To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received in opposition to the de-trunking of the A696 in Northumberland; and if he will hold a public enquiry into the proposal. [102843]

Initially 11 objections to the draft orders published on 23 August 2001 were received from Northumberland County Council, Tynedale District Council, Scottish Executive, Northumberland National Park, Freight Transport Association, five parish councils and a private individual. Tynedale District Council, Scottish Executive and Freight Transport Association subsequently withdrew their Objections.Negotiations continue with Northumberland County Council, which will be the highway authority after detrunking, over the future funding of the A696/A68 and it would therefore be premature of me to comment on whether there will be a public inquiry into the proposal before these discussions are concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received on restrictions on the use of flashing amber beacons on motor vehicles on the public highway; what plans he has to change the regulations; and if he will make a statement. [103476]

The Department of Transport regularly receives requests for clarification of the regulations on the use of flashing amber beacons on motor vehicles. In the past five years only one request has been made for these regulations to be extended. This was to permit amber warning beacons to be fitted to vehicles which are used for the purposes of rescuing animals injured on the roads, as they sometimes need to stop on the highway.A consultation exercise is currently being carried out on proposals to permit recovery operators to use red rear flashing lights in conjunction with amber beacons at the scene of a breakdown.The Government has no immediate plans for any further amendments to the regulations on amber beacons on road vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he intends to publish the findings of his Department's review of the use of motorised wheelchairs on the highway; [103736]

We receive a wide range of correspondence about the use of motorised wheelchairs on the highway from disabled people themselves as well as from other pedestrians and motorists. A proportion of that correspondence is expressing concern about safety issues.In response to these concerns I will shortly be launching a review of the law which currently governs the construction of these vehicles and their use on the highway. The review will cover the full range of issues that have been raised with the Department, including the case for compulsory insurance for the users of motorised wheelchairs. We will be seeking the views of users and all other stakeholders before drawing any conclusions about possible changes to current arrangements.I will publish the results of the Review once it is complete, which I would hope to be later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many additional miles of motorway in England and Wales he expects to have lighting (a) by December 2003 and (b) by December 2004. [102815]

Motorways in Wales are the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment at the National Assembly for Wales.In England, the Highways Agency expects to install lighting on approximately 10.8 miles of existing motorway by December 2003 and a further 14.5 miles by December 2004.The new M6 toll motorway will be open by December 2004 and will have lighting on lengths totalling approximately 10 miles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of changes in the number of injury-accidents occurring after introduction of driving on the hard shoulder; [102220](2) what guidance he has

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State announced on 27 July 2001 that the M42 between Junctions 3a and 7 had been chosen as a pilot site for Active Traffic Management (ATM). The pilot offers the potential to allow carefully controlled use of the hard shoulder as a running lane during congested periods. The outcome of the pilot will be assessed very thoroughly before any policy decision is taken about the more general use of the hard shoulder as a running lane. The hard shoulder is routinely used as a running lane during motorway maintenance.The Health and Safety Executive regularly provide input into the standards applied when the hard shoulder is used as a running lane during motorway maintenance. They will be consulted about its use as part of the M42 ATM Project when the Highways Agency has developed its proposals more fully.The Highways Agency has met with and discussed the proposals for the M42 ATM with the local fire service. There is a programme of ongoing liaison with the emergency services to discuss matters in more detail.The Highways Agency has arranged a number of exhibitions and local presentations and has generally received favourable feedback on the proposals to use the hard shoulder as a running lane on the M42. As part of this assessment a range of surveys will be undertaken to assess motorists' opinions on the scheme. A driver simulator has also been developed and this was displayed at the 2002 Birmingham International Motor Show. Again, a favourable response to the use of the hard shoulder was received.The controlled use of the hard shoulder in the M42 ATM Project is not expected to result in an increase in the costs to the public funds with regard to insurance, medical costs, care of dependants or time off work. Extensive monitoring as part of the M42 ATM Project will be undertaken to quantify the actual impact of the scheme. The proposals are subject to an ongoing assessment and safety audits have already been undertaken as part of the design process.The proposal for use of the hard shoulder under controlled motorway conditions on the M42 is being designed with safety in mind. Hard shoulder running will only be allowed when a lower speed limit is in place and control room staff have ensured that the hard shoulder is clear. There will be emergency refuge areas, equipped with emergency roadside telephones, installed at regular intervals for motorists that breakdown or require assistance.I have asked the Highways Agency to place in the Library copies of the reports, listed as follows, that have been assessed in relation to the use of the hard shoulder as a running lane.

To ask the President of the Council pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Cannock Chase (Tony Wright), of 11 March 2003, Official Report, column 156W, if he will list the individual sums of public money paid for (a) salaries, listing the offices held, (b) expenses and (c) Short money; and what the value was of services in kind to the Conservative Party since 1997. [103339]

The scheme for financial assistance to opposition parties (Short money) provides funding for three purposes:

to assist an opposition party in carrying out its parliamentary business;

for the running costs of the office of the Leader of the Opposition

for the opposition parties' travel and associated expenses.

The amounts received under these three headings were as follows:

£
year	Assistance for parliamentary business	Office of Leader of Opposition	Travel expenses etc.	Totals
1997–98	919,627	0	67,136	986,763
1998–99	1,037,125	0	75,761	1,112,886
1999–2000	2,800,314	500,000	77,356	3,377,670
2000–01	2,872,763	513,000	79,368	3,465,132
2001–02	2,833,866	524,799	80,401	3,439,066
2002–03	2,846,649	531,621	81,266	3,459,537
Total	13,310,344	2,069,420	461,288	15,841,054

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the award schemes in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 promoted by the Department; what their scope was when the relevant participating organisations are scheduled to be sent results; and whether other parties will be given notification of the results at the same time. [102064]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his estimate is of his Department's spending on (a) consultants, (b) advertising and consultancy, (c) travel and (d) conferences in each year from 1999–2000 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [90357]

My Department was created on 1 July 1999. Figures for 1999/2000 are not readily available in the format requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the fiscal surplus or deficit was in Wales in the most recent year for which figures are available. [89825]

No official figure for the fiscal deficit/surplus in Wales has been calculated in recent years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the overseas trips made by himself and other members of his ministerial team in 2002; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost was in each case. [101484]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W, in response to a similar question from the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many special advisers in the Department (a) have left and (b) will be leaving to work in Scotland for the Labour Party in the forthcoming Scottish parliamentary elections. [103599]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many university students his Department has supported or sponsored with a work placement in the last year; what his policy is on work placements; what plans he has to develop such schemes; and what his policy is on paying their university fees. [98538]

The staff of the Wales Office are secondees from other Government Departments and in particular the National Assembly for Wales. The Assembly has an annual scheme which offers opportunities to students as well as work placements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what impact the Whole of Government Accounts project has had on Wales. [103371]

The introduction of Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) will assist in ensuring that best practice accounting methods are used to construct accounts covering the public sector as a whole, and that fiscal reporting is as transparent as possible. Central Government Accounts (CGA) are the first step towards WGA.The Treasury has planned to produce `dry-run' CGA for 2001–02 and 2002–03, with the first CGA published for 2003–04. The Wales Office and the National Assembly for Wales are part of this process.Both the Wales Office and National Assembly for Wales have produced consolidation information for the first dry run year. The Assembly's 'consolidation group' currently includes the Assembly itself, its agencies, the Health Authorities in Wales, Estyn and the Assembly Sponsored Public Bodies.In future years the project will be extended to include NHS Trusts and local authorities. The Assembly is co-funding a project with the Treasury to examine the issues involved in consolidating local authority accounts in Wales.In addition to CGA the Assembly will produce a `Whole of Government of Wales Account' to the same timetable. This account will include bodies designated for inclusion in CGA plus the 'Wales elements' of certain cross-border authorities like the Forestry Commission in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in implementing the common action for an EU military mission to take over from NATO's Allied Harmony operation in FYROM; which (a) European states that are not yet EU members and (b) other third countries have expressed the intention of taking part in that mission; what NATO assets the EU will use for that mission; whether the launching of this operation depends on finalising permanent arrangements for the EU's use of NATO assets; when those arrangements are expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement. [102671]

The "Berlin Plus" arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective assets and capabilities of NATO are now in place.Good progress has been made on the Council's Joint Action on the EU military operation in Macedonia. For example, the EU has agreed that the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander for Europe will be appointed as the EU Operation Commander and that the Supreme Headquarters of Allied Powers in Europe will be used as the EU Operational Headquarters. Arrangements with third states have been agreed and a Committee of Contributors has been formed. The Operation Plan has been finalised, subject to approval by the Council. As envisaged, contacts and meetings between the EU and NATO have been stepped up.The non-EU European states that are expected to take part in the operation are Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Poland, Iceland, Turkey, Hungary and Norway. Canada is also expected to take part.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what special measures are being taken to vet the crews of ships chartered by his Department from overseas countries where there are security considerations. [103638]

It is not possible to vet the crews of commercial ships chartered from overseas countries, due to a combination of circumstances which include: non-residency in the United Kingdom, the rapid turn-over of crew members and the short notice nature of the Ministry of Defence charter requirements. Special measures are taken when there are security considerations and these can include the placing of a UK military escort party onboard chartered commercial ships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimates the Government have made regarding the number of military personnel required to provide support to the civil authorities in response to a large scale (a) conventional and (b) chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attack on the UK. [103410]

The primary responsibility for handling the consequences of any attack in the United Kingdom lies with the emergency services. The nature of any request they might make for military assistance will be determined by the type, scale, impact and location of the attack and the availability of civil resources. It is therefore not possible to make a specific estimate of the level of military support that might be requested. Information on the contingency plans for specialist Armed Forces responses to terrorist attacks is classified and details are therefore being withheld under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which Department's budget the cost of (a) creation, (b) maintenance and (c) deployment of the civil contingency reaction forces will be taken. [103411]

The Ministry of Defence budget will bear the cost of establishing and maintaining the civil contingency reaction forces. The treatment of the costs of deployments will be determined case by case under existing arrangements in the same way as other military assistance to the civil authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost is of (a) creating and (b) maintaining the civil contingency reaction force. [103412]

The annual cost of maintaining the 14 civil contingency reaction forces will be some £4.5 million. This comprises the costs of the 406 new Volunteer Reserve posts established within the parent Territorial Army Infantry battalions to support the administration and training of the civil contingency reaction forces, and of the additional man-training days allocated to existing Volunteer Reserve personnel who volunteer for the CCRF role in addition to their current roles.Start-up costs are estimated to be some £2 million in 2002–03.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many joint regional liaison officers have been created since July 2002 to act as a single point of liaison between civil authorities and the armed forces on emergency planning matters. [103407]

22 Joint Regional Liaison Officer posts have been established as part of the SDR New Chapter measures to enhance the Armed Forces' capability to respond to requests for assistance from local authorities and emergency services. These measures were announced in the House on 31 October 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many more civil contingency reaction forces are planned. [103408]

The establishment of fourteen Civil Contingency Reaction Forces was announced in the House on 31 October 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists are deployed in civil contingency reaction forces. [103409]

None of the 14 Civil Contingency Reaction Forces has yet been deployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals there are to commit units and assets from the regular armed forces to home defence. [103413]

The Ministry of Defence is responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom from military attack, including air defence. The lead responsibility for security within the UK, including the response to the activities of terrorist groups, rests with the Home Office and the police. However, where appropriate, the Ministry of Defence responds positively to requests for military assistance from civil authorities, drawing on available resources. Although fluctuations do occur, a significant number of military personnel are stationed in the UK at any one time and we are also establishing a capability in the Reserve Forces to undertake military assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the main features are of the EU/NATO arrangements for EU access to NATO capabilities for EU-led operations; how they differ from the agreement concluded between WEU and NATO; and if he will make a statement. [102676]

At the NATO summit at Washington in 1999, the Alliance declared that it stood ready to "define and adopt the necessary arrangements for ready access by the European Union to the collective assets and capabilities of the Alliance, for operations in which the Alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily as an Alliance". The main features of the arrangements, known as "Berlin Plus", are assured EU access to NATO operational planning capabilities, and a presumption of availability to the EU of pre-identified NATO capabilities and common assets for use in EU-led operations.The North Atlantic Council (NAC) decided on 13 December 2002 that assured EU access to NATO's operational planning capabilities was effective immediately, and undertook to put in place the rest of the Berlin Plus arrangements swiftly. This has now been done.The NATO/EU arrangements go beyond those established for the WEU in two important respects. First, because EU access to NATO operational planning is assured (i.e. continuous and guaranteed), NATO agreement is not required for any EU requests for NATO planning support; every WEU request would have required specific NAC approval. Second, there is a presumption that those NATO assets and capabilities that have been pre-identified will indeed be available to the EU. There was no such presumption under the NATO/WEU arrangements.The implementation of the Berlin Plus arrangements is a manifestation of the genuine strategic partnership in crisis management which NATO and EU have decided to establish together.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with his Spanish counterpart regarding the British military base on Gibraltar. [102919]

My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary has not met his Spanish counterpart formally since December 2001, nor has he had any recent discussions. However there has been some correspondence on security matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the British military base on Gibraltar. [102920]

My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary has had no recent discussions with Commander British Forces (CBF) Gibraltar. I visited British Forces Gibraltar in November 2002 and had extensive discussions with CBF and others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the number of Gulf War veterans who are (a) receiving treatment for Gulf War syndrome, (b) have outstanding compensation claims to his Department for Gulf War syndrome and (c) have been compensated by his Department for Gulf War syndrome. [103452]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: The Ministry of Defence does not recognise "Gulf War Syndrome" as a medical condition. It accepts that some veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict have become ill and that many believe this ill health is related to their Gulf experience. A large number of multi-system, multi-organ, non-specific, medically unexplained symptoms have been reported by some Gulf veterans as well recognised medical conditions. The overwhelming consensus of the scientific and medical community is that there is insufficient evidence to enable this ill-health to be characterised as a unique illness, condition or `syndrome'. The MOD's approach must be guided by findings from the scientific and medical community. Primary health care records for the 53, 000 or so veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict are held by their doctors and are not accessible centrally for reason of patient confidentiality.When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the MOD has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability arising to pay compensation we do so. The MOD has received about 2,000 notices of intention to claim from Gulf veterans, and members of their families in respect of illness allegedly arising from the Gulf conflict, but no writs or formal claims have yet been received. No compensation has therefore been paid following claims for Gulf veterans' illnesses.The fact that there is, at present, no proper basis for recognising "Gulf War Syndrome" as an appropriate diagnostic label does not prevent a Gulf veteran from getting a war pension. A war pension can be paid for any disablement provided that a causal link to Service is accepted. Over 1,200 war pensions have been awarded to Gulf veterans by the Veterans Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons HMS Triumph is being put into extended readiness in 2004; and how many fleet submarines will be operational in 2004. [102577]

The Royal Navy operates its nuclear submarine fleet under stringent safety regulations. It is planned to place HMS Triumph in a state of Extended Readiness when her reactor reaches its maximum length of service, prior to entering a refit and overhaul period

Roal Navy
Training Establishment	Military Medical Officer Establishment	Military Medical Officer Manning	Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment	Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning	Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment	Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning
Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth	1	1	0	0	7	6
HMS Raleigh	2	2	1	1	16	16
HMS Collingwood	2	2	1	1	11	11
HMS Dryad	0	0	1	1	3.5	2.5
HMS Sultan	1	1	1	1	8	8

Army
Training Establishment	Military Medical Officer Establishment	Military Medical Officer Manning	Civilian Medical Practitioner Establishment	Civilian Medical Practitioner Manning	Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Establishment	Other Medical Personnel (Military/Civilian) Manning
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst	3	3	0	0	18	18
Arm Training Regiment Bassingbourne	1	1	2	2	18	11
Arm Training Regiment Lichfield	1	1	2	2	15	10
Arm Training Regiment Winchester	0	0	0	0	17	15
Arm Foundation College Harrogate	1	1	2	1	4	3
Arm Technical Foundation College Arborfield	0	0	0	0	2	0

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what hospitality has been offered at public expense in the last 12 months, by each Minister in his Department to outside interest groups, broken down to (a) restaurant, (b) recipient and (c) cost in each case; [99501](2) what criteria Ministers in his Department use when determining whether to offer hospitality in restaurants to interest groups at public expense; and if he will make a statement; [99500](3) how often Ministers in his Department have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups in the last 12 months. [99576]

All offers of hospitality are made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on the principles set out in Government Accounting. The giving and receiving of hospitality is conducted fully in accordance with the guidance set out in the Ministerial Code and Guidance on Contacts with Outside Interest Groups including Lobbyists. The detailed information requested is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment and (b) requirement is of (i) medical officers and (ii) other medical staff in military training establishments in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [100174]

Current establishment and manning figures for military medical officers, civilian medical practitioners, and other medical personnel at training establishments in each of the Services are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the reasons for the reduction in the permitted weight of parcels being sent to BFPO 660; and if he will make a statement. [103171]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2003, Official Report, column 387W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice his Department provides to universities and other academic research centres regarding (a) the management of defence research contracts and (b) the sharing of intellectual property. [102210]

The Ministry of Defence's approach to contracting for research is the same as that used for the other goods and services it purchases and there is no specific additional guidance on the management of defence research contracts. The MOD's general advice is freely available at http://www.dgcom.mod.ukThe MOD fully supports the HM Treasury report "Creating Knowledge, Creating Wealth" (The Baker Report, 1999). In line with the recommendations of that report, it has negotiated a new contracting standard, DEFCON 705, which vests ownership of IP with the contractor. This standard has been used for the vast majority of research contracts let b the MOD over the past 12 months.The MOD has actively contributed to "A guide to Managing IP:—Strategic Decision Making in Universities" available at http://www.patent.gov.uk/about/ippd/bakergroup.htm and is also about to publish "Guideline for Industry No 10—The Intellectual Property Defence Conditions".

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how man research contracts were placed b his Department with UK universities and other academic research centres in each of the last five ears; and what their values were. [102211]

The Ministry of Defence recognises the strong science and technology capability of United Kingdom universities as a source of innovation and knowledge of relevant research in the wider non-defence community. It is for this reason that MOD encourages universities to participate in the Defence Technology Centre Scheme.The MOD has placed almost all of its research work over the past five ears with DERA and, since Jul 2001, with DSTL and QinetiQ. In turn these organisations have sub-contracted with academia in a manner which ensures that the Department's needs are met in an integrated and cost effective manner. MOD does not hold centrally information about the numbers of subcontracts placed b our contractors with either academia or industry and this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.Information is available, however, for contracts placed directly by the Department with academia for the past four years since the decision was made to increase the level of competition for research work. To date three universities have been awarded contracts valued at £591,000. In addition 10 UK universities have received £2.619 million for their role in successful consortia bidding into the research programme. A breakdown of these figures is given in the following table.

£000
	Prime contractor	As part of a consortium
1999	n/a	n/a
2000	266	1,200
2001	295	213
2002	0	1,100
2003 to date	30	106

The MOD also seeks to further academic research by funding research jointly with the Research Councils through the Joint Grants Scheme. Details of the number of grants are given in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the additional funding recently made available to the Royal Marines. [102921]

Additional funding was made available to the Royal Marines to meet the additional costs necessarily incurred on Contingency Planning for possible operations against Iraq. This was contained within the £1 billion added to RfR2 Conflict Prevention at Spring Supplementary Estimates 2002–03

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the EU's plan for strengthening the impact of the work being done b (a) the Satellite Centre and (b) the Institute for Security Studies; and if he will make a statement. [102673]

I have been asked to reply.The UK wants to see both the Satellite Centre and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) make an effective contribution to the EU. We will consider an particular proposals put forward for the Satellite Centre. The Political and Security Committee has tasked the ISS with a work programme for 2003, reflecting the Council's priorities in external relations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the extent is of UK military deployment to Sierra Leone and the surrounding region during 2003; what estimate he has made of the costs of this deployment; and if he will make a statement. [102942]

The United Kingdom has maintained a twin track strategy in Sierra Leone, supporting the UN mission and providing training, advice and assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the democratically elected Government of Sierra Leone. A United Kingdom-led International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT) continues to help build the RSLAF into an effective, professional and democratically accountable force. The HVLATT currently involves some 120 personnel, comprising 108 United Kingdom personnel plus a number of internationals. The annual cost of the IMATT is approximately £15 million.To display our continued commitment to the settlement process in Sierra Leone on 21 February we deployed a Company Group from 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles plus HQ and supporting elements (eg logistics and medical). HMS Iron Duke and RFA Black Rover have also deployed to Sierra Leone as a further demonstration of United Kingdom commitment. The provisional costs of this deployment are in the order of £1.8 million.There are no other United Kingdom deployments in the region, although the United Kingdom also provides the Chief Of Staff, six HQ staff officers and 15 Military Observers to the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training exercises have been cancelled as a result of Operation Fresco and Operation Telic. [102571]

Some 70 training exercises listed in the Ministry of Defence's Defence Exercise Programme (which lists some 350 exercises each year) have been cancelled as a result of Operation Fresco and Operation Telic. Information on tactical training exercises organised by the Front Line Commands, the Permanent Joint HQ, the Defence Logistic Organisation HQ and individual units is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the US Government asked for permission for the US National Guard to be based at (a) RAF Mildenhall, (b) RAF Lakenheath and (c) JAC Molesworth; who gave permission; and how many US National Guard are based at each of the bases. [101689]

The US formally advised us on 3 March of their plans to augment military guard forces at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Croughton and RAF Molesworth with US Army National Guardsmen. The Guardsmen arrived on 10 March, around 230 have been deployed. About 100 have been deployed to RAF Lakenheath, 60 to RAF Mildenhall, 40 to RAF Croughton and 30 to RAF Molesworth. The National Guardsmen will carry out routine access control and other guarding duties under supervision, to `backfill' permanent security personnel who have been deployed to other duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hereford (Mr. Keetch), of 10 February 2003, Official Report, column 517W, on vaccines, if he will break down the figures and the percentages they represent by unit. [102806]

I am withholding the information requested under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much illegally imported meat has been seized at UK ports and airports in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) type and (b) location. [102158]

A central database of illegal animal product seizures notified to Defra was set up in August 2001, with detailed data going back to April 2001. Little or no data is held centrally for 2000.The numbers and weights of meat seizures at UK ports and airports reported to us in each of the last three years is shown below. A detailed breakdown of locations of seizures is not provided in order to protect operational details of targeted checks.

	Number of seizures	Weight of seizures (kg)
Ports
2001	404	60,544
2002	301	6,091
Airports
2001	739	14,254
2002	1953	18,593

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements there are with (a) Customs and Excise and (b) the Food Standards Agency (i) to prevent and (ii) to detect illegally imported meat entering the UK. [102159]

Currently the Port Health Authorities, Local Authorities and the State Veterinary Service lead on enforcement of controls for detecting smuggled meat. They are supported in this by Customs, who deployed extra resources in this role in 2002. Defra has been funding additional enforcement activity this financial year through temporary Local Authority staff and overtime.Following the Cabinet Office review of enforcement structures, responsibility for all anti-smuggling activity is to be transferred to HM Customs as soon as practicable, and we are working on a Service Level Agreement. Defra has been leading on implementing the Government's action plan, including a risk assessment, detector dog pilot and design of publicity material. Customs have been providing support. A comprehensive centralised database of seizures has been set up to share information and inform decisions on the targeting of resources.The Food Standards Agency is an independent agency accountable to an independent board, with responsibility for food safety matters. It co-ordinates the activities of Local Authorities, including Port Health Authorities, on food safety matters and has lead policy responsibility for controls at the border on products of non-animal origin and fish. The Agency is concerned with checks to verify compliance with food safety standards, and has produced a 10-point plan in relation to imported food, including illegal food imports. The Agency is also working closely with Defra on the action plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what resources she is committing (a) to prevent and (b) detect illegally imported meat entering the UK; [102160](2) what resources she is committing

The Government have made available a total of £25 million over the next three financial years to tackle illegal imports from outside the European Union of any meat, other animal products and plant products. Final decisions on the allocation of this money in 2003–04 will be made shortly.In the current financial year, additional measures have been introduced at ports and airports to tackle illegal imports. Temporary agency staff, funded by Defra, have been recruited to carry out checks to detect smuggled goods—teams of six are based at our major airports and teams of two at major seaports. We are also paying for additional checks through overtime elsewhere. Further inspection resources have also been provided through the detector dog pilot, and a publicity campaign which has targeted ports, airports and points of departure.We expect to lay the legislation shortly, under which HM Customs will take over responsibility for detection, intelligence and enforcement with regard to illegal food imports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the Animal By-Products Regulation with regard to the burial of (a) domestic animals in pet cemeteries and (b) livestock in domestic locations. [102651]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: No specific assessment has been made of the burial of domestic animals in pet cemeteries and of livestock in domestic locations.However, under a Derogation the Regulation permits the burial of any animal belonging to species normally nourished and kept, but not consumed, by humans for purposes other than farming.The burial of livestock is not permitted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps farmers can take to improve biosecurity to prevent Avian Influenza. [102368]

In view of the current outbreak of Avian Influenza in the Netherlands, Defra is advising producers to take all reasonable precautions to prevent their flocks coming into contact with wild birds. The producers most at risk are those close to where wild birds congregate, such as surface water.The poultry industry is being reminded of the need for stringent biosecurity at the present time. This includes advice on:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what role biofuels will play in Government plans to address fuel poverty. [100215]

During 2002, the Department commissioned a scoping study to consider the use of alternative technologies, including biofuels, in helping to tackle fuel poverty. The findings of that report, and the possibility of establishing pilot trials, are currently being considered by my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what analysis her Department has made of the work of the CBD bushmeat working group. [101329]

A liaison group to be convened under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to consider inter alia non-timber forest products, including bushmeat, has yet to meet. Therefore, no analysis of this work has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to apply the principles of producer responsibility to those who manufacture and retail chewing gum; what contribution the manufacturers of chewing gum provide to the cost of cleaning up pavements and public places of discarded chewing gum; and what plans she has to apply the pollutor pays principle to the manufacturers of chewing gum. [102595]

We encourage manufacturers and retailers to participate in a voluntary scheme to use the international Tidyman logo on products. The environmental charity, Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which undertakes work on behalf of the Government, owns a logo which includes the Tidyman logo and draws up voluntary agreements with willing participants.I am not aware of any gum manufacturers providing funding for the cost of cleaning gum from pavements but Defra officials have had meetings with the industry and I recently had a constructive meeting with Wrigley's, which is Britain's largest producer of chewing gum, to discuss these issues.Defra's consultation document Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities, includes an option to include discarded chewing gum as litter to which existing litter duties and powers apply. This option would impact on anyone irresponsibly discarding chewing gum as they would then be committing a litter offence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the manufacturers of chewing gum regarding the public nuisance of their discarded product. [102596]

Officials at Defra have been involved in discussions with gum manufacturers since last summer with a view to finding an acceptable solution to the problems surrounding chewing gum litter. Recently, I met Wrigley's, as the largest UK producer of chewing gum, to discuss this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has commissioned to develop techniques for removing chewing gum from footpaths, pavements and other public places; and what steps her Department has taken to encourage effective methods of removing discarded chewing gum from footpaths, pavements and other public places. [102597]

The environmental charity Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which is grant funded by Defra, has produced advice and guidance on prevention and cleansing for local authorities under the banner "Become an Authority on Gum"Defra's consultation document Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities, included several options relating to chewing gum. We are currently evaluating responses to that consultation exercise, which closed on 14 February, and will then consider how to take matters forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the local authority associations concerning chewing gum. [102599]

Defra has not had specific discussions with the Local Government Association concerning the cleaning up of chewing gum. The environmental charity, Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS), which is grant funded by Defra, has been working with gum manufacturers and local authorities over many years to develop best practice on prevention through education and cleansing affected areas. Our consultation document 'Living Places' refers to the problem of dealing with chewing gum and we are currently considering the responses from a variety of sources including local government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of cleaning chewing gum from pavements and other public areas in the last 12 months. [102600]

We have made no estimates of the cost of chewing gum removal in the last 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how man (a) chickens and (b) eggs were imported from 2002(i)Holland, (ii) German and (iii) Ital in the last year for which figures are available. [102370]

2002 is the latest year for which figures are available on the imports of chickens and eggs from Germany, Holland and Italy. The provisional figures are as follows:

Number of live chicks and chickens (of the species Gallus Domesticus) imported to the UK in 2002 (thousand head)
From	Number
Netherlands	92.6
German	1,236.6
Ital	nil

Number of eggs imported to the UK in 2002 (million dozen)1
From	Number
Netherlands	22.4
German	14.3
Ital	0.2
1 Estimates based on the value and volume of trade and the average weight per dozen eggs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dogs have been detained in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in 2003. [102917]

There are no centrally held records of dogs held under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in the UK. However, the Metropolitan police, who hold the largest number of dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) currently hold 19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost has been to public funds of dogs detained under the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in 2003. [102918]

There are no centralised records of figures or costs of dogs held, by all police forces, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended). However, the Metropolitan police who hold the largest number of dogs under the 1991 Act, have informed us that the total cost within the Metropolitan police area of dogs currently held in 2003 under the 1991 Act is £63,937.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many dolphin bodies have been washed up on UK beaches (a) since the beginning of January and (b) in the last five years. [102760]

Since the beginning of January to 12 March 2003, 168 dolphins (out of a total of 265 cetaceans) have been reported as having stranded in the UK. In the last five years, the numbers of reported stranded dolphins are as follows:

	Dolphins	Total number of cetaceans
2002	199	649
2001	155	549
2000	88	421

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets are being set for energy efficiency and renewable energy; and if she will make a statement. [102506]

In January 2000 the Government announced their aim for renewables to supply 10 per cent. of UK electricity in 2010, subject to the costs being acceptable to the consumer. We believe that renewable sources of energy will increasingly demonstrate that they can meet our energy needs at both an economically acceptable cost and in a carbon free way. On that basis, our aspiration is by 2020 to double renewables' share of electricity from our 2010 target and we will pursue policies to achieve this.More than half the emissions reductions in our Climate Change Programme—around 10 million tones of carbon per annum—is expected to come from energy efficiency. Further ahead, we believe that energy efficiency can contribute around half of the additional 15–25 million tonnes of annual carbon savings we are likely to need by 2020. A strategy for achieving these savings is set out in the Energy White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many area based sustainable energy projects and partnerships incorporating a Home Health Programme there are; where they are located; what areas they cover; and what their annual budgets are. [103169]

Despite a detailed search, my officials can find no record of a Home Health Programme. Turning to sustainable energy projects in general, the majority operate on a national basis, providing assistance to households and communities across the country.To encourage sustainable energy projects:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when boiler repairs and replacements were incorporated into measures funded by Warm Front for non-pensioner households; what amendments to the scheme regulations were needed to authorise these measures; what provision there is for service and maintenance of the boilers; and if central heating systems can be funded or part funded through the Warm Front scheme for non—pensioner households. [100162]

[holding answer 5 March 2003]: Following a public consultation, the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme was launched in June 2000. The scheme, now marketed as Warm Front, introduced heating measures, boiler repairs and replacements. Only those over 60 on a qualifying benefit are eligible for central heating system installations, under Warm Front Plus.As a result, the grant maximum increased from £315 to £1,000 in 2000 and to £1,500 in 2001 for under 60s households. The grant maximum for over 60s households is £2,500. Revised regulations were issued to enable these amendments.All installations under Warm Front are guaranteed for a year by Eaga Partnership and TXU Warm Front Ltd. who manage the scheme. All materials used are guaranteed by the manufacturer for a year, with the exception of storage heaters which are guaranteed for two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have discussed with TXU Warm Front the use of promotional literature for the Warm Front scheme as a means of selling other goods and services. [100163]

[holding answer 5 March 2003]: The Government's main programme for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), now marketed as `The Warm Front Team'. Warm Front provides insulation and heating measures depending upon the needs of the householder and the property type to eligible households.TXU Warm Front Ltd. is one of the two scheme managers appointed to administer the scheme.The literature used b TXU outlines measures offered by Warm Front and is not used as a vehicle for selling an other goods or services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the total expenditure on warm front grants made in England and Wales in the financial years ending 2001 and 2002 were represented by (a) loft and (b) cavity wall insulation measures. [90811]

Expenditure requested as a percentage of total grant expenditure for the warm front scheme in England was as follows:

Percentage
	2000–01	2001–02
Cavity wall insulation	29	22
Loft insulation	16	15

The drop in the proportion of expenditure on cavity wall insulation in the second year of the scheme reflects increased activity in the installation of heating measures, which have a higher average cost per household.The New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the average administrative cost associated with each household that benefited under the warm front scheme, as a percentage of the cost of the measures installed in 2001–02. [90808]

In 2001–02, approximately 23 per cent. of total expenditure on the scheme related to administration costs, covering surveying, inspections, marketing, energy efficiency advice, installer management and customer support services including the Scheme Managers' call centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the administrative cost was of English Nature for each Government Office of the regions in each year since 1999–2000. [102683]

English Nature's grant in aid has been £44.68 million (1999–2000), £49.924 million (2000–01), £58.010 million (2001–02), £66.855 million (2002–03). Of this, insofar as spending in the Government Regions, the following has been spent:

Total £000
Government Regional Office	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	2002–03
East Midlands	979	928	1,110	1,120
East of England	1,517	1,749	1,988	2,002
London	197	198	223	225
North East	764	635	719	729
North West	1,293	1,410	1,608	1,602

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what contracts have been concluded as a result of the Government's commitment to support ethical banking. [89945]

Defra predominantly banks with the Bank of England and there have been no other relevant contracts concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the outcome was of the Environment Council on 4 March 2003; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting records; and if she will make a statement. [101747]

I represented the UK at Environment Council on 4 March 2003, accompanied by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment. The Council reached a political agreement on one legislative measure, and also considered a number of other important issues.The Council reached a political agreement on the Forest Focus Regulation, which concerns forest monitoring, with the UK among its supporters. Italy, Spain, and Portugal would have preferred greater support for fire prevention measures, and therefore abstained. The Commission also withheld its support.We debated the Commission's proposals to revise the Bathing Water Directive, which would raise the required bathing water quality standards across the EU. There was general support for high standards where this would benefit the public, but widespread concern that the measures should be proportionate to the public health benefits sought, and flexible in their application. My right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment expressed concern over the soundness of the Commission's cost benefit analysis, and explained that, in the UK, illness related to bathing in sea waters is not a problem serious enough to feature in the public health surveillance system. Most bathing waters in the UK would already meet the higher standards proposed, but there would be high costs involved in ensuring compliance at all times for about 15 per cent. of beaches in England and Wales. There was a risk therefore that the proposals as currently drafted would incur disproportionate costs of compliance for comparatively little benefit. Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Spain, Germany, France and Austria all expressed similar concerns. There was wide support for more flexibility in the use of management measures to implement the Directive. Most states also asked for greater clarity of definitions. There was no support for extending the scope of the Directive to waters used for other recreational purposes, and this was accepted by the Commission. The Presidency concluded that Council had given a sufficient steer for further progress to be achieved by the next Council, in June.Council also debated the proposed Environmental Liability Directive, and in particular the issues of financial security and biodiversity. I made it clear that the UK insurance industry did not support compulsory financial security. It would make little sense to make financial security compulsory if the, market is unable to provide the necessary cover. There was support for this line of reasoning from Ireland, France, Italy, Netherlands, the Commission and Germany. There was also some support for a compromise proposed by the Greek Presidency, that compulsory financial security should be phased in. This was not an option I was able to support. On biodiversity, I put forward the view, also supported by France and Germany, that to be insurable and provide certainty, the scope of the Directive should be site-based. The remaining Members favoured extending the scope of the directive to cover all EU-protected biodiversity wherever it may, with an option to include nationally protected species too. The Presidency concluded that progress had been made towards reaching political agreement in June.We agreed Council Conclusions calling for a community strategy to protect and conserve the marine environment. The Commission reported on action taken in relation to the Prestige incident, and will present a full report to the European Council later this month. Council accepted a Spanish request asking the Commission to consider liability and sanctions in relation to the safety of marine transport. France and Spain also reported on the progress of clean-up operations.We also discussed the Council's contribution on Sustainable Development for the Spring European Council, and agreed a lengthy set of Conclusions, which included an emphasis on the need for implementation of the commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg last September, and on the importance of encouraging the development of environmental technologies.Council also adopted Conclusions on the Fifth Pan-European Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe", to be held in Kiev in May.The Commission gave an update on approvals of Genetically Modified Organisms, and their co-existence with conventional crops. It was announced that an option paper on co-existence by Commissioner Fischler would be released on 5 March, and a Round Table discussion would follow at the end of April.On approvals, Commissioner Walstrom noted that there are currently 19 applications in the process, which should be dealt with on a case by case basis. I supported the position of the Commission, along with Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Ireland, that existing legislation is adequate for an orderly return to decision making. A number of other member states continued to argue against proceeding with authorisations until the new traceability and labelling rules come into force. The Commissioner explained that it was unlikely that any authorisation would complete the process before the traceability and labelling rules came into force in any event. She emphasised the need to move the process forward, and that there is no justification for further delay.Denmark sought clarification from the Commission concerning its guidelines on the presence of metabolites in groundwater. The Commission confirmed that these are not legally binding, and that the expected groundwater directive will look into this issue.The Commission reported that it was on track with its long-awaited chemicals package, with an early interim consultation, followed by adoption by the Commission in early summer. It also formally presented its proposals on ozone depleting substances, a monitoring mechanism for greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds in paints.Over lunch we discussed progress towards ratification of the Kyoto protocol.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made and representations she has received regarding the application of Fairtrade status to British farmers; and if she will make a statement. [102441]

We have seen a report that the Soil Association and the Fairtrade Foundation were planning to announce an extension of the Fairtrade mark to British produce but I am unaware of any representations to government on this matter. For its part the Government are striving to rid agriculture of the constraints of price protection and production-related subsidies and to reconnect farmers with their markets. The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food launched last December aims to help deliver this objective and sets out how Government, industry and others can work together to secure a more positive future for the food and farming industries. It contains a number of measures to help farmers reconnect with their customers and the rest of the food chain, to improve co-operation and performance, and to enhance training and opportunities to learn from best practice. The Government also remain determined to secure market-oriented reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy and through the WTO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to provide guidance to farmers on the disposal of dead livestock after 3 April. [103454]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: Guidance on the disposal of fallen stock is available from local Animal Health offices and on the Defra website. In addition, the Department will shortly be writing to livestock farmers explaining the changes to the legislation, and to provide advice as to what disposal routes are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that alternatives are in place for all farmers to deal with fallen stock when on-farm burial is banned. [103011]

The situation regarding Government funding in other member states is complicated. Based on data provided by each member state, the European Commission issued a paper on 20 November 2001. It showed that the level of Government support varies across the Community, with farmers in some countries paying the full cost of disposal while in others the Government or local authority provides support.The collection and disposal industries for fallen stock have stated that there is sufficient capacity within the existing infrastructure to deal with the estimated additional quantities of fallen stock when the ban on burial comes into effect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she collates in respect of the policy in other EU member states concerning financial support for farmers to deal with fallen stock. [103012]

The situation regarding Government funding in other member states is complicated. Based on data provided by each member state, the European Commission issued a paper on 20 November 2001. It showed that the level of Government support varies across the Community, with farmers in some countries paying the full cost of disposal while in others the Government or local authority provides support.The collection and disposal industries for fallen stock have stated that there is sufficient capacity within the existing infrastructure to deal with the estimated additional quantities of fallen stock when the ban on burial comes into effect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many fishing vessels in each EU country have been deemed by the European Commission to be economically viable; and what assessment has been made of the costs of paying off vessels and crews from these countries. [103696]

The Commission has made no authoritative estimates in these areas. Indicative figures provided by the Commission last May, of the scale of decommissioning implied by their proposals for recovery plans, have been challenged by a number of member states.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has appraised the testing methodology obliged in the Processed Animal Protein (England) Regulations 2001 against the currently best available methodologies for the same tasks. [102836]

The Processed Animal Protein (England) Regulations 2001, all except the international trade provisions of that legislation, were replaced by and incorporated into the TSE (England) Regulations 2002 on 19 April 2002.The development of effective detection methods to distinguish the species content of meal intended for feed is a priority for Defra. The Commission has indicated that they are prepared to re-consider the current ban on fishmeal in ruminant feed once such a test has been validated. Full validation of a new test technique, however, is likely to take some time to achieve. In addition to the on-going development work, there are assessments being made both in the European context and in the UK to examine the currently available technology. A paper summarising the current position was prepared by Defra for a recent meeting of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, and can be found at: http://www.foodstandards.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/acaf0237.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has appraised the testing methodology obliged in the Animal By-Products Order 1999 against the currently best available methodologies for the same tasks. [102837]

Testing under the Animal By-Products Order 1999 may be carried out under the methodology set out in the Order, or by a method which conforms with the relevant British or International Standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library a copy of the first annual report under the operating agreement signed by Ofwat, the Environment Agency, English Nature and Wessex Water on restoring sustainable flows to the Hampshire Avon Catchment. [103540]

I am pleased to inform the hon. Member that the 'First Annual Report to the Minister on Progress in Restoring Flows in the Malmesbury Avon, River Wyle and River Piddle' was placed in the House Library at the end of February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many nitrate vulnerable zones have been designated; and what percentage of the land area of England and Wales is designated as nitrate vulnerable zones. [102984]

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is only responsible for implementing the Nitrates Directive in England.In 1996, the Government designated 66 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) covering 8 per cent. of England's land area.In October 2002, the Government designated NVZs covering an addition al 47 per cent. of England's land area. This brings total coverage of England to around 55 per cent. The Government have not made an assessment of the total number of discrete NVZs in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the effect on land values of the introduction of nitrate vulnerable zones. [103020]

The Government have not made an assessment of the effect on land values of the introduction of nitrate vulnerable zones.The Government have published a Regulatory Impact Assessment paper which sets out the costs to the agricultural industry of complying with the Action Programme measures in England. This publication is available in the Defra Library and via the Defra NVZ web pages (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/nitrate/library.htm).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research has been commissioned from consultants to assess the (a) need for and (b) prospective benefits of industry profiles for radioactively contaminated land. [103115]

Consultants are currently carrying out work to assess the need for and benefits of industry profiles for radioactively contaminated land. They are to report in early April. If the results of this are positive, industry profile(s) for operations using radioactive material outside nuclear sites will be produced. They will provide information on the processes, materials and wastes associated with individual industries and advise on how best to identify, assess and tackle the problems of land contamination. This will provide useful supporting guidance for the introduction of a regime to deal with radioactively contaminated land (excluding that on nuclear licensed sites).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on the rural proofing of housing policy of the withdrawal of local authority social housing grant. [102337]

The decision to abolish local authority social housing grant was taken in light of the increased provision for investment in existing and new affordable housing announced in "Sustainable Communities: building for the future". LASHG was a funding mechanism used by many rural authorities, among others, but they should not lose out under the new arrangements. By 2006, the money available for housing will be nearly 50 per cent. higher than this year. The new regional housing boards will recommend how these resources should be spent and will be required to ensure that their regional housing strategies are rural proofed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent (a) representations she has received and (b) discussions she has had regarding the sale of Safeways; and if she will make a statement. [102652]

[holding answer 17 March 2003]: Ministers and officials in Defra have been sent information or views on the sale of Safeway by some of the companies who have expressed an interest in bidding and by the National Consumer Council.Officials have met separately with ASDA, Morrison, Safeway, Sainsbury and Tesco, at the companies' request, to listen to points that they wished to make about the sale of Safeway. Ministers have not been involved in these discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many litres of soft drinks were, on average, consumed by each British consumer in the last year for which figures are available. [102255]

It is estimated that 75 litres of soft drinks were consumed per person in the UK in the 12 month period starting in April 2001. Soft drinks are defined to exclude mineral water and fruit juices. The equivalent consumption of mineral water was 13 litres and of fruit juices was 18 litres. These estimates are based upon records of consumer purchases from the Expenditure and Food Survey.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary surgeons were employed by the State Veterinary Service on (a) 20 February 2001, (b) 20 February 2002 and (c) 20 February 2003. [103013]

The number of Veterinary Surgeons employed by the State Veterinary Service is as follows:

• As at 20 February 2001–263
• As at 20 February 2002–299
• As at February 2003–335

The figures are calculated on a head count basis and include permanent, casual and fixed term appointments. The figures do not include HQ Veterinary Surgeons responsible for policy development in the Animal Health & Welfare Directorate General.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to use the Sustainability Fund to compensate operators for revoking the most damaging old mineral permissions in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty. [102693]

Following two full consultation exercises, the core objectives of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) were set to support work in three main categories: minimising demand for primary aggregates; promoting environmentally friendly aggregates extraction and transportation; and reducing the local effects of aggregates extraction. Using the fund as a mechanism for compensating operators for revoking permissions was not raised in either consultation and does not, therefore, feature in the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many assaults on veterinary surgeons by farmers have occurred on farms in each year since 1997. [101146]

There have been two reported physical assaults on State Veterinary Service Veterinarians, since 1997. These are listed as follows:

• 17 May 199—Veterinary Officer threatened and prodded in ribs by farmer
• 25 February 2003—Veterinary Officer pushed into slurry pit

We take any such assaults on staff seriously and we expect appropriate action to be taken against anyone responsible for such acts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the effect of the proposed reform of the common agricultural policy on Welsh farming. [100735]

We have undertaken various economic and impact assessments of the Commission's reform proposals, which conclude that overall the reforms would have a positive effect on farmers and farm incomes in the UK. Results of the main analysis will be published later this month. The likely effects of the proposed reforms in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how man children per 1,000 are issued with a statement of special needs in (a) Northamptonshire and (b) Northampton. [100806]

The latest information available is shown in the table.

All schools: Pupils with statements of special educational needs January 2002
	Number on roll	Number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs	Number of pupils in every 1,000 with a statement of special educational needs1
Northampton, North	17,557	827	47
Northampton, South	18,387	418	23