To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to reply to the letter from the hon. and learned Member for Orkney and Shetland of 5 February regarding the operation of the New Opportunities Fund in Scotland. [80933]

A reply will be sent very shortly.

To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement.[80526]

I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 239–40.

To ask the Attorney-General what decisions he has taken on the recommendations on file preparation, case management and witness warning in the report of the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service by the right hon. Sir Iain Glidewell. [81491]

The interim response to the Report by Sir lain Glidewell which I published on 30 November 1998 drew attention to the fact that these key recommendations (recommendations 13–16, 20 and 31) were being considered by a newly formed Criminal Justice Units Project Group, chaired jointly by the CPS and the Association of Police Officers. The Project Group, which also included representatives from other agencies and an independent member, has now completed its consideration of the Report's recommendations, and has made proposals for taking them forward.The Project Group has proposed that there should be a national model for joint administration, which incorporates the principles of flexibility and partnership and which builds on the arrangements currently being piloted to reduce delays under the Narey Reducing Delays initiative. It is important, as the Report recognises, that the new arrangements provide flexibility, so that Chief Crown Prosecutors and Chief Constables can develop local solutions jointly.The Government have decided to accept this proposal. This partnership approach between the CPS and the police, reflecting the principles advocated by Glidewell and incorporating elements of co-location, common administration and integrated working, will provide the framework for better working relationships between CPS staff and operational police officers and ensure that the work of both agencies is more effective. It will further streamline casework and file handling processes, remove duplication and unnecessary burdens, and reduce delay.The new model for joint administration will also enable the police and the CPS to provide a better service to victims and witnesses, building on established arrangements and maintaining the co-ordination of victim and witness care.A feature of the new arrangements is that the police will retain their responsibility for file preparation and witness warning, and that accordingly these responsibilities should not be transferred to the CPS as recommended by Glidewell. The Government have decided that it would not be practical, or a proper reflection of the respective constitutional priorities of the CPS and the police, to require a transfer of responsibilities. The new arrangements will, however, ensure closer co-operation between the police and the CPS and improved file preparation.Chief Crown Prosecutors and Chief Constables will be asked to submit joint outline implementation plans by the end of November 1999 to a new inter-agency implementation group which we are setting up to oversee these new arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the appraisal performance markings awarded to civil servants in 1998 for (a) each agency in his Department and (b) the Department broken down by (i) grade, (ii) gender, (iii) ethnicity, (iv) part-time/ full-time working and (v) disability; and for (1) each agency and (2) the Department whether the Cabinet Office's four fifths rule for detecting potential adverse impact was applied to the appraisal markings of civil servants in the 1998 report round. [78147]

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 what is the height above sea level of the weather stations at (a) Ashover, Derbyshire, (b) Buxton, Derbyshire, (c) Slaidburn, Lancashire, (d) Emley Moor, West Yorkshire and (e) Sheffield Dore; and what is the average height above sea level for the Oldham, East and Saddleworth constituency. [80278]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on developments in Project Horizon. [81044]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence plans to meet his French and Italian colleagues shortly to discuss the way forward for the Horizon programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) consultancy and (b) other contracts his Department has had with KPMG since 1 May 1997; and if KPMG is a prospective candidate for future contracts his Department is intending to let. [81419]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley) on 22 February 1999, Official Report, columns 31–32. I can confirm that the company are prospective candidates for future contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes there have been to the plans for Territorial Army units and their locations contained in the Government publication, "Modern Forces for the Modern World: A Territorial Army for the Future". [81493]

Since the announcement on the structure of the Territorial Army on 17 November 1998, Official Report, columns 749–71, there have been a number of small refinements to the detailed plan. These involve some location changes and some changes in the timing of moves, and these are shown in the table. In addition, this opportunity is being taken to correct several typographical errors in the document and these too are shown in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the integration of the frigate Somerset into a French-led naval group off Kosovo, with particular reference to the role of (i) the WEU, (ii) NATO and (iii) the St. Malo Accords in the formulation of this policy. [81045]

HMS Somerset has been attached to the French Task Group, led by the French aircraft carrier FOCH, since 14 February and is scheduled to revert to national tasking shortly. The integration of Somerset was at the invitation of the French authorities immediately following the St. Malo Summit. Initially scheduled as a training mission to the Indian Ocean, the Task Group was diverted for operations in the Adriatic following the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo. The integration is purely a bilateral arrangement between the UK and France and has no particular reference to WEU or NATO.The concept of a combined deployment is very much in the spirit of closer military co-operation between the UK and France, reinforced by the signing of the Letter of Intent at the St. Malo Summit in December 1998. It also takes forward the navy-to-navy Letter of Intent signed in 1996, which tasked our two navies

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the refugee camps built by British forces in Albania and the former Yugoslavia as a result of the current Kosovo crisis; and if he will make a statement. [80925]

British Forces have assisted in the construction of the Bojane camp 15 km west of the Macedonian capital Skopje and the refugee handling centre 10 km north of Skopje consisting of the Brazde, Stenkovac and Eurotrade sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the eligibility for higher rate incapacity benefit of service personnel who are on sick leave when discharged. [80698]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what requirements (a) exist and (b) he plans to introduce for staff who work with junior footballers to have qualifications in (i) first aid and (ii) vocational training. [79911]

The football authorities are responsible for the development of football in this country. The Football Association has developed coaching courses for coaches, teachers and those connected with junior football teams. These courses include in their curricula teaching and coaching techniques and principles of play, together with first aid training. The FA lays down specific requirements for those working in Centres of Excellence and Football Academies to hold the relevant qualifications. As part of the 'Charter for Quality', the FA will be introducing at the end of 1999 a national, voluntary, kite-mark scheme of 'Chartermark' clubs to recognise clubs in junior football that meet specific conditions, including the requirement that junior managers and coaches hold FA approved first aid and coaching qualifications.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those elements of the Social Chapter which have been covered by letters sent out by Government Departments inviting civil servants to waive their rights under them. [80449]

There are no Social Chapter measures for which Government Departments have invited civil servants to waive their rights.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions the Government are having with the President-nominate of the European Commission on use of his veto in the selection of fellow commissioners. [81039]

The Amsterdam Treaty states that the nominee for President shall work with Member States to nominate other Commissioners by common accord. The Government will be happy to work with Mr. Prodi in the selection of UK nominees.

To ask the Prime Minister what measures the Government are planning to mark final ratification of the Treaty of Amsterdam. [81040]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will issue a press release before the Amsterdam treaty enters into force on 1 May, outlining some of the key new elements. Other Government Departments may issue press releases highlighting areas where the Amsterdam Treaty will affect their departmental business.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those UK-appointed members of euro task forces whose views on UK participation in the single currency are known to the Government.[81047]

In October 1997 my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer set up a Business Advisory Group (BAG), headed by Lord Simon, to advise on the practical issues associated with UK membership. Representative organisations were invited to send their own nominated members. Subsequently, working groups were set up to look at sectoral preparations. In total over 100 individuals and representative organisations were consulted in producing the outline national changeover plan.BAG members were chosen as representatives of their organisations, not because of any particular view they hold on participation in the single currency. The organisations represented on the BAG are the Institute of Directors, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Council for Travel and Tourism, British Bankers' Association, Association of Payment Clearing Services, British Retail Consortium, Confederation of British Industry, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, Trades Union Congress, Consumers' Association, British Chamber of Commerce, Association of Corporate Treasurers, Computer Services and Software Association, Bank of England, Association of British Insurers, Building Societies Association, Forum of Private Business, Federation of Small Businesses, Law Society, Engineering Employers' Federation, Hundred Group of Finance Directors.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 1999, Official Report, columns 2–3, for what reasons the determining factor on any Government decision underpinning membership of a single currency is whether the economic case for the United Kingdom joining is clear and unambiguous rather than the constitutional and political implications of that decision. [81147]

I refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 23 February 1999,Official Report, column 179, where I said:

"I do not dismiss the constitutional or political issues … If joining a single currency is good for British jobs and British industry, if it enhances British influence and power, I believe it is right for Britain to overcome these constitutional and political arguments and fears behind them. For the very reason of the sensitivity of those arguments, we have said very clearly that the Government can recommend, but the people will decide in a referendum."

To ask the Prime Minister what measures he is taking to extend the mandate of the UN Preventive Deployment Force in Macedonia; and what assessment he has made of the effect on efforts to achieve this on the number of UK troops in the region. [81248]

The Mandate of the UN Preventative Force (UNPREDEP) expired on 28 February 1999 because there was no consensus within the UN Security Council to renew its mandate. Its role was entirely separate from that of the NATO forces in Macedonia. As there was no UK contingent in UNPPREDEP, its demise has had no effect on the build-up of UK forces in Macedonia.

To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to reply to (a) the letter from the hon. Member for North Essex concerning Reeves Transport Services Ltd and (b) the letters he has received from Reeves Transport Services Ltd. [81360]

I have replied to the hon. Member today. Similarly, my office has replied direct to Reeves Transport Ltd. today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if discussions on possible questions were held between a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and (a) himself, (b) his other departmental Ministers, (c) his departmental parliamentary private secretaries, (d) his civil servants or (e) his departmental special advisers prior to his evidence sessions with the Committee in the course of its Sierra Leone inquiry. [76083]

[holding answer I1 March 1999]: No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [76829]

Between 2 May 1997 and 28 February 1999, my special advisers have made visits overseas on 28 occasions in an official capacity. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if budget line A-3021 of the European Communities budget is open to organisations which advance the idea of a non-federal Europe. [80159]

The Official Journal of the European Communities describes Budget line A-3021 as providing grants to organisations advancing the idea of Europe, in particular those working actively for European integration. There is no reference to the promotion of federalism in Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the speeches delivered at the Seminaire Franco-Britannique sur l'Euro by representatives of the British Government. [80158]

We are arranging to have copies placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in Franco-British co-operation since the signing of the St. Malo Accord. [80148]

The St. Malo Summit identified a broad variety of areas for enhanced Franco-British co-operation: European defence, crisis management, common foreign and security policy, Africa, EU institutions, integrated transport issues, duty free, the entrepreneurship taskforce, the millennium bug, the Franco-British electronic village, dialogue 2000, Paris-London 2000, the audio-visual working group, and this year's British-French summit. The pace of progress will differ from subject to subject, but the summit gave considerable impetus to a closer relationship, and work is ongoing in these and other areas to ensure that there is the closest bilateral engagement.In some aspects this has already yielded concrete progress—for example, the proposed joint Foreign Ministers' visit and Heads of Mission Conference in Africa took place in February and proved the effectiveness of such shared contacts on African issues. There have been very productive bilateral meetings between Ministers, including myself and M. Moscovici, my French counterpart, on 14 January, as well as between senior officials, and more are planned for the near future, for example, meetings between the Ministers of Tourism.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Chile about the prospective removal of the Lan Chile air link to the Falklands. [80216]

We expressed our regret to the Chilean Government over their decision last December to ask Chilean carriers not to fly to the Falklands and said that we did not believe this to be justified. When we became aware recently that the Chilean Government were considering publishing a decree prohibiting Chilean carriers from flying to the Falklands, we told them that we would strongly regret such a measure. We are very disappointed that they have nevertheless published such a decree. Lan Chile have not been able to fly to the Islands since their contract with the Falkland Islands Development Corporation expired on 31 March. While we hope that they will be allowed to resume the flights, other options are under consideration. We are in close touch with the Falkland Islands Government on this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list decision-making powers which have been restored to the United Kingdom from EU institutions " since the Maastricht Treaty came into effect. [80234]

The issue of repatriation of powers from the EU to Member States was not on the agenda for either the Maastricht or Amsterdam IGCs.The Maastricht Treaty, however, introduced the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality into EC law, both of which were given further effect by the Protocol agreed at Amsterdam. The principle of subsidiarity aims to ensure that decisions are taken at the most appropriate level in areas of shared competence between the EC and Member States. Its application is one way of ensuring that decisions are taken as close to the citizen as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for how many written parliamentary questions he has referred the interrogator to a previous answer since 1 May 1997; and if he will break this down by subject area. [80451]

The information requested is not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate diversion of staff time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [80416]

I do not expect implementation of the Treaty of Amsterdam to add significantly to my Department's responsibilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the President of Peru on the release of prisoners found innocent by the Ad Hoc Commission. [80080]

We have made no representations personally to President Fujimori. However, during my visit to Peru in January, I discussed the issue with both the Technical Adviser to the Ad Hoc Commission, Dr. Gina Costa, and the Human Rights Ombudsman, Jorge Santistevan. During 1998, the Commission continued to recommend presidential pardons for applicants, and won the release of an additional 102 detainees, bringing the total of those pardoned to 462.The British Embassy in Lima has raised this issue with the Ad Hoc Commission. We also intend to discuss this, and other human rights issues, with the Peruvian delegation in Geneva, in the margins of the Commission on Human Rights (22 March-30 April).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place on the issue of brokering in the meeting of the Council of Ministers COARM working group on 18 March; and what position was taken by the United Kingdom representative. [81103]

[holding answer 16 April 1999]: There was no substantive discussion of the issue of controls on arms trafficking and brokering at COARM on 18 March.We have already told EU partners that the UK welcomes the initiative taken by the German Presidency to discuss within the EU the question of uniform national controls on arms trafficking and brokering, and intends to participate constructively in the debate. We have also drawn the attention of EU partners to the proposals for national controls on trafficking and brokering as set out in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls presented to Parliament by the President of the Board of Trade in July 1998 (Cm 3989), which differ in a number of respects from the initial Presidency proposals.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough (Mr. Bell), representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment he has made of the implications for the Commissioners of the Macpherson inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80536]

Ensuring equal opportunity and the demonstration of fairness in all aspects of conduct within the Commissioners' office is something the Commissioners and indeed all the other central Church institutions take extremely seriously.The Commissioners have followed equal opportunity practice in their recruitment and promotion procedures for many years and equal opportunities training for those operating these areas has been provided. Human resources departments across the national Church institutions were merged in 1998 in anticipation of the creation of the Archbishops' Council from January 1999. Equal opportunities awareness training has been offered to all of the central Church institutions' staff and this year we introduced a new Equal Opportunities Policy.The Policy states our belief that we benefit from a workforce drawn from a wide cross-section of the community and confirms our commitment to developing and supporting all staff. Particularly relevant to the question is the definition of and procedure for dealing with racial harassment; recruitment and selection procedures including advertisement in publications with a predominantly ethnic readership where those groups are under-represented in our workforce; and training in equal opportunity awareness.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80520]

I refer to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave my hon. Friend on 14 April 1999, Official Report, column 239–40.In addition, the British Transport Police Service is currently studying Sir William Macpherson's report. It will be implementing any appropriate recommendations in a process of consultation with the rest of the police service. A team headed by Chief Officers has already been appointed to identify areas from the report that can be taken forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of vehicles below 1100cc were first registered before 1992. [79929]

At the end of September 1998–the latest date for which information is available–72 per cent. of vehicles licensed in the Private and Light Goods class at or below 1100cc were first registered before 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to increase the fixed penalty levied on vehicles which fail to pass MOT emissions standards; [81050](2) what progress he has made on the implementation of roadside vehicle testing schemes; [81049](3) what plans he has to allow

The trial scheme involving seven local authorities in roadside emissions testing has been running for just over a year. I am currently evaluating the results of their work and hope to make an announcement in due course about whether the scheme might continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average level of emissions per mile from cars of (a) under 1100 cc, (b) 1101–1500 cc, (c) 1501–2000 cc, (d) 2001–3000 cc and (e) over 3000 cc. [81257]

The Department does not calculate the average emissions per mile for cars by engine size. Emissions of local air pollutants from all cars, regardless of their engine size, are regulated by the same mandatory emission standards.But cars with larger engine sizes tend to consume more fuel and emit more CO

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has issued to local authorities on the use of equipment to monitor compliance with national air quality objectives for particles. [80783]

Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 requires every local authority periodically to review air quality in its area. The Air Quality Regulations 1997 prescribe air quality objectives for seven pollutants, including particles (PM¹⁰), to be achieved by 2005. Local authorities have to consider the present quality of air and the likely future quality of air, and assess whether prescribed objectives are likely to be achieved by the end of 2005. To assist local authorities the Secretary of State has issued a series of guidance under section 88(1) of the Environment Act 1995. One of these guidance notes, "Monitoring for air quality reviews and assessments" LAQM.TG1(98), includes guidance on monitoring particles.The Government recently published their proposals for review of the National Air Quality Strategy (NAQS), and, in particular, their proposals for revised and additional objectives for the pollutants. During the review process, as a result of the better understanding of the sources and types of particles in the UK provided by the work of the Airborne Particles Expert Group, it became apparent that the current PM

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has received from (i) English Nature and (ii) other agencies regarding the cull of the Ruddy Duck; what advice he has received as to the cost of the cull; if he has put the contract for the cull out to tender; and what plans he has to take powers of compulsory access to enforce the cull. [80796]

In July 1998, I set up a Task Force to advise on the action required in the United Kingdom to conserve the globally threatened white-headed duck. This Task Force included representation from English Nature, other conservation agencies and non-Governmental organisations. In January this year I accepted the recommendations of the Task Force that a control trial should be undertaken to test the feasibility of eradicating the UK's population of ruddy duck.The cost of the control trial is approximately £800,000 over 4 financial years. The Central Science Laboratory has been contracted to undertake the work. An assessment of whether or not compulsory access would be required to ensure success in any future eradication programme is a key objective of the control trial.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the criteria which will be used to determine for capping purposes whether council tax rises are unjustifiable. [80788]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 13 April 1999, Official Report, columns 50–51, that most local authorities have set sensible budgets this year and that we will not be capping any councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendation of the Bates report on the PFI that it should conduct an urgent review into planning procedures. [81122]

In the light of the conclusions of the Bates report in June 1997, the Department discussed with the Treasury Taskforce and other Departments, the instances that had led to the Report's recommendation. The conclusion reached was that review of the planning system was not required but that my Department would work with other Departments sponsoring PFI projects as necessary to seek to resolve any difficulties that might arise in respect of the planning process. We will keep under review the need for guidance to clarify how PFI schemes can be taken forward efficiently within the existing planning system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to be completed in its entirety; and if he will make a statement. [81352]

I understand from London & Continental Railways, the company contracted to build the whole of the Rail Link under the terms of the CTRL Development Agreement, that the first section (from the Channel Tunnel to Fawkham Junction near Gravesend) should be completed in 2003. They expect the second section (from Fawkham Junction to St. Pancras) to be completed in 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the qualitative difference in terms of impact on the environment between the growing of genetically modified crops (a) in farm-scale field trials and (b) on a commercial basis. [81268]

There should be no difference apart from one of scale. The genetically modified crops in the farm-scale evaluations will be grown under normal commercial conditions following the suppliers' recommendations and requirements for the use of seed and herbicide.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of the £50 million allocated in the 1998 Budget for rural bus services, how much has been spent, how much has been allocated but not yet spent, and how many extra bus journeys have run as a consequence of this extra money. [81264]

Of the £50 million a year for rural transport in the United Kingdom announced in the 1998 Budget, £37.5 million a year was allocated for rural bus services in England. Final figures for actual spend in 1998–99 are not yet available but local authorities have previously estimated that they would spend £25 million in that financial year, reflecting the fact that less than a full year was available for spend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the rural transport partnership scheme. [81265]

The Government have provided £4.2 million per annum for the Rural Transport Partnership scheme. The overarching aim of the scheme is to promote social inclusion by enhancing rural transport services and securing a long-term improvement in the accessibility of rural people to jobs, services and social activity. The Countryside Agency is working to stimulate interest in the scheme and is providing advice to prospective partnerships. A number of schemes have been accepted for funding, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of these partnerships soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the steps taken since 1 May 1997 to reduce total carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector.[81267]

Action to reduce CO₁₂ emissions from transport is a key element of our approach to tackling climate change. Since coming into office, this Government have taken a number of measures designed to reduce transport CO₂ emissions. These include the integrated transport measures detailed in last year's White Paper, "A New Deal for Transport", the proposed reforms of vehicle excise duty and company car taxation, and also raising the annual increase in fuel duty to 6 per cent. In addition, we fully support the European Union's strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions from cars, including the voluntary agreement with European car manufacturers, which commits them to a 25 per cent. reduction in average new car fuel consumption by 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which hon. Members have made representations to his Department in relation to the proposed transfer of the Sale West Race Course Estate, located in the Altrincham and Sale, West constituency.[81255]

In addition to the hon. Member, my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and Urmston, (Ms Hughes), has made representations in connection with the proposed transfer of the Sale West Race Course Estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant o his answer to the hon. Member for Elmet, (Mr. Burgon), of 28 January 1999, Official Report, columns 335–37, by what date consultation with EU member states relating to his proposed amendments to the packaging waste regulations is planned to begin. [81389]

Some amendments have already been notified to the European Commission and others will be notified as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the members appointed to the Board of the Countryside Agency, (b) the date of their appointment, (c) their salaries and (d) their other occupations. [81149]

The members of the Board of the Countryside Agency are as follows:Ewen Cameron FRICS DL (Chairman)Cllr. Pam Warhurst (Deputy Chair)Kate Ashbrook Janet BradburyRight Rev. Alan ChestersMartin DoughtyDr. Victoria EdwardsProf. Philip Lowe Catherine MackMiles Middleton CBE FCAFrances RoweDavid Woodhall CBE.All appointments run from 1 April 1999. The Chairman's salary is £41,620 a year; Ewen Cameron does not intend to draw the full amount. The Deputy Chair's salary is £12,950 a year. All other members will receive an annual salary of £5,975.I will write to the hon. Member about Board members' other occupations after confirming the details with those involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned on the effects on biodiversity of the increased use of herbicides in farming. [81253]

My Department, together with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, commissioned a report on the indirect effects of pesticides, including herbicides, on birds which was published in 1997. Further research on this topic is being funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food which funds a wide programme of research on the effects of pesticides. My Department intends to commission a complementary study this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take, pursuant to the publication of Railtrack's Network Management Statement, to facilitate fulfilment of the proposed investment programme. [81356]

We made it clear at the National Rail Summit in February that the Government are prepared to work in partnership with the railway industry to deliver a better rail service and increased investment. But Rai1track must play its part in creating a high quality, high growth, high investment railway. We have appointed Sir Alastair Morton to lead the shadow Strategic Rail Authority, and Tom Winsor as Rail Regulator, to ensure that that investment is delivered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the key criteria for the renegotiation of passenger rail franchises; and if he will make a statement. [81362]

We announced at the National Rail Summit on 25 February that all requests for franchise re-negotiations will be judged against the following criteria: current performance; proposed accelerated or new investment; willingness to commit to a more demanding enforcement regime and higher quality standards; willingness to give passengers a greater say in the level and standard of services; willingness to commit to initiatives which would promote integrated transport; and value for the taxpayer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the purpose of the rail summit next Spring, indicating the date on which it will be held. [81354]

The purpose of the next National Rail Summit will be to review progress with the rail industry's commitment to deliver real year-on-year performance improvements and to maintain the momentum created by the Summit on 25 February. No date has yet been fixed for the next Summit.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will next publish an assessment of the National Cycling Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [81358]

Good progress continues to be made on achieving the objectives of the National Cycling Strategy (NCS). A second year report will be published shortly by the Department on behalf of the National Cycling Forum, which is co-ordinating and monitoring progress in implementing the NCS.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the growth in (a) freight and (b) passenger volumes on the railways since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [81355]

During 1997–98, freight tonne kilometres on the railway grew by 12 per cent. and total passenger journeys grew by 6 per cent. For the half year from April to September 1998, freight tonne kilometres grew by 7 per cent. and total passenger journeys by 5 per cent. over the corresponding period in the previous year. We are achieving our goal of winning more passengers and freight on to the railways.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to give council tax rebates to elderly people living alone. [81271]

Elderly people who live alone, as with other single person households, are already entitled to a 25 per cent. reduction in their council tax. We believe that additional help with council tax bills should be given to people on low incomes through the means tested benefit system. There are already special provisions for pensioners which mean that they are entitled to council tax benefit at higher levels of income than most other people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to make a statement on the review concerning the proposed 10 mph speed limit on Lake Windermere. [80810]

The Windermere Navigation (Amendment) (No. 2) Byelaws 1992 are before the Secretary of State for his decision whether or not to confirm them. We are considering representations from a large number of individuals and organisations and hope to make an announcement shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the meetings his Department has had with the lobbying firm GJW since 1 May 1997. [81583]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 168.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 9 March concerning a constituent (HO Reference 4068/99). [80800]

I wrote to my hon. Friend on 15 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what environmental appraisals of policy his Department has (a) completed, (b) started and (c) planned. [79630]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 66.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many proceedings there have been at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in each of the past five years. [80471]

The numbers of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in each of the past five years, are given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of the Macpherson Inquiry recommendations; and if he will make a statement. [80527]

I refer to the reply which my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave on 14 April 1999, Official Report, columns 239–40. This referred to the Action Plan I published on 23 March containing the detailed response to the recommendations of the Macpherson Inquiry. That plan is a long term programme to deliver permanent improvements to policing in every area.The plan makes it clear that progress on policing must be part of a wider context and commits the Government to setting out, over coming months, how they will take forward their wider vision of an anti-racist society. I have already announced that the Government will legislate to extend the Race Relations Act 1976 not just to the police service as the Inquiry recommended but across all public services.I will take personal responsibility for oversight of this programme. I am, therefore, establishing a steering group which I will chair which will include members from the police service, other relevant organisations as well as substantial representation from minority ethnic communities. The steering group will meet for the first time next month.The Home Office Management Board has been working since early 1998 on taking forward at corporate level the commitment to race equality within the department. The Departmental Race Equality Action Plan includes commitments by the Board agreed following its first race equality training day in October 1998. Since publication of the Inquiry report, the Management Board held a further race equality seminar on 25–26 March and identified progress to date and further action points to take forward the Departmental Race Equality Action Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [80414]

The Treaty of Amsterdam will, in general, have minimal impact on the responsibilities of my Department and its staffing. However, as my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced on 12 March 1999, Official Report, columns 380–82, we are seeking to participate in certain areas of co-operation hitherto embodied in the Schengen agreements which are being incorporated into the European Union Treaty framework. These are new areas of co-operation for the Home Office. It will not be possible to assess the resource and other implications of such participation until the necessary negotiations are concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will pay the postal costs of voluntary bodies and registered charities requested to respond to Government consultation documents; and if he will make a statement. [80921]

When voluntary bodies and registered charities are invited to respond to a Home Office consultation paper, postal costs are not automatically covered. However, each case is considered on its merits, taking account of such factors as the scale of the consultation exercise and the nature of the information requested.The Home Office does not pay postal costs incurred by organisations responding to consultation documents from other Government Departments. It is a matter for individual Departments to decide whether to cover these.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the US Administration between 1 January 1998 and 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved and the name of the US counterpart. [80830]

I met the United States Attorney-General, Janet Reno, on 6 February 1998, during a visit to Washington, and have spoken to her by telephone from time to time.Between January and June 1998, there have been no other meetings between Ministers in my Department and their United States counterparts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what staff under his control are engaged in monitoring criminal activity by elements of the Kosovo Liberation Army; what is the nature of that activity; and if he will make a statement. [81243]

The investigation of criminal activity is an operational police matter and responsibility rests with the Chief Officer of the force in the area concerned.I am not aware of any evidence that members of the Kosovo Liberation Army are committing criminal offences in this country.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 December 1998, Official Report, columns 726–27, if he will make a further statement on the Government's policy in respect of proposals discussed at the meeting in Brussels of the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance as they relate to the interception of communications. [81274]

I refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) on 23 and 25 March 1999, Official Report, columns 176 and 384 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are employed (a) directly and (b) indirectly by the Prison Service in the three prison establishments in Portland. [81254]

The information requested is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made on developing a Braille template to enable blind people to vote in person and unaided. [81066]

It has not so far proved possible to develop a practicable proposal, but I am always ready to consider suggestions in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years on the making of grants to local authorities for the purpose of improving access to polling places; and how much he expects to spend in the current year; [81067]

The information requested is set out in the tables. These show grants from central exchequer for the purchase or hire of temporary ramps to improve

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to exercise his discretion regarding the proposed extradition of Augusto Pinochet following the most recent decision of the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords. [81365]

I refer to the reply I gave on 15 April 1999, Official Report, columns 311 –16, to my hon. Friend the Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time spent in prison on remand by those (a) under the age of 25 years and (b) of all ages; what percentage of those people are found guilty and given custodial sentences; what is the average age of remand prisoners; what plans he has to review the system of remand; and if he will make a statement. [81260]

Provisional information on the estimated average number of days in custody for untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners held in prisons in England and Wales in 1998, by age, is given in the table. During 1998, the average age of all untried prisoners was 29 years, whilst for all convicted unsentenced prisoners it was 27 years.The available information on the numbers remanded to custody that subsequently received a custodial sentence is for 1997 and shows that 42 per cent. of all persons remanded were sentenced to immediate custody. This information is published in "Criminal statistics England and Wales" (table 8.8 of the 1997 edition), a copy of which is in the Library.Remand decisions are a matter for the courts in the exercise of their judicial discretion in accordance with the Bail Act 1976. We have no plans to alter the present arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a Home Office business plan for 1999–2000. [81479]

The Home Office Business Plan for 1999–2000 is being published today.The Business Plan complements the Home Office Annual Report—published on 26 March—and provides a comprehensive picture of Home Office aims, objectives, resources, performance measures and targets for 1999–2000. This includes the high level Home Office targets set out in the White Paper "Public Services for the Future: Modernisation, Reform, Accountability, Comprehensive Spending Review: Public Service Agreements 1999–2002" published in December 1998.Copies of the Business Plan have been placed in the Library and are available on the Home Office web site on the internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list those countries that are classified as poor countries which have had national overseas debts written off within the last 12 months. [80641]

We classify poor countries as those listed in Part 1 of the Development Assistance Committee List of Aid Recipients. In the 1998–99 financial year the following countries benefited from debt write-offs for outstanding aid loans made by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to ensure that privately donated aid destined for refugees from Kosovo is not being delayed by unnecessary bureaucracy; and if she will investigate the reasons for a lorry loaded by NMT Crane Hire of Bedfordshire with aid not being allowed to leave Bishops Stortford for Albania during the past week. [81106]

My Department is taking an international lead in urgently working for organisation of the humanitarian relief effort for refugees from Kosovo. The problem to date has not been lack of resources but inadequate organisation. We have no knowledge of the problems to which the hon. Gentleman's questions refers.We greatly welcome the spontaneous generosity of the British people but we are fully stretched attempting to improve the effectiveness of the international system.We have discussed this issue with the Disasters Emergency Committee which is the alliance of charities co-ordinating private contributions for Kosovo. We are informed that even as organisational arrangements improve, the priority for private donations will be to receive financial contributions rather than material ones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision has been made for funding courses for general nurses not in employment to convert to Level One. [80261]

In September 1998 we announced an investment of £50 million from the Modernisation Fund to support initiatives which widen access to nursing and midwifery diploma programmes. This funding is for the period 1999 to 2002 and covers the costs of enabling enrolled nurses to retrain/upgrade their qualifications and return to the National Health Service. The funding will also enable existing NHS staff (previously only available for Health Care Assistants) to access pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma programmes. The cost of expanding part time and flexible pre-registration nursing and midwifery diploma programmes is also being met from this investment in order to give those who might not normally be able to access nursing and midwifery education, for example those with family responsibilities, the opportunity to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department is giving to the sufferers of interstitial cystitis; how much funding his Department has donated in the last five years to research into the causes of interstitial cystitis; and what action his Department is taking to encourage research into the treatment of interstitial cystitis. [80237]

The National Health Service provides investigations, care and treatment for people with interstitial cystitis. There is already a body of international research evidence published in the world-wide literature, and some NHS research has been supported through the NHS research and development levy. In addition, the Medical Research Council welcomes high quality research applications into any aspect of human health and regional offices of the NHS Executive run response mode funding schemes for NHS research proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money will be available to the accident and emergency departments at (a) Ashford, Middlesex Hospital and (b) St. Peter's, Chertsey Hospital in the financial year 1999–2000 in addition to the money allocated under his three year plan. [80428]

Negotiations with local commissioners about overall funding for the new combined Ashford and St. Peter's National Health Service Trust in 1999–2000 are currently being concluded.The accident and emergency team led by Mike Lambert, accident and emergency consultant at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, are presently reviewing bids for funds as part of the accident and emergency modernisation programme and final decisions will be taken shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of multiple sclerosis specialist nursing on patient care. [80597]

The Department has not made an assessment of the impact of multiple sclerosis specialist nursing on patient care. However, we will continue to liaise with the Multiple Sclerosis Society who have set up a £2 million fund for the development of specialist nursing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the (a) professional and (b) lay members of the intercollegiate working party convened to set criteria for the restructuring or closure of maternity units; and what are its remit and terms of reference. [80598]

The Multidisciplinary Working Party to Consider Maternity Services is an intercollegiate working party set up by the Royal Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Midwives, and Paediatrics and Child Health.The current membership of the Multidisciplinary Working Party to Consider Maternity Services is as follows:Professor W. Dunlop FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (Chairman)Mr. A. J. Evans MRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and GynaecologistMr. R. J. Porter FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and GynaecologistDr. K. Dodd FRCPH, Consultant PaediatricianProfessor A. Wilkinson FRCPH, Neonatal PaediatricsMs H. Camm, Head of Midwifery ServicesDr. S. Downe, Research MidwifeDr. G. Lewis, Principal Medical Officer, Department of Health.The Working Party is not funded by the Department of Health. It is a new group and first met on 18 February.The Working Party's current terms of reference are to set criteria for consideration when restructuring or closing maternity units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many deaths have been reported to his Department since the drug, Lamotrigine, has been licensed for use in Britain arising out of or related to the use of this drug or arising out of or connected to side effects suspected to be related to the use of this drug; [67007](2) pursuant to his answer of 30 March 1999,

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: There have been a total of 1,333 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) made via the UK spontaneous reporting scheme (the Yellow Card Scheme) associated with lamotrigine, of which 42 were fatal. Eighteen of the fatalities were associated with convulsions (the condition for which the drug was prescribed) and therefore it is difficult to establish what role, if any, the drug played in these cases. In general, doctors are asked to report suspected adverse drug reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme and therefore it is not possible to definitely attribute causality. Factors such as the patients' underlying illnesses and other medication may have contributed to the reactions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) Conservative, (b) Liberal Democrat and (c) Labour councillors have been appointed to primary care group boards. [81390]

The information requested is not available centrally. The details we are currently collecting on the composition of Primary Care Group Boards will not include party political affiliation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the client groups that will be covered by the joint investment plans that health authorities and social services departments will be required to produce during 1999–2000. [81252]

Health authorities and social services departments were required, by April 1999, to produce joint investment plans for older people, including those with mental health problems, with preparatory information to support the National Service Framework for mental health services. We are considering what other client groups will be covered from April 2000 and will issue guidance shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the Social Exclusion Unit to report its findings on the investigation into teenage pregnancies. [81071]

There has been extensive consultation with interested organisations and individuals from outside Government and with young people and parents on the Teenage Pregnancy report.The report will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if emergency contraception will be available in the health shop scheme. [81072]

The first 20 "Walk-in" Centres will be set up during this year. Services provided in each centre will be based on an assessment of local needs, which may include the need for additional access to contraceptive advice or services.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the rate at which a tax credit for pre-school children could have been introduced into the proposed working families tax credit if it were to be financed by not introducing the proposed childcare tax credit.[76100]

[holding answer 11 March 1999]: The cost of the childcare tax credit in the Working Families Tax Credit is estimated to be about £200 million in 2000– 01, the first full year of the tax credit. If the childcare tax credit within Working Families Tax Credit was not introduced and the money spent instead on an additional tax credit for children under 5, then, taking into account reductions in income related benefits, the credit could be set at about £5 a week on top of the rates announced by the Chancellor in the Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the Inland Revenue's policy to warn taxpayers that they are likely to issue a section 20 Taxes Management Act 1970 notice in circumstances where a taxpayer appeals against a section 19A Taxes Management Act 1970 notice for information. [80256]

The powers in section 19A and section 20 Taxes Management Act 1970 are not mutually exclusive. However, the Inland Revenue would not normally issue a notice under section 20 in order to obtain information that they had failed to obtain under section 19A. Very rarely, it might become clear, after the taxpayer had appealed against a section 19A notice, that section 20 was in fact the more appropriate section to use. A notice under section 20 cannot be issued by an inspector unless the taxpayer has failed to take an opportunity to provide the information voluntarily, and may be issued only with the consent of an independent Appeal Commissioner.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Inland Revenue has paid in incorrect tax repayments as a result of processing errors since the introduction of self-assessment. [802591]

In 1997–98 the Revenue made 2.180 million self assessment repayments and a further 2.812 million in 1998–99, totalling £1.536 billion and £2.431 billion respectively. The Revenue has processes in place designed to ensure that its staff accurately capture information from returns on to their computer systems. It also has processes in place designed specifically to risk assess repayments both before and after they are issued. It has no evidence to suggest that tax was over or under repaid as a result of processing errors in other than a very small number of cases.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Inland Revenue review process takes place to ensure processing errors are detected. [80258]

The Inland Revenue carries out various activities in Self Assessment to ensure that processing errors are avoided or detected. These include full training for staff on carrying out processing work, computer validations on the processing of information, reviews by staff to ensure they have captured information correctly, and quality monitoring of processing work after the event.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Inland Revenue has to improve the presentation of statements of account for self-assessment purposes. [80257]

The Inland Revenue has made a number of improvements to the presentation of the statements of account since they were introduced. Further improvements are planned before the next widespread issue of statements of account in January 2000. All improvements are subject to consultation with the main representative bodies, including accountancy bodies, and revised statements are tested for usability with taxpayers before changes are introduced.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Inland Revenue correspondence from taxpayers is (a) replied to and (b) replied to with a substantive reply within 28 days. [80142]

The Inland Revenue does not publish its performance against annual targets until appropriate validation and checking of figures has been carried out.On latest provisional information, the Department is on course to meet its 1998–99 target of 75 per cent. for providing replies to correspondence, which includes correspondence from taxpayers, within 28 days.In 1997–98 the Inland Revenue dealt with about 85 million items of post. The Department provided a full response within 28 days in 74 per cent. of cases.'

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Inland Revenue target for dealing with taxpayers' correspondence; and what is the procedure for opening and logging such correspondence. [80143]

The Inland Revenue target for dealing with correspondence within 28 calendar days, which includes taxpayers' correspondence, was 75 per cent. in 1998–99.The target for 1999–2000 is under discussion. The final figure will be included in the Inland Revenue Plan which is expected to be published in May.The Department has a procedure in place to measure performance against its customer service standard of responding fully to all correspondence within 28 days. The procedure involves offices sampling a representative number of items of correspondence over the year, and monitoring the time taken to provide a full reply to every question or issue raised.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which department of the Inland Revenue is responsible for the collection of form P14. [80584]

The local tax office is responsible for the collection of forms P14.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of (a) increasing the existing 40 per cent. first year capital allowance to 100 per cent. on a permanent basis and (b) the additional cost of extending these allowances to assets leased by SMEs. [R] [80495]

If the extension by one year of 40 per cent. first year allowances for SMEs announced in the Budget were made permanent and increased to 100 per cent., the additional Exchequer cost would be £0.75 billion in 2000–01 and £1.3 billion in 2001–02. From 2002–03, annual costs would decrease steadily to reach £0.5 billion a year.The cost of extending these allowances to include assets leased by SMEs is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many (a) men and (b) women are currently entitled to the additional personal tax allowance; and how many of those men and women are (i) parents and (ii) carers; [80935](2) what is the current take-up rate of the additional personal tax allowance; and what estimate he has made of the additional cost should full take-up occur. [809361]

[holding answer 16 April 1999]: I regret that no information is available on either the total number of people eligible to claim the additional personal allowance or on the proportion who are carers. Therefore no estimates can be made of the take-up rates or of the additional cost should full take-up occur.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of UK vehicle excise duty rates on the competitiveness of the UK haulage industry, with particular reference to the rates of duty for (a) 40 and (b) 41 tonne articulated lorries.[81359]

In formulating vehicle taxation policy the Government give careful consideration to its overall effects on the UK road haulage industry.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for North Essex of 6 March concerning the road haulage industry and the Budget. [81361]

I have done so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the fixed profit car scheme in respect of the relationship between engine size and mileage rates. [812691]

None.