To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to meet representatives of the banking community to discuss their charging practices. [81646]

This policy area is the responsibility of Her Majesty's Treasury. I have no plans to meet representatives at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the availability of Shipbuilding Intervention Fund grants for 1999. [82166]

I have decided to extend the Shipbuilding Intervention Fund for currently eligible yards until 31 December 1999. The rates of support will be unchanged from those in 1998, namely 9 per cent. for large ships and 4½ per cent. for small ships, both rates inclusive of Shipbuilders' Relief of 2 per cent. These are the maximum rates permitted within the EU' s Shipbuilding Regulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the policy of Her Majesty's Government is on the pay of the crew of the research vessel Lough Foyle. [81213]

The Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland contracts out the management and crewing of the research vessel "Lough Foyle" via periodic competitive tender.The tenderers, not the Department, determine the pay of the crew, within an overall tender package.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many legally registered firearms have been (a) reported stolen, (b) found to be missing and (c) otherwise separated from (i) private and (ii) public owners in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage that represents of the total number of legally held weapons. [81131]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: Records are not maintained by the RUC in a manner that would provide a breakdown of firearms stolen or found to be missing into the categories requested. However I am advised by the Chief Constable that the total numbers of legally registered firearms reported stolen or found to be missing from private and public owners in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years are follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the names of approved firearms clubs giving (a) the estimated membership of each, (b) the parliamentary constituency in which its premises are located and (c) the (i) number and (ii) types of weapons reported (1) stolen and (2) lost from each club in the last five years.[81132]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: The following is a list of firearms clubs authorised by the Secretary of State under Article 54 of the Firearms (NI) Order 1981 together with the estimated membership of each and the Parliamentary Constituencies in which the clubs' authorised premises are located. I am advised by the Chief Constable that information regarding the number and types of firearms reported stolen or lost from each club in the last five years is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many legally held firearms there are in Northern Ireland (a) in total and (b) of each type. [81133]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: The Chief Constable has advised me that at 31 December 1998 there were 139,588 legally held firearms in Northern Ireland. The breakdown of these is as follows:

To ask the Attorney-General on how many occasions the Crown Prosecution Service has discontinued criminal prosecutions since May 1997 on the grounds of disproportionate cost. [80380]

Each case which the police send to the Crown Prosecution Service is reviewed by a Crown Prosecutor. The case will be carefully considered to make sure that it meets the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which is issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. The Code states that where there is enough evidence to offer a realistic prospect of conviction, in cases of seriousness, a prosecution will be the usual course of action unless there are public interest factors tending against prosecution which clearly outweight those tending in favour.Cost, on its own, is not a factor that determines whether or not a prosecution should be discontinued. However, if during the course of a prosecution it becomes clear that a court is likely to impose only a very small or nominal penalty, a prosecution may no longer be in the public interest and the proceedings may be discontinued.The Crown Prosecution Service does not maintain any central record of discontinued cases. The information is recorded on individual case files, the recovery of which would involve disproportionate cost.

To ask the Attorney-General what steps he plans to take to improve the way in which cases are presented to the CPS and Serious Fraud Office for prosecution. [80381]

The Serious Fraud Office is responsible both for the investigation and prosecution of cases involving serious or complex fraud. In almost every case it investigates in conjunction with a police force and there is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Director of the Serious Fraud Office and ACPO on how investigations are to be conducted. The Memorandum places an emphasis on planning and accountability and in every case SFO documentary control systems are used to ensure the efficient use of investigator and police time. The Crown Prosecution Service is working with the police on a number of initiatives to improve the way that cases are presented to the Crown Prosecution Service including collaboration on ways of implementing the Glidewell recommendations to introduce joint police/CPS Criminal Justice Units to facilitate the progress of cases through the magistrates' courts and the establishment of Trial Units to handle Crown Court casework.

To ask the Attorney-General what recent representations he has received on his proposals to reform the Crown Prosecution Service. [80375]

There is continuing interest in the reform of the Crown Prosecution Service. The Attorney-General and I regularly receive inquiries and representations from hon. Members about the Service.Sir lain Glidewell's Report on the Crown Prosecution Service made a number of recommendations aimed at reform of the Crown Prosecution Service. Additionally, the Government decided to re-structure the CPS into 42 geographical Areas to improve efficiency and accountability.The Crown Prosecution Service is making good progress in considering and implementing the recommendations in Sir lain Glidewell's Report. Additionally, the new 42 Chief Crown Prosecutors are now in post to take forward the reforms that will improve efficiency.

To ask the Attorney-General what steps he takes to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service gives due weight to environmental considerations in deciding whether to pursue a prosecution. [80379]

A number of prosecuting authorities are responsible for the enforcement of cases involving environmental considerations. Agencies such as the Environment Agency prosecute a high proportion of such cases; the Crown Prosecution Service prosecutes offences investigated by the police. All prosecuting authorities must apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors when making the decision to prosecute. If there is sufficient evidence, environmental considerations will be a factor taken into account when deciding whether a prosecution is required in the public interest.

To ask the Attorney-General how many cases of homicide in London (a) have not been the subject of commencement of legal proceedings, (b) have been the subject of commenced but discontinued legal proceedings, (c) have been the subject of completed legal proceedings, but without conviction and (d) have led to conviction, for each year since the CPS was established. [80372]

The CPS do not keep central records. Figures compiled by the Home Office from police notifications show that:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean) of 18 March 1999, Official Report, columns 759–60, concerning EU budget line B3–306, for what reason the Commission removed the prohibition in the amended Budget Line notes; and what is the basis for the statement that the Commission shares his Department's view of how such expenditure should be used. [80177]

The drafting of language used in this Budget Line is a matter for the European Commission.I refer the hon. Member to the Budget Line notes for 1999. They state:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department was informed in advance of the intended placement of the article by the hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) in Le Monde on 3 March. [80156]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to deposit the agendas for the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy Working Groups in the Library. [80149]

The Government do not have discretion unilaterally to disclose documents which may jeopardise the confidentiality of internal European Union discussion, such as the agendas of CFSP working groups, which, on occasions, can be sensitive. However, the Government are committed to ensuring more effective parliamentary scrutiny of, and greater openness in EU business, including the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and have introduced procedures for the parliamentary scrutiny of all CFSP Common Positions, Joint Actions, and other politically important documents.The UK participates in a very large number of working-level meetings in the international organisations of which it is a member: not only in the EU but also, for example, in the UN, NATO and the OSCE.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings have been held between (a) United Kingdom Ministers, (b) British diplomats and (c) other parties acting on behalf of the United Kingdom with President Slobodan Milosevic since he assumed the presidency of Yugoslavia; on which date the meetings were held; and what matters were discussed in each case. [81578]

I met President Milosevic on 31 October 1997 when I informed him that we wanted the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to rejoin the European family of nations but that this would require progress on democratisation, indicted war criminals and Kosovo. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary travelled to Belgrade to discuss Kosovo with President Milosevic on 5 March 1998.Our Ambassador in Belgrade, Ivor Roberts, was present during the first of the above calls and met Milosevic separately on 10 June 1997 when the conversation was dominated by war criminals and Kosovo. Brian Donnelly, our subsequent Ambassador, presented his credentials to Milosevic on 19 December 1997: the call focused on Bosnia, war criminals and Kosovo.Ivor Roberts travelled to Belgrade on 2 July 1998 as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's Special Representative to discuss Kosovo. The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party met Milosevic on 29 September and handed over a letter from the Prime Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list (a) the dates when the Government of the United Kingdom recognised the independence of new states which were parts of the former state of Yugoslavia, (b) what conditions were imposed on their recognition, (c) whether the conditions were imposed in concert with the then other members of the European Community and (d) the dates of such decisions taken by the Council of Ministers. [81434]

The Republics of Croatia and Slovenia were both recognised by the UK, as part of a concerted European Community move, on 15 January 1992.The Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina was recognised by all European Community states on 7 April 1992.The Republic of Macedonia was recognised by the United Kingdom on 8 April 1993 when it was admitted to the United Nations.The UK recognised the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in line with EU partners on 9 April 1996 following the change in regional circumstances post-Dayton.Recognition followed advice given by the Badinter Arbitration Commission to the European Community Peace Conference on whether the Republics applying for recognition as independent states met all the conditions set in the European Community Declaration of 16 December 1991.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that annual reports on defence exports contain a breakdown of licences refused. [81170]

The first Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls gives a breakdown of licences refused by country and by the Military List rating of the goods. The Government will review the level of information to be disclosed in future reports in the light of reactions to the first report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to ensure that (a) relevant intelligence information gathered by NATO in recent weeks is made available to the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and (b) the tribunal receives adequate resources to enable it to carry out its work in respect of events in Kosovo. [81649]

A senior FCO official, David Gowan, has been appointed to be Kosovo War Crimes Coordinator. He will be responsible for ensuring that the Government pass as much information as possible, including intelligence, to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia that might be relevant to the Tribunal's investigations. The Tribunal's budget, set by the UN, is 51 per cent. larger this year than last. The Tribunal is devoting substantial effort to investigating events in Kosovo, but we are not aware that it needs additional funds at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what additional supplementary contributions the Government are giving to the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia to enable it to carry out its work in relation to the events in Kosovo. [81730]

:. The Government have already contributed £290,000 this year to support various aspects of the work of the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, in addition to the UK's assessed contribution for 1999 of US$5.08m. The Tribunal has not so far sought further financial contributions for its work on Kosovo. We will give careful consideration to any such requests should they be made. We are also considering certain requests for assistance in kind, in addition to the assistance with information on atrocities that we are already providing to the Tribunal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the UN General Assembly to make a special allocation to the International War Crimes Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to meet the needs of the Tribunal arising from the events in Kosovo. [81729]

The United Nations General Assembly allocated the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia a budget for 1999 which was 51 per cent. greater than that allocated for 1998. The Tribunal has not so far sought a further budget provision to cover its work relating to Kosovo. We would give sympathetic consideration to any such request to the General Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made under the United Kingdom presidency of the EU of the Single Market Action Plan by number of targets achieved; and how many targets were met during each other presidency. [81226]

I have been asked to reply.The Single Market Action Plan, which was endorsed by the European Council in Amsterdam in June 1997, set an ambitious 18-month programme in the run-up to the introduction of the euro. Regular reports on the implementation of the Action Plan have been provided at six-monthly intervals by the Single Market Scoreboard. Three such Scoreboards were published during the lifetime of the Action Plan, during the Luxembourg, UK and Austrian Presidencies. It is clear that good progress has been made in implementing the measures contained in the Action Plan, as the Commission reports in its Communication assessing the Action Plan (COM(1999)74 Final of 18 February), and the UK Presidency played no small part in contributing to that success.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 1999, Official Report, columns 57–58, on CS sprays, if he will place in the Library a copy of the report arising out of the evaluation of the trial with CS sprays. [80816]

I am arranging for a copy of the police report to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he is taking to increase the level of tree planting. [80371]

We are fully committed to increasing the area of woodland in Britain. The Forestry Commission's Woodland Grant Scheme and the Agriculture Department's Farm Woodland Premium Scheme both offer grants to landowners to establish new woodlands. The Woodland Grant Scheme also offers Challenge Funds and Locational Supplements to target new planting in certain areas and the Commission has a Land Regeneration Unit to encourage the conversion of derelict land to woodland. We launched a Forestry Strategy for England recently which will help focus our efforts to promote new planting; the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly in Wales will, of course, develop their own policies on forestry in Scotland and Wales.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish the Inland Revenue Faster Working procedure used in the Wye Valley region of the Inland Revenue; [80253]

Under the Faster Working procedures, Inland Revenue inquiries into self-assessment tax returns may proceed according to a flexible timetable agreed between the inspector and the taxpayer or the taxpayer's agent. No statistics are maintained on the number of inquiries conducted under Faster Working. All Inland Revenue Regions offer Faster Working. There

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value of seizures of alcohol smuggled into the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [81056]

Since 1995 Customs have made the following seizures of alcohol smuggled into the United Kingdom.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library calculations on a regular basis of the savings ratio disaggregated by income group. [81458]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply. The article referred to in his reply has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of alcohol duty evasion in each of the last three years. [81055]

HM Customs and Excise estimates for revenue evaded (excise duty and VAT) through cross-Channel smuggling of alcohol for the last three years are given in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people will cease to receive tax relief on maintenance payments at (a) 10 per cent. and (b) 40 per cent. as a result of the change contained in the Finance Bill; [81586](2) how much revenue will be raised in 2000–01 as a result of the removal of tax relief for maintenance payments. [81588]

[holding answer 20 April 1999]: There will be around 350,000 people who will cease to receive relief on maintenance payments in 2000–01 as a result of the 1999 Budget proposals, of which some 310,000 will cease to receive relief at 10 per cent., 20,000 will lose relief at basic rate and 20,000 at higher rate.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the Bath report into the compliance costs to employers of operating PAYE and NICs. [82135]

The Government are committed to helping business in general, and small business in particular, meet their obligations by providing a range of help, guidance and assistance to them. The Budget contained a number of measures designed to increase support for small business including the creation of the Small Business Service and the new and improved services from the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise.The Report by Bath University contained 31 recommendations for Government. Around two-thirds of the recommendations have been accepted. A note providing a more detailed response has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the revenue generation from the proposed increase in the stamp duty charge on all off-market transfers of tradeable securities; and what assessment he has made of the impact on the savings industry and smaller investors of the increase; [R] [79937](2) if he will make a statement on the proposed increase in the stamp duty charge on all off-market transfers of tradeable securities; if this includes transfers into nominee registration, from 50p to £5; on what date the increase is planned to take effect; and what estimate his Department has made of the likely number of annual transfers to which this charge (i) would have applied in 1998–99 and (ii) will apply in 1999–2000. [R] [79936]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: In order to streamline the administration of Stamp Duty, the Budget proposed that current charging provisions be standardised to provide for rounding up to a multiple of £5 in all cases, and that fixed stamp duties be set at £5. These changes will take effect from 1 October 1999. The proposals do not affect the stamp duty reserve tax charges on the bulk of share transactions, which are settled in dematerialised form within CREST.About 1 million transfers of securities in a full year are expected to be subject to these reforms, yielding about £5 million. Most of these are fixed duty transfers involving nominees.The impact of the new provision on the savings industry and on small investors is expected to be very small.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the local authority schemes that are being permitted to meet the funding costs of speed enforcement cameras from the money raised from fines and penalties; [80139](2) what criteria must be met for a local authority to be permitted to meet the funding costs of speed enforcement cameras from the money raised from fines and penalties. [80140]

At present no local authorities, or other organisations, are permitted to retain the receipts from fines relating to speed enforcement camera convictions.In December 1998 the Treasury issued a press notice setting out criteria against which requests to offset receipts from fines/penalties against Departmental Expenditure Limits can be assessed. The criteria aim to increase the effectiveness of enforcement while ensuring that such fines continue to be set on justice and deterrence principles and are not used as a means of raising revenue.The costs associated with speed enforcement cameras are borne by a range of different organisations, including the police, courts and local authorities. DETR, Home Office and Lord Chancellor's Department are currently considering whether receipts from speed enforcement camera related fines would meet the criteria. We would need to be clear that the receipts could be properly apportioned between the authorities involved.The criteria relate specifically to netting off receipts from expenditure in Departmental Expenditure Limits. They do not directly apply to any local authority self financed expenditure, which is not part of DEL. However, before allowing local authorities to retain a proportion of the receipts from speed camera related fines we would need to be satisfied that they would generally meet the same conditions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the outcome of the ECOFIN Council held in Brussels on 16 to 18 April; and if he will make a statement. [81687]

There was an informal meeting of EU Finance and Economic Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Dresden on 16 to 18 April. In accordance with the usual procedures at these informal meetings, there were no decisions and no minutes were taken.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in euros the value of the tax and duty imposed on a litre of (a) wine, (b) beer and (c) spirits at 40 degree strength in each EU member state. [81728]

The table shows the excise duty in euros and the percentage rate of VAT.Because of the VAT component, the total tax will depend on retail selling prices in each member state. Comparable information on this is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on friendly societies of the introduction of (a) individual savings accounts, (b) individual learning accounts and (c) stakeholder pensions. [81693]

Given their traditional roots and financial expertise, friendly societies are well placed to take advantage of the opportunities offered by individual savings accounts, individual learning accounts and stakeholder pensions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the oral answer to the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Page), 15 April 1999, Official Report, column 358, on national insurance and the self-employed, what factors underlie the difference between that answer and the figures in Table 1–11 of the Red Book. [81718]

As explained in the Red Book (page 115, final paragraph) the figures in Table 1.11 are on a National Accounts Basis. For National Insurance Contributions this means that the figures depend on when the liability arises, not when the cash is expected to be received.The question from the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Page) asked for the change in the amount to be paid by the self-employed in 2000–01, so the answer gave an estimate of the effect on actual National Insurance Contributions receipts in 2000–01.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if mutual shares held by a credit union member held in a common bond can be one of his special savings schemes covered by ISAs. [81606]

No. Shares in credit unions are not a qualifying investment for individual savings accounts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the flat rate charges envisaged under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Regulations will apply regardless of the seniority and experience of the inspector undertaking the inspections on site. [80279]

Yes. All inspectors who carry out assessment or inspection under the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1999 (COMAH) will be competent by virtue of their qualifications, training and experience to undertake the full range of work. The charge to industry will be at a single rate and is intended to recover the Competent Authority's full cost in line with HM Treasury's Fees and Charges Guide.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on (a) train, (b) signal and (c) track failures in each year since 1994–95 for each line of the London Underground. [81054]

Figures for train, signal and track failures on London Underground since 1994–95 are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the maintenance and investment budget for rolling stock, signalling and track in each year since 1994–95, for each line of the London Underground. [81053]

Figures for the maintenance and investment spend for rolling stock, signalling and track on London Underground for the financial years 1994–95 to 1998–99 are set out in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the members of the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, indicating their professional backgrounds in each case. [81346]

This information is published in the advisory committee's annual report. A copy is in the Library, the relevant information is reproduced as follows:Professor John Beringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many drivers of mobile cranes have not been granted a Group 2 (category C) licence under the second EC Driving Licence Directive (91/439/EEC) and the implementing legislation (SI 1996/2824). [81244]

The number of mobile crane drivers that have not been granted a Group 2 (category C) licence under the second EC Driving Licence Directive (91/439/EEC) and the implementation legislation (SI 1996/2824) is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the oral answer of 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 18, what estimate he has made of the number of filling stations which offer re-fuelling for (a) LPG and (b) compressed natural gas. [81383]

There are an estimated 174 LPG refuelling points in the UK. Although these are generally open to the public, only about a dozen are sited on retail forecourts. The number of LPG refuelling points is expected to increase to around 500 over the next three years with most of the new refuelling points sited on the forecourt.Refuelling points for compressed natural gas are predominantly depot based, though some permit third party access. There are around 30 fast-fill refuelling points in the UK suitable for fleet use and around 40 slow-fill refuelling points suitable for single vehicle refuelling. The number of fast-fill refuelling points is expected to double in the next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the base of water rates calculated from the rateable values of its 1990 list to more recent valuations. [81486]

Rateable values ceased to be used for local government taxation purposes in 1990. Since then there has been no provision for amending or updating rateable values.We have made clear that we are willing to consider alternatives to the present system of unmeasured charging for water and sewerage services. We shall work with water companies and other groups with an interest to consider proposals for new charging arrangements. Any alternative system would need to provide for fair charges and any transition should be planned to avoid significant advert effects on particular groups of customers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [81420]

[holding answer 19 April 1999]: Since 1 May 1997 my Department has utilised six contracts with KPMG for the provision of management consultancy, research consultancy and other specific consultancy (e.g. privatisation) services.KPMG will continue to be considered for future contracts let by my Department where they are capable of meeting the requirement and are likely to offer best value for money, alongside any other organisations which meet the same criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU Environment Ministers meeting on 23 to 25 April; and if he will make a statement on his priorities for the meeting. [81489]

This meeting of EU Environment Ministers planned for 23–25 April has been rescheduled for 7–9 May. It is an informal meeting. The following issues will be debated:

Integrated product policy: to explore the scope for promoting more sustainable goods and services;

Chemicals policy: to discuss progress on the review of EC policy on chemicals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made on the possible level of energy savings to be achieved by improving the energy efficiency of buildings; [81454](2) what estimate he has made of the percentage of the country's energy used to heat and light buildings in the UK; [81455]

Energy efficiency in buildings forms an essential part of the Government's strategy for meeting its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide. Under the Kyoto Protocol the UK agreed to reduce its emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–12. In our manifesto we also set ourselves a domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.Some initial assessments of the possible energy savings to be achieved by improving the energy efficiency of buildings were published in October 1998 in the Government's climate change consultation paper. The paper set out a number of options on how we might meet our climate change targets. For the domestic sector, we estimated that possible savings of up to 6.5 million tonnes of carbon per year (MtC/Y) by 2010 could be achieved by improving building standards. We also estimated that improvements to public sector buildings could deliver 1.1 MtC/y. The potential contribution of commercial and industrial buildings was estimated as part of the "business" sector and not separately identified in the consultation document. However, we estimated that it could be of the order of 5 MtC/y.These carbon savings correspond to a reduction of 15 to 20 per cent. on the estimated carbon emissions for 2010 under "business as usual", that is, DTI's central estimate as published in Energy Paper 65.Space heating and lighting across all building sectors currently account for 32 per cent. of total UK delivered energy consumption.The DETR already funds a number of programmes and initiatives designed to improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of energy efficiency measures, in both new and existing buildings. These include the Energy Efficiency Best Practice programme, the UK's primary knowledge-based energy efficiency information transfer programme, designed to assist energy users and professionals in industry, commerce, the public and housing sectors and in business transport to improve their energy efficiency. Best Practice also supports research and development to help bring forward tomorrow's energy efficiency measures. The programme includes site specific and project specific consultancy advice on improving the energy efficiency of buildings.The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) provides energy efficiency improvement grants for householders receiving income-related benefit, disability allowance or over 60 years of age.The Energy Saving Trust continues to develop and implement a range of innovative projects aimed at promoting efficient use of energy in domestic and small business markets and supports Energy Efficiency Advice Centres and the "Energy Efficiency" campaign to promote energy efficiency in the domestic sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental consequences of the farming of genetically modified salmon. [81451]

[holding answer 20 April 1999]: No genetically modified salmon are currently being farmed in the UK, and no applications have been received for the release of genetically modified fish. However, the environmental consequences of the farming of genetically modified fish have been considered by the Department and by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE).The Department of the Environment published a research report on the

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to provide additional funding for areas of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement. [81614]

We have already announced an additional £2.5 million for the new Countryside Agency to spend in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and similar landscape areas in 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on the staffing of main stations (a) at night and (b) at other times; what discussions he has had with (i) train operators and (ii) the rail regulator on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [81502]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: There are no absolute requirements in franchise agreements for stations to be staffed at night or at other times. Train Operating Companies (TOCs) must maintain the existing presence of staff at stations to the hours at which trains call unless they provide substitute facilities in relation to customer information and waiting accommodation. All TOCs are party to the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement, overseen by the Rail Regulator, which includes obligations covering the hours during which ticket offices must be open and the range of products that must be offered for sale. These obligations are closely in line with the arrangements that existed prior to franchising. The hours of opening of ticket offices cannot be reduced without the permission of the Rail Regulator following a consultation process. No discussions have taken place with (i) the train operators and (ii) the rail regulator on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with (a) First North Western Trains and (b) other rail operators the effects of removing platform staff on passenger safety. [81503]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: There are no absolute requirements in franchise agreements for platform staff at stations and this is not a health and safety issue. We do, however, consider it very important that passengers perceive the railway as a secure environment and over the past year, operators have been working with the Franchising Director, this Department and the British Transport Police, to deliver the Secure Stations Scheme, which was formally launched in April 1998. This will award accreditation to stations that reach specified standards in design and management, and demonstrate reductions in the crime level and in passengers' perception of crime. A number of stations across the country have now been accredited under the scheme and it is hoped that many more will become accredited in the near future.The Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), which promotes network-wide projects, is implementing a Code of Practice on Passenger Security which identifies best practice, and encourages operators to co-operate with other organisations to improve security in and around stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will seek a report from the rail regulator on the possible effect of the removal of platform staff from Warrington Central Station on the performance targets of First North Western trains. [81504]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: Performance in terms of punctuality and reliability is governed by a financial penalties and incentive regime under the franchise agreement between the Franchising Director and First North Western Trains. That applies to results achieved without regard to the operational methods adopted by the Train Operating Company. I understand that First North Western Trains have suspended their plans for staffing reductions at Warrington Central Station and others in the area while they consult with interested groups, individuals and the trade unions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the rail operators on the need to ensure the safety of passengers travelling by train. [81505]

[holding answer 21 April 1999]: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) monitors and enforces compliance with the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and its relevant statutory provisions to ensure that safety standards on the railway are maintained and improved where necessary. The HSE has regular meetings with train operators and infrastructure controllers to ensure the safety of passengers travelling by train.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the percentage of the 1 per cent. increase in bus passengers which has resulted from passengers changing their mode of transport. [81716]

The information does not exist for this estimate to be made. The one per cent. overall increase is the net result of many shifts and changing trends in trip making. However, in some cases where significant increases in bus use have occurred, for example following investment in new vehicles and bus priority traffic management measures, 10 per cent. or more of the increase has been estimated to represent former car users. Were this also to apply to the full year increase across England it would represent a reduction of about 3.5 million journeys by car.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the number of local bus passenger journeys in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99 in (i) London, (ii) English metropolitan areas, (iii) English shire counties and (iv) England. [81714]

The figures up to 1997–98 are taken from tables 10, 13 and 16 of the Transport Statistics Report "Focus on Public Transport Great Britain: 1999 edition", published by The Stationery Office in February 1999. The most recent three years' data are summarised in the table below. Data for 1998–99 will not be available until towards the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those countries which have (a) agreed, (b) failed to agree and (c) not responded to his statement of 10 June 1998 on multilateral agreements on 3rd and 4th freedoms at regional airports. [81713]

Following my statement on international access to regional airports in June 1998 my officials approached countries with whom we have air services relations. The following responses have been received:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to issue the Management Statement for the Countryside Agency. [82052]

I am pleased to be able to inform the House that the Management Statement has been issued to the Countryside Agency today. The Statement describes the relationship between the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Agency, sets out the role and status of the Agency and covers its accountability to Parliament. It also contains information on the role and responsibilities of the Chairman, Board and Chief Executive, and briefly describes the Agency's organisation.A copy of the Statement has today been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the types of (i) public and (ii) private institution falling within his area of responsibility in which individuals aged under 18 years may be trained in the use of firearms; and if he will estimate the numbers of individuals receiving such training in each type of institution in each of the last five years. [81136]

Individuals under 18 years of age undertake firearms training in the Regular Forces, Reserves and Cadets. Institutions which carry out such training include recruit schools for initial firearms training, various military units for specific and refresher training and local establishments in the case of Cadets. The three Services do not keep centralised records of such training and, therefore, it is not possible to provide accurate figures of numbers of under 18s who undertake firearms training. Even an estimate could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if under 18 year olds are currently being deployed in the UK armed forces in the former Yugoslavia. [81437]

There are currently 22 service personnel aged under 18 deployed in the UK armed forces in the former Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was (a) paid and (b) rebated to his Department by each of the health trusts in which MDHUs operate for the treatment of civilian personnel by the military in each of the last three years. [80573]

Until 31 March 1999, the contribution made by military clinical staff serving in MDHUs to the treatment of civilian patients was treated as a "free good" from my Department to the NHS. Accordingly, no payments were made to my Department by the host Trusts, either directly or by way of a rebate on other charges, for the treatment of civilian personnel by the military.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 22 March 1999, Official Report, columns 17–18, 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. [80824]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if British military personnel have visited the School of the Americas training establishment at the United States Army base at Fort Benning, Georgia, in each of the last eight years. [81375]

There have been no visits to the School of the Americas training establishment by UK-based military personnel during the last five years, the period for which we have been able to establish figures. The previous British Liaison Officer at Fort Benning, Georgia, made one visit to the School of the Americas training establishment during 1997 as part of his liaison responsibilities. He undertook no training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to remove the differences within the War Pensions Scheme as between former officers and other ranks. [81485]

The War Scheme is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. The MOD and DSS are currently reviewing arrangements for compensating service personnel or their bereaved where disablement or death is due to service in the Forces. The aim is to make proposals for a new compensation scheme that could replace the current War Pension Scheme and the attributable provisions of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. The War Pension Scheme would remain available for those who have already left the forces including current war pensions.At present former officers and other ranks received the same level of War Disablement Pension or Gratuity under the War Pension Scheme for the same degree of assessed disablement and regardless of rank. The level of War Widow's Pension, however, is still related to the rank held by the deceased husband in service.A separate review is also being conducted of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme. This review is examining all the main provisions of that Scheme, including the continuing justification for any differences of treatment between officers and other ranks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what value of stationery, signage and documentation formerly owned by the Defence Estates Organisation will not be used by Defence Estates, established on 29 March; [81628](2) what was the cost of the relaunch of the Defence Estates Organisation. [81629]

I will write to the hon. Member 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 current proportion of (a) the Army and (b) Land Command (i) committed and (ii) warned to deploy for operations. [81668]

As at 15 April, the figures requested were as follows: