To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many indemnity undertakings were given by departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six month period ended 30 September; and what was the value of (a) any contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time under that section which remain outstanding as at 30 September, (b) non-statutory government indemnities in respect of loans handled by the Government Art Collection which remain outstanding as at 30 September and (c) non-statutory undertakings to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection which remain outstanding at 30 September. [18872]

The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries and other such institutions by private owners and non-national institutions. It does this by indemnifying lenders against loss or damage to their loan. Loans covered by the scheme must be for public benefit. The scheme also covers loans of such objects for study purposes within borrowing institutions where this would contribute materially to the public's understanding or appreciation of the loan. Examples of this are enhancing interpretation or explanation to the public of objects and bringing into the public domain the conclusions of any study.In the six month period ended 30 September 1997, the following undertakings to indemnify were given under section 16 by the relevant Departments for objects on loan to national and non-national institutions:

	Numbers
Department for Culture, Media and Sport	579
Scottish Office Education and Industry Department	82
Welsh Office Education Department	75
Department of Education for Northern Ireland	22

The value of contingent liabilities in respect of undertakings given at any time under section 16 and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1997 is:

	£
Department for Culture, Media and Sport	1,504,907,510
Scottish Office Education and Industry Department	123,023,100
Welsh Office Education Department	69,000,000
Department of Education for Northern Ireland	5,460,674

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is his policy on (a) exemptions and (b) derogations from the national minimum wage for employees in (i) the tourist industry and (ii) leisure and related industries. [17614]

The Government's intention is to introduce a single national minimum rate. We will set the rate in the light of advice from the Independent Low Pay Commission appointed earlier this year, and taking account of prevailing economic circumstances. Many organisations representing the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors are invited to submit written evidence to the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many public appointments he has made since 1 May; and how many and what percentage of these (a) receive remuneration and (b) are of (i) Afro-Caribbean and (ii) Asian origin. [16774]

I have made 60 appointments and reappointments since 1 May. Of these 11 are remunerated (18 per cent.)The information about ethnic origin cannot be provided since to do so would risk identifying individuals without their consent. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has provided information for all Departments in an aggregated form.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio what steps he is taking to secure a lasting legacy from the Millennium Experience at Greenwich; and if he will make a statement. [18923]

When the Government announced in June its decision to go ahead with the Millennium Experience at Greenwich, it was on the basis of 5 clear commitments. One of these was that there would be a lasting legacy. The Government remains determined to secure long-term benefits for the nation from the Millennium Experience, and has sought outside advice on how to maximise these legacies. Earlier this year the Government invited Mr. Dennis Stevenson to assess the prospects. I am extremely grateful to Mr. Stevenson for the advice which he has now provided, and am pleased to place in the Library of both Houses a copy of a letter to me summarising his conclusions. His analysis, which the Government accepts, shows first that a number of valuable legacies can already be identified. Specifically, the Millennium Experience is acting as the catalyst for English Partnerships' reclamation of derelict and polluted riverside land at Greenwich—a site of a size and potential unique in Western Europe; providing the platform for the pioneering Millennium Village launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in July; stimulating improvements in public transport, Thames river services, roads, and pedestrian walkways on the Peninsula; and using the Dome to promote national awareness and long-term taking-up of IT based learning, for example through the University for Industry and the National Grid for Learning.There is a range of possible long term uses for the Millennium Experience Dome itself. These include developing the Dome as: a new arena for participation and spectator sports; a TV or film production studio and visitor centre; and using the site for a large scale international convention centre. These ideas serve to illustrate the Dome's future potential, and reflect the steps which have been taken to ensure the Dome can have a long life. Commercial interest in acquiring the Dome is, however, likely to be maximised in 2000, when it can be seen successfully in operation, and when commercial and popular awareness of the site is at its height. The Government will therefore decide on the Dome's long term future at that time. Meanwhile, I invite those with serious interest in the Dome's future use to register their ideas (which should not involve additional cost to the Exchequer) and to hold exploratory discussions with us. Proposals may either be for its use at Greenwich (where in 2000 it will occupy a 40 acre site) as a complement to English Partnerships' high quality and lasting development of the Peninsula, or for its transfer to another part of the United Kingdom.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what contingency planning is being made in the event of failure of (a) Government services and (b) business arising from the year 2000 computer problem. [18025]

(a) I have asked Ministerial colleagues to ensure that their Departments have contingency plans in place to cope with major systems failures, and that these are adequate to deal with any unforeseen Year 2000 processing problems.(b) Mr. Don Cruickshank, Chairman of Action 2000, the new Government initiative set up to help business tackle the problem, will encourage businesses to undertake their own contingency planning.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the total level of aid paid to the Congo in the current financial year (a) directly and (b) via other agencies; what amount is planned for 1998–99; and if she will make a statement. [18072]

All donors suspended development assistance to the Government of Zaire in 1992. Since then, substantial amounts of emergency and rehabilitation assistance have been provided. This year the UK has provided almost £1 million in bilateral emergency assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, our contribution to the EU programmers in health and democratization is estimated at £9.6 million.We shall continue to provide emergency assistance in 1998–99 if it is needed. Future development assistance will depend on the strength of the development partnership which can be established with the new Government; its commitment to poverty alleviation; and our capacity to deliver an effective programme.

To ask the Prime Minister if he advised the Cabinet Secretary of the fact that Mr. Ecclestone was a donor to the Labour party before his meeting with Mr. Ecclestone on 16 October. [18269]

No. I would not expect to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister if the terms of reference of the Social Exclusion Unit will include people aged over state retirement age. [17916]

[holding answer 27 November 1997]: The Social Exclusion Unit's work programme is currently being finalised and will be published very soon. A number of the issues the Unit is being asked to address will bear on the needs of people over state retirement age.

To ask the Prime Minister when Mr. Jonathan Powell was informed of the invitation to Mr. Ecclestone to visit the Prime Minister. [18374]

I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) on 20 November 1997, Official Report, column 269.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 19 November 1997, Official Report, column 270, what factors led him to determine that the total cost of furnishing and decorating the Canary Wharf venue for the Anglo-French summit was below the EU tendering threshold. [18512]

The threshold for European Union tendering provisions is £108,000. As the cost to the Government for the furnishing and decoration of the Canary Wharf Tower will be approximately £15,000, it falls well below the threshold figure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will advise the Inland Revenue to call off the bailiffs from Mrs. Joan Bridge-Taylor of Redhill, Jubilee Road, Totnes. [18052]

[holding answer 27 November 1997]: It would not be appropriate for me to comment publicly on the tax affairs of an individual, but I shall write to the hon. Member about the matter he has raised.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the net cost of his proposal to cut the rate of VAT on energy-saving materials used in government-funded home insulation schemes. [18391]

Customs' recent review estimated that the annual cost would be £7.5 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to sell items on the National Asset Register. [17974]

It is for each individual department, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review, to review its asset holdings as set out in the National Asset Register and decide whether they still meet the department's core aim and objectives. If they do not, then each department will need to decide the most appropriate response.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what proposals he has for allowing United Kingdom citizens to pay taxes in euros before 2002; [15923](2) if his proposals to allow taxes to be paid in euros before 2002 will allow such payments to be free of exchange costs. [16696]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what will be the cost of equipping (a) the Inland Revenue and (b) Customs and Excise to collect tax payments in euros after 1999; [15966](2) what will be the operation date for calculation of the exchange rate in force for payments of taxes in euros after 1999; and which government department will bear the exchange rate risk of such transactions; [15965](3) what assessment he has made of the need for additional computing and information technology resources for

The Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise are, like other organisations, reviewing their banking requirements and their systems to take account of the likely effects of the introduction of the Euro, including an increase in the demand for payment of taxes in foreign currencies. This review is being conducted in consultation with the Business Advisory Group established by the Chancellor to look at the practical and strategic implications of EMU which is, among other things, assessing legal, accounting and reporting issues arising from EMU and what information about EMU is needed by business. A report summarising the groups conclusions and recommendations will be published early in 1998. If the reviews lead to proposals to change the way the existing arrangements operate, the information will be disseminated promptly and in the appropriate way. Costs will be addressed once the full implications have been identified.Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise already accept payment of tax in foreign currency, so there is no new principle involved in accepting the Euro from 1999. It is not expected that accepting payment in Euro on the same basis will require substantial additional resources.Where tax payments to the Inland Revenue are made in foreign currency the net amount received conversion into sterling is the amount which the taxpayer is treated as having paid. So the exchange risk of a payment in euro will be borne by the taxpayer. Customs and Excise currently meet the costs arising from currency conversion on the relatively few payments received in foreign currencies. This policy may need to be reviewed if the introduction of the Euro increases demand.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the provision of tax office services in remote rural areas. [17215]

Services may be provided from a local office or by other means such as mobile inquiry centres and, increasingly, by telephone. The Inland Revenue is reorganising its local office network but none of the plans currently approved for implementation includes closure of a remote, rural office. The best means of providing services to such areas in the future is being considered as part of the Department's Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those treaty articles which provide for unanimity of voting in respect of matters contained in Article 99 of the Treaty of Rome. [17524]

Article 99 of the Treaty of Rome relates to the Council's powers to adopt provisions for the harmonisation of legislation concerning turnover taxes, excise duties and other forms of indirect taxation to the extend that such harmonisation is necessary to ensure that the establishment and functioning of internal market. The Article provides for unanimity of voting in relation to these matters. Other articles in the Treaty which specifically refer to fiscal matters maintain the unanimity requirement. In particular, Article 100a paragraph 2 explicitly excludes fiscal provisions from the internal market implementation measures that can be decided by qualified majority voting.Similarly, in relation to environmental measures Article 130s paragraph 2 states that provisions primarily of a fiscal nature must be adopted on the basis of unanimity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the revenue impact of raising the top rate of income tax to 50 per cent. on incomes over £50,000 per annum. [17039]

The estimated full year yield at 1997–98 income levels of increasing the top rate of income tax to 50 per cent. on taxable incomes above £50,000 per year is £2.7 billion. The yield includes the consequential effects on the yield of capital gains tax after allowing for likely changes in the volume of disposals. It does not take account of any behavioural effects which might result from the introduction of the new rate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many public appointments she has made since 1 May; and how many and what percentage of these (a) receive remuneration and (b) are of (i) Afro-Caribbean and (ii) Asian origin. [16783]

Since 1 May 1997, 512 appointments have been made. Of these, 26 per cent. attract remuneration.The information about ethnic origin cannot be provided since to do so would risk identifying individuals without their consent. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has provided information for all Departments in an aggregated form.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of the additional funding allocated to the National Health Service in Northern Ireland has been allocated to (a) clinical care and (b) management support; and if she will make a statement. [16933]

The £5 million for Northern Ireland which was announced on 14 October was allocated in full for clinical and social care, as was the additional £7 million I announced on 21 August and the further £7.5 million I announced on 28 November. The additional £19.5 million thus provided this year shows the priority this Government attaches to the health and personal social services in Northern Ireland and in particular now it has acted decisively to tackle key pressures over the coming winter by targeting resources on patients and clients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list those organisations which belong to the Northern Ireland Central Investment Fund for Charities, the proportion of their investment in the fund and the current value of the fund's securities. [17303]

The Department as trustee of the Northern Ireland Central Investment Fund for Charities considers that it has a duty of confidentiality not to reveal the identity of investors in the fund. The fund is valued monthly and at 31 October 1997 its capital value was £15.6 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what affirmative action measures she plans to adopt to increase the representation of Catholics and women in the (a) industrial craft and (b) higher non-industrial grades in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. [17705]

The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) aims to create a position where men and women, Protestants and Roman Catholics, are fairly represented at all levels in the organisation. It will continue to seek to identify lawful affirmative action measures which are effective in addressing the under-representation of women and Roman Catholics in the industrial craft and higher non-industrial grades.NICS policy is that employment and advancement is based on ability, qualification and aptitude for the work. Subject to that overriding principle, the Service has initiated a range of measures in the context of its Action Plan for Women, designed to help improve female representation at senior levels. These include the use of flexible working, women only training, equal opportunity awareness programmers for senior staff, training for women returning to work, and the examination of organisational barriers to the promotion of women to the senior levels including specialist areas.The Service also regularly reviews its promotion and recruitment practices and has taken a number of measures to promote a more balanced work force at all levels of the organisation. These include the use of positive action advertising in appropriate circumstances and the removal of various internal barriers to promotion to encourage a better flow of staff from lower to higher grades within and between Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards the decentralisation of Civil Service jobs. [17707]

Some 280 posts were transferred from Belfast and Bangor to Londonderry in 1989. Subsequent options for dispersing jobs have been considered, but rejected for reasons of cost and feasibility. In view of this, a research study was commissioned to assess more accurately the costs and the social and economic benefits of dispersing Civil Service jobs from Belfast and North Down, to develop a methodology to measure costs and benefits and to inform decisions on future policy. The report of this study is under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the Sixth Report compiled by the Department of Finance and Personnel into Equal Opportunities in the Civil Service. [17706]

I was pleased to note the strong evidence contained in the Sixth Report of compositional change in the NICS work force and the fact that, at the macro level, Protestants and Roman Catholics are now fairly represented at most grade levels up to around Staff Officer and equivalent level. Service-wide female representation has risen to 45.1 per cent. and Roman Catholic to 40.7 per cent. Overall in the Non-Industrial grades Female and Roman Catholic representation has increased in every grade level between Executive Officer level and the senior grades. However, I was naturally disappointed that the Service did not reach some of the goals and timetables previously set and, in particular, the progress made in terms of the composition of the most senior grades and the continuing under-representation of women in the Professional and Technical, and Industrial Grades. The Service has put in place a range of measures within the law to try to accelerate the rate of change whilst adhering strictly to the merit principle in both its recruitment and internal promotion practices. It will also continue to consult with the statutory agencies to examine and implement further practical affirmative action measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what impact the application of 'R' plates for probationary drivers in Northern Ireland has had on injury and fatality levels among and relating to newly qualified drivers. [17634]

Specific information on the direct impact of the Registered Driver Scheme on road casualties is not available. Research in 1993–94 into the overall effectiveness of the scheme was unable to demonstrate conclusively a direct correlation between it and a reduction in the level of road accidents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 76, on the basis of what information she was able to indicate to the Minister of State at the Scottish Office the importance of the transfer of Jason Campbell to the wider peace process. [17460]

[holding answer 24 November 1997]: I received representations from political parties and others regarding the importance of the transfer of loyalist prisoners. Throughout the current political process the Government has accepted the importance of prison issues of the participants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many days during term time were lost through stress-related illness amongst (a) classroom teachers, (b) deputy heads and (c) heads in primary schools in each local education authority during the (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97 school years. [18550]

The information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools were connected to the Internet at the start of the current school year. [18551]

Estimates indicate that some 6,000 schools in the UK (primary and secondary) were connected to the Internet at the beginning of the 1997–98 academic year. A further statistical survey of ICT in schools will be undertaken in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he intends to take in respect of Astra pensioners. [18537]

Renewed investigations into the problems faced by former members of the Department over their pensions entitlements from the former Astra Training Services Ltd. following that organisation's collapse in 1993 have been going on in the Department for some time. The vast majority of Departmental staff who transferred to Astra had their previously accrued Civil Service pensions values and benefits preserved in the Principal Civil Service Pensions Scheme. Pensions values due for their time with Astra are primarily for the liquidators of the former Company to resolve. We will be pressing the liquidators and the pension fund trustees to resolve this long-outstanding issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the entitlement to interviews of ex-Astra staff. [18538]

Renewed investigations into the problems faced by former members of the Department who transferred to Astra Training Services Ltd. but were made redundant by the collapse of that organisation in 1993 have been going on in the Department for some time. Work continues to find ways of assisting former staff, and those currently seeking employment will be guaranteed interviews for any suitable vacancies which may arise in the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if his Department will take steps to secure a derogation from EU law so that students from England can be charged a higher fee for a fourth year university course in Scotland than students from elsewhere in the EU. [18514]

No, we see no need for such a derogation. From autumn 1998, the maximum support for fees that we are proposing to make available for full-time undergraduate students will be £1,000: this maximum will apply to students from England, Scotland, and the rest of the UK and the European Union, depending on the level of their parents', spouses' or own income. We have made it clear that top-up fees play no part in our proposals for home and EU full-time undergraduates.Full-time students resident in Scotland and studying in Scottish institutions on honours degree courses that are a year longer than equivalent courses elsewhere in the UK will, however, be eligible, irrespective of income, for the maximum support for fees in the final year of the course from the Scottish Student Awards Agency. The EC Treaty requires Member States not to discriminate on grounds of nationality against nationals of other Member States, on matters within the scope of the Treaty. However, EC law does not intervene in internal matters and require each Member State to treat all its own nationals in exactly the same way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his estimate of the costs for local authorities of administering the means-testing of university tuition fees. [18515]

Data on local authorities' costs of administering mandatory awards are not collected centrally. Local authorities already carry out means testing of student and parental income for awards purposes. In 1998–99, the results of this means test will be applied first to the university tuition fee and any balance to maintenance grants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the annual budget of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. [18392]

The first budget of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will be agreed in consultation with the Authority in February 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if students in 1999–2000 and beyond who would be eligible for supplementary allowances under the existing system will continue to receive these allowances as grants. [17858]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given on 18 November 1997, Official Report, column 160.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 11 November 1997, Official Report, column 501, if he will seek agreement at the next European Council for the adoption of rules of procedure applicable to all its future meetings and for the adoption of those arrangements for other Heads of Government meetings. [17869]

The European Council is established by Article D of the Treaty on European Union (TEU), where there is no provision for rules of procedure. Other international organisations such as the G7, also operate without formal rules of procedure. It is for the Presidency, in consultation with other Member States, to structure discussions in the European Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the dates and times of (a) the meeting of the European Council and (b) the Inter-Governmental Conference held in Amsterdam in June; and what in each case was the smallest number of (i) Ministers and (ii) officials attending a session. [17915]

The European Council met in Amsterdam from 9.30 am on 16 June until approximately 4 am on the morning of 18 June. The majority of time was spent discussing the Intergovernmental Conference, although other European Council business was also addressed. My right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary were present at all sessions. No UK officials attended the sessions, as is standard practice at European Councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British firms have contacted diplomatic missions in (a) Bombay and (b) New Delhi concerning trade opportunities in 1997. [18310]

Precise figures relating to trade and investment inquiries from British companies are not recorded. However, from extrapolation of incoming fax inquiries during September 1997, the British Deputy High Commission in Bombay dealt with an estimated 860 written inquiries during January to October 1997 inclusive. In addition, Bombay received 272 British business visitors in the same period. The British High Commission in New Delhi received an estimated 2,000 written inquiries from British companies and briefed 304 British business visitors during the same period. Both offices also received many telephone inquiries from UK companies, but these are not automatically recorded. An even greater number of inquiries were received from Indian companies seeking trade and investment links with British companies. In addition, there were numerous contacts with members of the resident British business community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the annual reports of (a) the Britain-Russia Centre and (b) the British East-West Centre will be published. [18276]

Copies of the Centres' Annual Report for 1996–97 have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The Centres received a grant-in-aid from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of £237,000 to support their activities in 1996–97. In addition the Centres secured funding in 1996–97 of £237,227 for direct expenditure on projects. Their priority areas for assistance have been Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Centres continue to make a valuable contribution to the strengthening of bilateral relations. Activities have included seminars and workshops; administering the British observer mission to the Russian presidential elections; work with the media in the republics of the Caucasus and senior level visits from Georgia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals are presently being considered at European Union level for the establishment of a museum of Europe; what discussions he has held with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on (a) which United Kingdom museum and (b) which United Kingdom collections will be affected; and if he will make a statement. [18155]

At the Council of Culture and Audiovisual Ministers meeting held in Brussels on 30 June 1997, the Greek delegate proposed the foundation of a Museum of Europe. The proposal has not been considered since then and neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary have had discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about the matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what studies he has undertaken of the effect of the increase in the use of qualified majority voting procedures under the Treaty of Amsterdam on the use by the European Parliament of its powers in these areas; and if he will make a statement. [18299]

None. There is no direct link between the use of Qualified Majority Voting in the Council and the use by the European Parliament of its powers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to publicise the opening hours of the British Deputy High Commission in Bombay. [18312]

The opening times of our Deputy High Commission in Bombay (Mumbai) are readily available from the mission itself and from this Department. The Deputy High Commission is open from 0800 to 1300 and 1400 to 1600 local time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British Ministers have visited India in 1997. [18313]

Nine Ministers have visited India in 1997 including five since 1 May. The right hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Major), then Prime Minister, and Mr. Lang, then President of the Board of Trade, visited in January. The hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox), then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, visited in February. Mr. Nelson, then Minister of State for the Department of Trade and Industry visited in March. I also visited India in June. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister visited in September and November. My noble Friend, Baroness Symons, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, visited in September. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited in October. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade visited in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about Iraqi compliance with UN resolutions. [16816]

Iraq is not yet in compliance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions (SCRs). Iraq must comply with all the relevant SCRs before the process of lifting of sanctions can begin.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the staffing establishment of the British High Commission Immigration Section in Lagos, Nigeria; and how many staff are in post. [18073]

In our High Commission in Lagos there are 68 members of staff (19 UK-based and 49 locally engaged staff) on the establishment of the Immigration Section which is currently fully staffed. The total number of staff working in the High Commission is 246 (48 UK-based and 198 locally engaged).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the average wait for an interview for (a) visa and (b) entry clearance at Her Majesty's High Commission in Lagos for each of the last three years. [18100]

The average wait for an interview for entry clearance (or visa) at the High Commission in Lagos for each of the last three years was:

Interview type	Average wait
1997
Visit	11 days
Settlement	5 months
1996
Visit	6 days
Settlement	5 months
1995
Visit	1 day
Settlemen	1 month

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British Ministers have visited Rockall in each of the last 10 years. [18076]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the legal title to Rockall; and if he will make a statement. [18080]

We have no doubt about our sovereignty over the Island of Rockall. This was made clear in response to recent correspondence from Greenpeace purporting to declare the independence of Rockall.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will press for an independent investigation of (a) massacres and (b) human rights violations in Algeria. [18536]

Without co-operation from the government in Algiers, any effort to investigate events in Algeria would be fruitless. We note that UN suggestions that the Commission on Human Rights has a role have been rebuffed by the Algerian Government. We welcome, however, news that the Algerians have said that they will accept a visit by a UN Special Rapporteur. We encourage the Algerians to ensure this takes place soon

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for Ministerial visits to the Congo. [18071]

There are currently no plans for Ministerial visits to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However we are closely monitoring the situation in the DRC with our partners in the EU and at the UN.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement. [18074]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), gave him on 3 November 1997, Official Report, column 167. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has held no further discussions with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo since then.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the rapport d' information approved at the plenary session of the Economic and Social Committee on 29 and 30 October on territorial employment pacts; and if he will make a statement. [18154]

I have been asked to reply.I have placed a copy of the Economic and Social Committee's information report in the Library of the House.As I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston, (Mr. Hughes) of 31 July 1997,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the provisions in the annual budget of the European Coal and Steel Community for (a) workers' housing, special reserve, and (b) staff loans, pension fund, apply to. [17264]

I have been asked to reply.The special reserve relating to workers' housing is used to grant loans from ECSC funds to finance subsidised housing for workers in the coal and steel industries.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the Commissioners' management of the property portfolio. [16833]

The Commissioners' property portfolio is actively managed by external firms of Chartered Surveyors, with the exception of the Octavia Hill Housing Estates which are managed by qualified Housing Managers, directly employed by the Church Commissioners. The Commissioners' own property staff are headed by the Chief Surveyor who is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The Commissioners' property portfolio has shown excellent returns in recent years, well ahead of the industry benchmark.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the Agenda 2000 proposals on the costs of poultry production. [18385]

Agenda 2000 contains no proposals which relate directly to poultry production. Feed costs, however, form a significant proportion of total poultry production costs and Agenda 2000 contains proposals to reduce cereal support prices by 20 per cent. from current levels. To the extent that cereal market prices also fall, feed costs will be reduced.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of UK poultry meat production is sold (a) fresh in (i) oven ready and (ii) New York dressed form and (b) frozen. [18375]

The information requested is not available.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many tonnes of chicken meat were produced by United Kingdom producers in 1996 from (a) broiler and (b) other systems; [18383](2) how many tonnes of turkey meat were produced by UK producers in 1996 from

In 1996, 1,450 thousand tonnes of poultry meat were produced by UK producers, 244 thousand tonnes were imported from EC countries and 18 thousand tonnes were imported from non EC countries.In 1996, 1,065 thousand tonnes of meat were produced from broilers and 54 thousand tonnes of meat were produced from other chickens.In 1996, 293 thousand tonnes of turkey meat were produced by UK producers. No information is available on the systems by which turkeys are housed.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the UK per capita consumption of (a) eggs, (b) chicken meat and (c) turkey meat in the latest year for which figures are available; and what were the equivalent figures for (i) five and (ii) 10 years previously. [18386]

Per capita consumption of eggs, chicken and turkey in Great Britain as measured by purchases for consumption at home is given in the following table.

Grams per person per week (except for eggs)
Purchases of:	1986	1991	1996
Eggs (number)	3.01	2.25	1.87
Chicken	174	183	191
Turkey	21	16	38
Pre-cooked poultry1	11	14	23
1 Not in cans.

These estimates exclude consumption outside of the home and consumption in the form of processed products. To help complete the picture, the following table provides details of total usage, derived as total UK production plus imports less exports and adjusted for stock changes.

UK usage of	1986	1991	1996
Eggs (million Dozen	869	853	813
Total Poultrymeat (000 Tonnes)	986	1,256	1,539
Chicken meat (000 Tonnes)	n/a	n/a	1,220
Turkey meat (000 Tonnes)	n/a	n/a	286
n/a = not available.

It should be stated that poultry meat figures are carcase weight equivalent, whereas the per capita consumption estimates above relate to the actual weight purchased.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy regarding the (a) disposal and (b) usage of poultry offal. [18387]

The Poultry Meat, Farmed Game Bird Meat and Rabbit Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 set out the requirements for the handling of poultry offal in licensed premises. Stringent hygiene requirements apply to all fresh meat, including offal, which is destined for human consumption.The EC Poultrymeat Marketing Regulations (Council Regulation 1906/90 with detailed rules set out in Commission Regulation 1538/91) allow the sale of giblets in the carcase of a whole bird when sold provided that this is indicated on the label.Enforcement officers carry out checks in licensed and unlicensed poultry premises under this legislation and also the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 to ensure that all food produced is fit for human consumption.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proportion of UK egg production is from (a) battery, (b) deep litter, (c) barn and (d) free range systems; and what were the figures 10 years ago; [18377](2) how many eggs were produced by UK producers in 1996; and how many were imported from

In 1996, 774 million dozen eggs were produced by UK producers for human consumption, 52 million dozen¹ were imported from EC countries and 1 million dozen¹ were imported from non EC countries.In 1996, 86 per cent. of eggs were produced by intensive systems, 11 per cent. were produced by free range systems and 3 per cent. were produced by perchery and other systems. This level of detail was not collected 10 years ago, and therefore no equivalent comparison can be made.No information is available on the number of hens split by production systems.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many eggs were imported from countries where mammalian meat and bone meal is incorporated in feedstuffs during 1996. [18379]

During 1996, 52 million dozen¹ eggs were imported from EC countries and 1 million dozen¹ were imported from non-EC countries. We believe that most of these are destined for processing. We do not have detailed information on legislation on all feed controls in place elsewhere but are unaware of any measures in place in other countries, during 1996 or before, banning mammalian meat and bonemeal (MBM) from non-ruminant feed. The poultry feed may therefore have included MBM.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what proposals he intends to make to the EU Council of Ministers during the UK Presidency regarding battery systems of egg production; [18381](2) what steps he is taking regarding phasing out battery systems of egg production. [18380]

We aim to phase out the conventional battery cage. This needs to be achieved at the European level, by developing measures in the Council of Ministers. That is why we are pressing the Commission to submit urgently for negotiation in the Council its proposals to update the EU rules on the welfare of laying hens.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that imported eggs and poultry meat meet the hygiene requirements for United Kingdom producers. [18388]

The import conditions for trade in poultrymeat and eggs within the Community, and for imports from third countries, are governed by Community legislation. The EU shell egg marketing legislation and Council Decision 94/371 both provide for and apply a maximum "best-before" limit of 28 days after lay for the marketing of shell eggs. These provisions are enforced by the relevant enforcement authorities including the Egg Marketing Inspectorate.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to ensure that all ritually slaughtered meat is clearly labelled as such. [17254]

We shall cover this approach in our forthcoming discussions with the religious communities about all aspects of religious slaughter.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what ways his Department's research priorities have been modified in response to Technology Foresight. [17426]

An analysis of the Department's research programmed has shown that some 90 per cent. of it currently aligns with the Foresight recommendations. Since the Foresight programmed started, the Department has initiated new LINK programmers on Horticulture, Aquaculture and Sustainable Livestock Production and has established a Diet and Health Funders Group, all of which reflect Foresight recommendations.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what Technology Foresight priorities are being taken into account in the forward planning of the Department's scientific research programmed. [17425]

The Department has played an active role in the Foresight panels dealing with Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry, Food and Drink, and the Marine. Our planned R and D already closely aligns with Foresight recommendations and we shall continue to be guided by the recommendations of panels in planning our future programmers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what help and access he has given the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards to ensure it can regulate organic farms effectively with particular reference to the origin of cattle bought by organic farmers; and if he will make a statement on the current constraints of commercial confidentiality affecting access to information in this area. [17748]

Under the rules of the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) organic farmers may buy in only cattle from herds which have not had any case of BSE in the previous 6 years. It is the responsibility of the organic farmer to demonstrate compliance with this rule.The Government have given an undertaking to make information on the BSE history of herds available to organic purchasers of animals provided that the consent of the owner of the herd to which the information relates can be obtained. However, the legal constraints are considerable and it has taken time to make sure that the procedures we propose are legally defensible. Administrative instructions are now being finalised and the Department will write to interested parties to inform them of the new arrangements next week.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the United Kingdom Government's position will be at the meeting of the Council of Ministers when they discuss the labelling of chocolate with regard to (a) vegetable fat and (b) milk content; and if he will make a statement [17747]

In the Council of Ministers, the Government will press for a new chocolate Directive which allows the full range of different European chocolate-making traditions to co-exist within a single, harmonised market and which increases consumer choice throughout the EU. It will oppose any measures which would discriminate against UK products or change the names under which those products have been sold for many years and which are familiar to UK consumers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many headboning businesses closed as a result of the tightening of BSE o controls; and what was the impact on employment. [17722]

I regret that no record is held centrally of the information requested.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultation he undertook with international experts on nutrition prior to making his decision to introduce restrictions on the retail sale of higher dose vitamin B6 supplements. [17819]

The Government's decision to restrict the level of vitamin B6 in dietary supplements sold under food law was based in part on advice from the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT). Members of the COT include internationally recognised experts in a range of disciplines including nutrition.In considering the safety of vitamin B6, the COT took account of the nutritional requirements for this vitamin that had been established by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) as part of its review of food energy and nutrient requirements of groups of people in the United Kingdom. Those carrying out this review included a number of nutritionists of international standing. International experts representing the EU Scientific Committee for Food and other experts from the European Community acted as observers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the average impact on individual producers of his Department claiming in full the compensation available from the EU resulting from each significant revaluation of the Green Pound during 1997. [18098]

[holding answer 27 November 1997]: No. The compensation which HMG could pay under the EU rules to offset the income effects of green rate revaluations this year stands at around £980 million, of which up to half may be reclaimed from the EU budget. It would be for Ministers to decide the mechanisms for distributing any such aid to the four sectors eligible for assistance under the EU rules.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy that the production of tallow and other products from the rendering of pig offal and fallen stock should be disposed of in the same way as that from bovine animals. [18067]

[holding answer 27 November 1997]: The BSE (No. 2) Order 1996 requires that all mammalian protein is excluded from ruminant feed and all mammalian meat and bone meal is excluded from all farmed livestock feed. The Fertilisers (Mammalian Meat and Bone Meal) Regulations 1996 also require that mammalian meat and bone meal is not used as a fertiliser on agricultural land. The Orders do not distinguish between pig and bovine material or material from fallen stock. Under the Bovines and Bovine Products (Despatch Prohibition and Production Restriction) Regulations 1997, plants wishing to produce bovine tallow for feed use must be registered and comply with the provisions laid down in that Order.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made to the Home Office regarding the level of fee for the licence required for growing hemp and its impact on small producers. [18063]

[holding answer 27 November 1997]: The Department's officials have written to, and met with, officials in the Home Office and have relayed the concerns of the hemp industry about the proposed level of the licence fee for 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the total cost of the British nuclear deterrent over the next four years. [16797]

The total procurement cost for Trident is estimated to be £12.6 billion. Average running costs have been estimated at £200 million a year over the 30 year lifetime of the system. We are examining the basis upon which cost estimates have been calculated in the light of operating experience as part of the wider Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instigate a review of the policy relating to the distribution and striking of medals and the protocols relating to their display. [16811]

The present policy relating to the distribution and striking of medals and the protocols for the wearing of medals is well proven. There are no plans to change it at the present time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance he has given to the Chief of the General Staff on the selection and commissioning of Army officers. [16812]

My hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the Chief of the General Staff routinely discuss all major aspects of Army policy, including recruitment. They are both committed to ensuring that access to the modern British Army, and promotion thereafter, is based firmly on merit alone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends publishing the RAF's operational requirement for the future large aircraft. [16813]

I have no plans to publish the Staff Requirement (SR(A)435) for the Hercules Rolling Replacement Programmed (for which the Future Large Aircraft is a possible contender for the second tranche).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve. [16814]

I assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to the Territorial Army, whose future role and structure are being considered in the Strategic Defence Review as part of our work on the Armed Forces as a whole. It would be premature to assess the likely outcome of the Review before the process is complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the review of the Defence Medical Services. [16815]

The stewardship of the previous Administration, whatever its intentions, has left the Defence Medical Services in a parlous state. In addition to the work of the Strategic Defence Review, which will clearly encompass the Defence Medical Services (DMS), I have established a team to implement the recommendations of a recent review of the operational capability of the DMS. I have also ordered a review of the provision of secondary care in the UK by the Defence Secondary Care Agency, and called for proposals to improve morale and retention among DMS personnel. I have directed that the work on these separate but interrelated issues be brought together in order to determine a structured way forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's proposals for the provision of new surface ships for the Royal Navy. [16817]

There are currently 18 surface ships either under construction or completing contractor trials. In the last 12 months two ships, the Type 23 Frigate, HMS Grafton, and the Ocean Survey Vessel, HMS Scott, have been accepted from contractors and will be entering full operational service in the next few months. The next 12 months will see the acceptance of the Type 23 Frigate HMS Sutherland, the naming and acceptance of the helicopter carrier, HMS Ocean, and the launching of the Type 23 Frigate, HMS Kent, and the Single Role Minehunters, HMS Pembroke and HMS Grimsby. A contract was placed in October 1997 for the charter of additional Ro-Ro ships which from May 1998 will increase the heavy lift capability for the Joint Rapid Deployment Force to two vessels.Future projects include replacing, early in the next century, the capabilities currently provided by the Type 42 Destroyers with the Horizon frigates, the Type 22 and 23 Frigates with a new class of Future Escort and a new class of Aircraft Carrier to supersede the Invincible class. In addition to these major programmers, a number of other projects including replacements for the Surveying Flotilla, Logistic Landing Ships and new Combat Stores Ship are also under consideration. These projects are, of course, being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the cost of refurbishing his Department's headquarters. [16818]

Costs of the refurbishment of MOD Main Building will depend on proposals from the shortlisted consortia during the next stages of the procurement programmed that I announced on 12 November 1997, Official Report, column 582. Costs will continue to be closely examined as the public private partnership programmed proceeds. Shortlisted bidders have the challenge of producing value for money solutions against the benchmark of my Department's public sector comparator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated value of the ASTOR project; and when he expects to announce his decision on this project. [16819]

The estimated procurement cost of the ASTOR (Airborne Stand-Off Radar) project is in the region of £750 million. Final proposals for the full Development and Production phase have now been invited from the two contractors who carried out competitive Project Definition studies. In addition, the Ministry of Defence has agreed that a co-operative development of a variant of the US Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) should also be considered for meeting the UK ASTOR requirement. We aim to announce a decision in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are currently deployed overseas on duties related to the current situation in Iraq; and what plans he has to add to these numbers. [16820]

Some 800 UK Service personnel are deployed overseas on duties connected with the current situation in Iraq. Almost all are contributing to established land, sea and air operations (including UN operations) which predated the recent crisis caused by Saddam Hussein's decision to expel the US Unscom personnel.In addition, HMS Invincible and RFA Fort Victoria deployed to the Mediterranean, embarking seven RAF Harrier aircraft, as part of the UK's response to the crisis, with a combined complement of some 1,300 personnel. There are no plans at present to deploy additional personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will restore the planned reduction in financial support towards the maintenance of the Yorks and Lancaster regimental museum in Rotherham. [16821]

£6,000 of funding has been restored to the Museum in recognition of its valuable representative role for the Army and focus for local recruit activity. We have also offered our assistance in identifying alternative sources of income to enable the museum to cover any shortfall in funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the cost of the United Kingdom's contribution in the former Yugoslavia will continue to be met from the contingency reserve. [16822]

Once the costs of the Bosnia operation in the current year are clearer, we will be able to assess more precisely how much of that cost can be absorbed within the Defence budget. I will discuss the funding of anything in excess of that sum with my Cabinet colleagues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current level of Britain's military contribution to the stabilisation force in Bosnia. [16823]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, Central (Mr. Davies), on 3 November 1997, Official Report, column 83.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the armed forces participate in new deal employment initiatives. [16824]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Mr. Cohen) on 14 November 1997, Official Report, column 688.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department took to ensure that his report following the review of the administration of the pay of officer prisoners of war and protected personnel in German and Italian hands during the second world war, published on 23 July, reflected the first-hand experiences of the officers involved. [16825]

My decision on the Review of officer Prisoner of War and Protected Personnel pay deductions took full account of the lengthy submissions of the officers and Protected Personnel, their meetings with the previous Minister and the letters many of them wrote, all of which reflected their first hand experiences. This work also examined the considerable weight of contemporary evidence which survives.The main concern of the Review was to examine the pay policy which covered these servicemen, and to consider the decisions which formed it and its implementation. It is clear that those concerned with this policy had a number of sources of detailed information about the views and circumstances of those in the camps, ranging from the formal Reports of Red Cross and other visits, to communications with individuals raising questions about their own pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for defence diversification. [16826]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Redditch (Jacqui Smith).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was discussed at his recent meeting with Russian defence officials; and if he will make a statement. [16827]

I paid a short, productive visit to Moscow on 3–4 November, where I had meetings with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergeyev, the Secretary of the Defence Council, Dr. Kokoshin, and Foreign Minister Primakov.Dr. Kokoshin and I agreed to develop discussions on the democratic control of defence. Foreign Minister Primakov and I exchanged views on Iraq.The main purpose of my visit was to promote defence co-operation between the UK and Russia. General Sergeyev and I inaugurated a joint Russo-British Commission to oversee the management of defence co-operation between our countries. Among a range of bilateral issues discussed, we agreed that our navies should work towards closer co-operation in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the factors underlying the delay in completing the strategic defence review. [16828]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 25 November 1997, Official Report, columns 499–500.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims relating to alleged ionising radiation exposure at the workplace have been received by his Department from past civilian employees at Chatham Dockyard since it became a nuclear refit facility; and how many of these claimants have received compensation other than as a result of a common law claim. [17430]

Chatham Dockyard became an approved nuclear submarine refit facility in 1966.It is not possible to report how many claims relating to former Chatham Dockyard workers have been received by my Department since 1966 because this information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, such information has been held centrally since 23 October 1986 and my Department's records show that forty claims for compensation for illness allegedly caused by exposure to ionising radiation relating to former Ministry of Defence civilian employees who worked at Chatham Dockyard have been received.On 27 July 1994, the Ministry of Defence joined the British Nuclear Fuels Compensation Scheme for Radiation Linked Diseases. Membership of the Scheme covers past and present radiation workers including those at the Royal Dockyards before contractorisation in 1987. Thirty-two claims have been submitted to the Scheme of which seven have been rejected as ineligible, and twenty-five are under consideration. Prior to July 1994, all claims for alleged exposure to ionising radiation from civilian employees were considered on the basis of whether or not the Department had a legal liability to pay compensation. One of the eight claims received prior to July 1994 resulted in damages being awarded by the High Court; the remaining seven claims were not pursued. Therefore, none of the claimants has to date received compensation other than as a result of a common law claim.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total income to his Department from the issue of licences to hunt on his Department's land in the last year for which figures are available. [17301]

The income that my Department will receive from those licences issued to hunt foxes on the Defence Estate in the 1997–98 season will amount to £800. The full administrative costs associated with the preparation of such licences will also be recovered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Trident D5 Missiles were loaded on to HMS Vigilant in the United States after the completion of its most recent test firing of missiles there. [18320]

Following a very successful Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, HMS Vigilant collected 14 unarmed Trident D5 missiles from the US Navy's Strategic Weapon Facility Atlantic at Kings Bay, Georgia in preparation for her entry into operational service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if members of the reserve forces can serve with the UN Special Commission in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [18873]

A Call-Out Order is in force which permits members of the reserve forces to be called out under Section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to support operations in the former republic of Yugoslavia and also in the region of Iraq. This includes service with the UN Special Commission in Iraq. Only suitably qualified volunteers are called out.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the boundaries of the United Kingdom low-flying zones for fast jets. [16803]

The UK Low Flying System is kept under continuous review to ensure that low flying is conducted as safely as possible with the minimum of disturbance to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to increase recruitment into the armed forces. [16807]

The Government is committed to addressing the very serious problem of undermanning inherited from the previous Administration and has made recruitment to the Armed Forces one of the top priorities. A number of new recruiting initiatives are in place and, there are signs that these measures are beginning to have an effect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the in-service date slippage in the production of the COBRA project to date has been due to problems in partner countries; what measures he is undertaking to prevent similar problems in other OCCAR projects; and if he will make a statement. [17914]

The slippage against the original in service date for the Counter Battery Radar (COBRA) system is 108 months. The principal reasons for the slippage are explained in the National Audit Office Major Project Report 1996 (HC238, session 1997–98,15 August 1997). As the report notes:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much the Government spent in each of the last 10 years on (a) new social housing stock and (b) maintenance of social housing stock in (i) Staffordshire, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England. [16871]

[holding answer 20 November 1997]: The available information on allocation or outturns for expenditure on social housing stock made by the government since 1988–89 is set out below. A revised local authority capital finance regime and housing revenue subsidy system was introduced from April 1990, and thus

£ million
	1988–89	1989–90	1990–91	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	11997–98
England
Housing Corporation Approved Development Programmed (ADP) Net outturns.	652	810	1,154	1,639	2,306	1,795	1,487	1,153	1,031	676
Housing Annual Capital Guidelines (ACG)/Basic Block allocations	1,119	874	1,396	1,343	1,290	1,378	1,038	994	943	628
Estate Action outturns	140	190	180	268	348	357	373	316	252	170
Cash Incentive Scheme allocations2	—	—	—	—	30	—	30	60	60	60
Estates Renewal Challenge Fund allocations	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	30	118
Other local authority allocations3	52	20	121	187	80	45	39	30	30	—
Management and maintenance (M and M) allowances for LA stock	1,897	2,007	2,955	3,070	3,206	3,266	3,298	3,332	3,375	3,307
Housing Action Trusts outturns	—	—	—	10	27	78	92	93	90	89
West Midlands Region
Housing Corporation Approved Development Programmed (ADP) Gross outturns	n/a	n/a	100	112	154	162	134	100	88	57
Housing Annual Capital Guidelines (ACG)/Basic Block allocations	118	92	122	120	120	130	101	102	100	69
Estate Action outturns	n/a	n/a	25	35	41	47	49	41	25	5
Cash Incentives Scheme allocations2	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	2	3	4
Estates Renewal Challenge Fund allocations	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	7	25
Other local authority allocations3	4	5	3	5	7	5	4	3	3	—
Management and maintenance (M and M) allowances for LA stock	192	205	328	342	359	363	361	366	375	359
Housing Action Trusts outturns	—	—	—	—	—	2	6	11	14	18
Staffordshire
Housing Corporation Approved Development Programmed (ADP) Gross outturns	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	23	21	19	13	14	n/a
Housing Annual Capital Guidelines (ACG)/Basic Block allocations	17	13	18	20	20	22	16	16	15	10
Estate Action outturns4	3	6	4	3	4	3	4	1	1	—
Cash Incentive Scheme allocations2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Estates Renewal Challenge Fund allocations	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	5
Other local authority allocations3	1	1	—	—	—	1	—	1	1	—
Management and maintenance (M and M) allowances for LA stock	24	25	48	50	52	52	52	54	56	48
Housing Action Trusts outturns	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1 All outturns for 1997–98 are latest estimates.
2 Resources were provided for cash incentives schemes in 1990–91 and 1991–92, but within a package of measures directed at homelessness which are included in the 'other local authority' row.
3 Covers special programmers for homelessness, rural housing, energy efficiency, New Town defective dwellings, Flats over Shops, the Housing Partnership Fund and the Private Sector Initiatives.
4 Estate Action figures for Staffordshire 1988–89 to 1992–93 inclusive are allocations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Barclays Bank report concerning shortages of homes to buy. [17161]

Barclays Bank is one of a number of organisations reporting that there are currently more prospective buyers than there are homes for sale. Part of the reason is that confidence in the housing market has returned. Increasing numbers of first time buyers and people in rented accommodation are looking to buy but will have no home to sell. This imbalance is likely to level off as the market adjusts. The Government's planning policy guidance (PPG3: Housing) advises local planning authorities to ensure the availability of a continuous five year supply of housing land to cater for on-going housing requirements.