To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will list the average life expectancy in each year since 1999 for (a) women and (b) men in Afghanistan. [119617]

The almost continuous conflict in Afghanistan over the last 25 years means that reliable health and population data are hard to come by and where available need to be treated with much caution.The World Bank estimates that life expectancy in Afghanistan was 40 in 1980, 42 in 1990 and 43 in 2000. It is generally thought that life expectancy is very similar for men and women.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the relationship between agricultural subsidies, export guarantees and the development of impoverished African nations. [119191]

The benefits to developing countries from the Doha 'Development' Round will depend on the final outcome at the end of the negotiations in 2005. A beneficial outcome for developing countries, including African countries, in the agriculture negotiations would need to address both domestic support and export guarantees. Reductions in currently high levels of trade-distorting support are necessary to address overproduction in the developed world and the swamping of world commodity markets, both of which are of interest to developing countries. Under export guarantees, more explicit rules on the terms of use of export credits and food aid, as well as reductions in export subsidies are needed to address the issue of dumping which is currently harming developing countries' local production and trade.The UK is committed to ensuring real reductions in OECD agricultural subsidies, as well as to making progress in other areas of concern not only to African developing countries. These include improving market access for agricultural products and establishing fair rules for special and differential treatment to safeguard food security and rural development in Africa.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the people appointed to ad hoc posts within her Department bearing the titles of advocate, tsar, adviser, champion and comparable titles since May 1997; what their job title is or was; what their role is or was; whether they were or are being paid; what the total cost of each such person was in each financial year, including expenses and benefits; what the expected cost of each such person is in 2003–04; to whom they are accountable; and if she will make a statement. [112467]

The former Secretary of State for International Development, Clare Short appointed the following Special Advisers after May 1997, all were paid appointments: Jessica Crowe, Daniel Harris, David Mepham, Dee Sullivan, Susannah Cox and Ruth Driscoll. No more than two advisers were in post at any one time. All of the appointees listed were accountable to Ministers for their decisions and actions. Under Exemption 12 of the code of Practice on Access to Government Information details of individual salaries are not disclosed in order to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned. The new Secretary of State for International Development, Baroness Amos has not yet appointed any special advisers.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what steps the Government are taking to alleviate the effect of the downturn in international commodities markets on (a) developing country producers and (b) the environment, with particular regard to (i) coffee, (ii) cocoa and (iii) cotton. [119008]

Price fluctuations are a feature of many primary agricultural commodity markets, including those for coffee, cocoa and cotton. This instability can have negative implications in producer countries at both national level (e.g. in terms of foreign exchange earnings, government revenues and the ability to service debt etc.), and at household level, even in countries where a degree of diversification has been achieved. Any negative effects on the natural and physical environment, such as inappropriate farming practices, cannot be disassociated from the livelihood challenges which a downturn in commodity markets creates for those dependent on the production, marketing and trade in these products.Many of the world's poorest countries, particularly those in Africa, remain dependent on these three commodities. We are committed to helping these countries reduce their dependence on these commodities and increase their resilience in the face of unstable world prices. The UK Government, through its development programme and other efforts at international level, are seeking to expand trade opportunities, although existing trade barriers (including tariff escalation) and developed country agricultural policies are major impediments to this. The UK is working to secure reform of international trade rules in general and to reduce the impact of protectionist regimes on developing countries such as the Common Agricultural Policy. In addition, there is scope for creating a more favourable domestic environment within commodity dependent countries themselves. This is necessary to generate broader more diverse economic growth that will provide the means to reduce vulnerability to shocks, such as falling prices. The UK provides support to a variety of activities in this area.

To ask the Minister of State Department for International Development if he will make a statement regarding the GATS negotiations; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of full trade liberalisation as a means to achieving development goals. [118912]

The GATS negotiations are still in their request-offer stage. The EU has agreed an initial market-access offer and has received market access requests from a number of developing countries.DFID is co-operating with the World Bank and UNCTAD to carry out a comprehensive programme of work aimed at understanding the impact of service liberalisation across countries and sectors. We hope this will help developing countries to understand the potential impact of liberalising their own service sectors during the GATS negotiations.

To ask the Minister of State Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the impact of service liberalisation. [118913]

DFID is co-operating with the World Bank and UNCTAD to carry out a comprehensive programme of work aimed at understanding the impact of service liberalisation across countries and sectors. We hope this will help developing countries to understand the potential impact of liberalising their own service sectors during the GATS negotiations.

To ask the Minister of State Department for International Development what estimates he has received from (a) UNMAS and (b) other sources on the number of (i) airborne and (ii) ground launched cluster munitions used, and on the number of unexploded bomblets located at sites where cluster munitions were used in Iraq. [118616]

I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave him on 10 June 2003, Official Report, column 771W.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make it his policy that official (a) correspondence, (b) reports and (c) documentation from his office uses the English spelling of words where this differs from the US version. [118871]

It is DFID policy to use English spelling in all official communications and to use plain English, in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance on the Handling of Ministerial and Other Correspondence.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what progress has been made in his Department and non-departmental public bodies on implementing the requirements of the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000; and if he will publish the results of the monitoring required by the Act. [117619]

In accordance with the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, DFID published a Race Equality Scheme in May 2002. This reiterates DFID's commitment to promoting race equality and sets out how the department plans to meet its obligations under the new Act, both as a service provider and as an employer.Due to the international focus of its work, DFID has only a few functions which provide services to the UK public. The Department has set up systems to assess, review and monitor its policies and practices including as an employer so as to ensure compliance with the Act.The results of this monitoring will be published annually, with the first report expected in the last quarter of 2003. It will be placed on the DFID website and be made available in hard copy on request.DFID has three non-departmental public bodies. Systems are in place to monitor their recruitment policies and practices. The principles of equal opportunity and diversity apply within the appointments process at all stages, and care is taken not to discriminate on the grounds of gender, race, age, disability, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or community background. All appointments to these non-departmental public bodies are made on merit.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what financial assistance the Department is providing to projects to help widows in (a) Afghanistan, (b) Iraq, (c) Nigeria and (d) Angola. [118648]

DFID supports a number of projects in Afghanistan, Iraq and Nigeria to assist women; these are detailed as follows. DFID also provides unearmarked core funding to UNIFEM (United Nations Development Fund for Women), which will be —3.6 million in 2003. This supports a partnership set out in an Institutional Strategy Paper agreed with UNIFEM in 1999. Women's human rights are central to all UNIFEM's programmes.In Afghanistan DFID's assistance strategy targets vulnerable people, particularly women, who are in need of direct assistance. The World Food Programme, which DFID has funded as part of the strategy, runs employment projects solely for vulnerable women. These projects, such as bakery co-operatives and small farms, are run in both urban and rural areas. DFID provided —4.7 million to WFP in 2002–03.This year DFID is also providing support to other projects that are targeted at vulnerable women; —200,000 to a micro-finance initiative run in Afghanistan by the Bangladeshi Rural Advancement Committee, and —1 million to an Aga Khan Network project for improving livelihood opportunities in Badakhshan province. This assistance is targeted at vulnerable women in general, rather than specifically at widows. In Iraq, DFID has provided —819,000 to the NGO 4RS since 1999 for their work with widows and vulnerable households headed by women. Their work includes income generation projects in the Kirkuk area of northern Iraq and in particular the Anfal widows. In addition DFID has provided —105,673 to 4RS for their work to assist displaced unsupported women in northern Iraq during the recent conflict.In Nigeria, DFID has provided —5,000 during the last six months to train 1,000 widows through the Access to Justice programme operating in Enugu state. A further 1,000 widows will receive training during the coming six months at a cost of —3,700.In Angola, DFID has no projects directly aimed at helping widows, but our —8 million Angola country programme focuses on reducing poverty for all Angolans and we are increasingly working with the Government of Angola to help it meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assistance the Department is providing (a) directly, (b) through its partner organisations and (c) through NGOs to include widows in the future development of institutions and local government in (i) Afghanistan, (ii) Iraq, (iii) Nigeria and (iv) Angola. [118649]

DFID's longer-term development work on institutional and governmental reform and capacity building in Afghanistan focuses on reform of the institutions for the benefit of all poor or disadvantaged people, especially women, but not specific groups such as widows.The Government is committed to including women in the reconstruction of Iraq, in line with UN Resolution 1325. DFID and other Departments are talking to a range of women's groups within and outside Iraq to ensure women are well represented in planning and reconstruction issues at all levels, and that they play a full role in shaping the new Iraq.In Nigeria the Access to Justice programme training for widows is aimed at empowering widows to challenge those who persist in harmful and illegal practices associated with widowhood.In Angola DFID's country programme focuses on improving governance and reducing poverty for all Angolans.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the possible benefits for developing countries resulting from the Fifth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Cancun in September. [119003]

The 5th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Cancun this September will take stock of progress on delivering the `development' agenda for the "current" round of multilateral trade negotiations launched in Doha in November 2001. WTO Ministers will be required to take decisions on issues of critical importance to developing countries such as reform of global agricultural trade and what special treatment different developing countries should receive.The benefits of the Doha round for developing countries will depend on the final outcome at the scheduled conclusion of the negotiations on 1 January 2005. It is widely acknowledge that multilateral trade reform can have significant benefits for developing countries. For example, the World Bank estimates that eliminating all barriers to trade in goods would generate an extra US$250 billion–-US$620 billion in global income, up to half of which would go to developing countries. In terms of poverty reduction, this could lift over 300 million people out of poverty by 2015.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what progress the Committee has made with examining the question of the time limit for collecting hon. Members' post for delivery the following day. [119542]

Royal Mail is carrying out an internal audit on the possibility of resuming later collections of parliamentary mail. This assessment is due to be completed shortly and my Committee expects to receive a response from Royal Mail later this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the placing on businesses of a requirement for compulsory environmental liability insurance; and if she will make a statement [118067]

The Government seeks an Environmental Liability Directive that delivers clear environmental benefits and is equitable, proportionate, clear, insurable and easy to implement. In Council negotiations we have made it clear that we will not support proposals that would damage business competitiveness while lacking a clear focus on achieving environmental gain.The assessment of the implications of compulsory financial security was carried out by my Department in consultation with business generally, with the insurance industry, and with other relevant Government Departments. It revealed that the cost to UK businesses of a compulsory insurance requirement could range from —130 million to —1.8 billion per annum. These costs would far outweigh the environmental benefits of the Directive, as evaluated in the Department's Extended Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (COM(02)17). These factors point strongly against such a requirement. The Government's policy therefore is not to support compulsory financial security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115870]

When Defra was created in June 2001 the Ministerial Correspondence Unit consisted of eight permanent members of staff. More staff were appointed in the following months to deal with the vastly increased volume of letters received following the creation of the new Department and on the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Staff rose to a peak of 26 in May 2002 and consisted of a combination of permanent and temporary staff. The Unit currently consists of 15 members of staff, eight of whom are permanent and seven of whom are employed on casual contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the number of whole-time equivalent staff dedicated to agriculture in her Department. [114272]

The number of permanent Defra staff (on a full-time basis at 1 April 2003) in a relevant work units in Defra is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement of her Department's policy towards compulsory disease risk insurance for farmers. [118327]

The Government has no current plans to introduce a policy of compulsory disease risk insurance for farmers. However, the Government is preparing to consult stakeholders on proposals for an animal disease levy. We hope to launch this consultation later this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the viability and number of farm business tenancies. [118962]

The Government believes that the tenanted sector has an important role to play in developing a sustainable and diverse future for the farming industry. Many Farm Business Tenancies are too short to provide the security a tenant needs to develop and diversify their businesses. That is why the Government asked the Tenancy Reform Industry Group to put forward proposals for tenancy reform. The Tenancy Reform Industry Group has reached an industry consensus on these issues and its report to Government was published on 3 June. We have welcomed the report and will be considering the Tenancy Reform Industry Group recommendations carefully.The June Agricultural Census shows that there were just over 12,300 Farm Business Tenancies in England at June 2002. The recently published results of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers' Annual Tenanted Farms Survey for 2002 shows that in England and Wales some 18,200 hectares of previously un-let land have been let on Farm Business Tenancies. After taking account of losses of let land during the survey period there has been a net gain to the tenanted sector of some 10,500 hectares. The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers' survey also shows that the average length of a Farm Business Tenancy is just under 4 years and that some 80 per cent. of lets involve bare land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on help available to those wishing to develop local food chains or food links, with particular reference to Gloucestershire. [118894]

[holding answer 12 June 2003]: We recognise the benefits that local food can bring and are keen to encourage the development of a sustainable local food sector. Funding under the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) is available to support a range of local food initiatives. For example, we have made money available under the Rural Enterprise Scheme of the ERDP for a three year project to establish a Gloucestershire Farmers' Market Group which will help in the setting up of new markets, create a website and provide a one-stop advice service for local producers in the county. We will continue to deploy our various funding schemes to encourage a flourishing local food sector.This activity complements measures at a local level carried out by regionally based organisations, such as the work, supported by the Government Office for the South West, to draw up an integrated food policy for Gloucestershire under the Gloucestershire Food Vision initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when foot and mouth disease simulation exercises have taken place in each animal health divisional office area in each of the last five years. [118573]

Foot and mouth disease exercises have taken place in Animal Health Division Offices as shown in the table. Exercises focused on other diseases have also taken place over the same period. In addition the readiness of these offices to deal with an outbreak of exotic disease was developed and tested during the outbreak of classical swine fever in 2000 and foot and mouth disease in 2001 and in dealing with suspect cases over the whole period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 4 June 2003, ref 116075, what quantities of animal and plant products she estimates have been illegally imported into the UK over the last three years for which figures are available; what products were involved; how many (a) prosecutions were brought and (b) cautions were issued; and what the resulting penalties were. [118580]

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency published a risk assessment report on 25 March 2003. This estimated the amount of illegal meat imported annually, on average, to be 7,500 tonnes, with 90 percent. certainty that the amount of illegal meat imported will range from 2,800 tonnes to 17,500 tonnes per year. Copies of the report have been placed in the House Libraries.A huge range of products are seized including a wide variety of meats, fish, sausages, honey, plants and seeds. Examples of meat products seized can be found in the risk assessment at appendix 2.Figures for prosecutions prior to the transfer of all anti-smuggling controls to HM Customs and Excise on 11 April 2003, were not held centrally. We are aware of one successful prosecution brought by Crawley borough council in July 2002, which resulted in a —150 fine and —100 costs. In September 2001, HM Customs and Excise brought a prosecution for the illegal importation of bushmeat derived from endangered species. The offender was found not guilty of these offences, but was however found guilty of an offence under Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) Regulations. The Corporation of London Port Health Authority issued six cautions in October 2002.HM Customs and Excise, who took responsibility for anti smuggling controls on meat from 11 April 2003, will prosecute in the most serious cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that animals which are unfit for transport are not exported from the UK; and if she will make a statement. [118654]

Health and welfare rules for the intra-Community movement of live animals require animals to be fit for the intended journey in accordance with the provisions of directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport. An official veterinary surgeon must inspect animals before transport and must certify that they are healthy and fit for the intended journey. In addition, there may be checks by inspectors at the time of loading onto the vehicle or at the port of departure. Information about checks on sheep and pigs exported for fattening or slaughter are available on the Defra website (www.defra.gov.uk).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what estimate she has made of the contribution made by the Mersey Forest Project to (a) attracting new businesses and tourists to the region and (b) encouraging more people to participate in outdoor activities; [118821](2) what contribution has been made by the Mersey Forest Project towards reclaiming derelict land. [118822]

The Mersey Forest project is one of 12 Community Forests set up under the Countryside Agency's Community Forest Programme. The North West Regional Economic Strategy identifies the Mersey Forest, and other forestry projects in the Region, as factors that are helping to create the right conditions for inward investment, regeneration, tourist development and overall quality of life. In order to evaluate the programme the Agency has commissioned a range of independent research projects. These projects have identified a number of contributions that the Mersey Forest has made, or is making.The research has shown that the Mersey Forest and the Red Rose Forest (around Manchester) are identified, among other projects, as having a role to play in helping to reposition the region's image for attracting businesses and tourists to the region. The Mersey Forest project has helped develop an integrated approach to the development of rural businesses and the management of the landscape in which they work. In order to encourage more people to participate in outdoor activities, the Mersey Forest has created a network and support structure for the Mersey Forest Friends groups, which are self-managing and are given support to undertake the sustainable management of their local woodlands. In addition, the Mersey Forest's "Schools Ground Development" programme was established to create wooded play areas surrounding schools. Events to encourage outdoor activities include nature walks, moonlight walks, forest survival, volunteer days and play schemes. I understand that forest based activities have increased by 600 per cent. in the last 10 years.The research indicates that the Mersey and Red Rose Forests have been involved in pioneering work on closed landfill sites, establishing new methodologies for assessing sites and determining their suitability for woodland. I understand that 12 per cent. of the derelict land (4,000 hectares) within the Mersey Forest area has been reclaimed, of which some 65 hectares of woodland was planted on damaged or disturbed ground in 2001. The Mersey Forest (in association with the Red Rose Forest, the Forestry Commission, the North West Development Agency and the Environment Agency) is using the Capital Modernisation Fund to deliver community woodland on derelict, under utilised and neglected land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements she intends to put in place for the continued funding of the Mersey Forest Project after 2005; and if she will make a statement. [118823]

The 12 Community Forests (including the Mersey Forest) set up under Community Forests Programme (administered by the Countryside Agency) were envisaged as pilot projects. Through this Programme the Countryside Agency planned to test out the idea that "community forestry" could provide signficant benefits for the local community. Partners in many other areas could apply the lessons learnt and promote community forestry projects without national support, while the continued existence of the twelve pilot forests would stand or fall on the basis of the value placed on them by organisations in their locality and region.The commitment to support the pilot Community Forest projects was for a period of 10 years from 1995. I am considering the current position in the light of the development of regional agendas and strategies, including Regional Forestry Frameworks that are being brought together by the Forestry Commission. These frameworks will be owned by Government Offices and Regional Development Agencies. It appears likely that the Regional Forestry Frameworks will be the main vehicle for securing regional ownership for a mainstream role for community forestry in Government Office and Regional Development Agency strategies and future business plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what regulations there are on the on-farm storage of foodstuffs near to animal by-products. [118163]

The Animal By-Products Order 1999 (as amended) imposes strict controls that require animal by-products to be treated or disposed of safely and without undue delay. It also makes it an offence (other livestock feed controls notwithstanding) to allow ruminant animals, pigs or poultry to have access to any unrendered animal by-products. Similar controls will apply under the new EU Animal By-Products Regulation. Under separate food hygiene legislation, farmers are required to protect foodstuffs stored on farm from contamination.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made on completing a pay audit in her Department and its non-departmental public bodies to measure any disadvantage in terms of remuneration for (a) women, (b) ethnic minorities and (c) people with disabilities; and if she will publish the results of such an audit. [117439]

In its response to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Task Force report, "Just Pay", the Government committed all Departments and agencies to review their pay systems by April 2003 and prepare action plans to close any equal pay gaps.The position in Defra and its agencies is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding was (a) available and (b) spent on "Pub is the Hub" schemes in each of the last four years. [119149]

There is not a specific "Pub is the Hub" scheme. A good practice guide of that title was published in December 2001 to inspire rural pubs to diversify their services. However, the Vital Villages Community Service Grant, administered by the Countryside Agency on behalf of Defra, can be used to fund "Pub is the Hub" style projects. Levels of funding for this type of project since April 2001, when Vital Villages was launched, were —9,048 for 2001–02 and —14,262 for 2002–03. In this financial year, —25,000 has been spent so far.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the environmental impact arising from (a) paints containing a high amount of volatile solvents, (b) adhesives and sealants marketed for use in the home, (c) laminate, (d) vinyl, (e) PVC plastic and (f) rubber flooring; and if she will make a statement. [119089]

I assume that this question is about the environmental impact in terms of emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds from making use of the products listed.The National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory gives the total of emissions to atmosphere in the UK of non-methane volatile organic solvents in the year 2000 as 1676 kilotonnes. Separate research conducted for us by ENTEC suggests that of this total about 50 kilotonnes of emissions were from decorative paints, and less than 1 kilotonne from the domestic use of adhesives and sealants. Emissions from the other products listed were not identified separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research she has conducted into the environmental impact of spray furniture polish; and if she will make a statement. [119072]

I assume this question concerns the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) a common constituent of aerosol products and a known contributor to the formation of tropospheric ozone which has been widely researched, and which is known to cause damage to ecosystems and to human health, primarily to the respiratory system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had and representations she has received on take-over proposals in the supermarket industry, and the ramifications for (a) producers and (b) consumers. [118113]

Defra Ministers have been in recent correspondence with the competition authorities about this subject and have also touched upon the matter in the course of discussions on other subjects with various industry stakeholders.Responsibility for Government policy on competition issues is a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to encourage a sustainable EU policy towards the exploitation of West African fish stocks through third party agreements. [117812]

[holding answer 9 June 2003]: The UK regularly urges the Commission to ensure that third country fisheries agreements provide value for money, promote environmentally sustainable fishing and are coherent with Community development policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to make using British ports more attractive to merchant shipping. [118275]

Our policy aims for ports are to promote competitiveness, high national safety standards and best environmental practice. 'Modern Ports', published in November 2000, set out a range of specific initiatives designed to help the ports industry rise to challenges it faces, and we are making good progress on these. We are also working with European partners and the UK industry to promote and develop effective, efficient and sustainable coastal and short sea shipping.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial assistance has been given to the British ports sector since 1997 to improve services; and if he will make a statement on proposals to increase the number of large ports in the UK. [118280]

In general we believe that port developments should not need public subsidy, but each case is judged on its merits and if there is evidence of market failure and the project offers worthwhile economic and/or environmental benefits, it may qualify for an element of public funding. For example, since 1997 the Government has awarded three freight grants worth a total of over —15 million to three UK ports to assist with capital projects designed to remove freight from road and onto to water. Information on other possible sources of public funding given to ports is not held centrally. Proposals to develop new ports are primarily matters for the private sector companies involved, subject to obtaining the statutory consents required.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what actions he has taken or is taking to ensure that the websites of his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if he will make a statement. [117332]

My Department's website (www.dft.gov.uk) follows the Office of the e-Envoy's Guidelines for UK Government websites to provide an accessible web site for partially sighted and blind people.My Department will soon be replacing its website. The new site has been developed based on the Office of the e-Envoy's Guidelines but we have also designed it to take into consideration the way screen readers work by conducting rigorous screen reader testing using JAWS for Windows software. It has improved accessibility for partially sighted and blind people through the use of the access key system throughout the site on the most commonly used links. It has been rigorously tested so that the HTML conforms to the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative's AA standard. In addition, the site has been tested using the BOBBY analysing application, a well-known test of accessibility.Agencies and non-departmental bodies are encouraged to follow the Government Guidelines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many responses had been received as of 31 May in response to (a) the consultation document, "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation" and (b) each of the regional consultation documents on the "Future Development of Air Transport" in the United Kingdom, broken down by region. [119318]

To date we have received over 140,000 responses to the consultation from across the UK. A breakdown by region is set out in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many copies of the (a) main document and (b) summary of the consultation documents (i) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: A National Consultation", (ii) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: North of England", (iii) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South West", (iv) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Midlands", (v) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: Wales" and (vi) "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom: South East" had been (A) issued in hard copy and (B) downloaded from the website, by 31 May; [119319](2) how many copies of the

The following summary and main consultation documents have been distributed since the start of the consultation to 31 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to his Department has been of (a) the exhibitions promoting the consultation documents on the "Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom" and (b) the printing costs relating to the publication of the consultation documents, as of 31 May. [119321]

As part of "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom" consultation, 18 public exhibitions were held on the major airport development options. The cost of these was —1.1 million—this includes the cost of the two recent exhibitions on the Gatwick airport options. The cost of printing the consultation documents covering the whole of the UK, including the South East second edition paper, was —940,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent progress has been made in implementing the Wheeler Report on airline security, with specific reference to the concept of sky marshals. [118345]

A substantial programme of work is in hand to implement Sir John Wheeler's recommendations on airport security. These ranged widely across measures to strengthen security on the ground, to address through more co-ordinated assessments any potential vulnerabilities arising from serious and organised crime at airports, and to improve the overall strategic direction of airport security. Useful progress is being made in all of these areas.Sir John's review was confined to security at airports rather than in the air. The Government announced on 19 December last year the development of a capability to place covert, specially trained armed police officers aboard UK civil aircraft, should that be warranted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide guidance to under 16-year-old consultees wishing to respond to the airport consultation process for the midlands; and for what reason the lowest age category exhibited on the questionnaire is 16 to 24 years. [119055]

We welcome views from all consultees, irrespective of age, and many people under 16 have already responded to the consultation in a variety of ways, including letters and petitions. There is no age eligibility criterion for completing the airports' questionnaire and all views will be given serious consideration in the analysis of responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the actions his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether he has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if he will make a statement. [117705]

The responsibility for taking action to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Work Regulations 2002 are delegated to the managers of the individual Property Centres within the Department. The action taken will depend on the nature of the property centres' occupancy of the buildings, whether or not asbestos has been found, where it is located and its quantity.The Department's Headquarters building in London contains no asbestos but some has been identified in a number of buildings on the Agencies' estate. Where asbestos has been found its existence has been entered onto asbestos registers and specialist consultants or contractors handle its management or removal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which airlines flying into and out of the UK have (a) fully waived, (b) partially waived and (c) not waived their rights under the Warsaw Convention to (i) limit compensation payable in respect of passengers injured or killed while travelling with them and (ii) refused to pay compensation for psychiatric injury; and if he will make a statement. [118696]

There are approximately 113 non-EEA airlines regularly operating services to and from the UK. Of these the following are known to have waived certain rights under the Warsaw Convention.Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air Mauritius, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, American Trans Air, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Cathay Pacific, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, CSA—Czech Airlines, Cubana de Aviaciõn, Cyprus Airways, Delta Airlines, Egyptair, Estonian Air, Eurocypria Airlines, Kenya Airways, Korean Air Lines, Lithuanian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Maley Hungarian Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, UPS Airlines, US Airways, Varig SA.These airlines have waived their rights in relation to compensation payable in respect of passengers injured or killed while travelling with them. The Warsaw Convention makes no specific provision for compensation for psychiatric injury. In some jurisdictions, including the UK, compensation for psychiatric injury is possible when it is associated with physical injury.Community air carriers and airlines based in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland are subject to the provisions of Regulation 2027–97, which removes all limits of liability for passenger death and injury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress of reform of the Athens Convention. [118697]

A Diplomatic Conference at the International Maritime Organization in October 2002, considered a draft amendment to the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage By Sea, 1974. A draft instrument was duly adopted as the Athens Convention Relating to the Carriage of Passengers and Their Luggage By Sea, 2002. When in force, following ratification by 10 States, the 2002 Convention will significantly increase the amount of compensation available for death or personal injury claims to fare-paying passengers travelling on international services by sea. It will also make it easier for claimants to access compensation through a requirement on ship owners to maintain insurance cover, and by means of a right of direct action against the ship owner's insurer. The UK actively participated in the Conference and welcomes its outcome. The Government is currently exploring legislative options for implementation of the Convention in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the targets he has set to improve energy efficiency within his Department; and what steps are being taken to achieve these targets. [119534]

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the then Under Secretary for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 9 June 2003, Official Report, column 581W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) Royal Mail and (b) EWS concerning the transport of mail by rail. [118687]

My right. hon. Friend has spoken to EWS and others on several occasions in relation to rail freight.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Marine Accident and Investigation Branch reports have been published in each year since 1998. [119344]

Since 1998 the numbers of Marine Accident Investigation Branch reports that have been published are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to release the Marine Accident and Investigation Branch report into the sinking of the Solway Harvester. [119345]

A summary report of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch's investigation of the loss of the Solway Harvester with seven lives was published on 13 June 2003. The full report will follow the conclusion of criminal legal proceedings in the Isle of Man.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met Isle of Man police to discuss the timing of the Marine Accident and Investigation Branch report into the sinking of the Solway Harvester. [119346]

The Secretary of State for Transport has had no meetings with the Isle of Man police in connection with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch's report of the loss of the Solway Harvester.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when in each of the last 10 years he received the accounts of income and expenditure of the Mersey tunnels. [118465]

These details are provided in Merseytravel's Revenue Outturn forms which are submitted annually to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (and in previous years to its predecessor departments).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the extent to which central Government funds given to the Mersey Tunnels have been spent on (a) the Mersey Ferries and (b) other purposes in the last five years. [119499]

The Government do not provide funding direct to the Mersey Tunnels. Central Government funding is provided to Merseytravel as the passenger transport authority for Merseyside.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has commissioned into the number of deaths caused by drivers using mobile phones in England in each of the last five years. [118992]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 March 2003, Official Report, column 800W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of (a) the expected travel time savings for (i) public transport users and (ii) motorists and (b) the expected effect upon carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the implementation of each of the multi-modal study recommendations announced in his statement to the House of 10 December 2002, Official Report, columns 155–58; and if he will make a statement. [119136]

Assessments of travel time savings and carbon dioxide impacts for the multi-modal studies, on which we announced our conclusions in December 2002, were made by each study for the strategy as a whole rather than for individual schemes. Full assessments of travel time savings and carbon dioxide impacts of individual schemes will be produced by the relevant delivery agency as scheme proposals are developed in more detail. This work is currently in hand for the road schemes being taken forward by the Highways Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the advice he has received from (a) the Countryside Agency, (b) the Environment Agency, (c) English Heritage and (d) English Nature on the multi-modal studies that have (a) concluded and (b) are shortly to conclude. [119138]

The statutory environmental bodies have provided advice to study teams at various stages during the multi-modal study process. In addition, at the request of my Department, they have provided comments on the recommendations of the multi-modal studies which have issued final reports. Under part 2, paragraph 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, this advice is confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a statement on his decisions regarding the outstanding multi-modal studies. [119139]

We are currently considering the final report and recommendations from a number of multi-modal studies, together with the views of the respective regional planning bodies. We will make an announcement in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from airline companies about National Air Traffic Services' performance; and if he will make a statement. [118729]

Ministers have received no recent representations from airline companies about National Air Traffic Services' performance. NATS is a private sector company and I would expect any complaints to be made directly to its management or to the Civil Aviation Authority, its regulator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport further to his answer of 9 June 2003, Official Report, column 594W, what discussions he has had with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency concerning the detection and prosecution of motorists who clone licence plates. [118961]

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has clear procedures in place to deal with instances where vehicle cloning is suspected. Agency Intelligence officers carry out initial investigations to establish whether there are in fact two vehicles displaying the same registration mark. Information is then passed to the police for further action where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that official (a) correspondence, (b) reports and (c) documentation from his office uses the English spelling of words where this differs from the US version. [118869]

It is the Department's policy to use UK rather than American spelling of English words. Where we employ specialist proof readers, we direct them to use the Oxford English Dictionary as their reference. The spell check facility on our IT systems is set to the UK English dictionary. The Department also publishes guidance for staff on drafting in plain English.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to conclude a partnership agreement with the trade unions representing the staff in his Department. [117448]

In my Department there is no partnership agreement. However, in the case of the Department's collective Agencies, DVLA operate a 'partnership agreement' with the Trade Unions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on reducing travel costs for pensioners. [117861]

I would refer the hon. Member to my answer of 23 January 2003 Official Report, columns 508–09W. This Government has guaranteed that older people (over age 60) and disabled people are entitled to a free bus pass allowing half-fare travel on local buses, as a minimum. That is better than anything else provided previously. We have also recently introduced a half-fare for older people (over age 60) and disabled people on many scheduled coach services, in return for the operators of those services receiving grant from my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in his Department and non departmental public bodies on implementing the requirements of the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000; and if he will publish the results of the monitoring required by the Act. [117469]

The Department for Transport is committed to valuing diversity and promoting equality. As a new Department, we published our first Race Equality Scheme—in agreement with the Commission for Racial Equality—on 31 March 2003. The Scheme will run for two years to bring it into line with those of other Departments. The Scheme covers the activities of the Department and its Executive Agencies as an employer as well as a policy maker and service provider. It also includes the non- departmental public bodies for which the Department is responsible.The Scheme has built on the results of extensive research, which the Department has carried out to identify the specific transport needs of people from different ethnic and faith communities.The Scheme includes a Race Equality Action Plan, which lists the key activities the Department will undertake through the two-year period of the Scheme. We will monitor, evaluate and consult on progress against these activities. We will review our progress and publish our findings. Each of the six Executive Agencies will develop their own Race Equality Action Plans by October 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he plans to review the future of the Stranraer to Glasgow rail link south of Girvan. [118338]

Local rail services in Scotland, including those from Stranraer to Glasgow, are a devolved matter for the Scottish Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review the case for a mainline railway station at Cairnryan. [118340]

Local rail services in Scotland and consideration of the case for a mainline railway station at Cairnryan are devolved matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Civil Engineering Contractors' Association about new road building projects. [119480]

I am not aware of any formal representations from this Association but my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Transport met them in January of this year to discuss the 10-year plan for transport and the outcomes of the multi-modal studies.The Highways Agency regularly meets with the Association at a local level to discuss procurement issues and the current programme of work on the trunk road network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the level of Government spending needed to complete the road network consisting of the A6 bypass, Poynton bypass, and Manchester Eastern Link Route West compatible with the South East Manchester Multi Modal Study for each of the next eight years. [118470]

The recommendations of the South East Manchester multi-modal study were accepted in March 2002 and the local authorities were invited to continue the detailed development of the proposed road schemes at a reduced scale than those remitted to the study. It will be for the local authorities to determine the priority and timetable to implement the schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to introduce a speed hierarchy for rural roads; and if he will make a statement. [119926]

Following the publication of the Rural Road Hierarchy report in November 2001 we are progressing work to improve safety across our rural road network. This includes the development of a framework to assess what speeds are appropriate together with surveys of what speeds are actually being driven on rural roads. This will feed into other work including a review of the guidance on setting speed limits towards the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a statement on the south coast multi-modal study report. [119597]

We are currently considering the final report and recommendations from a number of multi-modal studies, including the south coast corridor multi-modal study, together with the views of the respective regional planning bodies. We expect to be in a position to make an announcement before the summer recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed cameras were in use in each of the last five years broken down by (a) fixed and (b) mobile cameras and by police authority. [118559]

That information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made (a) of the environmental impact and (b) against sustainable development criteria of bids for (i) grants and (ii) contracts awarded by his Department; who makes such an assessment; and whether these assessments are published. [119536]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 June 2003, Official Report, column 165W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with (a) Advantage West Midland and (b) the Government Office for the West Midlands on transport provision in North Staffordshire. [119154]

In response to the MidMan multi-modal study (MMS) and the draft Regional Planning Guidance (RPG) for the West Midlands, Staffordshire county council and Stoke-on-Trent city council are initiating a comprehensive transport study for North Staffordshire. This study will develop the specific transport measures, which will be required to respond to the challenges raised by the local regeneration strategy, the low demand housing pathfinder, and the urban renaissance which is at the heart of RPG.Advantage West Midlands (AWM), Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM), and the Highways Agency (HA) are working with the local authorities and will be supporting the study financially and with specialist expertise. It is expected that the results of the study will feed into the next round of Local Transport Plans, due to be submitted in July 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans his Department has made for the implementation of accessibility planning promoted in the Special Exclusion Unit's report 'Making the Connections: Transport and Social Exclusion'; and what funding his Department has allocated to local authorities for this purpose; [119133]

The remit of the Central-Local Working Group on Accessibility Planning is to develop, pilot and evaluate aspects of the accessibility planning process and to share good practice. The group comprises representatives from the Department for Transport, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Local Government Association, Association of Transport Coordinating Officers and Passenger Transport Executive Group. It also includes authorities that have been recognised for work of particular relevance to accessibility planning through the Beacon Council and Centres of Excellence initiatives and authorities that are piloting accessibility planning as part of the Department's research programme.The working group has met three times since publication of the SEU report in February 2003. It has agreed a forward work programme to inform departmental guidance to transport authorities on accessibility planning, to be published next year. Authorities preparing second Local Transport Plans (due in 2005) will be asked to lead accessibility planning and incorporate it into their next LTPs.No additional funding has been provided for this work. The intention of accessibility planning is to ensure that existing funding, for transport, other services and regeneration, is used more effectively to make it easier for people to get access to jobs and key services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the dissemination of the findings of the Social Exclusion Unit's February 2003 report, "Making Connections: Transport and Social Exclusion" (a) to local authorities and (b) to other transport providers, including private operators; and if he will make a statement. [119134]

The "Making the Connections" report was widely disseminated. Approximately 4,000 copies were sent out via post and email to those involved in the consultation and to other interested parties. Copies were sent to every local authority (including Shire Districts, where appropriate) in England—a copy to the Chief Executive and one to the person responsible for local transport planning (where appropriate)—well as to all the members of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, which includes private operators. The report is also being sent to all local strategic partnerships.Ministers and officials have spoken at a wide range of events across the country which encompassed all sectors, such as transport planners, bus users, bus operators, community transport providers and the Local Government Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what strategy he uses to disseminate good practice in the areas of (a) public consultation, (b) design, (c) implementation, (d) maintenance and (e) marketing of transport policies to (i) local authorities, (ii) public transport operators and (iii) other transport operators; and if he will make a statement. [119132]

My Department aims to ensure that all individuals and organisations who contribute to, or are affected by, the delivery of its objectives are supplied with the information they need. In order to do this, it uses a variety of means to communicate with local authorities, the transport industries and other stakeholders, appropriate to the information being communicated and the target audience. These include direct dealings with individual authorities, companies, representative regulators, and professional and trade bodies, including trade unions; issuing of policy and technical guidance notes and publication of research; sponsorship of and participation in consultative committees and advisory forums; and dissemination of all types of information by paid publicity, press, broadcasting and new media.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many instances there were of vehicle excise duty evasion in Scotland, broken down by local authority, in each year since 1997. [119706]

The figures for number of instances of VED evasion in Scotland for the years in question are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of vehicle excise duty evasion in Scotland, broken down by local authority, in each year since 1997. [119876]

The figures for the cost of VED evasion in Scotland for the years in question are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans to extend the use of restorative justice with special reference to mediation and reparation. [119022]

The Government are keen to expand the use of restorative justice in the adult criminal justice system, as well as continuing to build on its success in the youth justice system. We will shortly publish a consultation document, which will outline our plans to increase the opportunity for mediation between offender and victims, and reparation to the community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on combating anti-social behaviour. [119024]

Home Office Ministers, the National Director of the Anti-social Behaviour Unit and Members have received wide-ranging representations through formal and informal meetings, visits, and correspondence with members of the public, voluntary organisations, business organisations and local authorities. This has ensured that the White Paper, Bill and the Government's overall drive to tackle antisocial behaviour is based on the experiences of local communities faced with anti-social behaviour from across the country.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the attitude of magistrates to breaches of Anti-social Behaviour Orders. [119032]

We are aware that inconsistent sentences are being given for breaches of Anti-social Behaviour Orders around the country. To address this, the Home Office is working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Lord Chancellor Department (LCD) to draw up a protocol to ensure the court is made aware of the context of the anti-social behaviour on victims, witnesses, and communities when determining sentence. In addition, the Magistrate's Association is producing sentencing guidelines that are scheduled to be published this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that properties which have been taken over by Class A drug dealers are quickly closed.

The Anti-social Behaviour Bill, which will be at Report Stage on 24 June 2003, contains as Part 1 the power to close premises where Class A drugs are being produced, used or supplied and there is serious nuisance.This power is principally aimed at tackling Crack Houses and has been designed to ensure that any premises where dealers can continue their activities unobserved, and even in safety, can be rapidly closed and their occupants removed. This action can, if necessary, be resolved in 48 hours, providing immediate relief to the community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the operation of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. [119027]

Section 55, which came into operation on 8 January 2003, is one of a package of new measures to move towards a more streamlined and cohesive asylum system. Statistics on the operation of section 55 up to 31 March 2003 were published at the end of May 2003 and we are continuing to monitor the impact closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met the Chief Inspector of Prisons to discuss prison overcrowding; and what the results of the discussions were. [119028]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Hilary Benn) met Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons on several occasions in recent months. I met Anne Owers on 9 June 2003 when we discussed a range of issues, including population pressures in prisons.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many safe cells were installed in prisons in the past 12 months; and how many are planned to be installed in the next 12 months. [119029]

In the last 12 months, 847 safer cells were installed and 122 are planned for installation during the next 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the extradition treaty signed with the United States on 31 March. [119031]

The United States is our biggest single extradition partner so I am delighted that it has been possible to reach agreement on a new extradition treaty which modernises the 1977 and 1986 treaties. We hope that it will be possible to bring the new treaty into effect later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to help communities which are affected by crack cocaine. [119033]

In December 2002, the Government published the first National Crack plan. It recognises the particular problems caused by crack cocaine and the need to take specific and focused actions to address them. The Plan requires action to prevent crack use, deal with the criminality and disorder associated with it and provide appropriate treatment for those using crack. That we are treating crack as a priority is illustrated by the power to close crack houses contained in the Antisocial Behaviour Bill. Premises, in particular crack houses which are venues for Class A drugs, to be supplied and used causing serious nuisance to the community and neighbours will be closed rapidly and effectively.As a whole, the resources available to fight drugs are increasing from —1.026 million in 2002–03 to —1.483 million in 2005–06. We will ensure that in this expansion all elements of the drug strategy apply to crack, enabling:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the implications of the draft EU constitution for matters within his responsibilities. [119034]

Existing treaties already provide for police and judicial co-operation and EU action on immigration and asylum. These were areas of cooperation begun by the Conservative Government.New treaty brings existing EU work into a single merged treaty structure. Negotiations continuing, treaty will be agreed at intergovernmental conference (IGC) by unanimity.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what changes he estimates there will be in police expenditure in the next financial year following the reclassification of cannabis. [119035]

The reclassification of cannabis is designed to continue to deter the use of cannabis while allowing the police to redeploy their resources to tackling more serious offences, including dealing in Class A drugs. It is vital that the police direct their resourcing priorities to tackling drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine, which cause the most harm and often lead to other crimes, and this is what the reclassification of cannabis will enable them to do.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation he has had with the secretaries of the National Assembly for Wales regarding the UK-wide identity card. [119023]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary contacted the First Minister prior to the publication of the consultation paper on entitlement cards and identity fraud. Contact has been maintained at official level, including arrangements to make the paper available to all the secretaries of the National Assembly when it was published.National Assembly officials are involved in ongoing discussions following the end of the consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of crime in (a) the London Borough of Havering and (b) other London boroughs. [91337]

In Havering, during the 12 months to March 2002, there was a total of 3,225 recorded violence against the person offences; 549 recorded robbery offences; 1,109 recorded domestic burglary offences; 1,883 recorded thefts of vehicles offences; and 2,374 recorded thefts from vehicles offences.Numbers of crimes recorded by the police, broken down by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), can be found in 'Crime in England and Wales 2001–02' (Home Office Statistical Bulletin 7/02), which is also available in the Library. Crime levels for Havering CDRP compared with other CDRPs in London are set out in the following table. The total level of crime for each CDRP is not currently published.