To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what mechanisms her Department is developing to ensure that the proceeds of debt relief are invested in measures aimed at reducing poverty. [79519]

I strongly agree that the resources freed up by debt relief need to be invested in poverty reduction programmes if we are to achieve the international development targets, including halving the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015. We are pressing for the link between debt relief and poverty reduction to be examined and strengthened during the fundamental review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, which is underway.HIPC debt relief is available only to countries following programmes agreed with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. We are working with these organisations to ensure that programmes are designed to promote high quality growth, and that the resources freed up by debt relief are allocated to poverty reduction programmes. Following last year's review of IMF's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF), we are working with the Fund to ensure that more priority is given to the social impact of programmes, and that more attention is paid to including civil society in the design of programmes, to increase their poverty impact.In addition, following proposals put forward by the UK, the World Bank is developing a set of general principles of good practice in social policy in consultation with the IMF. We envisage these principles should be drawn upon by the IMF and the World Bank in the design of programmes, to ensure that they protect and promote spending on health and education.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is currently giving to developing countries to improve the quality of primary education. [79531]

Our education programmes for developing countries in support of the international goals of universal primary education and gender equity in primary and secondary education include agreements on policies which ensure that our assistance has a beneficial and sustainable effect, and that quality is not compromised in pursuit of the quantified development targets.Where required, we provide technical assistance to address quality issues such as teacher training and the curriculum, and make substantial contributions to quality in the form of books and learning materials. In Uganda and India, we are supporting the development of appropriate and good quality schools and classroom learning environments as part of our wider support to primary education in those countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department is giving to developing countries to meet the target of universal primary education by 2015; and what progress has been made to date. [79524]

In our White Paper we undertook to seek to meet the target of universal primary education by 2015. We have committed over £200 million to basic education in a number of countries including Ghana, India, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and our largest ever single education pledge of £67 million for Uganda. These and substantial new programmes under development will contribute to the international target for universal primary education. It is too early to report progress towards the development goals. DFID programmes cannot be measured in isolation. Progress will be monitored through international education statistics collated and published by UNESCO and other multilateral organisations, including the OECD.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to increase the proportion of bi-lateral aid invested in primary education. [79518]

As we set out in our White paper, we are committed to the international development targets, including Universal Primary Education by 2015. In the Government's first year in office (1997/98), we spent over £13 million of bilateral funds on primary education. This was an increase of £5 million over the previous year. Subsequent major commitments of over £200 million, plus new programmes currently being developed in a number of countries, amounting to at least £200 million will substantially increase the proportion of our bilateral assistance invested in primary education.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress to date towards the achievement of the international development goal of gender equality in education. [79520]

As we made clear in our White Paper in November 1997, we are committed to the international goals of universal primary education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary education by 2005.We have committed over £200 million to basic education in a number of countries including Ghana, India, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and our largest ever single education pledge of £67 million for Uganda. These and other new programmes under development are a reflection of our understanding—based on strong evidence—that investment in the education of girls is the single, most effective way to reduce poverty.We are committed to supporting governments that give priority to the education of girls within their education systems. It is too early to report progress towards the development goals. DFID programmes cannot be measured in isolation and progress towards the education development targets will be monitored through international education statistics collated and published by UNESCO and other multilateral organisations, including work by the OECD on indicators of development.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent scientific re-assessment she has received of volcanic risks in Montserrat; and if she will make a statement. [79060]

The latest volcanic assessment was undertaken earlier this month. The review concluded that there has been no resumption of magmatic eruption since March 1998, and that risk levels of a major volcanic eruption are now similar to those in other Caribbean volcanic islands.I have placed copies of the full report in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list all those task forces and policy reviews with external members established by her Department since May 1997 which have set up (a) sub-groups, (b) working parties and (c) other subsidiary committees. [79255]

There are no bodies which fall into these categories.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list for all task forces and policy reviews with external members established by her Department since May 1997 (a) their dates of establishment, (b) those which have issued final reports and their dates of publication, (c) those which have been terminated and their dates of termination and (d) for those bodies still in existence, expected reporting and termination dates. [79278]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 13.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action has been taken by Her Majesty's Government to provide aid to (a) Kazakhstan and (b) other former Soviet republics to tackle the effects of radioactive fallout from Soviet military testing. [79545]

Following discussions with the Kazakh authorities, the Department for International Development has plans to support a community based land-use plan for the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan. We plan to implement the project later this year after consultation with representatives of provincial government, local communities, NGOs, and central Government in Kazakhstan.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which officials had discussions with GJW, on how many occasions and on what dates, concerning the wish by Cape plc to amend the Access to Justice [Lords] Bill to ban foreign workers suffering from asbestosis obtaining legal aid. [78740]

No officials in my Department have had any discussions with G. J. Ward concerning any wish by Cape plc to amend the Access to Justice [Lords] Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the average flying hours in (a) 1997 and (b) 1998 for Harrier GR7 aircraft in service with the RAF. [67693]

In both 1997 and 1998, Harrier GR7 aircraft have each flown an average of 23 hours per month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the overseas trips on his behalf. and who met the costs, undertaken by each of his special advisers since May 1997. [74641]

[holding answer 4 March 1999]: Overseas visits (on my behalf) undertaken by my two special advisers since 1 May 1997 are as listed. The costs of these visits were met as appropriate either from my travel budget or from that of the senior official or military officer whom the special adviser was accompanying. In most cases travel was by military flight.

• Alasdair McGowan
• 2–3 June 1997 Washington accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 30 June–1 July 1997 Bosnia accompanying Chief of the General Staff
• 5–9 October 1998 Cyprus accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 27–28 October 1998 Bosnia accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• Bernard Gray
• 30 September–1 October 1997 Maastricht accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 2–3 December 1997 Brussels—NATO Ministerial—accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 13 March 1998 Cyprus one visit—accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 14–16 March 1998 Saudi Arabia one visit—accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 2 April 1998 Munich—DASA Meeting—Defence Industry Restructuring
• 8 April 1998 Villacoublay, France—talks with French MOD—accompanying Chief of Defence Procurement
• 20 April 1998 France—talks with French MOD—accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 10–11 June 1998 Brussels accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 18 September 1998 France accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 23–25 September 1998 Portugal—NATO Informals—accompanying Secretary of State
• 21 October 1998 Munich—DASA Meeting—accompanying Chief of Defence Procurement
• 17–20 November 1998 USA accompanying Secretary of State for Defence
• 5–7 January 1999 Bosnia accompanying Chief of the Defence Staff
• 31 January–2 February 1999 Macedonia accompanying Chief of the defence Staff
• 4–5 March 1999 USA—Defence Industry Restructuring—accompanying Deputy Chief of Defence Procurement (Support).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British personnel are currently deployed in the Balkans; and if he will make a statement. [78407]

On 30 March, there were some 9,680 personnel committed to operations in the Balkans region, excluding Defence Attache staff. This includes some 4,700 personnel in Greece and Macedonia in connection with operations relating to Kosovo, some 4,500 personnel serving with SFOR in Bosnia and Croatia, and some 480 Royal Navy personnel in the area aboard the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Somerset and the submarine HMS Splended. In addition, there are some 450 RAF personnel in Italy supporting NATO air operations over the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and in support of SFOR.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requirements his Department has given to tenderers concerning the construction of the Royal Navy's future aircraft carriers. [78780]

The potential prime contractors have been informed that the future aircraft carriers will be built and outfitted in the UK in line with current Government policy and that the first ship should be in service with the Royal Navy by 2012 and the second by 2015.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on maritime mine counter-measures in the Adriatic; and what assessment he has made of the dangers to shipping from an increase in tensions in Kosovo. [79423]

We assess that there is no substantial threat to shipping in the Adriatic as a result of the current Kosovo crisis. Should this situation change, NATO has Mine Counter-measures assets available to meet any threat which might arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency; and what key targets have been set for 1999–2000. [79893]

On 1 April 1999 the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) will be established as a Defence Agency. The DARA will be responsible for the provision of deep aviation repair and overhaul facilities to meet the UK's Defence needs. It will enable the MOD's requirements for third line aircraft servicing to be focused on one primary provider. The DARA's Chief Executive will be Mr. Steve Hill and its Head Office will be at RAF St. Athan, Vale of Glamorgan. The Agency will employ 1,726 military and 5,099 civilian staff at four locations in the UK—Almondbank, Fleetlands, RAF Sealand and RAF St. Athan.The creation of the Agency will improve Defence aviation repair delivery by focusing on customer requirements. It will also offer scope for exploiting the synergy between helicopter and fixed wing repair facilities and provide a clear line of accountability for service delivery. The DARA's corporate aim will be

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Defence Procurement Agency; and what key targets have been set for 1999–2000. [79989]

As we announced following our Strategic Defence Review the Defence Procurement Agency, DPA, will be launched as a Vote funded agency on 1 April 1999. It will be an executive agency under the Chief of Defence Procurement, Sir Robert Walmsley. He will be the Chief Executive and will be directly accountable to Ministers. The aim of the DPA will be to procure new equipment for the Armed Forces in response to approved requirements and to provide other procurement related services to its customers in and beyond the Ministry of Defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement (a) on progress in implementing the Smart Procurement Initiative and (b) the Defence Logistics Organisation. [79889]

The Smart Procurement Initiative launched in our Strategic Defence Review offers major improvements in the way in which the Ministry of Defence buys and maintains equipment, and supports the Armed Forces. Smart Procurement encompasses the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), the formation of which we are announcing separately today, and the new Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO), headed by the new Chief of Defence Logistics. Both of these new organisations will form on 1 April 1999.We remain committed to deliver the £2 billion of savings over 10 years which we promised from Smart Procurement, and we have identified clear scope for further savings on top of that. The close working relationship between the DPA and DLO, needed to help deliver these savings, is being achieved in part through the creation of Integrated Project Teams or IPTs. These include staff from both the procurement and support organisations, as well as necessary contracts, finance, operational user and—in particular—industry expertise. We want to foster an enhanced partnership with industry, to reduce risk, encourage innovation and increase the competitiveness of defence industry.The 10 pilot projects where we have been trialling Smart Procurement techniques and the IPT concept are already starting to indicate new savings running to several hundreds of millions of pounds over their life. They have also identified significant opportunities to get equipment year. In addition to these in year targets the Agency remains committed to achieving savings of at least £2 billion by March 2008 by the application of Smart Procurement techniques.The first three Targets apply to the range of projects covered by the Major Projects Report, which my Department submits annually to the House. Like the other Targets they are a starting point in what we intend to be a process of continuous improvement. Targets 2 and 3 are compatible with goals set in the 1999–2002 Public Service Agreement (PSA), adapted to enable cumulative performance to be measured. Target 5 also reflects one of the goals featured in the PSA.The DPA's Key Targets for 1999–2000 are:into service faster, or—for equipment already in service—improve its availability and reliability. For example, the Type 23 frigate IPT is looking to reduce the length of an upgrade programme by 30 per cent. and the VC10 IPT has already identified initiatives to achieve a 10 per cent. increase in serviceability.Soon after Easter we will launch the first wave of IPTs covering 23 projects or groups of projects in the DPA and DLO. Over the course of the coming year, the remainder of projects will migrate to this new structure, with a total of about 150 Teams forming in all, some 90 in the DPA and 60 in the DLO.We have streamlined our internal procedures for taking decisions on equipment procurement, and will be reconfiguring MOD Headquarters to ensure that there is a clear central customer for equipment.The Chief of Defence Logistics, General Sir Sam Cowan, will formally take up his post on 1 April 1999, bringing together the areas of the Chief of Fleet Support, the Quartermaster General and the Air Member for Logistics into a single Defence Logistics Organisation. This will be the largest Joint organisation in Defence, and accounts for some £4.6 billion of expenditure each year. The DLO will become a fully unified logistics structure in April 2000. This offers real prospects for delivering an improved service to the front line at lower cost. A significant proportion of the savings we foresee will come from the Defence Logistics Organisation applying Smart Procurement techniques. There will also be savings in downstream support costs, by ensuring that the whole life costs of equipment are properly considered when procurement decisions are taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Defence Transport and Movements Agency; and what key targets have been set for 1999–2000. [79897]

The formation of the new Defence Transport and Movements Agency (DTMA), providing defence-wide operational and administrative transport and movements services, was announced as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The DTMA will form on 1 April this year incorporating the Defence Transport and Movements Executive, the Defence Freight Distribution Group, the Joint Transport and Movements staff from Northwood, the Passengers Reservation Centre in London, and the Air Movements Executive from High Wycombe. The Chief Executive has been set the following Key Targets for 1999–2000:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Estate Organisation. [79991]

One of the major issues addressed during the Strategic Defence Review, was how to improve the overall management of the Defence Estate, an important strategic and national asset.A number of key recommendations were made affecting the role of the Defence Estate Organisation (DEO), which was originally launched as a Defence Agency in 1997. These were, that the Chief Executive should be accountable for working to users to ensure that the Defence Estate is managed efficiently as a whole to support the deliver of Defence Capability, that the Agency should assume responsibility for all aspects of the surplus property disposal programme and that the Agency should develop a new model for construction procurement.The effect of these recommendations has been to place major new responsibilities on the Agency and a fundamental review of the role, processes and organisation of the DEO was undertaken and a major change programme has been put in place.A new Framework Document and Corporate Plan have been produced and copies will be placed in the Library of the House. Key Targets for the Agency, which will now be known as Defence Estates (DE), are being finalised and will be published shortly.The work to be undertaken by DE, under the title SMART CONSTRUCTION, aims for the widest possible use of Prime Contracting. Whilst focusing on the MOD's estate requirements, it is also an integral part of the necessary reform of the UK Construction Industry which is a Government-wide initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Logistics Support Services (RAF) Agency. [79896]

The roles and responsibilities of the organisations involved in the provision of integrated logistic support to new projects and in-service equipments in the RAF have been reviewed in order to streamline process, remove duplication and overlap and implement efficiencies.Changes include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency; and what key targets have been set for 1999–2000. [79894]

The formation of the new Defence Storage and Distribution (DSDA), for the storage and distribution of non-explosive stores, was announced as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The DSDA will form on 1 April this year incorporating the majority of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency, storage functions at RAF Stafford, the Central Services Establishment at Llangennech and the Procurement Executive Storage Depot at Aston Down. The Chief Executive has been set the following Key Targets for 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of the review of long service awards in the armed forces. [79892]

Her Majesty the Queen has graciously approved the institution of a new award to be known as the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal to recognise outstanding service in the volunteer reserve forces. It will apply to volunteer reserves in all three Services and will be open to service men and women of any rank.Her Majesty the Queen has also graciously approved the institution of a new award to be known as the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal to recognise 10 years continuous efficient service in the volunteer reserve forces. The Volunteer Reserves Medal will replace the Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, the Royal Naval Reserve Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the Efficiency Decoration, the Efficiency Medal and the Air Efficiency Award. It will apply to volunteer reserves in all three Services and will be open to serve men and women of any rank.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which British land troops would be sent into Kosovo; and in what capacity they would act. [78766]

As the Government have repeatedly made clear the UK will only deploy troops into Kosovo to help implement a peace agreement, with the consent of both parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information members of the British armed forces have been given in relation to possible posting to Kosovo. [78767]

It has been made clear to our Armed Forces that we would deploy ground forces to Kosovo only if the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia authorities accept the entry of a NATO-led force in order to implement a peace agreement. Our people are well aware that we have no plans to fight our way into Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and to whom in his Department Lieutenant Colonel Worsley-Tonks reported the contents of his conversation with Chris Aindow at the end of 1994 concerning events on the Glen Road on 30 September 1990; by whom it was considered; and what action was taken. [78737]

Ministry of Defence officials have spoken to Lieutenant Colonel Worsley-Tonks, who has retired from the Army, who said that he has no recollection of the alleged conversation with Mr. Aindow. Therefore the issue of onward reporting within the MOD does not arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and to whom in his Department Colonel Fletcher of the Parachute Regiment reported the contents of his conversation with Chris Aindow in January 1995 concerning events on the Glen Road on 30 September 1990; by whom it was considered; and what action was taken. [78738]

Ministry of Defence officials have spoken to Colonel Fletcher who remembers that a conversation took place with Mr. Aindow, who was no longer a serving soldier, some four years ago. Although he cannot recall the precise details Colonel Fletcher recalls that Mr. Aindow discussed the possibility of a further court case. Colonel Fletcher advised him to tell the truth at any subsequent hearing and took no further action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what approach his Department made to the lawyers acting for Chris Aindow requesting a copy of Chris Aindow' s affidavit describing the events on the Glen Road on 30 September 1990. [78739]

No approach has been made by my Department to the lawyers of Chris Aindow for a copy of the affidavit describing the events on the Glen Road on 30 September 1990, although a reporter from the Sunday Express provided the MOD Press Office with extracts from the affidavit in which Chris Aindow alleges that he spoke to two Senior Officers after his release from prison in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Spain's joining of NATO's integrated military structure has created impediments to the use of Gibraltar by NATO naval, military and air forces. [78969]

No impediments in the use of Gibraltar by NATO forces have been created by Spain's joining NATO's Integrated Military Structure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the restrictions in the movements of (a) NATO ships and (b) NATO aircraft that were being applied by Spain at the point when Spain joined NATO' s integrated military structure; and whether any of those restrictions have now been lifted; [78970](2) if he will list the restrictions in the movements of

Spain maintains restrictions on all NATO military aviation movements into and out of Gibraltar, including a ban on military overflights and an air exclusion zone to the North and West of Gibraltar. By means of reservations footnoted to the relevant NATO Standing Agreement, Spain restricts access of UK and other NATO warships to Gibraltar. Discussions in June 1998 between FCO/Spanish MFA officials led to agreement on the lifting of some of the restrictions, air diversions in an emergency and the use of Gibraltar-based assets in NATO exercises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 March 1999, Official Report, column 209, on British Gulf war veterans, if the available tests under a medical assessment programme will include a test specifically to detect the presence of depleted uranium. [79067]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answers of 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 208–09, and 15 March 1999, Official Report, columns 502–04, and to the detailed paper, "Testing for the presence of depleted uranium in UK veterans of the Gulf conflict: The Current Position", which I published on 19 March. A copy of the paper was sent to my hon. Friend last week and copies were also placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Housing Executive. [79990]

Following a review of options it has been concluded that the most appropriate way forward would be for the Defence Housing Executive to become an Agency of the Ministry of Defence with effect from 1 April 1999.In order to ensure that the Agency operates in the best interests of its customers and in an efficient and cost effective manner, I have agreed five Key Targets with the Chief Executive for the first year of the Agency's work.The following four key targets will measure the extent to which the Defence Housing Executive is delivering housing in the correct quantity, to the required standard and within the appropriate time frame.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish a list, including names and dates, of all meetings that (a) he, (b) his officials, (c) his advisers and (d) his PPS have held during (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999 with people who work for political lobbying firms or for businesses that are members of the Public Relations Consultants Association. [79652]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 168. The Ministerial Code also applies to Parliamentary Private Secretaries when attending any meetings in an official or semi-official capacity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future development of Wellington Barracks, Chelsea. [79421]

Initial planning is in hand for the possible refurbishment of Wellington Barracks in the London Borough of Westminster during the early years of the next decade.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a breakdown of the average amoun of tax credits reclaimed on dividends in 1995–96 and 1996–97 by each decile for (a) non-taxpayers aged over 65 years and (b) all non-tax paying individuals. [67471]

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: Latest available estimates for 1995–96 and 1996–97, derived from the Survey of Personal Incomes, are given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will provide a breakdown of the number of (a) non-taxpayers aged over 65 years and (b) all non-taxpaying persons reclaiming tax credits on dividends in 1996–97 in the categories (i) under £20, (ii) £21 to £50, (iii) £51 to £100, (iv) £101 to £200 and (v) over £200 reclaimed; [67636](2) what estimate he has made of the average value of shares held by

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: Estimates of the numbers of people claiming payments of dividend tax credits, derived from the 1996–97 Survey of Personal Incomes, are given in the table, but share holdings or values are not known, so it is not possible to estimate the average value of shares held by these people.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the (a) average and (b) medium amount in sterling of tax credits on dividends reclaimed in 1995–96 and 1996–97. [67472]

[holding answer 25 January 1999]: Latest available estimates for 1995–96 and 1996–97 are given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the US Government since 1 June 1998; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the ministers involved on each occasion, and the name of the US counterpart at each meeting. [77153]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer met the US Treasury Secretary, Robert Rubin, on 2 October (Washington), 16 December (Washington), 29 January (Davos, Switzerland) and 20 February (Cologne).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many couples with children, in the tax year 2000–01, will face a loss as a result of abolition of the married couples allowance in April 2000, broken down by type of housing tenure; and what the average loss will be. [76842]

[holding answer 15 March 1999]: An approximate breakdown by housing tenure of the number of married couples who will no longer benefit from the married couple's allowance in 2000–01 and have children eligible for child benefit is shown in the table. These estimates are based on the Family Expenditure Survey.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what data his Department has collated on the number of individuals in childless married couples who pay income tax; and if he will breakdown that number by housing tenure. [77008]

[holding answer 16 March 1999]: The Inland Revenue does not currently collect data on the number of taxpayers with or without children, but an approximate breakdown by housing tenure of the number of married couples who benefit from the married couple's allowance in 1998–99 and have no children eligible for child benefit is shown in the table. These estimates are based on the Family Expenditure Survey.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect in (a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01 of his budgets to date on the total tax burden in (i) cash terms and (ii) as a percentage of GDP. [78808]

Table B9 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report shows forecasts of taxes and social security contributions, net of tax credits, as a per cent. of GDP. Forecasts of taxes and social security contributions, net of tax credits, in cash terms are published in Table B10. Forecasts of money GDP are published in Table B4.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government adopted the international national accounting convention which requires mortgage interest tax relief to be shown as public expenditure for budgetary purposes. [79059]

National accounts are prepared in accordance with internationally agreed guidelines. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) decided to adopt the new European System of Accounts (ESA 95) as the standard for the National Accounts Blue Book published in September 1998. In national accounts prepared under ESA95, all payments of Mortgage Interest Relief are shown as part of Total Managed Expenditure (TME).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of (a) preparing, (b) printing and (c)distributing the Budget 99 leaflet. [79398]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 23 March 1999, Official Report, columns 207–08.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answers of 24 March 1999, Official Report, columns 255–56, if he will explain the reason for the fall in the number of pensioners from 10,700,000 in 1998–99 to 9,950,000 in 1999–2000. [79170]

[holding answer 29 March 1999]: The figure of 10.7 million in 1998–99 covers all pensioners whereas the figure of 9.95 million for 1999–2000 excludes those paying income tax at a marginal rate of 20 per cent., as specified in the question.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government intends to publish the remaining public service agreements and the measures which will be used to monitor their success. [80117]

The Government are today publishing a White Paper (CM 4315) which is a supplement to "Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform, Accountability" (CM 4181 published in December 1998). It includes PSAs for the Department of Social Security, Sure Start, the utility regulators (Offer/Ofgas, Oftel, and Ofwat), the Office of Fair Trading and the Charity Commission. PSAs for the Countryside Agency and the Northern Ireland Office will follow later in the year. I have today also published a booklet, "The Government's Measures of Success: Output Performance Analyses", which includes the measures the Government will be using to track progress against the PSA targets. Copies are available in the Vote Office.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish his assessment of the regulatory impact of the Scottish Variable Rate. [80118]

Copies of the regulatory impact assessment have today been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish details of funding arrangements between the Government and the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. [80119]

I have today placed in the Library of both Houses of Parliament copies of. a Statement of Funding Policy. This document fulfils the Government's commitment to make the financial arrangements with the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly a matter of public record.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the proportion of the retail price of petroleum taken by tax in each member state of the European Union, the United States of America and Canada; [76571](2) if he will list the average retail price of petroleum in each OECD country, taking account of his Budget measures. [76570]

I have been asked to reply.Unleaded petrol prices in mid-December 1998 and the percentage of taxes in the price are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the following documents, relating to the Government Codes and Cypher School's work in the Second World War, will be released to the Public Record Office: (a) "The History of Hut 8" by A. S. Mahon, (b) "Turing's Treatise on the Enigma" and (c) "The German Navy's Use of Special Intelligence" by McMahon; if these documents have been made available outside the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [75132]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 March 1999, Official Report, columns 142–43.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessments have been made of the environmental and social impact of the remaining options for the development of GCHQ; and if he will publish them; [76376](2) when he expects to announce the location for the redevelopment of GCHQ; [76377](3) which sites are currently being considered for the redevelopment of GCHQ; [76374](4) what representations he has recently received regarding

Since October 1998 two sites have been under consideration for the redevelopment of GCHQ: GCHQ's existing Benhall site and a site at the Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth. I have received a number of representations in support of the Benhall site, including from the hon. Member.I expect to consider a recommendation from GCHQ shortly. That recommendation will take account of all relevant factors, including environmental and social considerations. When I announce my decision, I will set out the role which those factors played in it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the payments due to be made by the European Commission to those Commissioners who recently resigned. [79156]

Payments to outgoing Commissioners are governed by the provisions in Council Regulation 422/67/EEC. We have made clear our belief that payments should not be paid to any Commissioner found guilty of fraud or misconduct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22 and 23 March; and if he will make a statement. [79095]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I represented the UK at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 March 1999. Foreign Ministers met on Sunday 21 March in advance of the General Affairs Council to discuss Agenda 2000 and the future of the European Commission.The Council adopted the A points listed in document 6859/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 8–12 February and 24–25 February listed in documents 5793/99 and 5796/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.The Council agreed as an "A" point that the Commission should start screening Maltese legislation as soon as possible for compatibility with the Union acquis, and that Malta will be invited to the next meeting of the European Conference, at Foreign Minister level under the Finnish Presidency. We welcome the Council's decision, which is in line with our support for Malta's accession to the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals have been made by the presidency of the European Union at (a) the General Affairs Council and (b) other ministerial councils concerning the development of the role of the Western European Union; on what date he expects the Treaty of Amsterdam to take effect; and if he will place related European Union and Western European Union documents in the Library. [78998]

The Presidency of the European Union have made no formal proposals considering the development of the role of the Western European Union at the General Affairs Council or any other ministerial councils.The Treaty of Amsterdam will enter into force once the last remaining countries, France and Greece, have deposited their instruments of ratification with the Italian Government. They are expected to do so shortly. If they do so before 15 April 1999, the Treaty will enter into force on 1 May 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the agenda for the Euro-Med Foreign Ministers Conference on 15 to 16 April. [79576]

The draft agenda is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 1 February 1999, Official Report, column 431, what discussions with French Ministers and officials (i) have taken place and (ii) are scheduled to take place concerning (a) the death of Mr. Clive Allison in May 1998 and the degree of co-operation with the British coroner in that case and (b) the degree of co-operation of French officials with British coroners. [79525]

On 30 November, Baroness Symons, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, met senior French officials of the Ministry of Interior to discuss the handling of deaths of British Nationals and to press for more vigorous investigations by the French authorities.We have had no discussions with French Ministers specifically concerning the death of Clive Allison in France. Nor have Ministers discussed the degree of co-operation with British coroners in this case. No Ministerial discussions are scheduled to take place on either topic.The Consular Division of the FCO forwarded HM Coroners's letter requesting a police report into Mr. Allison's death to the French authorities in June 1998. The French authorities issued a report which was passed to HM Coroner on 4 September. In a letter dated 5 October, HM Coroner requested more information regarding Mr. Allison's death. His request was translated and forwarded to the French authorities on 6 November. Our Consulate in Lyon continues to press for a response.French officials have no direct contact with British Coroners. Requests from HM Coroner for reports into the death of a British national in France are directed to the French authorities through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Co-operation is good; the French authorities have to comply with their own formalities. Requests for supplementary information may take longer for the French to process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if a Department has been identified to co-ordinate policy on the Cornish language. [79890]

It has now been agreed that the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions, through the Government office for the south-west, should co-ordinate Government policy on the Cornish Language. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will retain overall responsibility for the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which officials in his Department had discussions with GJW, on how many occasions and on what dates concerning the wish by Cape plc to amend the Access to Justice Bill [Lords] to ban foreign workers of British companies obtaining legal aid; and if the statement by his Department's officials that the decision to pursue the case in the UK courts would be seen as a lack of faith in the South African legal system was made with the knowledge of Ministers. [78745]

No discussions have been held between the FCO and GJW on possible amendments to the Access to Justice Bill.Telephone calls were received from an unidentified caller who asked about the case, but no opinion of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend was expressed by FCO officials.This is not a foreign policy issue. It is a matter for the Lord Chancellor's Department. Inquiries on this issue have been referred to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries within the former Soviet Union are eligible in principle to be admitted to the Council of Europe by virtue of their geographical position. [79199]

Countries within the former Soviet Union eligible in principle to be admitted to the Council of Europe are:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus, and
• Georgia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries formerly within the Soviet Union have applied for admission to the Council of Europe. [79198]

Countries formerly within the Soviet Union which applied for membership of the Council of Europe and which are now members are: Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Countries formerly within the Soviet Union which have applied but have yet to become members of the Council of Europe are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Georgia. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are also now members of the Council of Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 1999, Official Report, column 58, if he will make a statement on the measures which the Government of Gibraltar and the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission need to have in place before Her Majesty's Government will be in a position to approve the passporting by Gibraltar-based credit institutions of banking services into the United Kingdom and elsewhere in the European Union. [79442]

The remaining measure which the Government of Gibraltar need to have in place before Her Majesty's Government will be in a position to approve pas sporting of banking services by the Gibraltar-based credit institutions is the establishment of a Deposit Guarantee Scheme. We understand that the necessary legislation has been passed by the Gibraltar House of Assembly and will enter into force shortly.In addition, Her Majesty's Government will need to amend the Banking Act 1987 before Gibraltar-based credit institutions will be in a position to passport banking services into the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the establishment of staff at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices at Croydon by civil service grade; and how many vacancies at each grade currently exist. [78797]

The following lists staff by grade employed at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices in Croydon:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of members of the public who attended the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices in Croydon per day in the last 12 months; and what is the average number of such persons interviewed by officials. [79298]

The average number of callers who attended the Immigration and Nationality Directorate offices per day during the 12 month period from March 1998 to February 1999 was:

• Public Caller Unit (PCU): 673
• Asylum Screening Unit: 362.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those organisations which have made representations to his Department since the publication of the Immigration and Asylum Bill. [78796]

The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Government proposed that the Bill should be considered by a Special Standing Committee. The representations submitted by organisations in response to the Committee's request for evidence will be published in the Official Report

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications have been determined finally in the last five years; and how many were (a) allowed and (b) refused. [79296]

I regret that the information requested in not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications have been made in each of the last 12 months by (a) persons already in the UK and (b) persons arriving at ports of entry. [79297]

The requested information is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate the annual cost to (a) central Government and (b) local authorities of providing financial support to persons whose rights of appeal under immigration and asylum law have been exhausted; [79306](2) how many persons whose rights of appeal under immigration and asylum law have been exhausted are receiving

This information is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the monetary cost in the past three years for which figures are available to (a) central Government and (b) local government of support for asylum seekers. [79305]

Asylum support costs are currently divided between the Department of Social Security and the Department of Health. In 1996–97, asylum support cost £407.7 million, of which £395 million was borne by the Department of Social Security. In 1997–98, asylum support cost £375 million, of which £305 million was borne by the Department of Social Security. Department of Health costs for 1998–99 are estimated at £190 million. Comparable costs for the Department of Social Security for 1998–99 are not yet available.The Department of Health has responsibility for three types of grant to local authorities for asylum seeker support. These are for asylum seekers who are supported under the National Assistance Act 1948, asylum seekers with families supported under the Children Act 1948 and unaccompanied children. As local authority expenditure above a set threshold is subject to only partial reimbursement, the full costs of asylum seeker support to local government are not known.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take (a) to discover the whereabouts of and (b) to deport those who have lost all their appeals under immigration and asylum law and who remain unlawfully in the UK. [79292]

The Immigration Service has established procedures to discover the whereabouts of those persons who remain unlawfully in the United Kingdom, based upon the use of intelligence, the work of a dedicated absconder tracing team and liaison with other agencies such as the Department of Social Security and police. Details of absconders are also entered on the Police National Computer.The Immigration and Asylum Bill currently before Parliament contains a range of measures to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws. Among proposed changes that will assist immigration officers in this respect are increased powers of arrest, and new powers to search for and seize evidence. We also intend extending the present powers to fingerprint inadequately documented passengers and immigration offenders.The Bill also provides for a new combined appeal process to prevent those at the end of the process from making further appeals in an attempt to frustrate removal, and a simplified administrative procedure to replace deportation in routine cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of people who have lost all their appeals under immigration and asylum law and remain unlawfully in the UK. [79289]

The information requested is not available in the form requested.The available information relates to the number of failed asylum seekers, excluding dependants, who have exhausted their rights of appeal (including any who did not submit an appeal against the refusal of asylum) and who are the subject of port or enforcement action. As at November 1998, that figure was estimated to be 24,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the number of asylum applicants currently in the UK with whom the authorities have lost contact. [79294]

As at November 1998, the number of known asylum absconders—those who have applied for asylum at some stage—was 20,000. This covers persons subject to port or enforcement action who have breached conditions of temporary admission, temporary release or restriction order, or are otherwise known to be out of contact with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND). Some persons recorded as absconders may have departed from the United Kingdom without the knowledge of IND. Information is not available on the numbers of in-country asylum seekers who have not had enforcement action initiated against them but who are out of contact with IND.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department takes to renew contact with asylum applicants with whom contact has been lost. [79293]

It is the responsibility of the asylum applicant to remain in contact with the Home Office. Failure to do so will result in refusal of the asylum claim for non compliance and consequent action to enforce departure, subject to any appeal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were deported from the UK in each of the last five years following final refusal of asylum applications. [79295]

The available information, relating to removals and voluntary departures under port and enforcement procedures of persons who have applied for asylum at some stage, is given in the table. Failed asylum seekers are only removed once all their rights of appeal in the United Kingdom have been exhausted. It should be noted that the figures may include some persons who withdrew their asylum application or appeal before a decision or determination had been reached.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the annual cost of enforcement action against failed asylum applicants by (a) the immigration service and (b) the police service in each of the last five years. [78659]

[holding answer 29 March 1999]: This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to secure agreement for a European Union directive to require member states to take action to eliminate racial discrimination. [79011]

The Government welcome the new provisions in Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, which will provide a legal base for taking Community action against racism and other forms of discrimination. The Government plan to continue to play a full and positive part in the development of Community action to tackle racial discrimination once the Treaty comes into force.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the nature of the outstanding issue relating to the term forgery of money and means of payment to be re-examined by COREPER, pursuant to the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council of 12 March. [79491]

The issue relates to a request from one member state for this form of crime to be legally defined before the Justice and Home Affairs Council agrees to extend Europol's mandate. The request is in line with Article 43(3) of the Europol Convention.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on continued agency status for the Prison Service; if a revised Framework Document has now been finalised; when he intends to publish the Prison Service's Corporate and Business plans; and what changes he has made to the Prison Service's Key Indicators for 1990–2000. [80077]

I announced in my reply to my hon. Friend for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 1 February 1999, Official Report, columns 430–31, that the Prison Service will remain an agency of the Home Office.The new Framework Document is now complete and I am today placing copies of it in the Library. The Framework Document governs the relationship between the Prison Service and the core Home Office, setting out the roles of the principal players and bodies including the Prison Service Strategy Board to be chaired by my noble Friend, Lord Williams, the Minister with responsibility for prisons and probation, within a framework of responsibilities and accountabilities. The document reflects the Government's commitment to take proper ministerial responsibility for the service and the role of the Prison Service as a major component of the wider criminal justice system. It includes material about the planning framework and the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).The Prison Service's Corporate Plan for 1999–2000 to 2001–02 and Business Plan for 1999£2000 is published today. A copy has been placed in the Library.The Prison Service's KPIs are kept under review regularly to ensure that they reflect current key priorities for the Service. For 1999–2000, the Prison Service will introduce new performance measures arising from the Home Office Public Service Agreement. I have approved new measures for escapes from contracted-out escorts, staff sickness, cost per prisoner and the time taken to respond to correspondence.The KPI on overcrowding will be changed to measure the percentage of the prison population held two to a cell designed for one. This will better reflect the impact of overcrowding on individual prisoners.Two existing measures will be discontinued next year: time out of cell and staff training. With the emphasis now being given to regimes designed to reduce re-offending, and the gradual introduction of in-cell TV, it is becoming more important to measure what prisoners do when out of their cells than the length of time they are unlocked. Staff training will remain important. A primary focus for the Service in 1999–2000 is to gain Investors in People accreditation which requires evidence of properly targeted training and development for all staff.The full list of KPI measures, and specific targets for 1999–2000 are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the changes to the terms of reference of the Prisons Ombudsman. [80078]

Following an internal Home Office review last November (a copy of which is in the Library), I have decided to revise and extend the terms of reference of the Prisons Ombudsman. The revised terms of reference, which have been agreed with the Ombudsman, will come into effect from 1 May. They will allow the Ombudsman a wider role in considering complaints made by prisoners, by additionally including investigation of official advice upon which Ministers' decisions are made. A full copy of the Prisons Ombudsman's revised terms has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the mileage rates applicable from January 1999 to staff, indicating changes which have been made to encourage staff to switch from cars to public transport and other less polluting forms of travel. [79441]

The Mileage Allowance Rates applicable from January 1999 are as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to issue guidance on the operation of the licensing laws and late night extensions for millennium celebrations on 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement. [79550]

We will announce shortly the outcome of the consultation on proposals for extending permitted hours on the Millennium Eve and subsequent New Year's Eves.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the decision by some returning officers not to allow candidates to describe themselves as Labour and Co-operative Party on the ballot paper. [79336]

My Department has issued advice to returning officers suggesting that a candidate who wishes to use a description on the ballot paper which might lead voters to associate him or her with more than one political party should be able to do so as long as the description is authorised by certificates issued by, or on behalf, of the nominating officers of both parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's strategy for managing capital investment and assets by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [79517]

In line with the requirements outlined in the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, the Home Office now has a comprehensive strategy for capital investment and asset management.The strategy covers both the Home Office's approach to future capital investment and the efficient use of existing assets. The strategy provides a framework for longer term plans to be built upon. It is the first such investment strategy for the Home Office. The Department intends to publish an updated strategy each year.A copy of the strategy has been placed in the Library and on the Home Office website. Additional copies are available from the Home Office Press Office. The published document include the Capital Investment Strategy of the Charity Commission, which has also been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what security checks on passport applications were waived at the (a) Liverpool and (b) Newport offices; and for what period. [79372]

Security checks have never been waived in the Liverpool and Newport passport offices. The question appears to be directed at recent media reports of a suspension of security checks by the Passport Agency. Managers have allowed staff to exercise wider discretion on issuing passports if they had no significant doubt about the identity of the applicant.These instructions were withdrawn but they did not imply any suspension or relaxation in the Agency's proper security checks on passport applications.A range of automatic and discretionary checks are undertaken at different stages of the passport issuing process to prevent and detect fraud. Additional automatic security checks are undertaken under the new issuing system operating in our Liverpool and Newport offices which also require examiners to adopt a more systematic approach to confirming an applicant's eligibility for passport facilities.The Agency is now doing more security checking than it has ever done.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the roll-out of the new IT systems for the passport offices is currently expected to take place. [79370]

The new high technology driven passport issuing arrangements have already been introduced into the Liverpool and Newport passport offices. The Passport Agency's present plans are for the roll-out of these new arrangements to commence in the Belfast passport office on 30 July, in the Peterborough office on 10 September, in the Glasgow office on 17 September and in the London office in early January 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average turnaround for passport applications at (a) Liverpool, (b) Newport and (c) all other offices. [79369]

The Passport Agency does not measure its turnround time by averages, but by the maximum turnround time. The current position in working days on maximum turnrounds for non-urgent passport applications is shown:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff were employed at (a) Liverpool and (b) Newport passport offices (i) at the latest available date and (ii) one year previously. [79373]

The number of staff employed in the Liverpool and Newport Passport Offices at the end of February 1999 and February 1998 broken down into permanent and seasonal staff is shown in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passports were being processed at the (a) Liverpool and (b) Newport offices in the latest month for which figures are available; what is the target for the rate of processing; and when that target was originally expected to be reached. [79371]

In February 1999, the Liverpool and Newport passport offices processed 72,702 and 74,547 passports respectively. The monthly target for each office is 120,000 issues. That target was originally expected to be achieved by the end of 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the cost of court proceedings to date in connection with the extradition of Senator Pinochet; and if he will make a statement. [79092]