To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of changes to traffic levels on the Lancing to Worthing section of the A27 since the publication of the last Inspector's report recommending a by-pass; [104951](2) what level of priority he attaches to providing a by-pass for the Lancing to Worthing stretch of the A27; and when it will feature in future planned works. [104952]

The problem of traffic congestion on the Lancing to Worthing stretch of the A27 was the subject of detailed analysis as part of the South Coast Multi Modal Study (SoCoMMS). Assessment of past and future traffic levels in this section was undertaken as part of the SoCoMMS work and the Worthing Lancing Integrated Transport Study. We are currently considering the recommendations of the SoCoMMS study, as put to us by the Regional Assembly, with a view to making decisions on the way ahead in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what improvements to traffic flow (a) have been made in the last five years and (b) are planned for the Lancing to Worthing section of the A27; and if he will provide relevant supporting figures. [104953]

In June 2001 the A27 Worthing Transport Study, commissioned by the Government Office for the South East, identified small scale local solutions to address the problems in the A27 trunk road corridor through Worthing and Lancing.As a result of this report the Highways Agency intends to implement a series of improvements along the A27 corridor as part of a short term strategy including traffic calming of local roads and enhancements for users of public transport, walkers and cyclists.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) research his Department has conducted and (b> action has been taken related to the recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome and the air industry. [104484]

My Department has not carried out any specific research into severe acute respiratory syndrome as this is a public health issue. My Department would advise travellers that although no restrictions on travel are currently being recommended, they should be aware of the symptoms and seek urgent medical advice should they develop them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research has been conducted into the link between ill-health from infection and travelling by plane; and if he will make a statement; [104487](2) what role the unit for addressing health issues affecting air passengers and crew announced by his Department on 6 March will have in examining the relationship between ill-health from infection and travelling by plane: what other work is

Research by Building Research Establishment (BRE) Ltd., commissioned by my Department and the Department of Health and entitled the "Study of possible effects on health of aircraft cabin environments—Stage 2", reviewed the published research on the transmission of infection and listed the papers of significance.The Aviation Health Unit, announced on 6 March and to be based at Gatwick, will become a centre of expertise on health issues affecting air passengers and crew. The unit will be involved in reviewing the BRE recommendations on infection and travelling by aircraft and will propose appropriate further research as needed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what (a> legislation and (b> regulations govern travel by people with suspected infectious ill-health (i) from and within the UK and (ii) arriving in the UK on board aircraft; [104504](2) what

The Public Health (Aircraft) Regulations 1979 (S.I. 1979/1434) require the commander of an incoming aircraft to notify the port health authority at the first port of landing if the crew become aware that there is a person on board who is suffering from, or has symptoms which may indicate the presence of, an infectious disease. In the case of outgoing aircraft on an international flight, the medical officer at the airport may examine any person who proposes to embark if he has reasonable grounds for believing him to be suffering from a disease subject to the International Health Regulations of the World Health Organisation (ie cholera, plague, smallpox and yellow fever) and must prohibit his embarkation if he shows symptoms of such a disease. In addition, an airline may, under the terms of its Conditions of Carriage, refuse boarding to any passenger if they consider his mental or physical state is a danger to himself, the aircraft or any person in it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will answer the letters of 5 December 2002 and 25 January 2003 from M. J. Mundy of the Hampshire Advocacy Group for the Partially Sighted in Southampton. [103975]

A reply has been sent to Mr. Mundy. In addition, Ministers have written to a number of Hampshire MPs in recent weeks in response to correspondence they have received from Mr. Mundy raising concerns on behalf of Hampshire Advocacy Group for the Partially Sighted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many names and addresses of vehicle (a) owners and (b) keepers have been disclosed over the last two years by the DVLA to a third party by virtue of that party showing reasonable cause for the disclosure; and if he will make a statement on (i) the number of cases where disclosure was made but was subsequently shown to be not for a reasonable cause and (ii) the action taken in such cases. [104522]

The DVLA vehicle register is a record of vehicle keepers—the person responsible for paying vehicle excise duty. It does not contain details of the person who actually owns the vehicle. The number of reasonable cause' enquiries resulting in the disclosure of keeper details during the last two years is as follows:

2001–02	937,125
2002–03	779,559

The majority of requests are from insurance companies and finance houses in respect of insurance claims and vehicle-related loan arrangements. The remainder are from solicitors, car parking enforcement companies and members of the public.The Information Commissioner has powers under the Data Protection Act to prosecute anyone who knowingly or recklessly obtains information without consent. Any disclosure subsequently used for a purpose other than that stated in the application is referred to the Commissioner to investigate. Two such cases were referred in the past year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he had with First Great Western in advance of their decision to shut Paddington Station over the Easter weekend. [104027]

None. Network Rail is responsible for the management of engineering possessions, under arrangements overseen by the Rail Regulator. I understand that Network Rail has consulted with First Great Western, as required under the possessions regime, regarding the major re-signalling of the approaches to Paddington over that weekend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of average UK household spending on (a) motoring, (b) rail travel and (c) bus travel, in each year from 1980–81 to 2002–03, using real terms prices at 2000–01 levels; and if he will make a statement. [101523]

The information requested is set out in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 12 March 2003, Official Report, columns 254–6, on London Underground, if he will provide figures for each (a) month and (b) week since March 2002 for which figures are available. [103793]

The information is not readily available in the form requested and could be assembled only at disproportionate cost. Information is, however, available on an annual basis and was set out in my answer of 12 March 2003, Official Report, columns 254–6W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list internal flights made by Ministers in his Department in 2002, including in each case the (a) cost, (b) departure location and (c) destination; and of these how many were (i) first class, (ii) business class and (iii) economy class. [103580]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W in response to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) and my response to the hon.Member for West Chelmsford (Mr Burns) on 5 March 2003, Official Report, column 1033W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total length of the motorway was that the Commission for Integrated Transport found would be the main area of congestion charging as defined on page 35 of 'Paying for Road Use: Technical report February 2002'; if he will list the junctions of the motorway network that would define the main areas of charging; and if he will make a statement. [102874]

As the technical report prepared for the Commission for Integrated Transport indicates, their consultants' central case, on the modelling assumptions adopted, implies that charging would apply to about 10 per cent. (some 350 kms) of the motorway network. The report indicates the areas where the charge would apply, but does not identify specific junctions. CfiTs reports are produced independently of the Department and do not represent Government policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the 10 most congested English motorway stretches; and if he will make a statement. [101524]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what (a) commercial and (b) military no-fly zones have been in operation in Scotland since 15 September 2002; and what are planned for the remainder of 2003; [105034](2) if he will amend the no-fly zone status for commercial and military flights over areas in Scotland that contain petro-chemical plants and nuclear facilities; [105032](3) what plans there are to amend the no-fly zone status for commercial and military flights over towns in Scotland during the current Gulf conflict. [105033]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 4 February 2003, Official Report, columns 140–41W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) financial and (b) other forms of support his Department is providing to the work being carried out by the Scottish Executive in respect of rail links to Edinburgh and Glasgow airports. [103650]

The Department and the Strategic Rail Authority provided support during the economic and engineering study process for the rail link options, which included some financial support and the provision of technical expertise. We will continue to work closely with the Executive on airport issues and the SRA will continue to provide technical expertise as the work on the rail links progresses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his letter of 13 December 2002 to the hon. Member for Wycombe, what research his Department has conducted into the effectiveness of various methods of providing conspicuity lighting for vehicles during daylight hours. [104976]

The Department for Transport has conducted two pieces of research into the effectiveness of daytime conspicuity lighting. In 1991 The Transport Research Laboratory were commissioned to carry out a study into daytime conspicuity lights and in 1998 to assess the report of research into daytime running lamps commissioned by the EU Commission.Copies of the two TRL reports, "Daytime Conspicuity Lights" and "Review of SWOV Report on Effectiveness of Daytime Running Lights" have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the Safety Regulation Group's total yearly funding is received from the aviation industry. [103993]

The Civil Aviation Authority's Safety Regulation Group receives 96 per cent. of its yearly funding from the aviation industry. The remainder derives from the CAA's work overseas and work done on behalf of my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the criteria used by the Traffic Commission when issuing operator licences to enable the Commissioner to assess the environmental impact of the licensed vehicles on the local communities through which they are likely to be driven; and if he will make a statement. [104987]

In deciding applications for goods vehicle operators' licences, Traffic Commissioners are able to take into account the effect on the local environment which may result from the use of land as an operating centre. Factors may include noise, fumes, pollution, vibration and visual intrusion. We have no plans to review these criteria. Local traffic authorities and planning authorities are responsible for dealing with the wider environmental impact of traffic on local communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total cost of his Department's website was in the last 12 months; and how many hits it received in the same period. [104203]

The estimated total cost of the DfT website (www.dft.gov.uk) from 1 June 2002 to 31 March 2003 is £752,000. This includes staff costs, development and HTML conversion costs. It also includes the capital costs of developing a new website, which aims to provide my Department with an improved more customer-focused website in terms of design, navigation and information retrieval. The new website, which is under development, accounts for 70 per cent. of total costs.DfT did not exist as a separate department for the period March-May 2002. Calculation of an accurate transport percentage of costs for that period could be done only at disproportionate cost.During the period 1 July (when statistics were first available for the DfT website) to 19 March 2003 the total number of page impressions (used as a measure of 'hits') was 13,352,742.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has that trains on the upgraded West Coast mainline will operate with automatic train protection systems. [104989]

We are committed to introducing the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS). However, at present, ERTMS is insufficiently developed or proven for use on a high capacity, mixed use railway such as the West Coast main line. The modernisation of the line is therefore being taken forward with protection provided by the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), as originally planned and now installed, with additional protection at higher speed junctions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the situation in Iraq. [104472]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given earlier in the House today by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what commitment he will make to compliance with UN Resolution 1325 in any post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq. [104478]

We are fully committed to UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and are working on its implementation with the UN Secretariat, agencies and NGOs. We have mainstreamed gender into our peace-keeping and reconstruction activities, for instance in Afghanistan and Sierra Leone and expect to do the same in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on when the Government of Iraq first used chemical weapons against its own people. [100072]

Iraq used chemical weapons against its own people in the attack on Halabja in 1988. There are allegations that Iraq has used chemical weapons on other occasions. Given the circumstances in Iraq, Halabja is the only attack on Iraqi civilians which we have been able to verify beyond any doubt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times during the inspections in Iraq carried out prior to 1998 the Iraqi Government was recorded by the UN as non-cooperative, broken down by (a) minor delays and (b) actual inspection refusals. [103972]

UNSCOM did not routinely report all instances of Iraqi non-cooperation. Only the more serious cases were formally reported. They did, however, regularly report that they were not receiving full cooperation from Iraq. Their regular reports to the UN Security Council and, more particularly, the final report produced by Richard Butler in March 1999, which is available in the House of Commons Library, show a systematic effort to frustrate inspectors throughout the 1990s.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has received a copy of the Iraqi declaration to the United Nations of 7 December 2002; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [104054]

A copy of the declaration was provided to us by the United Nations a few days after it was produced by the Government of Iraq. It was subsequently studied in detail by officials.I am withholding the information requested under exemption 1 C of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (information received in confidence from Foreign Governments, Foreign Courts or International Organisations).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the governments of (a) Commonwealth countries and (b) British Overseas Territories regarding the crisis in Iraq. [104243]

We regularly have discussions with Commonwealth Governments and those of the British Overseas Territories about a wide range of foreign policy issues, including the crisis in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 18 March 2003, Official Report, column 725W, on Iraq, what action the Government have taken since UN Resolution 57/232 was passed to deploy human rights monitors in Iraq. [105031]

Saddam Hussein's regime refused to allow human rights monitors to be stationed in Iraq, despite repeated urging by the international community. For the 10 years prior to February 2002, it would not even allow into Iraq the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's activities in seeking a Middle East peace settlement. [104473]

As I have already indicated; our aim is for the Middle East Peace Process to create two states, Israel and Palestine, side by side, both at peace.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to promote dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [104475]

We held a conference in London on 14 January to encourage Palestinian reform, which the Israelis say is necessary for progress. We are also closely engaged with both parties in encouraging the peace process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the first meeting on the road map for Palestine and Israel will take place. [104476]

The Quartet will present the roadmap, as agreed by them on 20 December 2002, to both parties once Abu Mazen has been confirmed as Palestinian Prime Minister. We expect this to happen shortly. The Quartet will then discuss implementation of the road map with the parties. We look to both of them to implement the steps it sets out with speed, vigour and determination. Direct meetings between the parties, for example on security issues, are part of this process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the proposed road map for resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. [104477]

The Quartet road map is an internationally agreed series of steps which lead to a comprehensive settlement of the Arab/Israeli dispute in 2005, as envisaged by President Bush in his 14 June speech last year. There is no other way forward. We support the efforts of the Quartet partners to get the road map published and implemented as soon as possible and call on all the parties concerned to co-operate fully with them to these ends.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the middle east peace process. [104482]

A peace process can best be restarted through early publication and implementation of the Quartet road map. We are doing all we can to secure this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on strengthening cooperation on asylum and immigration policy in Europe. [104474]

In Geneva last week I held discussions on the UK's ideas for improving asylum policy in Europe with my Spanish and Finish counterparts and with Ruud Lubbers, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister proposed a UK initiative on asylum to the European Council on 21 March. The initiative aims at better global management and protection of asylum seekers through improved regional management of migration flows, and the creation of processing centres on transit routes to Europe. The council invited the commission to explore the UK's ideas further and report back to the Thessaloniki European Council in June.The Foreign Office is working very closely with the Home Office, as the lead Department, on this agenda. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and Home Office Ministers have regular meetings with their opposite numbers. EU Interior Ministers will discuss the UK's ideas at the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on 28–29 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on bilateral UK diplomatic relations with Turkey. [104480]

Bilateral UK diplomatic relations with Turkey are strong. Turkey is important to us: as a NATO ally, an EU candidate, a developing market economy and an influential regional power. Contacts at both ministerial and official level are frequent and cover a wide range of issues of international and domestic importance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet Sri La nkan Ministers involved in the peace process in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [104481]

I met two Ministers who lead the Sri Lankan Government's negotiating team (Prof. G. L. Peiris and Milinda Moragoda) during my visit to Colombo in January and plan to meet Prof. Peiris again on 27 March. We continue to maintain regular contact with key players in the peace process. We also provide practical help, including drawing on our Northern Ireland experience, on security sector transformation and devolution, and have funded the appointment of a human rights adviser to the negotiating teams.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 17 March 2003, Official Report, column 35WS, on the Cayman Islands, if he will set out the extent of his ministerial responsibilities in respect of the (a) appointment, (b) resignation and (c) term of office of the Attorney-General of the Cayman Islands. [104173]

The Governor of the Cayman Islands is responsible for the appointment (which may be for a specified term) of the Attorney-General of the Cayman Islands and for dealing with any voluntary early departure. These responsibilities are conferred on the Governor by the Constitution of the Cayman Islands, which also protects the Attorney-General from removal from office except in accordance with a procedure involving an independent judicial tribunal. It is customary for the Governor to exercise these responsibilities in consultation with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines are given under the International Convention on the Rights of the Child on the interrogation of children under 10 in respect of the alleged illegal activities of their parents. [103102]

I have been asked to reply."Provision of Therapy for Child Witnesses Prior to a Criminal Trial: Practice Guidance" was issued by the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Department of Health in 2001 to assist child care professionals and lawyers. It refers to Article 3 of the United Nations Convention which make the best interests of the child a primary consideration and Article 12 which gives children the right to express themselves and to be heard.Detailed guidance on planning and conducting interviews with children, including very young children, was issued to the police in 2002 (Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal ProceedingsNeither document refers specifically to the questioning of children about the alleged activities of their parents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his estimate is of the change in staff numbers within the FCO between 1999–2000 and 2003–04 (planned); where additional staff will be deployed; and if he will make a statement. [98435]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office estimates that it will have an additional 553 staff (an increase of 9 per cent.) since 1999–2000. The deployment of the additional staff will be decided after it is clear exactly what funding is available based on the need in the FCO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list (a) the title and subject, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the commissioned author or organisation of each external report commissioned by his Department in each year since 1997. [103716]

Budgets are devolved to individual Directorates within the FCO and also to posts overseas so we do not hold this information centrally. It would therefore be available only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on bilateral diplomatic relations with France. [104710]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Michael Fabricant), today in the House (PQ104466).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Spain regarding Gibraltar; and what subjects were discussed. [104632]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Rosindell) on 24 February 2003, Official Report, column 250W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indication he has had from the Indian Government of when it will sign the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. [104881]

We regularly discuss with the Indian Government the issue of their accession to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. To date, they have given no firm indication of an intention to accede.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the UK is taking in conjunction with the Serbian and Montenegrin governments and the authorities in Republica Srpska to bring Serb indictees to the war crimes tribunal in the Hague. [104332]

The British Government strongly supports the work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY) and its efforts to bring all indictees to the War Crimes Tribunal. We work closely with our international partners and in Stabilisation Force (SFOR) and Kosovo Force (KFOR) to trace and detain indicted war crime suspects in Bosnia and Kosovo. In March 2003, the Office of the High Representative, in co-operation with SFOR, froze the assets of two individuals suspected of being part of Radovan Karadzic's support network. The UK supports this action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the assistance being offered to the Serbian Government in the aftermath of the assassination of Zoran Djindjic. [103936]

HMG condemns the 12 March assassination of Zoran Djindjic and sends its condolences to his widow, his children and the people of Serbia.Since his assassination, HMG has funded the provision of equipment to the Serbia organised crime squad. On 19 March the EU GAERC supported the accession of Serbia and Montenegro to the Council of Europe on the basis of commitments requested by the Council of Europe including co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY).Over the coming weeks, the UK and our EU and other Partners will consider what further measures could be taken to aid progress on reform, including tackling extremists, ICTY and organised crime.

To ask the Prime Minister what the (a) cost and (b) staffing of the (i) No 10 Policy Directorate, (ii) European and Foreign Policy Advisers Office, (iii) No. 10 Press Office, (iv) Strategic Communications Unit, (v) Corporate Communications Division, (vi) Prime Minister's Office and (vii) Research and Information Unit were in each year from 1995–96 to 2003–04 (planned); and if he will make a statement. [99896]

The total cost of the Prime Minister's Office was as follows:

	£million
1997–98	6.9
1998–99	8.7
1999–2000	10.4
2000–01	11.8
2001–02	13

The number of staff on the No. 10 payroll was as follows.

	Number of staff
1 April 1998	121
1 April 1999	132
1 April 2000	153
1 April 2001	175
1 April 2002	190

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the complaints made by him and his staff against (a) individual journalists and (b) media outlets since July 2001. [104551]

We do not keep records of this kind. The Government have a good working relationship with the media.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will amend the Ministerial Code to prevent Ministers from attempting (a) to procure or prevent the appointment of any individual journalist to a position in the media and (b) to secure the promotion or dismissal of any individual journalist. [104550]

I have seen no evidence that any of the activities have occurred and therefore see no need to amend the code.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the value of UK civil aerospace (a) imports and (b) exports was in each year since 1997. [104886]

Imports and exports of aerospace goods for the period 1997–2002 are as follows:

Aerospace goods*
£ million
	Exports	Imports
1997	2,135	3,730
1998	2,434	4,008
1999	3,723	3,823
2000	4,637	4,418
2001	4,811	5,867
2002	4,308	7,268
* Includes the following where for civil use: powered aircraft, non-powered aircraft (e.g. gliders), helicopters, ground flying trainers; parts of the foregoing.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future regulation of Bee Discuss Insurance Ltd. by the Financial Services Authority. [104793]

Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the detailed operation of the regulation of financial services is the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the potential for revision of EU tax regulations to permit a reduction in the rate of VAT charged on independently certified wood products; and if he will make a statement. [104084]

Under long-standing formal agreements with our European partners, we are only permitted to introduce reduced rates of VAT for a prescribed list of goods and services set out in Annex H of the Sixth VAT Directive. Independently certified wood products are not currently among the items included on this list. The provisions for VAT reduced rates are to be reviewed by the European Commission during 2003. We will consider any potential changes to these provisions in due course in the context of this review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid in VAT by registered charities in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [104085]

Customs and Excise does not hold data about the charitable status of VAT-registered traders and therefore has no estimate of the VAT paid by registered charities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he gives on interpretation of the terms (a) not ordinarily resident and (b) ordinarily resident, used in Part 6 of The Child Benefit (General) Regulations 2003 (SI 493 of 2003). [103917]

The term "ordinarily resident" is not new. It is used for working families tax credit now and will be carried forward for working tax credit and child tax credit from April 2003. As part of the alignment of the rules for child benefit with those for the new tax credits, the same test is to be applied to new claims for child benefit after 6 April 2003.The term "ordinarily resident" has been the subject of previous judicial interpretation and its meaning is well established. Essentially, it means that the person must have their settled home in the United Kingdom. For the vast majority of claimants, it will be obvious that their settled home is in the United Kingdom. For those with more complex circumstances, the Inland Revenue will ask any follow-up questions necessary to establish whether or not they are entitled to child benefit.Detailed guidance on the new residence rules for child benefit will be available on the Inland Revenue's website and from the Child Benefit Office (Customer Services) before the new rules come into force.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Romsey (Sandra Gidley), of 28 February 2003, Official Report, column 747W, on the child tax credit, what the source is for the estimate on child care tax credit take-up. [104534]

The estimate of the proportion of WFTC recipients using eligible child care who receive the child care tax credit is derived from table 2.9 on page 20 of the Department for Work and Pensions research report 181, "Working Families' Tax Credit in 2001". A copy is available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his Department's (a) responsibilities and (b) assets with regard to civil contingency planning; what funds are committed; what action he is taking within his Department to improve such planning; and what action he is taking in collaboration with other departments. [102620]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 21 March 2003.In conjunction with the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury is reviewing its areas of responsibility with regard to civil contingency planning. Areas likely for inclusion in this review encompass:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much tax was paid to the UK Treasury arising from the last fishing vessel decommissioning scheme. [105030]

Grants payable for the decommissioning of fishing vessels may lead to increased taxable receipts by contributing either to a capital gain on the disposal of the vessel or to taxable profits arising from the trade. The amount of tax paid will depend upon the circumstances of the taxpayers concerned and cannot readily be estimated.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what crèche facilities are provided by his Department and at what cost. [104297]

The Treasury does not provide any crèche facilities. The Department is a member of the Westminster Holiday Playscheme, which operates during school holidays and is open to children aged 4 to 12. The Treasury has two bespoke Playscheme rooms. The cost per child per day is £30 and the Treasury subsidises the costs for its staff by 60 per cent. Around 10 members of staff take up places for their children. Staff can also reclaim additional child care costs incurred, including the tax liability, if they have to work longer or later than normal.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the (a) conferences, (b) seminars, (c) workshops, (d) exhibitions and (e) press conferences which have been sponsored by his Department and which took place on non-departmental premises in the last 12 months, broken down by title, purpose, date and cost. [104280]

Records are not maintained centrally. Information in the format required could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the most recent internal phone directory for the Department was published; how often it is updated; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [101783]

The Treasury directory is held in electronic format and is no longer published. Members of staff are responsible for updating their own entries in the directory.The Treasury's key numbers are available publicly through publications such as the Civil Service Year Book, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. Inquiries can also be made via the Treasury switchboard on 020 7270 5000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to secure a common definition of employment status for tax, national insurance, tax credit and VAT purposes. [104725]

There is no statutory definition of employment or self-employment for income tax, national insurance, tax credits or VAT. The courts have considered the question on many occasions and have indicated the kind of factors which need to be taken into account in deciding whether a particular engagement is one of employment or self-employment. The common thread running through the case law is that no single factor is conclusive; for each engagement the whole picture needs to be looked at in the light of all the facts.The Inland Revenue interprets the courts' views consistently for the purposes of determining employment status for tax, national insurance and tax credits. Where the Inland Revenue has advised on a person's status that determination will usually apply for all three purposes. Customs and Excise generally follow the same interpretation and thus a consistent determination would apply for VAT purposes also.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what economic studies have been undertaken of the potential effect on the economy of (a) Jersey, (b) Guernsey, (c) Gibraltar and (d) the Isle of Man, of monetary integration with the European Union. [104792]

I refer the hon. Member to my answers to him on 25 February 2003, Official Report, column 383W, and 11 March 2003, Official Report, column 126W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the issue of Single European Currency has been discussed during meetings between government officials and representatives of Guernsey. [104879]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 11 February 2002, Official Report, columns 104–105W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the relationship between his Department and the (a) Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and (b) Commission for Social Care Inspection. [104209]

The Chancellor announced the creation of two new independent inspectorates for health and social care in his budget statement 2002. The Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection and the Commission for Social Care Inspection will be established as non-departmental public bodies, independent of ministers, operating at arms length from the Government. They will each have a duty to report annually to Parliament on the state of health and social care. These independent assessments will strengthen public accountability and provide annual benchmarks of the quality of health and social care provision, and of the effectiveness of investment in public services.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the landfill tax credit scheme funded projects in the Bury St. Edmunds constituency. [104822]

Details of projects funded by the scheme are available from the scheme's regulator, ENTRUST whose address is as follows.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what special arrangements are in place for the payment of national insurance contributions for supermarket employees. [104439]

No special arrangements are in place for the payment of national insurance contributions (NICs) for supermarket employees. Like all employees, their employer deducts NICs from earnings of £89 or more. These contributions are paid to the Inland Revenue and recorded on the individual's national insurance account, providing entitlement to state pension and other contributory benefits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to investigate mis-selling of split capital investment trusts; and what compensation is available for those who have been affected. [104730]

The FSA has said that it is investigating allegations about both misleading marketing of split capital investment trusts and possible collusion between parties involved in this sector.Anyone who thinks they may have been affected by mis-selling should make a complaint to the authorised firm concerned. The firm will consider the complaint and may offer compensation. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the firm's response he or she may be eligible to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service. The Ombudsman can order firms to pay compensation if he finds that the customer was treated unfairly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement as to the legal basis for his policy to repatriate regional funds and policies from the EU to the UK. [104984]

The European Community does not have exclusive competence for economic and social cohesion. As a result, under the rule of subsidiarity, the Community's actions in this area should be limited to what cannot sufficiently be achieved by the member states. The principle of subsidiarity is set out in Article 5 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. EU regional funding and policies under the EU Framework for Devolved Regional Policy as proposed in the Government's paper "A Modern Regional Policy for the United Kingdom" would have a legal base in Article 161 and other relevant articles of the same Treaty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list internal flights made by Ministers in her Department in 2002, including in each case the (a) cost, (b) departure location and (c) destination; and of these how many were (i) first class, (ii) business class and (iii) economy class. [103585]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W.I also refer the hon. Member to my earlier reply to the hon. Member for Chelmsford, West (Mr. Burns) on 11 February 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself and other members of her ministerial team in 2002; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost of each trip was. [101841]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance is issued by her Department regarding the import of chicken that has previously been frozen; what percentage of chicken products imported into this country she estimates have been previously frozen on slaughter; and what the health and safety risks of consuming previously frozen chicken are. [103508]

I have been asked to reply.I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the import of chicken from countries outside the European Union is covered by detailed legal requirements. Chicken must be slaughtered and processed in countries and premises that meet strict food safety standards at least equivalent to those required within the EU. This includes temperature control requirements. Chicken can only be imported into the EU through designated border inspection posts following prior notification and is subject to documentary and identity checks and prescribed levels of physical checks. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has responsibility for this legislation and for any guidance issued.Chicken produced in other EU member states can be traded freely with other member states and is not subject to routine checks at United Kingdom ports.All food on sale, including imports, may be subject to food safety checks by local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what matters from its work programme remain to be reported on by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee; and if she will make a statement on the future of the Advisory Committee. [104009]

The Government's advisory machinery in the field of radioactive waste management is currently being reviewed in light of the decision to set up the new Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). Pending the outcome of this review, the existing Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee (RWMAC) is continuing with its current work programme. A joint study with the Health and Safety Commission's Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee (NuSAC) of current UK regulatory arrangements and a review of the potential of partitioning and transmutation techniques to aid radioactive waste management are the main items that remain to be published from this current programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 13 February 2003, Official Report, column 884W, on Public Service Agreement, if she will publish the efficiency plans for each business area; and if she will make a statement. [104372]

There are no plans to publish the efficiency plans of individual business areas as they are active management tools that contain sensitive staffing, commercial and operational information so It would not be appropriate to place them on the public record. This approach is consistent with part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. As part of the Department's business planning process, business areas have to demonstrate how they will make the efficiency savings that underpin the 2002 Spending Review settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of printed newspapers were recycled in (a) 1995, (b) 2000, (c) 2001 and (d) 2002. [103929]

Information available from the Newspaper Publishers Association (NPA) show that recycled paper made up 63.5 per cent of the raw material for UK newspapers in 1995. The comparative figures for 2000 were 60.3 per cent and 63.5 per cent for 2001. Data for 2002 are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 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. [103617]

The rules relating to Special Advisers' political activities are set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Further guidance in respect of elections for the Scottish Parliament is set out at paragraph 13 of the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments, published by the Cabinet Office on 10 March.The reasons for a Special Adviser's resignation are a private matter between the Department and Adviser, and are therefore exempt from disclosure under paragraph 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress is being made in reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds from solvents. [104549]

Total emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds were estimated to be about 2,686 kilo tonnes in 1990 and had fallen to about 1,676 kilo tonnes in 2000. The National Emissions Ceiling Directive (2001/81/EC) requires that the UK reduces emissions to 1,200 kilo tonnes by 2010, and we expect to achieve this target.Of these totals, emissions from solvent use in 1990 were estimated to be about 665 kilo tonnes and 445 kilo tonnes in 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many countries will be involved in the reconstruction of Iraq. [104737]

It is too soon to say how many countries might be involved. UN mandate will be required to provide legal authority for the reconstruction effort, and to make possible the engagement of the International Financial Institutions and the wider international community. The Government is working to ensure such a mandate is put in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her European counterparts regarding plans for humanitarian aid in Iraq following any military action. [104242]

My Department is in frequent contact with European Commission counterparts on these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the assistance the Government is providing for the reform of the Palestinian authority. [104483]

Institutional development, and capacity building, are key elements of DFID's programme of support to the Palestinian authority. We have worked with a number of ministries to help develop systems and skills which enable services to be better delivered. We have recently played a leading role in helping the Palestinian authority develop a comprehensive strategy for overall public administration and civil service reform. We are now discussing with them the detail of a further package of technical assistance which would support its implementation over the next three years. In addition we are providing legal advice and financial support for the development of a constitution for the nascent Palestinian state.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on humanitarian help for Zimbabwe. [104479]

My Department has provided over£51 million in humanitarian assistance for Zimbabwe since the crisis began in September 2001. We are helping the World Food Programme to feed 5 million people, and our direct NGO programmes are providing supplementary food to 1.5 million more—largely children, ex-farm workers, pregnant and nursing women, people living with AIDS, and the elderly.DFID has built technical capacity in local NGOs and the UN agencies and has funded vulnerability assessments. We have helped prevent avoidable disease through essential drug supply, and have distributed seed and fertilizers to 188,000 households in communal areas, affecting the, food prospects of 1 million people.Monitoring suggests that feeding interventions have been effective and have reached target populations. Malnutrition rates have been kept down, and mortality has not increased significantly despite the complete absence of food, other than food aid, in many districts. Despite high profile incidents at Insiza and Binga, there has been relatively little obstruction of food distribution. Politicisation remains a matter of concern in the Zimbabwe Government humanitarian programmes, but has not been a significant problem for donor-funded programmes.Sadly, it has been evident for some months that food production in Zimbabwe will be affected for a third year in succession. This is due to mismanaged land reform that has disrupted farming; economic policies and controls that are disincentive to production; the lack of agricultural inputs and credit; and erratic rains. We anticipate that continued international humanitarian assistance will be needed until 2004, and expect to maintain a significant role in protecting the vulnerable in Zimbabwe in the coming year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost of his Department's website was in the last 12 months; and how many hits it received in the same period. [104205]

Direct costs for the Ministry of Defence's departmental website: http://www.mod.uk are recorded for expenditure on hardware, contractual support and staff costs for the central MOD website team. Total costs for the financial year 2002–03 are £124,350.Usage of the MOD website began to be measured on a monthly basis in December 1997. The departmental website received 47,076,412 hits in the period December 2001 to December 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the European Common Defence and Security Policy. [104352]

In co-operation with all other member states, we continue to make progress in developing the European Defence and Security Policy (ESDP).The detailed arrangements to implement the "Berlin Plus" agreement, giving the European Union assured access to NATO's planning capabilities and a presumption of availability of NATO common assets and capabilities, have recently been agreed by the EU and NATO. This is a major milestone in establishing the strategic partnership between the two organisations in crisis management that the UK has always envisaged. Agreement has enabled the EU to launch its first military mission in Macedonia at the end of this month, following on from NATO's Allied Harmony. The operation will be conducted with recourse to NATO assets and NATO Deputy SACEUR will be the Operation Commander.The EU has also indicated its willingness to lead a military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina following SFOR. ESDP also includes civilian aspects of crisis management. The first civilian operation, the EU police mission to Bosnia, was launched on 1 January 2003.Progress has also been made on improving military capabilities. The European Capabilities Action Plan (ECAP) is addressing capability shortfalls against the targets in the Helsinki Headline Goal and the multinational panels proposing solutions to meet each shortfall are in the process of issuing their final reports. Member states will take these suggestions forward on a voluntary basis and steps are being taken to establish project groups to assist with this. The recently concluded Berlin Plus arrangements also include a mechanism for ensuring that capability development within the EU and NATO is coherent and mutually reinforcing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 17 March 2003, Official Report, column 530W, on Land Sales (Ashford), what the potential clawback in the sale of part of Ashford barracks to the Westbury Homes and Wimpey consortium was; and if he will make a statement. [104629]

Templar & Rowcroft (Ashford) Barracks was sold to Westbury Homes and Wimpy Homes in April 2002 following a public competition. Full market value was achieved based on the site's allocation for residential and commercial development as set out in the adopted Ashford Local Plan 2000.I regret that my earlier answer of 17 March 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists in Shrewsbury and Atcham have been called up from (a) the health profession, (b) the education profession, (c) transport services and (d) emergency services. [104617]

Generally, Reservists are not required to provide details of their civilian employment to the Ministry of Defence until such time as they are called-out. Historically, therefore, no central records have been maintained by the MOD of the numbers of Reservists working in particular professions.Information about how many reservists have been called-out from a particular area is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many mobilisation centres there are for each of the armed forces in (a) Middlesbrough, (b) Teesside and (c) the UK. [104670]

Mobilisation centres vary depending on the operation undertaken. For Operation TELIC Royal Navy, Royal Marine and Army Reservists have reported for service at HMS Nelson or Reserve Training and Mobilisation Centre Chilwell. RAF Reservists have reported to the appropriate RAF unit. These are: RAF Coningsby, Cottesmore, Cranwell, Halton, Marham and Waddington.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average age is of reservists called up to each of the armed forces. [104672]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information is made available to Reservists at the time they sign up for Reserve Service in the armed forces about the financial measures in place following call-up. [104673]

All Volunteer Reserve units should hold a copy of Joint Service Publication 516 (JSP 516) "The Reserve Forces Act 1996". This publication summarises the Reserve Forces Act 1996, and details the financial assistance available to Reservists when they are mobilised for permanent service. In addition, full details are included with a Reservists' call-out notice, and many Volunteer Reserve units conduct briefings prior to call-out.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what emergency measures are in place to ensure that reservists called up for regular service during times of conflict are not unduly penalised financially; and how these measures have changed since 1996. [104676]

There are no emergency measures in place. Instead, the Reserve Forces Act 1996 introduced a system of payments to ameliorate the impact of call-out on reservists. An initial call-out gratuity of £395 is paid to cover any immediate costs arising from mobilisation. In addition, a reservists whose military salary is less than his civilian earnings may apply for financial assistance. This consists of a Standard Award that makes up the difference (within banded limits related to rank) between civilian and military salaries. If this is insufficient to avert serious financial difficulties, a reservist can also apply for a Hardship Award to cover essential outgoings such as mortgage repayments, school fees, or childcare costs. There is no limit on the amount of money that can be paid in a Hardship Award.The regulations governing financial assistance for reservists are contained in Statutory Instrument 309 of 1997 ("The Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997"), and are currently under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what point in the call up process reservists are given information about insurance schemes available to members of the armed forces. [104678]

Reservists are provided with information about available insurance schemes when they receive their call-out notice. In addition, information is periodically given to members of the Volunteer Reserves about insurance schemes. Information is also held by most units of those forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists from (a) Middlesbrough, (b) Teesside and (c) the UK (i) have been called up, (ii) are in mobilisation centres for, and (iii) have been deployed to each of the armed forces. [104679]

The requested information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.As at 18 March, 8,005 call-out notices had been issued, with 5,828 reservists having reported to their mobilisation point. 5,040 had been accepted into service. The overall requirement for reservists stands at 5,622.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) recommended and (b) average times are between reservists being called up for duty and their arrival at the designated mobilisation centre. [104680]

Notice to report for compulsory call-out is set by operational requirements. Ideally, we would aim to give reservists 21 days notice to report for service. However, we cannot always achieve this and for Operation TELIC generally we were only able to give 14 days notice to report. We acknowledge that in some instances notice to report was considerably shorter, in the main this was due to postal problems or short notice changes in requirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) recommended time is and (b) average time has been between reservists' arrival at their designated mobilisation centre and their deployment. [104671]

The time spent by Reservists at their designated mobilisation centre/unit before deployment is dependent on the training they require. The length of training is determined by the role of the Reservist and the operation they are to support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what counselling and support services are available to the partners and families of reservists who have been called up for action in any of the the armed forces; and what plans there are to extend existing counselling and support services to cater for the partners and families of reservists who have been called up for action in the armed forces. [104677]

Reservists are provided with information on the counselling and support services which are available to their partners and families when they receive their call-out notice. All existing welfare systems that are available for Regular service personnel and their families are available to Reservists. In addition, with the Reservist's permission, we maintain contact with their employers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what actions are being taken by British forces on deployment in the Balkans to help bring Serb indictees to the war crimes tribunal in The Hague. [104331]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to give people who choose to work after the age of 65 the same employment protection as younger workers. [104591]

[holding answer 24 March 2003]: The great majority of employment protection legislation already applies to older workers, whatever their age. We intend to review upper age limits on statutory redundancy payments and general unfair dismissal claims in the light of responses to the next public consultation on age discrimination, due to be launched this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultation the Government will hold with business before abolishing mandatory retirement ages as proposed in the Pensions Green Paper. [104592]

[holding answer 24 March 2003]: The Pensions Green Paper stated that "under the Directive, compulsory retirement ages are likely to be unlawful unless employers can show that they are objectively justified". By summer 2003, the Government will consult widely, including with business, on proposals around this and other aspects of the directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there are in each parliamentary constituency; and how many of them transact more than 40 per cent. of their work volumes on behalf of the Benefits Agency. [104847]