To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the actual impact of increased fuel duties since 1996 on the generation of pollutants against the estimates made. [78321]

The fuel duty escalator is a long-term strategy whose impact on transport emissions can be expected to build up over time.The escalator is also part of a package of measures to reduce emissions, particularly of CO

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what revisions have been made to his Department's forecasts of road traffic and numbers of vehicles as set out in Table 4.8 of Transport Statistics Great Britain 1998 Edition as a result of changes to road fuel duty and vehicle excise duty set out in the Budget. [79346]

[holding answer 30 March 1999]: The Department's 1997 National Road Traffic Forecasts already take into account the expected impact of 6 per cent. per annum real increases in fuel duty to 2002 on car use and commercial traffic.The changes to Vehicle Excise Duty announced in the Budget are designed to influence the fuel efficiency of vehicles purchased, rather than the total number of vehicles on the road or how much they are used.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give details of the occasions since 1 May 1997 when his Department has made available to the European Scrutiny Committee unofficial text of draft European legislation. [80501]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: The Department receives a large volume of both official and unofficial working texts during the course of negotiations on EU legislation. In order to facilitate the work of the European Scrutiny Committee and to keep it informed of the progress of negotiations, the Department regularly submits Explanatory Memoranda to the Committee. It would involve disproportionate cost to provide a definitive list of the unofficial documents made available to the Committee since 1 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions since 1 May 1997 his Department has made available to the European Scrutiny Committee council working documents. [80543]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: The Department receives a large volume of both official and unofficial working texts during the course of negotiations on EU legislation. In order to facilitate the work of the European Scrutiny Committee and to keep it informed of the progress of negotiations, the Department regularly submits Explanatory Memoranda to the Committee. It would involve disproportionate cost to provide a definitive list of the working documents made available to the Committee since 1 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice will the Government provide to the motoring public on the purchase of lead replacement petrol. [80465]

In December 1998, the Government announced the start of an information campaign to reassure those motorists concerned about the implications of the general withdrawal of leaded petrol by 1 January 2000, in line with EU Directive 98/70/EC, and to inform them of alternatives, such as lead replacement petrol, that will be available. Some 3.5 million information leaflets have been distributed to petrol retailers and MOT garages to date.The oil companies are developing their plans for informing and advertising to their customers the availability of lead replacement petrol products well in advance of January 1 and we are consulting with them on the appropriate information to provide to motorists. The Government are aware that there are still many concerned motorists who are unaware of the information that is already available and, therefore, a renewed publicity campaign to raise awareness further is being planned for this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the public appointments for which his Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies.[80744]

"Public Bodies 1998", copies of which are available in the Library of the House, provides information on the levels of remuneration paid, if any, to those serving on the boards of public bodies for which my Department is responsible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day.[80741]

Since May 1997, 3,539 questions have to date been tabled for answer on a named day. 81 per cent. have received a substantive answer on that day.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made on the introduction of city noise maps; what estimate he has made of the costs of such maps; who will be responsible for meeting such costs; and if he will make a statement. [80668]

My Department has been working with Birmingham City Council, which is mapping the City of Birmingham, to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of noise mapping as a tool in action. We expect the report of this work, which will assist in estimating the costs of such maps, to be published this summer. The work carried out in Birmingham will help to inform the European Commission's future proposals on ways in which to tackle noise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which models of new car currently on sale in the United Kingdom have under 1100cc engines. [78997]

I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Budget statement that, from June 1 this year, all new and existing cars of 1100cc or less will be eligible for a £55 reduction in vehicle excise duty. Manufacturers currently producing cars of 1100cc or less include Citroen, Daewoo, Daihatsu, Fiat, Hyundai, Seat, Suzuki, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Popular cars within this range include the Citroen Saxo, Vauxhall Corsa, Nissan Micra and Volkswagen Polo.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the monitoring arrangements for each of the currently agreed field test sites for genetically modified crops, specifying (a) which sites were subject to pre-planting environmental audits, (b) what sub-surface soil changes are being monitored, (c) what criteria for above-ground environmental impact form part of the field test monitoring and (d) which Government office conducts the monitoring. [78049]

The monitoring arrangements for releases of genetically modified organisms are decided on a case by case basis for each consent application. This year, some sites will be used for the farm-scale evaluations which will compare the effects of the management of genetically modified crops on farmland wildlife with the effects of managing conventional crops.The Government have awarded three contracts to study the effects of the management of GM crops on wildlife to a consortium led by the Natural Environment Research Council's (NERC) Institute of Terrestrial Ecology. The consortium also includes the Institute of Arable Crop Research and the Scottish Crop Research Institute. Each contract is worth £1.1m; funding is provided wholly by my Department, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Scottish Office.The evaluations, which will take four years, will ensure that the managed development of the introduction of genetically modified crops announced at the House of Lords European Communities Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food last October, will take place safely. The evaluation programme will help address the concerns which have been raised by English Nature and the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds. We need to get reliable evidence to help us decide whether the management of generically modified herbicide tolerant crops could have the potential to accelerate the decline in farmland wildlife which has taken place over the last 50 years.In order to make comparisons between the GM and non-GM crops, the sites identified for the research in 2000 will be subject to pre-planting sampling and analysis. The research will look at the effects of the management of GM and non-GM crops on the soil; for example earthworm population monitoring provides a good indicator of the structure and fertility of the soil. Above ground environmental impact will be studied, again by carrying out surveys of plant populations and invertebrates.This research will not only address issues relating to genetically modified crops. This is an extremely important opportunity to contribute towards a more detailed understanding of the effects of agricultural management practices on farmland wildlife generally.This research will be monitored by an independent steering committee of experts which is currently being set up and will report to the Secretary of State; the results will be made widely available.

To ask the President of the Council how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to her Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80735]

Of the 85 questions answered since May 1997, which were tabled for a named day answer, 85 per cent. (72) received an answer on that day.

To ask the President of the Council if she will list the public appointments for which her Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80750]

To ask the President of the Council if she will set out the remarks by the Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office, in respect of the performance of parliamentary Select Committees and members of the Liaison Committee at his recent meeting with the Study of Parliament Group; and if she will make a statement. [80382]

I met members of the Study of Parliament Group recently for an informal discussion about modernisation of the House of Commons. The discussion was wide ranging and involved all participants. No detailed note was made. Among the subjects covered were pre-legislative scrutiny of draft Bills, the proposal to revive and adapt the Standing Committee on Regional Affairs and the possibility of a second forum or Main Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1)What proposals have been received by the new Millennium Experience Company for the sale of books and the promotion of reading and

The information requested is listed for all appointments made by Her Majesty in Council, the Privy Council or I myself as President of the Council, for which there is provision for remuneration.literature as part of the Millennium Experience: and what response the company has made;[77561](2) what provision will be made for the sale of books in the Millennium Dome; and how much space has been allocated for this purpose. [77560]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the British books, other than those covering the Millennium Experience, which will be on sale at the Millennium Experience. [79403]

There will be a bookshop area within the New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) own retailing arrangements at the Millennium Dome where a wide range of books and other printed material relevant to the Millennium and the Millennium Experience will be on sale. It is not the NMEC's policy to seek to replicate in the Dome, or to compete with, the retailing experience which people can enjoy in their high streets and local town centres. The NMEC is not therefore, planning to provide outlets for hight street book sellers or other retailers. The final decision on the amount of retailing space which will be allocated to book sales will be taken by the NMEC at the appropriate time.NMEC has received inquiries from two Members of this House and one inquiry from a member of the public about opportunities for retailing books and the promotion of reading and literature in the Dome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans have been made to offer free travel for school parties visiting the Dome; at what cost; and who will be liable for the cost; [78177](2) what discussions he has had with

[holding answer 22 March 1999]: The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is not responsible for providing travel arrangements to the Dome but it has been concerned, in its negotiations with the travel industry, including coach and rail operators, to encourage and facilitate affordable package deals which combine travel and Dome admission costs. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced to this House on 17 March 1999, Official Report, column 1117, that NMEC's ticketing strategy would provide for up to one million free admissions for school children on the Education Tours Scheme. Whilst it is not part of the NMEC's remit to provide or fund free travel for school children it is in negotiations with the travel industry to encourage economic and affordable arrangements for them. Additionally, many schools are well placed to negotiate favourable deals through their established relationships with local travel operators. NMEC announced on 18 March that a number of the coach and rail operators are already indicating that attractive packages from around the UK will be available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin, at 1 March, of (a) his private office, (b) Government special advisers, (c) his Policy Unit and (d) staff in total. [78514]

(a) As at 1 March 1999, there were 29 employees in the private offices of Ministers in my Department and other Ministerial support offices, a percentage being from ethnic minorities. In order to protect the privacy of individuals, it is not possible to provide a breakdown of ethnic origin. (b) I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 39. (c) My Department does not have a policy unit. (d) I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 31 March 1999, Official Report, column 710–11.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Anglo-Spanish Summit on 10 and 11 April. [81160]

The summit was the first of its kind. It marked the recent step-change in Britain's bilateral relationship with Spain. The two Prime Ministers discussed the way forward in Europe. They underlined their interest in developing a competitive, prosperous Europe, and agreed a joint declaration on Employment and Economic reform and that a working group would take forward work in this area. Kosovo was inevitably discussed at length. The two Prime Ministers reiterated their shared support for continued military activity until Milosovic complied unreservedly to the five conditions set by NATO.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on staffing levels in the Strategic Communications Unit. [80060]

The Strategic Communications Unit has 9 members, 2 of whom are special advisers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to her Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80729]

Between 1 May 1997 and 1 April 1999 this Department was asked 783 named day questions of which 411, or 53.4 per cent. received a substantive reply on the named day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Greenbury report; and if he will make a statement. [79537]

The Greenbury report made recommendations to a number of groups and organisations. Some organisations, such as the Government and the London Stock Exchange, have implemented their recommendations in full.The Government have noted, however, that some listed companies have not yet adopted sufficient transparency in their Reports such that shareholders have access to the information they may reasonably require to enable them to assess the company's general policy on executive remuneration. The Government also wish to see clearer evidence that boards are complying with the Greenbury recommendation that they

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80743]

According to our records, since May 1997, 2,510 questions for answer on a named day have been tabled to this Department, 31 per cent. of these received a substantive reply on the named day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the public appointments for which his Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80760]

The publication "Public Bodies 1998", copies of which are available in the Library of the House, provides information on the levels of remuneration paid to those serving on the boards of non-departmental public bodies for which my Department is responsible. The majority of public appointments, however, are unpaid as most of those who accept a public appointment do so on a voluntary, unpaid basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his letter ref. POS (3) 3019/18 of 26 January, what reports she has had on scientific evidence relating to noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss. [80586]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: When we were elected, we were determined to be satisfied that the Department's approach to the assessment of hearing loss on war pensions was seen to be in line with current scientific understanding. We immediately ordered a review of the scientific evidence behind the Department's approach. The review was conducted by four independent hearing loss experts chaired by the Government's then Chief Medical Officer.The report of the expert team received in March 1998 confirmed that hearing loss due to noise, such as that experienced in service, does not increase after one is removed from it or as subsequent age-related hearing loss is added to it. These conclusions confirmed that the Department's approach to the assessment of hearing loss under the War Pension Scheme is in line with the current scientific understanding.The review also recommended that the matter be looked at again in one years time. The Under-Secretary, my noble Friend, Baroness Hollis of Heigham, therefore, asked the war pensions medical policy adviser to report to her by the end of February 1999 on any relevant developments. The report of this further review was placed in the Libraries of House of Commons and the House of Lords on 2 March 1999. It confirms that there is no new scientific evidence to raise a reasonable doubt that noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss progressively deteriorates once a person is removed from the source of the noise which caused it; or that the combination of noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss and subsequent hearing loss due to age is not more than additive.These are assumptions which have gained general acceptance and have formed the basis of an International Standard which has been in place for nearly 20 years and which have successfully provided the basis for medico-legal work world wide.The conclusions of this further review again confirm that the Department's current approach to the assessment of hearing loss is in line with current scientific evidence. This in turn, means that War Disablement Pensions cannot be increased in respect of hearing loss due to ageing. They can only be paid for disablement which is due to service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80727]

Since May 1997, we have received 2,304 parliamentary questions for answer on a named day, of these, 2,090 (91 per cent.) were given a substantive answer on the day requested.This Department aims to give a holding reply to no more than 10 per cent. of all parliamentary questions for answer on a named day. However, where, for example, detailed work has to be carried out by the Department's analytical branches or the Government's Actuary Department, a full response cannot always be provided in the time allowed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the public appointments for which his Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80758]

"Public Bodies 1998", copies of which are available in the Library of the House, provides information on the levels of remuneration paid to those serving on the boards of public bodies for which the Department is responsible. Many of these appointments are unpaid volunteers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each of the new responsibilities which he will assume when the signed Treaty of Amsterdam takes effect and for each (a) the likely effect on departmental staffing, (b) the bodies or persons in the European Union principally concerned and (c) the relevant section of that treaty and the consolidated treaties of the European Union and European Community. [80410]

The Treaty of Amsterdam will have minimal impact on the responsibilities of the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80733]

The information for the period May 1997—February 1998 is not held centrally and could be collected only at disproportionate cost. The information for the period March 1998—March 1999 is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the public appointments for which his Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80752]

"Public Bodies 1998"—copies of which are available in the Library of the House—provides information on the levels of remuneration paid to those

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for allocating the Unallocated Capital Modernisation Fund moneys as set out in Table 1.4, page 16, of the Scottish Office Departmental report, CM 4215, March 1999. [80291]

Of the £75m unallocated from the Capital Modernisation Fund, I have decided to allocate £4.2m to the elimination of mixed sex accommodation from the NHS in Scotland, and £0.3m to the Highlands and Island Fire Board. The allocation of the balance will be for the Scottish Executive to determine.From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list which local authority areas in Scotland are providing a lower level of education funding per primary school pupil in real terms in 1999–2000 than in 1998–1999. [80677]

This information is not available centrally.From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for all task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his 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. [79275]

The information is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list all those task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his Department since May 1997 which have set up

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will decide whether to issue a second authority to proceed in response to the Spanish extradition request for Senator Pinochet. [80227]

I signed a second Authority to Proceed in respect of Senator Pinochet yesterday evening. The Spanish request for his extradition will now be considered by the courts. The reasons for my decision were sent to all the parties concerned in a letter from one of my officials as set out:

"I am writing to inform you that the Secretary of State yesterday evening signed a second Authority to Proceed ("ATP") in respect of Senator Pinochet. The original ATP is being transmitted to Bow Street and a copy, through the Crown Office, to the Divisional Court. I am notifying the Chief Clerk and the head of the Crown Office of this decision by fax. I enclose a copy of the ATP, signed on 14 April 1999, for your information.

The information is set out in the table.himself to taking account only of considerations which are relevant to the question whether the new ATP should be issued or not.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the timetable for building a women's prison at Ashford, Middlesex. [80426]

The cost of construction and management of the proposed new prison at Ashford will fall outside the period of the current comprehensive spending review. The timetable for its construction will depend upon funding and other priorities within the Prison Service estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80737]

Between 1 May 1997 and 12 April 1999, a total of 2,269 Named Day parliamentary questions were tabled for answer by my Department. Of these, 75.4 per cent. (2,012) received a substantive reply on the day requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people currently detained in prison are suffering from hepatitis; and what proportion of the prison population this figure represents. [80209]

The number of prisoners reported by Prison Service establishments as suffering from various forms of hepatitis at 30 September 1998 (the last date for which a complete set of figures is currently available) was:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is examining potential sites for a prison (a) in Colchester and (b) elsewhere in Essex.[80517]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) of 18 March 1999, Official Report, columns 721–22, on Europol, if he will provide a breakdown by category of the types of request submitted by the United Kingdom for information from Europol.[80456]

There was a total of 394 requests made by United Kingdom law enforcement agencies during 1998 of which 82.5 per cent. were drug related; 5.6 per cent. were linked to immigration; 8.1 per cent. covered money laundering activities; 3 per cent. were related to trafficking in stolen vehicles and 0.8 per cent. concerned trafficking in human beings.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to her Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80728]

Since May 1997, 454 questions were tabled to my Department for a written answer on a named day; 95 per cent. received an answer on that day.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the public appointments for which her Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80757]

The only public appointments for which my Department is responsible and for which remuneration is provided are to the Board of the Commonwealth Development Corporation. The information is as follows:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what cost benefit analysis he has carried out on IACS map checks. [73343]

The programme of map checks was introduced following evaluations undertaken by the European Commission of the Department's arrangements for developing a central IACS database recording details of field areas included in Area Aid Applications in accordance with the requirements of Community legislation. There would have been a risk of significant disallowance of reimbursement of Exchequer expenditure from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund on the schemes to which IACS applies if such checks had not been instituted.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the administrative cost to date to his Department of carrying out IACS map checks. [73290]

The information is not available. A number of checks are undertaken to meet the requirements laid down in Community legislation governing IACS and administrative costs of carrying out IACS map checks between 1994–1998 were not separately recorded.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to, allow the use of pig and poultry bonemeal. [75843]

The existing bans on the use of mammalian meat and bone meal (MBM) in feed for farmed animals and as fertiliser on agricultural land do not extend to MBM derived from poultry.Representations have been made by the pig industry and the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) to allow porcine MBM to be fed to poultry on the condition that processing takes place in rendering plants dedicated to pig waste. The existing ban was put in place on the recommendation of SEAC, and the Government continue to base their handling of BSE on the advice on the Committee.Before we would be prepared to ask SEAC to look at the use of porcine MBM for export or poultry feed purposes the industry itself will need to address the key issues of how monitoring at all stages of production and distribution would be carried out to avoid the possibility of cross contamination.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the total number of occasions when (a) departmental and (b) non-departmental Special Advisers have travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997. [76819]

Between 2 May 1997 and 28 February 1999, Special Advisers in this Department have made visits overseas on 12 occasions in an official capacity. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code. Costs are accounted for within the total costs for any overseas trips by Ministers. I have 2 departmental operational advisers and no non-departmental special advisers.There have been no occasions since 2 May 1997 when Special Advisers in this Department have travelled abroad in an official capacity unaccompanied by Ministers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list for (a) farms and (b) other agriculture-related industries (i) all licences and permits issued by his Department and its agencies to farms or companies enabling them to carry out their business, (ii) the cost of each such licence or permit in (A) 1997–98 and (B) 1999–2000 and (iii) current number of farms or companies which are in receipt of each such licence or permit. [76873]

[holding answer 16 March 1999]: The 106 authorisations, including those relating to approval or registration of premises enabling farms and other agriculture-related industries to carry out their businesses, have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the basis for maintaining the European Union banana import regime; and when he expects the publication of the arbitrator's report on the matter. [79159]

The EU's banana regime is designed to meet both our commitments to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries under the Lomé Convention, Protocol 5 in particular, and our World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations.Reports from both the WTO arbitrator and the Dispute Settlement Panel were published on 12 April and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that his ad hoc expert advisory group on vitamins and minerals takes note of the recommendations of the Agriculture Committee's report on vitamin B6 in relation to (a) the quality of scientific advice and (b) the use of safety factors. [79484]

Members of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals are aware of the conclusions and recommendations of the Agriculture Select Committee's report on vitamin B6 and will take these into account in carrying out its remit. The Group will, as a matter of course, give consideration to the use of safety factors and the quality of the available scientific evidence, and I am satisfied they are capable of reaching their own conclusions on these matters.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions (a) he has had and (b) he plans to have with Brazil's Agriculture Minister in respect of genetically modified free soya supplies to the UK; and if he will make a statement. [80557]

I have not met, or have plans to meet, the Brazilian Agriculture Minister to discuss GM soya supplies. This Department has published a list of suppliers of GM free soya for anyone wanting to obtain such material.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects his Department's study into the links between TB in cattle and badgers to be published. [80288]

Under the TB strategy I announced on 17 August last year, the links between TB in cattle and badgers will be examined through research and the randomised badger culling trial. The trial is planned to run for five or more years. The research projects, whose details I announced on 10 March 1999, Official Report, columns 301–02, will take between two and five years to complete, and some may provide the basis for further projects. Subject to the need to ensure that premature publication does not jeopardise future work, I envisage that the results will be published as they become available.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on schemes which promote industry-wide production systems in (a) agriculture and (b) horticulture to demonstrate the safety and traceability of the food produced. [80244]

Industry-wide assurance schemes which go beyond statutory requirements are for the industry to take forward in light of their assessment of prevailing market conditions. I welcome the development of these assurance schemes because they can help provide the consumer with confidence in the integrity of the product.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the suppliers of genetically modified free maize. [80558]

GM maize is not grown commercially in the EU, except for a small amount in Spain and France last year, all of which was used within Spain. Supplies of non-GM maize are thus widely available within Europe and a list of such suppliers is therefore unnecessary.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement in respect of measures to prevent contamination of honey by genetically modified material.[80556]

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes hosted a workshop in 1991 to consider the safety of pollen from GM plants in honey. The workshop's conclusion was that the consumption of gene products from pollen in honey was likely to be negligible. The results from three research projects commissioned by MAFF to investigate this further subsequently confirmed this conclusion.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has obtained regarding regulations affecting the sale of higher-dose vitamin and mineral supplements in other European Union member states. [80222]

Legislation on vitamin and mineral supplements varies from member state to member state. In most cases the rules relating to supplements sold under food law are more restrictive than those applying in the United Kingdom and typically limit the permitted level of vitamins and minerals in supplements to the Recommended Daily Amount or a multiple thereof.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef has been exported from Northern Ireland since the ban was lifted on 16 March 1998. [80180]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: There has only been one company involved in the export of beef from Northern Ireland since the lifting of the ban. In these circumstances, I cannot provide the information requested as it is commercial in confidence.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the share of the domestic retail milk market currently accounted for by imports; and if he will provide corresponding figures for each of the last 10 years. [79939]

In 1998, it is estimated that imports accounted for 0.8 per cent. of the domestic retail liquid drinking milk market. The corresponding figures for each of the last ten years are shown in the table.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80726]

In the period from 1 of May 1997 to 31 March 1999, 1,884 parliamentary questions were tabled to this Department for written answer on a named day. Of these, 53 per cent. received a substantive reply on that day.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to publish the paper requested by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Biotechnology from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser on the human health implications of genetically-modified foods. [75419]

1 have been asked to reply.The Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser have been asked to advise Ministers on the public health implications of the genetic modification of food. Their work will be conducted in accordance with the Government's Guidelines on "The Use of Scientific Advice in Policy Making", which sets out a framework for ensuring that Government policy is made on the basis of the best scientific advice. Advice from officials to Ministers is not normally published but the possibility of publication in this case will be considered when the advice has been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many overseas homes are owned by his Department; what proportion are occupied; and what plans he has to improve the quality of overseas service homes. [77450]

[holding answer 18 March 1999]: I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many times Iraqi aircraft have violated the no-fly zones (a) in the five years preceding Operation Desert Fox and (b) since the conclusion of Operation Desert Fox; [77229](2) how many times allied aircraft have fired at Iraqi aircraft and installations in the no-fly zones when allied aircraft have been initially locked on by Iraqi forces

[holding answer 22 March 1999]: In the five years preceding Operation Desert Fox (16–19 December 1998), Iraqi aircraft violated the no-fly zones on over 80 occasions. RAF aircraft did not fire on any Iraqi aircraft or installations during this time. Since Operation Desert Fox there have been some 120 violations of the no-fly zones, in which Iraqi aircraft have frequently tried to lure our aircraft within range of surface-to-air missile traps.Our aircraft are routinely illuminated by Iraqi air defence network radars when patrolling the no-fly zones, but radar lock-on is a relatively rare occurrence as it exposes the initiator to the risk of an armed response. The Iraqis more commonly employ other means, including optical guidance, to direct their surface-to-air missiles. Statistics of lock-on occurrences have not been kept. RAF aircraft have attacked Iraqi targets on 15 occasions since Operation Desert Fox, in direct response to sustained attempts to shoot down coalition aircraft and kill aircrew.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to his Department in each of the last five years of (a) public ceremonial duties and (b) VIP transport. [80710]

This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the costs to the United Kingdom of current international action relating to the situation in Kosovo. [79917]

The total cost of military operations relating to Kosovo is impossible to estimate at this stage, given we do not know what Milosevic's next moves will be, and how we will need to respond. The costs will, however, be substantial. Our assessment of costs incurred as of 8 April is some £17 million; this does not include the costs of replenishing stock of ordnance expended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what records are kept by his Department of allegations concerning (a) physical and (b) mental health injuries suffered by former members of the armed forces as a result of their service. [80724]

My Department does not keep records of allegations of physical or mental health injuries suffered by former members of the Armed Forces attributable to their service. However, reported cases of injury are kept on personal medical records of serving members of the HM Forces. My Department also maintains records of common law claims for compensation from existing and former members of the Armed Forces concerning allegations of physical and mental injuries attributable to their Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the public appointments for which his Department is responsible and which carry a fee or salary, indicating for each type of appointment the fee or salary band which applies. [80753]

"Public Bodies 1998"—copies of which are available in the Library of the House—provides information on the levels of remuneration paid to those serving on the boards of public bodies for which the MOD is responsible.Since that report was written, the Nuclear Weapons Safety Committee and the Nuclear Powered Warships Safety Committee, which shared the same membership, have amalgamated in 1998, to form the Defence Nuclear Safety Committee, DNSC. The remuneration of DNSC members is identical to that of members of the previous Committees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since May 1997; and what percentage of them received a substantive reply on that day. [80732]

According to our records 2,026 Named Day Questions have been tabled to my Department. Information on what percentage of them received a substantive reply could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Our database cannot currently provide that information, however, we are looking at ways to refine it which may enable us to provide such information in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80535)

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the Minister for the Cabinet Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham), gave him on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 239–40.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the increases in diesel duty and vehicle excise duty on the future operations of the road haulage industry. [79460]

In making his Budget judgment, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer took a wide range of factors into account.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement concerning his Budget measures to help small firms. [79461]

The Budget introduced a substantial package of measures for smaller businesses which will stimulate greater investment, innovation and growth within the small business sector and which will ensure that the sector is an important source of dynamism, innovation and competition for the economy as a whole.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to press for higher levels of debt cancellation at the forthcoming meetings of the IMF and the World Bank. [79462]

The Chancellor intends to take the opportunity at the Spring Meetings of the IMF/World Bank later this month to take forward his recent initiative on poverty reduction in the developing world, calling for faster, deeper and wider debt relief.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the future of the Treasury supplement to the national insurance fund. [79463]

In 1999–2000, we expect benefit expenditure from the National Insurance Fund broadly to match income, in which case the Fund will not need a substantial Treasury Grant. The maximum Treasury Grant which may be made available to the Fund in this financial year shall not exceed 2 per cent. of the estimated benefit expenditure from the Fund. For subsequent years, we will decide on the level of Treasury Grant in light of advice from the Government Actuary.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy on the use of the British veto in respect of EC proposals for a common withholding tax.[79464]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 2 March 1999, Official Report, column 640.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the working families tax credit. [79465]

The Chancellor has received a number of very helpful and constructive representations which have informed the development of WFTC and DPTC. And I have also had useful meetings with representative groups. In addition, the Inland Revenue continue to consult on a regular basis with a wide range of interested parties, on the details of the scheme and its administration.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to evaluate the impact of the working families tax credit. [79474]

The Government believe that the WFTC will create a strong new incentive for people with children to move into work and up the earnings scale, and provide a welcome boost to the incomes of low and middle income families with children. We naturally want to assess the effects of the new policy and ensure that it is achieved in the most effective way. We will therefore be carrying out a full evaluation of the impact of the WFTC.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy towards net public sector debt. [79466]

The Government's Sustainable Investment Rule requires that public sector net debt as a proportion of GDP be held over the economic cycle at a stable and prudent level. The projections contained in Budget '99 show net public debt falling below 40 per cent. of GDP this year and to around 35 per cent. of GDP by 2003–04.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he has put in place to help make work pay for parents balancing work and home responsibilities. [79467]

The Government place a high priority on policies designed to enable parents balance work and family life. The reforms to income tax and National Insurance Contributions, the National Minimum Wage and the introduction of Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) from October 1999 with the generous child care tax credit will make work pay for parents and tackle the unemployment trap. At the same time the increased generosity of the WFTC will mean that parents, whether single or a couple, have greater choice in deciding who works and how much.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of tax revenue to be received between 1997–98 and 2001–02 from measures introduced since May 1997. [79468]

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, after taking into account measures introduced since May 1997. 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 what plans he has for discussions with the Governor of the European Central Bank and the Commission about the Maastricht conditions on currency stability and how they apply to the UK's adoption of the euro. [79469]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has regular discussions on a range of economic issues with Central Bank Governors from other countries, including representatives from the euro-area, and the European Commission.The Government's new framework for macroeconomic policy provides the best platform to deliver greater exchange rate stability.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost to the United Kingdom Government of conversion from sterling to the euro. [79473]

The cost to the Government of conversion to the euro would depend on the detailed approach that the public sector took to the changeover. The outline National Changeover Plan is a first step in planning how the UK would make the changeover to the single currency. A further plan will be published in around a year's time.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the timing of any referendum on British entry into economic and monetary union. [79476]

The Government's Outline National Changeover Plan published on 23 February 1999 explained that, if the Government decide to recommend joining the single currency and Parliament agrees, the speed at which the UK could move to a referendum would depend on how quickly the practical arrangements for a referendum could be put in place. The minimum period in which the UK could move from a decision by Government to a referendum is about 4 months.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to support small businesses in connection with the national changeover plan. [79470]

In developing the changeover plan, the Government have consulted extensively with key representatives from the SME sector, such as the British Chambers of Commerce, the Forum of Private Business, and the Federation of Small Business. We are very grateful for the constructive help and support they have given to the planning process.The Treasury's Euro Preparations Unit will continue to provide practical help and training via the many business intermediaries, such as Business Link, who have been assisting SMEs to prepare for the euro's introduction.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the Inland Revenue's policy in respect of current tax demands to employers providing public transport for their work force. [79471]

I am sure my hon. Friend welcomes the tax reliefs for green transport benefits announced in the Budget; these include exemptions for employer provided large works buses, and for subsidies to local public bus services, to get employees to and from work. These reliefs take effect from 6 April 1999. I am afraid there are no grounds for ignoring tax payable under the law applying to benefits for previous years.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the Government's proposals for a pesticide tax. [79472]

The Government have received a number of representations on the subject of a possible tax or charge on the use of pesticides.A research report commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the possible design and impact of a tax or charge on pesticides was published on 24 March, with a list of consultative questions. The Government will consider carefully the views expressed on a number of issues raised in the report in deciding how best to proceed.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to use the tax system and other measures to reduce disparities of income and wealth. [79475]

The Government are committed to building a fairer society in which everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and enjoy the benefits of high and stable levels of economic growth. The Working Families Tax Credit, the 10p tax rate, increased support for children and changes to the National Insurance system, among others, will increase the fairness of the tax system and encourage work incentives.The Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion, which will be set out in detail in a report later this year, is based around investment in prevention, work as the best way out of poverty, help for those who cannot work, and regeneration of the poorest communities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the Budget on women. [79477]

This Budget builds on the series of measures of particular benefit to women already implemented since we came to office. Women gain from this Budget right across the income distribution. This Budget demonstrates this Government's commitment to ensuring that women get a fair deal out of the tax and benefits system.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from pensioner organisations on his Budget announcements on (a) the winter fuel allowance and (b) the minimum pension guarantee; and if he will make a statement. [79478]

The announcement of the fivefold increase in the winter fuel allowance, which will give £100 to every eligible pensioner household this coming winter, and the decision to uprate the minimum income guarantee for pensioners by earnings rather than prices in April 2000, have been generally welcomed.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on his policy regarding duties on cider. [79480]

I have received a number of representations about cider duties including letters from members of the public. In the run up to the Budget I received a formal submission from the National Association of Cider Markers and subsequently met them on 24 February to hear their case.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the Budget on those who claim tax relief on child maintenance payments. [79481]

The tax relief for maintenance payments introduced by the last Government in 1988 is not a relief for child maintenance. It is a relief for payments made to a former husband or wife following separation or divorce. The former husband or wife may use the payments they receive to maintain a child, but equally the relief applies where there is no child in the family.The Inland Revenue estimate that the tax relief will be worth an average of £220 in the tax year 1999–2000, before it is withdrawn from 2000–01. This includes the transitional relief for those paying under maintenance arrangements set up before 15 March 1988.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on the level of taxes which will be paid in 1999–2000 of the measures in the three Budgets since July 1997. [79482]

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, after taking into account measures introduced since May 1997. 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 what is his estimate of the level of taxation in 2001–02 if income tax credits are accounted for as expenditure rather than as negative taxation. [79451]

On any definition, taxes are expected to be lower in 2001–02 than planned by the previous Government in their last Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 1999, Official Report, column 97, for what reasons his answer did not list the jurisdictions referred to in paragraph 2–2 of the Financial Services and Markets Bill Progress report, published by Her Majesty's Treasury in March. [78973]

Treasury officials discuss many matters of common interest with colleagues from overseas administrations regularly, but generally on the basis that these are private discussions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number and proportion of pensioners who would pay (a) no income tax and (b) income tax at (i) 10 per cent., (ii) 20 per cent., (iii) 23 per cent. and (iv) 40 per cent. in 1999–2000 or the latest year for which figures are available if people aged over 65 years received only the basic personal tax allowance. [78974]

Estimates for 1999–2000 are given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with colleagues at the DTI and DETR about the potential economic benefits of renewable energy in connection with the preparation of the Government review. [79546]

As Minister responsible for environmental issues including renewable energy in the Treasury, I have had a number of discussions with colleagues in the run up to the publication of the Renewables Review consultation document.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of extra revenue arising from the increase in road fuel duty in his Budget statement, including the added effects of VAT, which will come from Scotland. [79321]

[holding answer 30 March 1999]: The Revenue consequence of the road fuel duty changes in the 1999 Budget is set out in Table 1.11 of the FSBR. The share of oil deliveries made in Scotland is set out in the 1998 Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many widows bereaved in each of the five years after 5 April 2000 he estimates will no longer be able to claim widow's bereavement allowance; and what total amount they will lose in relation to previous entitlement as a result; [79438](2) what estimate he has made of the savings to be achieved as a result of the abolition of the widow's bereavement allowance. [79437]

[holding answer 30 March 1999]: It is estimated that around 220,000 widows claim the widow's bereavement allowance each year, in respect of a bereavement in that or the previous year. In 1999–2000, the allowance is £1,970, given at the rate of 10 per cent., but only three quarters of claimants–170,000—have sufficient income to use the allowance. The full year revenue effects of withdrawing the allowance is estimated to be £30 million in 2001–02. Separate estimates are not available for subsequent years.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will seek to reduce age discrimination by private medical insurance providers. [80202]

It is for insurers to decide which factors to take into account in assessing risk and pricing insurance products.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish a White Paper on the future framework for official statistics. [79903]

The Government produced a Green Paper "Statistics: A Matter of Trust" last year which set out options for achieving its goal of enhancing the integrity, both actual and perceived, of official status.We will be bringing forward plans in this area as soon as they are finalised.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 1999, Official Report, column 205, on employment, what is the impact on employment of a 1 per cent. increase in employment costs stemming from Government legislative requirements, unmatched by productivity changes. [79915]

The Government have introduced a comprehensive set of policies aimed at promoting employment and incentives to work. Government legislative requirements have been designed with these aims in mind and, taken together, are not expected to raise employment costs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 1999, Official Report, column 205, on employment, if he will estimate the impact of a 1 per cent. increase in wages on employment levels from supply side pressures, where there is no compensatory increase in productivity. [79914]