled to apply for help with essential course related expenses such as transport, equipment, books and materials. Those 19 plus with pending cases are not eligible for FE Learner Support Funds until ELE/ Exception Leave to Remain has been granted and provided they satisfy the three year residency

  906W
  (a) EU citizens, (b) non-EU citizens with work permits, (c) non-EU citizens with student visas and (d) asylum seekers pending determination of their cases. [177820]

  Alan Johnson
  For children, local education authorities have a legal duty to ensure that education is available to all those of compulsory school age (five to 16 years) within their area appropriate to age, abilities and aptitudes and any special education needs they may have, irrespective of the child's immigration status or rights of residence in a particular area.

  All groups specified can study within FE and HE institutions in the UK subject to available places and meeting admissions criteria.

  Eligibility for funded provision among these groups varies for FE and HE. In FE and HE, EU citizens who have been ordinarily resident in the European Economic Area (plus Switzerland) for three years before their course starts are eligible for home fee status. In FE, work permit holders who have been here for three years or more and asylum seekers who are in receipt of NASS benefits are eligible for home fees status, the other groups mentioned by the hon. Member are liable for tuition fees at the overseas rate. In HE, non-EU citizens with work permits or student visas and asylum seekers pending determination of their cases are not eligible for funded provision. However, people recognised as refugees by the UK Government are entitled to home fee status.

  Eligibility for FE Learner Support Funds and HE student support also vary. Further information setting out these variations in more detail is as follows.
  907W

  Eligibility for further education

  EU citizens

  Non-EU citizens with work permits

  Non-EU citizens with student visas

  Asylum seekers

  been ordinarily resident in England or Wales and settled in the UK for the three years before the beginning of the course (iii) No part of the residence must have been mainly or wholly for the purposes of receiving an education.

  requirement or refugee status has been granted.

  Eligibility for higher education

  EU nationals

  EU nationals who have been resident in the EEA (or Switzerland) for three years before their course starts are entitled to be assessed for tuition fees as "home" students. The "home" rate of fees for 2004/05 is £1,150.

  EU nationals are entitled to means tested help with their tuition fees but not entitled to a maintenance loan or any supplementary grants unless they are EEA migrant workers or have settled status in the UK and meet the three year residence requirement in the UK and Islands.

  Non-EU citizens with work permits or student visas

  Non-EU citizens with work permits or student visas are generally classified as "overseas" students and have to pay the full cost of their tuition.

  Non-EU citizens with work permits or student visas are not eligible for higher education student support.

  Asylum seekers

  Asylum seekers pending determination of their cases are treated as overseas students. Those Asylum Seekers and their dependants who have been granted Discretionary Leave or Humanitarian Protection from the Home Office as a result of an asylum application or are formally recognised as a refugee by the UK Government may be treated as "home" students.

  Asylum seekers and their dependants do not qualify for higher education student support.

  Adult Learning
  Sandra Gidley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with the Learning and Skills Council on its recent decision to withdraw funding from adult learning courses which are not vocational. [177570]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  I have discussed with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) its overall funding position for 2004–05. Adult learning funding through further education and our support for adult education services will continue to provide a wide range of learning from approved vocational qualifications to community based informal learning. As part of the normal annual planning cycle local LSCs discuss with learning providers the mix of provision that is required to meet the needs of local communities, learners and employers. Where there is a need for more vocational provision to meet the needs of learners and employers I would expect local LSCs and learning providers to re-direct resources to meet those priorities.
  908W
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what public funding has been spent on adult(a) literacy and (b) numeracy in Stoke-on-Trent North in each year since 1997. [177639]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The estimated total spend on "Skills For Life" (the Government's strategy for literacy, language and numeracy needs of all post-16 learners from pre-entry level up to and including level 2) and on Key Skills (essential skills of communication, application of number and information technology), from April 2001 to July 2003, in the Staffordshire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) area is set out in the following table.

  £000

  Basic skills

  Key skills

  April 2001 to July 20011

  2,341

  788

  August 2001 to July 2002

  3,123

  1,006

  August 2002 to July 2003

  4,899

  2,063

  1 The figures for April to July 2001 include costs incurred from August 2000 on learning aims continuing into April 2001.

  From the information available to the LSC it has not been feasible to obtain estimates at constituency level or separate figures by subject without incurring disproportionate cost. Likewise it has not been feasible to obtain comparable figures for periods before April 2001 when the Skills for Life strategy was launched and the LSC was formed, but information shows it was considerably less than at present.

  Adult Learning Inspectorate
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the full-time equivalent headcount of the Adult Learning Inspectorate was in each year since 1999–2000; and how much funding was allocated to it in each year. [178210]

  Alan Johnson
  The Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) became operational in April 2001 and has been building up to its full responsibilities since then. The information requested is provided in the following table.

  Operating year

  Full-time equivalent staff

  Funding (£ million)

  2001–02

  189.5

  17.1

  2002–03

  225.5

  24.5

  2003–04

  254

  127.6

  2004–05

  2272

  330.4

  1 Estimated.

  2 31 May 2004.

  3 Forecast.

  909W
  Notes:

  1. Funding for 2003–04 is the forecast of expenditure.

  2. Funding for 2004–05 is the latest planned expenditure.

  Source:

  ALI resource budget and expenditure figures.

  The expenditure figure for 2001–02 is an update to the amount reported in the recent Departmental Annual Report, which contained an error. Corrective action is being taken.

  Adult Skills Provision
  Brian Cotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to maintain adult skills provision at(a) Basic level, (b) Level 2 and (c) Level 3 in Weston-super-Mare. [176978]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  The Government outlined their commitment to improving adult skills in "21st Century Skills" published in July 2003 and has set challenging PSA targets for skills improvement in basic skills and at Level 2.

  The West of England Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding adult education and skills in Weston-super-Mare area through the local further education college and other work based training providers. The college has been performing well and plans for the creation of a new sixth form centre, alongside improvements to the main campus, have recently been approved by the LSC.

  South West capital allocations 2001–02 to 2003–04

  £000

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  LEA

  Total allocations

  of which: ringfenced1

  Total allocations

  of which: ringlenced1

  Total allocations

  of which: ringfenced1

  Bath and North East Somerset

  4,607

  799

  11,227

  4,757

  12,198

  5,497

  Bournemouth

  4,657

  2,022

  3,353

  112

  5,066

  664

  Bristol, City of

  16,115

  6,999

  13,219

  1,584

  73,789

  60,745

  Cornwall

  16,897

  2,792

  24,109

  3,323

  99,902

  73,613

  Devon

  23,845

  3,498

  41,085

  7,043

  122,740

  79,797

  Dorset

  10,115

  873

  19,161

  5,205

  22,855

  5,434

  Gloucestershire

  21,165

  2,852

  22,917

  1,921

  28,486

  3,352

  Isles of Scilly

  183

  52

  198

  26

  285

  76

  North Somerset

  5,241

  1,199

  5,606

  472

  17,971

  2,408

  Plymouth

  5,876

  2,016

  10,936

  1,865

  16,397

  1,557

  Poole

  5,942

  4,210

  5,799

  2,729

  6,161

  582

  Somerset

  11,760

  1,268

  16,045

  1,283

  19,249

  587

  South

  Gloucestershire

  9,769

  945

  14,110

  4,713

  14,853

  359

  Swindon

  3,386

  215

  13,820

  905

  80,240

  63,063

  Torbay

  5,993

  2,700

  9,422

  398

  9,470

  173

  Wiltshire

  10,170

  626

  15,567

  466

  27,615

  3,983

  1 Includes allocations ring-fenced for the authority(including any PFI credits), but not funding direct to schools whether or not passported via the LEA. Ring-fencing may be either to a project or to meeting ministerial priorities.

  Obesity (Children)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he is taking to combat bullying that occurs as a result of childhood obesity. [177649]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Our free pack 'Bullying: Don't Suffer in Silence' is designed to help schools deal effectively with all forms of bullying. The pack states: "Bullying can take many forms … This may be because of individual characteristics", and we recognise that
  910W
  Discussions with the college about its three year development have included plans for a 32 per cent. growth in the number of basic skills learners and plans to maintain their current good attainment at Level 2 and Level 3.

  The Strategic Area Review being carried out across the country will support continued collaboration between post-16 provision, the local education authority and the cluster of 11–16 schools in Weston-super-Mare.

  Capital Allocations (School Buildings)
  Mr. Flook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much ring-fenced money for classroom building projects has been given by his Department to each local education authority in the South West in each of the last three years. [177195]

  Mr. Miliband
  The following table shows this Department's total capital allocations for school buildings to local education authorities in the South West from 2001–02 to 2003–04. It shows both ring-fenced and total allocations.

  It is our policy to reduce the proportion of support that is ring-fenced for individual projects, and increasingly to allocate support direct to schools and authorities. This allows them to decide the priorities for investment. For example, through devolved formula capital, a typical primary school of 250 pupils will receive £25,500, and a typical secondary school of 1,000 pupils will receive £87,250 in 2005–06.

  regardless of how it is manifested, bullying is a serious problem which puts the emotional well-being and educational achievement of pupils at risk. The pack (which was updated in September 2002) is freely available to be ordered by all schools. All secondary and middle schools have received a copy as part of the KS3 behaviour and attendance training.

  In September 2003 I launched a new information film aimed at children and young people. The film encourages pupils who are experiencing bullying to tell someone who can help so they do not suffer in silence. I

  911W
  also announced an anti-bullying charter for schools. This has been drawn up in consultation with professional associations and voluntary sector partners, and it was launched in November 2003 at the first of a series of regional conferences, called "Make the Difference", for schools and other partners. The charter has been made available to schools. The conferences (nine in total) culminate with a final conference in Chorley on June 14.

  The purpose of the conferences has been to provide a forum for schools and related partners to share good practice. This has been facilitated by workshops and exhibitor stalls where attendees can gather a host of information on combating bullying.

  Circus Performers
  Geraldine Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) whether there is a skills shortage in the North West Region for(a) clowns, (b) tightrope walkers, (c) jugglers, (d) stilts performers, (e) unicyclists and (f) other circus performers; [177132]

  (2) what his assessment is of the need to train people in circus skills in the North West Region. [177133]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have the remit for assessing skills needs in their sector. The Creative and Cultural Industries SSC (CCISSC), which is in development, will cover circus performers. The SSC is currently reviewing the need for Creative Apprenticeships within the sector and as part of this review the needs of the circus industry will be assessed.

  Regionally, the NW Development Agency, working in partnership with stakeholders in the region, has the lead responsibility for developing and taking forward the economic strategy for the North West. The strategy has a strong sectoral focus concentrating on those sectors of importance and potential importance to the North West economy. Tourism is one of the priority sectors in the North West.

  While touring circuses bring pleasure to many, in determining the region's tourism priorities no assessment has been made of the contribution they make to the North West economy and there are no plans to do so.

  Education Funding
  Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost per pupil of education in(a) primary school, (b) secondary school and (c) sixth form in Greater London was in each of the last seven years, broken down by borough. [176831]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 7 June 2004]The information requested has been placed in the Libraries.

  Chris Ruane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much, at today's prices, was spent on average per(a) secondary and (b) primary school in each of the last 15 years; and what the planned spending is in each of the next four years. [172933]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 13 May 2004]The available information is contained within the following tables.
  912W
  Decisions on the allocation of resources in future years between each of the different sectors of education will be taken and announced later in the year.

  Average spend per (a) secondary and (b) primary school in each of the last 15 years

  Primary schools

  Net current expenditure (£000)

  Number of primary schools

  Average spend per primary school (£000)

  1987–88

  6,664,667

  19,319

  345

  1988–99

  6,435,677

  19,232

  335

  1989–90

  —

  —

  —

  1990–91

  —

  —

  —

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  1995–96

  —

  —

  —

  1996–97

  —

  —

  —

  1997–98

  —

  —

  —

  1998–99

  —

  —

  —

  1999–2000

  10,248,425

  18,158

  564

  2000–01

  11,014,589

  18,069

  610

  2001–02

  11,804,357

  17,985

  656

  Pre-primary and primary schools

  Net current expenditure (£000)

  Number of primary schools

  Average spend pre- primary and primary school (£000)

  1987–88

  —

  —

  —

  1988–99

  —

  —

  —

  1989–90

  7,237,762

  19,728

  367

  1990–91

  8,081,161

  19,615

  412

  1991–92

  7,812,948

  19,488

  401

  1992–93

  9,077,080

  19,391

  468

  1993–94

  9,184,320

  19,237

  477

  1994–95

  9,372,113

  19,104

  491

  1995–96

  9,350,748

  19,029

  491

  1996–97

  9,319,716

  18,938

  492

  1997–98

  9,192,745

  18,847

  488

  1998–99

  9,706,790

  18,756

  518

  1999–2000

  10,637,498

  18,674

  570

  2000–01

  11,567,295

  18,577

  623

  2001–02

  12,540,414

  18,481

  679

  Secondary schools

  Net current expenditure(£000)

  Number of secondary school

  Average spend per secondary schools (£000)

  1987–88

  8,540,156

  4,153

  2,056

  1988–99

  8,496,111

  4,035

  2,106

  1989–90

  8,419,497

  3,976

  2,118

  1990–91

  8,990,987

  3,897

  2,307

  1991–92

  8,293,519

  3,847

  2,156

  1992–93

  8,908,650

  3,773

  2,361

  1993–94

  7,846,904

  3,629

  2,162

  1994–95

  7,636,242

  3,614

  2,113

  1995–96

  7,445,108

  3,594

  2,072

  1996–97

  7,341,423

  3,569

  2,057

  1997–98

  7,259,360

  3,567

  2,035

  1998–99

  7,426,109

  3,560

  2,086

  1999–2000

  9,668,610

  3,550

  2,724

  2000–01

  10,442,651

  3,481

  3,000

  2001–02

  11,441,503

  3,457

  3,310

  Notes:

  1. The financial data are taken from local education authorities' Section 52 Outturn Statements submitted to the DfES from 1999–2000 onwards and the ODPM's ROI statement previously. 1999–2000 figures reflect the return of GM schools to local authority maintenance. Financial data is in £000's. Figures are adjusted to 2002–03 prices using the March 2004 GDP deflators.

  913W
  2. In 1987–88 and 1988–89 pre-primary expenditure was not collected on ROI. From 1989–90 onwards expenditure was not distinguished between pre-primary and primary sectors until the inception of the Section 52 outturn statements in 1999–2000. Preprimary expenditure does not match the number of pre-primary schools because it also includes expenditure on nurseries in the private sector, which are not included in the school count.

  3. Net Current Expenditure (NCE) includes expenditure within schools and also that incurred centrally by the LEA. Between 1987–88 and 1992–93 NCE after recharges was not recorded on ROL In these years Net Recurrent Expenditure is used and consequently figures in those years may not be strictly comparable with future years.

  4. Spending in 1997–98 reflects the transfer of monies from local government to central Government for the nursery vouchers scheme. These were returned to local government in 1998–99.

  5. The number of schools is taken from the Annual Schools Census. Middle schools are included as deemed secondary.

  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent on education in Crosby in each year from 1992 to 1997. [177863]

  Mr. Miliband
  The inform Ilion requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than constituency level and as such the figures provided are for Sefton LEA:

  Net current expenditure

  £

  1992–93

  127,566

  1993–94

  120,072

  1994–95

  121,425

  1995–96

  127,284

  1996–97

  129,224

  1997–98

  129,018

  Notes:

  1. The financial data are taken from Sefton LEA's ROI statement submitted to ODPM.

  2. In 1992–93 net current expenditure after recharges was not collected on ROI. In this year net recurrent expenditure is used and consequently figures for this year it may not be strictly comparable with those for future years.

  3. Net current expenditure (NCE) includes expenditure within schools and also that incurred centrally by the LEA.

  Education Services (Essex)
  Mr. Hurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teaching assistants were

  Total funding per pupil aged 3 to 1)

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Camden

  3,830

  3,850

  4,120

  4,490

  4,770

  4,900

  5,200

  Greenwich

  3,490

  3,550

  3,810

  4,200

  4,440

  4,540

  4,470

  Hackney

  4,020

  4,050

  4,370

  4,710

  4,950

  5,130

  5,400

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  3,750

  3,810

  4,050

  4,420

  4,700

  4,940

  5,140

  Islington

  3,720

  3,820

  4,070

  4,530

  4,850

  4,990

  5,190

  Kensington and Chelsea

  3,580

  3,680

  4,020

  4,390

  4,710

  5,030

  5,280

  Lambeth

  4,000

  4,070

  4,320

  4,660

  4,890

  5,080

  5,240

  Lewisham

  3,690

  3,760

  3,970

  4,270

  4,540

  4,700

  4,910

  Southwark

  3,730

  3,800

  4,040

  4,360

  4,620

  4,790

  4,960

  Tower Hamlets

  3,970

  4,090

  4,460

  4,810

  5,130

  5,290

  5,510

  Wandsworth

  3,450

  3,480

  3,700

  3,990

  4,230

  4,280

  4,610

  Westminster

  3,640

  3,660

  3,950

  4,270

  4,510

  4.700

  5,040

  Barking and Dagenham

  2,890

  3.060

  3,180

  3,440

  3,670

  3,800

  3,970

  Barnet

  2,870

  2,930

  3.060

  3,240

  3,510

  3,600

  3,760

  Bexley

  2,730

  2,810

  2,900

  3,090

  3,270

  3,360

  3,490

  Brent

  3,300

  3,370

  3,540

  3,750

  4,030

  4,170

  4,380

  914W
  employed in state schools in (a) the County of Essex in each year from 1980 to 1997 and (b) the County of Essex and the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock in each year from 1998 to 2003. [173324]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information is shown in the following tables. The first table shows the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) teaching assistants1 in maintained schools in Essex LEA in each January between 1992 and 1998. Information is only available from 1992 when teaching assistants data were first collected. The second table shows the number of FTE teaching assistants in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock LEAs after local government re-organisation in April 1998, in each January between 1999 and 2003.

  It is expected that information on the number of teaching assistants by LEA for 2004 will be available in the near future. A table will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  1 Includes teaching assistants, special needs support staff and support staff for minority ethnic pupils.

  Essex

  Southend-on-Sea

  Thurrock

  Total

  1992

  620

  —

  —

  —

  1993

  670

  —

  —

  —

  1994

  900

  —

  —

  —

  1995

  1,270

  —

  —

  —

  1996

  1,430

  —

  —

  —

  1997

  1,700

  —

  —

  —

  1998

  1,830

  —

  —

  —

  1999

  1,610

  220

  200

  2,030

  2000

  1,740

  280

  290

  2,310

  2001

  2,070

  350

  330

  2,750

  2002

  3,110

  460

  430

  4,000

  2003

  3,450

  560

  530

  4,540

  Source:

  Annual School Census

  Education Spending
  Miss Kirkbride
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much on average per child was contributed from public funds to the education of school-age children in each year since 1997 for which figures are available, broken down by local authority area. [172902]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested is contained within the following table:
  915W

  Total funding per pupil aged 3 to 1)

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Bromley

  2,730

  2.800

  2,920

  3,120

  3,310

  3,370

  3,490

  Croydon

  2,950

  3,000

  3,150

  3,350

  3,560

  3,670

  3,780

  Ealing

  2,990

  3,130

  3,290

  3,570

  3,830

  3,900

  4,170

  Enfield

  2,980

  3,050

  3,210

  3,410

  3,670

  3,800

  3,930

  Haringey

  3,390

  3,450

  3,710

  4,010

  4,300

  4,420

  4,610

  Harrow

  2,840

  2,900

  3.020

  3,210

  3.450

  3,550

  3.780

  Havering

  2,720

  2,800

  2,890

  3,080

  3,280

  3,360

  3,490

  Hillingdon

  2,850

  2,920

  3,070

  3,260

  3,400

  3,490

  3,670

  Hounslow

  3,000

  3,090

  3,250

  3,480

  3,720

  3,860

  4,090

  Kingston upon Thames

  2,680

  2,740

  2,870

  3,080

  3,310

  3,370

  3,490

  Merton

  2,860

  2,910

  3,050

  3,300

  3,560

  3,570

  3,780

  Newham

  3,460

  3,560

  3,720

  3,990

  4,270

  4,380

  4,500

  Redbridge

  2,960

  3,000

  3,110

  3,290

  3,480

  3,550

  3,620

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,730

  2,740

  2,850

  3,070

  3,250

  3,310

  3.460

  Sutton

  2,860

  2,880

  2,990

  3,180

  3,370

  3,430

  3,580

  Waltham Forest

  3,250

  3,280

  3,460

  3,720

  4,000

  4,120

  4,230

  Birmingham

  2,750

  2,850

  3,040

  3,350

  3,580

  3,650

  3,820

  Coventry

  2,620

  2,730

  2,880

  3,130

  3,270

  3,330

  3,490

  Dudley

  2,340

  2,470

  2.600

  2,810

  2,950

  3,040

  3,180

  Sandwell

  2,590

  2,720

  2,870

  3,100

  3,290

  3,400

  3,580

  Solihull

  2,400

  2,480

  2,580

  2,790

  2,930

  2,980

  3,210

  Walsall

  2,510

  2,600

  2,760

  3,000

  3,140

  3,220

  3,360

  Wolverhampton

  2,620

  2,710

  2,890

  3,160

  3,340

  3,490

  3,630

  Knowsley

  2,870

  2,980

  3,160

  3,520

  3,780

  3,880

  3,970

  Liverpool

  2,830

  2,940

  3,120

  3,510

  3,740

  3,830

  3,910

  St. Helens

  2,510

  2,590

  2,710

  2,980

  3,210

  3,290

  3,520

  Sefton

  2,510

  2,600

  2,730

  3,000

  3,180

  3,260

  3,440

  Wirral

  2,570

  2,700

  2,820

  3,100

  3,310

  3,400

  3,540

  Bolton

  2,490

  2,580

  2,740

  2,990

  3,130

  3,220

  3,350

  Bury

  2,410

  2,510

  2,650

  2,870

  3,010

  3,100

  3,260

  Manchester

  2,910

  3,020

  3,260

  3,660

  3,880

  3,970

  4,130

  Oldham

  2,570

  2,660

  2,840

  3,070

  3,240

  3,390

  3,560

  Rochdale

  2,590

  2,680

  2,850

  3,120

  3,300

  3,440

  3,610

  Salford

  2,570

  2,690

  2,870

  3,220

  3,450

  3,510

  3,680

  Stockport

  2,380

  2,460

  2,590

  2,820

  2,960

  3,010

  3,170

  Tameside

  2,470

  2,560

  2,700

  2,930

  3,120

  3,210

  3,370

  Trafford

  2,450

  2,520

  2,680

  2,900

  3,070

  3,100

  3,260

  Wigan

  2,450

  2,530

  2,670

  2,890

  3,040

  3,100

  3,280

  Barnsley

  2,530

  2,620

  2,770

  3,000

  3,180

  3,270

  3,490

  Doncaster

  2,570

  2,660

  2,810

  3,030

  3,190

  3,270

  3,510

  Rotherham

  2,560

  2,620

  2,780

  3,070

  3,260

  3,320

  3,500

  Sheffield

  2,580

  2,650

  2,830

  3,140

  3,330

  3,390

  3,520

  Bradford

  2,650

  2,730

  2,930

  3,250

  3,480

  3,530

  3,640

  Calderdale

  2,500

  2,600

  2,770

  3,000

  3,140

  3,210

  3,380

  Kirklees

  2,540

  2,630

  2,800

  3,020

  3,190

  3,270

  3,440

  Leeds

  2,500

  2,580

  2,730

  3,020

  3,210

  3,300

  3,450

  Wakefield

  2,460

  2,520

  2,660

  2,910

  3,060

  3,140

  3,270

  Gateshead

  2,480

  2,630

  2,780

  3,080

  3,290

  3,360

  3,560

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,780

  2,800

  2,940

  3,250

  3,480

  3,550

  3,710

  North Tyneside

  2.460

  2.540

  2,670

  2,950

  3.140

  3,240

  3,410

  South Tyneside

  2,600

  2,700

  2,860

  3,150

  3,380

  3,450

  3,680

  Sunderland

  2,550

  2,640

  2,770

  3,040

  3,260

  3,330

  3,540

  Bath and North East Somerset

  2,410

  2,490

  2,640

  2,850

  2,970

  3,010

  3,150

  Bristol, City of

  2,540

  2,610

  2,760

  3,040

  3,220

  3,320

  3,500

  North Somerset

  2,460

  2,550

  2,700

  2,910

  3,010

  3,070

  3,200

  South Gloucestershire

  2,370

  2,450

  2,590

  2,770

  2,870

  2,920

  3,060

  Hartlepool

  2,550

  2,650

  2,790

  3,050

  3,240

  3,330

  3,580

  Middlesbrough

  2,680

  2,800

  2,980

  3.250

  3,490

  3,600

  3,820

  Redcar and Cleveland

  2,570

  2,660

  2.790

  3.070

  3,300

  3,370

  3,570

  Stockton-on-Tees

  2,520

  2,600

  2,760

  3,050

  3,280

  3,360

  3,560

  Kingston Upon Hull, City of

  2,670

  2,730

  2,890

  3,190

  3,380

  3,470

  3.660

  East Riding of Yorkshire

  2,440

  2,530

  2,660

  2,900

  3,040

  3,080

  3,170

  North East Lincolnshire

  2,570

  2,660

  2,820

  3,070

  3,250

  3,330

  3,420

  North Lincolnshire

  2,530

  2,660

  2,800

  3,040

  3,160

  3,220

  3,380

  North Yorkshire

  2,490

  2,570

  2,710

  2,940

  3,080

  3,140

  3,270

  York

  2,430

  2,510

  2,640

  2,890

  3,000

  3,040

  3.120

  Bedfordshire

  2,590

  2,650

  2,770

  3,030

  3,220

  3,280

  3.340

  Luton

  2,870

  2,900

  3,070

  3,290

  3,480

  3,590

  3,780

  Buckinghamshire

  2,660

  2,700

  2,820

  3,040

  3.210

  3,280

  3,380

  Milton Keynes

  2,790

  2,790

  2,910

  3,130

  3,300

  3,390

  3,510

  Derbyshire

  2,420

  2,500

  2,630

  2,850

  2,970

  3,050

  3,190

  916W 917W

  Total funding per pupil aged 3 to 1)

  £

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  2000–01

  2001–02

  2002–03

  2003–04

  Derby

  2,580

  2,670

  2,850

  3,070

  3,210

  3,310

  3,450

  Dorset

  2,550

  2,580

  2,690

  2,910

  3,040

  3,090

  3,160

  Poole

  2,540

  2,540

  2,630

  2,810

  2,950

  3,010

  3,110

  Bournemouth

  2,660

  2,670

  2,780

  3,010

  3,110

  3,150

  3,220

  Durham

  2,500

  2,600

  2,750

  3,010

  3,220

  3,260

  3,390

  Darlington

  2,480

  2,560

  2,720

  2,970

  3,130

  3,180

  3.320

  East Sussex

  2,670

  2,750

  2,870

  3,130

  3,290

  3,360

  3,450

  Brighton and Hove

  2,740

  2,820

  2,960

  3,220

  3,400

  3,470

  3,580

  Hampshire

  2,540

  2,600

  2,700

  2,910

  3,090

  3,150

  3,260

  Portsmouth

  2,690

  2,770

  2,900

  3,110

  3,320

  3,410

  3,530

  Southampton

  2,750

  2,840

  2,950

  3,180

  3,380

  3,460

  3,590

  Leicestershire

  2,450

  2,500

  2,620

  2,820

  2,940

  2,970

  3,050

  Leicester

  2.740

  2,830

  3,010

  3,260

  3,440

  3,550

  3,750

  Rutland

  2,440

  2,520

  2,690

  2,880

  3,050

  3,090

  3,280

  Staffordshire

  2,400

  2,460

  2,580

  2,800

  2,930

  2,980

  3,100

  Stoke-on-Trent

  2,510

  2,590

  2,720

  3,020

  3,250

  3,350

  3,590

  Wiltshire

  2,520

  2,580

  2,710

  2,920

  3,030

  3,090

  3,240

  Swindon

  2,560

  2,560

  2,670

  2,870

  2,990

  3,050

  3,220

  Bracknell Forest

  2,690

  2,740

  2,830

  3,030

  3,200

  3,280

  3,410

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  2,680

  2,760

  2,860

  3,110

  3,300

  3,360

  3,460

  West Berkshire

  2.520

  2,630

  2,740

  2,990

  3,160

  3,200

  3,390

  Reading

  2,650

  2,770

  2,900

  3,180

  3.350

  3,500

  3,640

  Slough

  3,050

  3,220

  3,370

  3,600

  3,820

  3,950

  4,090

  Wokingham

  2,460

  2,520

  2,610

  2,830

  3,000

  3,060

  3,240

  Cambridgeshire

  2,460

  2,540

  2,690

  2,890

  3,010

  3,070

  3,250

  Peterborough

  2,660

  2,740

  2,910

  3,130

  3,270

  3,360

  3,540

  Cheshire

  2,440

  2.500

  2,620

  2,840

  2,970

  3,020

  3,160

  Halton

  2,670

  2,720

  2,860

  3,160

  3,400

  3,490

  3,720

  Warrington

  2,420

  2,480

  2,590

  2,790

  2,930

  2,990

  3,100

  Devon

  2,610

  2,670

  2,760

  2,970

  3,090

  3,140

  3,260

  Plymouth

  2,640

  2,690

  2,790

  3,020

  3,130

  3,210

  3,290

  Torbay

  2,670

  2,690

  2,790

  3,010

  3,130

  3,180

  3,270

  Essex

  2,690

  2,740

  2,850

  3,080

  3,240

  3,300

  3,410

  Southend-on-Sea

  2,740

  2,780

  2,900

  3,140

  3,330

  3,400

  3,490

  Thurrock

  2,830

  2,890

  3,000

  3,220

  3,410

  3,520

  3,640

  Herefordshire

  2,640

  2,680

  2,810

  3,030

  3,150

  3,230

  3,400

  Worcestershire

  2,540

  2,530

  2,620

  2,840

  2,980

  3,030

  3,120

  Kent

  2,650

  2,730

  2,840

  3,080

  3,250

  3,310

  3,410

  Medway

  2,630

  2,700

  2,820

  3,040

  3,200

  3,290

  3,340

  Lancashire

  2,530

  2,610

  2,750

  2,990

  3,140

  3,200

  3,300

  Blackburn with Darwen

  2,680

  2,800

  3,030

  3,280

  3,470

  3,550

  3,790

  Blackpool

  2,550

  2,660

  2,780

  3,030

  3,180

  3,290

  3,490

  Nottinghamshire

  2,500

  2,540

  2,660

  2,890

  3,020

  3,080

  3,180

  Nottingham

  2,820

  2,880

  3,060

  3,350

  3,570

  3,700

  3,840

  Shropshire

  2,550

  2,590

  2,720

  2,930

  3,080

  3,150

  3,300

  Telford and Wrekin

  2,610

  2,670

  2,800

  3,050

  3,210

  3,240

  3,380

  Cornwall

  2,550

  2,670

  2,800

  3,030

  3,180

  3,240

  3,310

  Cumbria

  2,420

  2,560

  2,700

  2,950

  3,130

  3,190

  3,330

  Gloucestershire

  2,500

  2.560

  2,700

  2,920

  3,050

  3,110

  3,210

  Hertfordshire

  2,680

  2,720

  2,830

  3,050

  3,210

  3,270

  3,350

  Isle of Wight

  2,760

  2,840

  2,960

  3,230

  3,410

  3,470

  3,510

  Lincolnshire

  2,530

  2,620

  2,740

  2,960

  3,120

  3,190

  3,330

  Norfolk

  2,590

  2,640

  2,770

  3,000

  3,160

  3,230

  3,330

  Northamptonshire

  2,470

  2,540

  2,680

  2,890

  3,030

  3,090

  3,250

  Northumberland

  2,480

  2,570

  2,700

  2,950

  3,140

  3,180

  3,310

  Oxfordshire

  2,660

  2,690

  2,810

  3,050

  3,200

  3,270

  3,390

  Somerset

  2,510

  2,570

  2,710

  2,940

  3,070

  3,130

  3,250

  Suffolk

  2,550

  2,570

  2,690

  2,900

  3,050

  3,100

  3,180

  Surrey

  2,660

  2,700

  2,810

  3,010

  3,180

  3,240

  3,330

  Warwickshire

  2,420

  2,510

  2,650

  2,850

  2,980

  3,060

  3,220

  West Sussex

  2,670

  2,680

  2,770

  2,980

  3,140

  3,210

  3,310

  Notes:

  1. Figures reflect education Standard Spending Assessment/Education Formula Spending (SSA/EFS) settlement and revenue grants in DfES Departmental Expenditure Limits relevant to EFS pupils aged 3 to 15.

  2. Figures exclude EMAs and grants not allocated at LEA level and the pensions transfer to EFS and Learning Skills Council (LSC) for 2003–04.

  3. The pupil numbers used are those underlying the SSA/EFS settlement calculations plus PLASC 3-year-old maintained pupils and estimated 3–4 year olds funded through state support in maintained and other educational institutions where these are not included in the SSA pupil numbers.

  4. 1997–98 figures for LEAs subject to Local Government Re-organisation (LGR) in that year have been estimated, pro-rata to their post LGR figures.
  918W 919W
  5. 2003–04 and 2002–03 figures are provisional estimates as some grants have not yet been finalised/audited.

  6. Real terms figures are based on GDP deflators as at 26 March 2004 (2002–03 prices).

  7. Per pupil figures are rounded to the nearest 10 so may not sum.

  Examination Boards
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Romford of 4 May 2004,Official Report, column 1424W, on examination boards, how the £100 million will be allocated over the next two years in order to ensure the modernisation and safe delivery of the examination system. [177887]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The money has been allocated to the examinations modernisation programme as follows:

  £ million

  2004–05

  2005–06

  Increasing examiner fees and improving marking quality

  24

  24

  Securing improved and consolidated physical logistics

  7

  6

  Reducing the administrative burden on exams offices

  5

  6

  Improving exams office procedures and equipment

  10

  7

  Improving use of technology in exams administration

  8

  3

  Examination Entries
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent by schools on examination entries in each year since 1997. [177884]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]In 2002–03, maintained primary, secondary and special schools in England spent £155 million on examination fees. This covers the costs of test and examination entry fees and any accreditation costs related to pupils, and includes GCSEs, A/AS levels and GNVQs.

  It was only in 2002–03 that the Department began collecting information in sufficient detail to answer this question. Therefore, no comparable data is available for previous years.

  Further Education (Staff)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many full-time equivalent staff have been employed by further education colleges in each year since 1995. [177260]

  Alan Johnson
  The information requested is routinely published by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in Staff Statistics. These volumes can be downloaded from the LSC website:
  http://www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Partners/Data/ Statistics/StaffStatistics/StaffStatistics.htm.

  A paper copy of the most recent edition of "Staff Statistics" will be placed in the Library.

  Learning and Skills Council (Merseyside)
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills why the Learning and Skills Council on Merseyside has not informed the further education colleges of their 2004–05 budget. [177264]
  920W
  Alan Johnson
  The Learning and Skills Council has delayed confirming the allocation of budgets to further education colleges for the academic year starting in August 2004 while it concludes an assessment of its budget commitments in the financial year 2004–05. I expect that the LSC will shortly be in a position to conclude its allocation process.

  Learning and Skills Development Agency
  Chris Grayling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will list the work carried out by the Learning and Skills Development Agency on behalf of the(a) Learning and Skills Council and (b) Government; [177684]

  (2) if he will make: a statement on the budget of the Learning and Skills Development Agency. [177683]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  This is a matter for the Learning and Skills Development Agency. Chris Hughes, the Chief Executive, will write to the hon. Gentleman with this information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

  Office for Fair Access
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask Vic Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the planned(a) full-time equivalent headcount and (b) funding allocations for the Office for Fair Access are in each of the first three years of its existence. [178205]

  Alan Johnson
  As we set out in the Regulatory Impact Assessment which we republished on 1 April 2004, we estimate the cost of the Office for Fair Access will average around £500,000 per year, which includes staffing needs. The Office has not yet been established and it is not possible at this stage to provide a full-time equivalent headcount.

  Overseas Universities (UK)
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many overseas universities accredited outside if e UK were operating in the UK in each year since 1997, and if he will make a statement. [178147]

  Alan Johnson
  These figures are not kept centrally. Overseas universities accredited outside the UK are free to offer their own awards in the UK provided that they make it clear that in doing so they are not offering qualifications from a UK institution and that accreditation is from overseas. Overseas universities wishing to operate campuses in the UK must apply to the Privy Council Office for permission to use university title for that operation in the UK.

  Performance Tables
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total cost was of producing and publishing the most recent(a) primary school performance tables of achievements in Key Stage 2 tests, (b) secondary school performance tables of

  921W
  achievements in Key Stage 3 tests, (c) secondary school performance tables of achievements in GCSE examinations and vocational qualifications, (d) school and college performance tables of achievements in A/AS examinations and vocational qualifications, (e) pilot tables testing the calculation and presentation of a Key Stage 2-GCSE/GNVQ value added measure and (f) pilot tables testing the reporting of achievements in all approved qualifications at age 16 years. [177885]

  Mr. Miliband
  [holding answer 14 June 2004]The costs of producing and publish ng the most recent (2003) school and college performance tables were as follows:

  £ million

  (a) Primary school performance tables of achievements in Key Stage 2 tests

  0.47

  (b) Secondary school performance tables of achievements in Key Stage 3 tests

  1.66

  (c) Secondary school performance tables of achievements in GCSE examinations and vocational qualifications

  (d) School and college performance tables of achievements in A/AS examinations and vocational qualifications

  (e) Pilot tables testing the calculation and presentation of a Key Stage 2-GCSE/GNVQ value added measure

  0.10

  (f) Pilot tables testing the reporting of achievements in all approved qualifications at age 16

  0.11

  Notes:

  1. The figures shown above are programme costs and do not include departmental staff costs.

  2. The costs for QCA's data collection are not included in the figures shown above.

  3. The secondary school performance tables of achievements in Key Stage 3 tests, the secondary school performance tables of achievements in GCSE examinations and vocational qualifications and the school and colleqe performance tables of achievements in A/AS examinations and vocational qualifications are managed as one exercise so there are no separate costings.

  Post-16 Education
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps his Department is taking to increase the staying on rate of children over the age of 16 years. [177871]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We are tackling the causes of low participation at post-16 through our 14–19 strategy by providing a more flexible, coherent and better quality 14–19 curriculum; quality advice and guidance; and additional financial support.

  This includes: offering greater flexibility at Key Stage 4 and more vocational subjects at GCSE; introducing an entitlement to an apprenticeship place for all 16 to 17 year olds with five GCSEs at grades A-G, including Maths and English, from September 2004; and providing impartial advice and guidance to 13 to 19 years olds through our national Connexions Service. We have also introduced Education Maintenance Allowances across the country from September 2004, after extensive piloting which showed a strong impact on participation rates, increased participation among the eligible group of 5.9 percentage points.

  The Working Group on 14–19 Reform, led by Mike Tomlinson, is seeking to tackle low post-16
  922W
  participation and achievement. In their interim report, published in February, they propose a diploma framework consisting of high-quality programmes and progression opportunities so that young people are motivated to continue learning. The final report is expected in the autumn.

  Probationary Teachers
  Dr. Gibson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he has taken to counsel and support probationary teachers in the school environment; and how much money he has dedicated for such counselling and support. [178807]

  Mr. Miliband
  All Newly Qualified Teachers receive an individually tailored programme of guidance, monitoring, assessment and support for their induction. This involves a tutor and a 10 per cent. reduction to their teaching timetable. Funding for induction is part of Education Formula Spending, not separately ring-fenced.

  Pupil Costs (Staffordshire)
  Mr. Jenkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much it cost to educate a pupil in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Staffordshire in 2003–04. [173285]

  Mr. Miliband
  The latest date for which this information is available is 2002–03 and is given in the table. The information requested for 2003–04 will not be collected by the Department until October 2004 but I will write to the hon. Member when it is available.

  2002–03

  Net current expenditure per pupil

  Primary Education

  2,680

  Secondary Education

  3,270

  Notes:

  1. The financial data are taken from Staffordshire LEA's Section 52 Outturn Statement submitted to the DfES. 2002–03 data is subject to change by the LEA. Figures are rounded to the nearest £10.

  2. The outturn 2002–03 tables captured the data in a fundamentally different way to the previous years. Categories were aligned with the Consistent Financial Reporting framework and the spending by LEAs was no longer split by school sector. Consequently the unit costs per pupil in 2002–03 are not strictly comparable with earlier years as they are calculated differently and include an apportionment of LEA expenditure based on pupil numbers.

  3. Net current expenditure (NCE) includes expenditure within schools and also that incurred centrally by the LEA.

  4. The NCE per pupil figures for primary relate the net current expenditure (after recharges) in the maintained primary schools to the total number of financial year pupils who are educated in the maintained primary schools sector.

  5. The NCE per pupil figures for secondary relate the net current expenditure (after recharges) in maintained secondary schools to the total number of financial year pupils who are educated in the maintained secondary schools sector.

  6. Pupil data are drawn from the Annual Schools Census adjusted to be on a financial year basis.

  School Absences
  Mr. Hoban
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the relationship between levels of authorised and unauthorised absence from school. [174719]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  [holding answer 20 May 2004]In general, there is a statistically positive relationship between authorised and unauthorised absence levels in schools. There is a tendency for schools with low levels of authorised absence to also have low levels of unauthorised absence and vice versa. The relationship is stronger for secondary schools than for primary schools and, in both sectors, there are numerous exceptions to the general rule.

  The latest detailed published analysis of the relationship can be found in the Department's Statistical Bulletin 13/01 "Pupil absence and truancy from schools in England, 2000/2001". Paragraphs 14 to 16 and Tables 4 and 5 of this Bulletin are particularly relevant. A copy has been placed in the Library. It is also available at www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SBU/b000309/index.shtml Furthermore, when concerted action is taken to tackle absences, it is usual to see an increase in unauthorised absences. This is due to schools taking a stricter stance on authorising absences leading to more absences being classed as "unauthorised". In turn, schools will see an increase in attendance levels: (i) as pupils and parents come to understand that certain types of absence will no longer be tolerated; and (ii) as this clearer identification of truants leads to speedier
  924W
  interventions and return to the classroom. More schools are adopting this approach: 2002–03 saw the highest level of school attendance on record—93.17 per cent.— with schools identifying more truants than previously, but with the average number of sessions missed by each secondary school truant falling to 15—a decrease of 25 per cent. since 1997.

  We have made it clear that in response to a consensus view among schools and LEAs, it is our intention to measure attendance once the period for the current national Public Service Agreement target ends.

  School Budget Deficits
  Mr. Willis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools have reported a set budget deficit for this year. [177959]

  Mr. Miliband
  The information requested is not yet available. The Department is due to collect the data relating to 2003–"04 financial year from October 2004.

  Schools (Leyton and Wanstead)
  Harry Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the main improvements have been at each school in Leyton and Wanstead since 2000.[178192]

  Mr. Miliband
  the constituency Leyton and Wanstead covers part of both Waltham Forest and Redbridge local education authorities. Performance level information has been supplied for each school within this constituency.

  Table 1: Key Stage 2 test results of all pupils in maintained schools in Leyton and Wanstead parliamentary constituency

  Percentage of pupils achieving level 4 or above

  2003

  2002

  DfES number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  English

  Maths

  Science

  English

  Maths

  Science

  3172042

  Aldersbrook Primary School

  Community

  69

  67

  82

  91

  75

  93

  3172054

  Snaresbrook Primary School

  Community

  78

  80

  83

  69

  75

  87

  3173300

  Wanstead Church School

  Voluntary aided

  100

  81

  100

  94

  87

  97

  3173504

  Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic

  Voluntary aided

  Primary School

  89

  84

  100

  93

  93

  97

  3202008

  Barclay Junior School

  Community

  68

  70

  83

  53

  54

  74

  3202012

  Church Mead Junior School

  Community

  57

  57

  70

  61

  62

  80

  3202014

  Davies Lane Junior School

  Community

  43

  37

  55

  43

  36

  57

  3202022

  Newport Junior School

  Community

  63

  56

  70

  68

  49

  73

  3202065

  The Beaumont School

  Community

  47

  42

  53

  41

  35

  51

  3202067

  Dawlish Primary School

  Community

  87

  87

  100

  72

  67

  89

  3202069

  Gwyn Jones Primary School

  Community

  70

  77

  90

  86

  83

  91

  3202072

  George Tomlinson Primary School

  Community

  80

  66

  92

  77

  82

  97

  3202077

  Cann Hall Primary School

  Community

  65

  73

  93

  68

  85

  96

  3202079

  Jenny Hammond School

  Community

  75

  92

  100

  86

  86

  96

  3202084

  Mayville Primary School

  Community

  42

  60

  60

  —

  —

  —

  3203301

  St Joseph's Catholic Junior School

  Voluntary aided

  94

  89

  93

  93

  100

  100

  Percentage of pupils achieving level 4 or above

  2001

  2000

  DfES Number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  English

  Maths

  Science

  English

  Maths

  Science

  3172042

  Aldersbrook Primary School

  Community

  68

  56

  79

  83

  76

  89

  3172054

  Snaresbrook Primary School

  Community

  91

  88

  97

  82

  84

  91

  3173300

  Wanstead Church School

  Voluntary aided

  91

  88

  97

  94

  97

  97

  3173504

  Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Voluntary aided

  Primary School

  92

  80

  100

  93

  84

  98

  3202008

  Barclay Junior School

  Community

  69

  57

  78

  44

  44

  61

  3202012

  Church Mead Junior School

  Community

  54

  53

  75

  67

  78

  93

  3202014

  Davies Lane Junior School

  Community

  38

  37

  54

  61

  50

  60

  3202022

  Newport Junior School

  Community

  67

  49

  62

  51

  39

  51

  3202065

  The Beaumont School

  Community

  68

  62

  81

  71

  74

  81

  3202067

  Dawlish Primary School

  Community

  82

  82

  100

  74

  74

  88

  3202069

  Gwyn Jones Primary School

  Community

  88

  73

  82

  82

  65

  85

  3202072

  George Tomlinson Primary School

  Community

  67

  61

  92

  69

  67

  64

  925W

  Percentage of pupils achieving level 4 or above

  2001

  2000

  DIES Number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  English

  Maths

  Science

  English

  Maths

  Science

  3202077

  Cann Hall Primary School

  Community

  62

  70

  85

  74

  79

  93

  3202079

  Jenny Hammond School

  Community

  83

  93

  97

  —

  —

  —

  3202084

  Mayville Primary School

  Community

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3203301

  St Joseph's Catholic Junior School

  Voluntary aided

  98

  98

  100

  83

  85

  92

  Note:

  3202017 Downsell Primary is not included on the table as it recently amalgamated and previous results relate to the Junior School.

  Table 2: Key Stage 3 assessments tests results of pupils in all maintained schools in Leyton Wanstead parliamentary constituency

  Percentage achieving level 5 or above 2003

  2003

  2002

  DfES number

  School names

  Type of establishment

  English

  Maths

  Science

  English

  Maths

  Science

  3174021

  Wanstead High School

  Community

  70

  74

  74

  79

  71

  67

  3204059

  Tom Hood School

  Community

  44

  56

  56

  46

  63

  50

  3204061

  Connaught School for Girls

  Community

  73

  61

  58

  79

  77

  80

  3204062

  George Mitchell Community

  Community

  School

  32

  44

  42

  —

  99

  97

  3204064

  Norlington School for Boys

  Community

  43

  68

  58

  35

  41

  38

  3204069

  Leytonstone School

  Community

  58

  65

  61

  0

  0

  0

  3207011

  Belmont Park School

  Community Special

  25

  75

  75

  56

  50

  63

  Percentage achieving level 5 or above 2003

  DfES number

  School names

  Type of establishment

  2002 KS2-KS3 VA measure

  2003 KS2-KS3 VA measure

  3174021

  Wanstead High School

  Community

  100.1

  99.6

  3204059

  Tom Hood School

  Community

  99.6

  99.7

  3204061

  Connaught Schools for Girls

  Community

  101.8

  101.8

  3204062

  George Mitchell Community School

  Community

  100.1

  97.8

  3204064

  Norlington Schools for Boys

  Community

  99.9

  99.1

  3204069

  Leytonstone

  Community

  100.8

  99.5

  Table 3: GCSE/GNVQ results of 15 year old pupils in all maintained schools in Leyton and Wanstead parliamentary constituency

  Percentage of 15 year old achieving five or more grades A* -C

  DfES number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  2003

  2002

  2001

  2000

  3174021

  Wanstead High School

  Community

  56

  51

  5

  54

  3204059

  Tom Hood School

  Community

  40

  45

  42

  38

  3204061

  Connaught School for Girls

  Community

  64

  64

  59

  48

  3204062

  George Mitchell Community School

  Community

  33

  20

  24

  33

  3204064

  Norlington School for Boys

  Community

  44

  44

  34

  39

  3204069

  Leytonstone School

  Community

  50

  48

  47

  42

  Percentage of 15 year old achieving five or more grades A* -C

  DfES number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure 2002

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure 2003

  3174021

  Wanstead High Community School

  Community

  101.5

  99.2

  3204059

  Tom Hood School

  Community

  101.4

  99.3

  3204061

  Connaught School for Girls

  Community

  104.2

  102.6

  3204062

  George Mitchell Community School

  Community

  100.4

  105.4

  926W

  Percentage achieving level 5 or above 2003

  DfES number

  School names

  Type of establishment

  2002 KS2-KS3 VA measure

  2003 KS2-KS3 VA measure

  School

  3207011

  Belmont Park School

  Community Special

  102.7

  102.5

  Notes:

  2002 figures are based on data checked by schools as part of the performance Tables checking exercise.

  Priot to this schools did not have the opportunity to check and correct their underlying data and therefore figures prior to 2002 should not be released

  In 2002 pupils with missing results were included within the denominator for calculations while in previous years they were excluded

  Percentage of 15 year old achieving five or more grades A* -C

  DfES number

  School name

  Type of establishment

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure 2002

  KS3-GCSE/GNVQ VA measure 2003

  3204064

  Norlington School for boys

  Community

  101.6

  101.2

  3204069

  Leytonstone School

  Community

  101.6

  100.8

  927W

  Table 4: Post 16 results 2000—2003 in Leyton and Wanstead parliamentary constituency

  School name

  2002

  2001

  2000

  Wanstead high school

  Average points per student for GCE and VCE results

  237.6

  —

  —

  Percentage of students achieving Intermediate VQ Qualification

  80

  —

  —

  Average points per student for combined A/AS/AGNV

  —

  14.3

  —

  Average points for fewer than 2 A/AS levels

  —

  —

  3.7

  Average points for 2 or more A/AS levels

  —

  —

  14

  Advanced GNVQs

  —

  —

  10.5

  Notes:

  GCE A/AS examinations and advanced GNVQs

  The basis for post 16 performances changed in 2001 and again in 2002.

  The 2001 and 2002 performance results cannot therefore be compared to previous years.

  2003 Post 16 Performance

  The basis for post 16 performances for 2003 has changed and cannot therefore be compared to previous years.

  However, Wanstead High School average point score at 215.9 average point score per pupil for GCE and VCE results is below both Redbridge LEA (249.0) and England averages (258.6).

  Sector Skills Councils
  Mr. Simmonds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of Sector Skills Councils in addressing the skills gap. [177375]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  There has been significant progress in establishing the Skills for Business network of Sector Skills Councils with 18 councils now licensed or recommended for licence. The Sector Skills Development Agency has been working with the developing Skills for Business network to agree a performance monitoring and evaluation framework to evaluate its performance over time against its policy objectives. That framework is now in place.

  The first phase of the evaluation is now complete. It has shown that Sector Skills Councils are making good progress in analysing the skills gap in each of their sectors. The evaluation has provided baseline performance information so that the effectiveness of SSCs and the broader network can be tracked over time. The evaluation has further provided early information on emerging good practice and continuous improvement which will help to assess future impact.

  Sex Education
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent guidelines his Department has issued to schools on sex education. [177939]

  Mr. Stephen Twigg
  The Department provided sex and relationship education guidance to all maintained schools in July 2000.

  Responsibility for determining sex and relationship education in schools rests with governing bodies and head teachers, having regard to the guidance.

  Skills for Life Strategy
  Mr. Simmonds
  T o ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the Skills for Life strategy. [177377]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We are on track to meet our target of 750,000 adults with better basic skills by 2004 and will be reporting on progress towards this in the autumn. From April 2001 to July 2004, a projected 2.3 million learners will have taken up an estimated 4.6 million learning opportunities. We remain focused on achieving our PSA target of 1.5 million adults with better basic skills by 2007.

  We continue to engage employers, public sector organisations and others in initiatives within the Skills for Life strategy. The Skilled for Health joint project with the Department of Health continues to help adults gain a better understanding of their own health as well as improving their basic skills. The Link Up project, co-funded with the Home Office, recruited 6,410 volunteers as Adult Learner Supporters. The Learning and Skills Council Skills for Life Quality Initiative has provided Leadership and Management Training to 1,310 staff, provided 1,200 people with funding for new teaching qualifications and trained 1,266 teachers in the basic skills Core Curriculum.

  Mr. Simmonds
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Skills for Life strategy has met its target of 750,000 adults to achieve a national certificate by 2004. [177380]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  We are on track to meet our target of 750,000 adults with better basic skills by 2004 and will be reporting on progress towards this in the autumn. We remain focused on the achieving our PSA target of 1.5 million adults with better basic skills by 2007.

  Unique Learner Number
  Mrs. Curtis-Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what a unique learner number is. [177944]

  Mr. Ivan Lewis
  My Department is exploring the idea of a unique learner number for every individual involved in lifelong learning. This would improve the flow of information between schools, further education and higher education. The aim being to simplify application processes and enable learning providers to improve the services they offer. We are considering the associated benefits, costs and privacy issues.

  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what checks are made by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service to ensure that applications to university are not bogus. [178211]

  Alan Johnson
  The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the central agency through which applications for places at universities and colleges in the UK are processed. The Verification Unit was established in 1996 in order to raise awareness of
  929W
  fraud within its constituent institutions and to introduce measures to combat fraud in the applications processing system. The Verification Unit is committed to a policy of ensuring that applications received through the UCAS, the Social Work Admissions System (SWAS), the Nursing Midwifery Admissions Service (NMAS)
  930W
  and the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) are from genuine applicants seeking places in higher education.

  Higher education institutions will also undertake their own verification checks before applicants are allowed to enrol.

  Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme: Visas
  Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme: Visas
  Iraq: Costs to UK
  Iraq: Costs to UK
  ISAF: Air Transport and Support Helicopter Capability
  ISAF: Air Transport and Support Helicopter Capability
  Commission for Equality and Human Rights
  Commission for Equality and Human Rights
  Freedom of Information Act 2000
  Freedom of Information Act 2000
  Northern Ireland: High Court Judges
  Northern Ireland: High Court Judges
  Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland
  Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland
  Northern Ireland: Lord Justices of Appeal
  Northern Ireland: Lord Justices of Appeal
  Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission
  Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission
  Northern Ireland: Senior Judiciary Selection Criteria
  Northern Ireland: Senior Judiciary Selection Criteria
  Business: Regulation and Taxation
  Business: Regulation and Taxation
  Motorsport Events
  Motorsport Events
  Emergency Contraception
  Emergency Contraception
  Data Protection: Government Departments
  Data Protection: Government Departments
  Cabinet Office: Net Administration Costs
  Cabinet Office: Net Administration Costs
  Government Documents: Accessible Formats
  Government Documents: Accessible Formats
  A1: North Northumberland
  A1: North Northumberland
  A66: Temple Sowerby Bypass
  A66: Temple Sowerby Bypass