To ask the Leader of the House at what time the House has risen on each day from Monday to Thursday since 7 January. [123890]

This information is obtainable from the Votes and Proceedings and from the Official Report. It could be collated only at disproportionate cost.I stressed to the House in my business statement on 3 July that I have already made it clear that I regard the decision of the House in respect of hours as one for the rest of the Parliament. I do not intend to make it a practice to go beyond the moment of interruption. My hon. Friend will be aware that the events in Iraq have had a considerable impact on the business of the House and it is for that reason that business may continue beyond the normal moment of interruption, allowing the House every opportunity fully to scrutinise and contribute to the business coming forward up to and including 17 July.

To ask the Minister for Women which groups will be consulted by the Government in drawing up its legislative proposals to tackle domestic violence. [123332]

Following publication of the consultation paper "Safety and Justice" on 18 June, there will be a 12 week public consultation exercise, during which responses will be sought from numerous groups including the Women's National Commission who have organized several meeting across the UK with survivors of domestic violence. In addition, specialist groups are being consulted such as Imkaan, Southall Black sisters, Broken Rainbow, The Employers' Forum on Disability, Disability Rights Commission, the Employers' Forum on Age, Mencap, and Age Concern.

To ask the Minister for Women what recent assessment she has made of women's rights in Iraq. [123331]

To ask the Minister for Women what recent assessment she has made of women's rights in Iraq. [123825]

During this critical phase in the reconstruction of Iraq, I am extremely concerned that women's rights are given adequate attention.Indeed, the Coalition Provisional Authority's gender equality team—which includes a secondee from the DTI Women and Equality Unit—is currently assessing women's rights in Iraq within the framework for a women's conference that will take place in Baghdad shortly. Officials are holding discussions with in-country Iraqi women, who are legal experts, on constitutional and legal reform aiming to assess and improve women's rights. These discussions will feed into two of the workshops of the women's conference, mirroring the emergent political process and feeding recommendations into the system.

To ask the Minister for Women what measures she plans to introduce to achieve a better work-life balance for women. [123330]

We are committed to giving women—and men—the chance to improve their work-life balance. We have already increased maternity pay and leave, introduced paid paternity leave, extended these rights to adoptive parents, and introduced the legal right of parents of children under six and disabled children under 18 to get requests to work flexibly considered seriously.We will continue to promote best practice in flexible working through the work-life balance campaign. The campaign aims to persuade companies that they could see real business benefits through flexible working; for example, in a recent major work-life balance baseline survey by DTI, four fifths of employers who have work-life balance practices in place report a positive effect on employment relations, and three quarters said they had a more motivated and committed workforce as a result of these practices.We are also providing practical support through the work life balance challenge fund, which offers subsidised consultancy to develop flexible working projects. The current call for applications ends on 31 July 2003, and we are looking to support up to 200 projects this year.These measures, mean that women and men now have more choice and more support than ever before to balance childcare and work in ways that benefit everyone: employers, employees and their children.

To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission whether the Commission has considered the Corporate Plans for 2004–05 to 2006–07 of the National Audit Office and the Northern Ireland Audit Office. [124855]

At its meeting on 7 July the Commission approved the NAO's Corporate Plan for 2004–05 to 2006–07. In line with previous arrangements when devolved government in Northern Ireland is suspended, the Commission also considered the Corporate Plan for 2004–05 to 2006–07 of the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The Commission agreed to take note of this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the impact of Alstom's decision to terminate train manufacturing at its Birmingham Washwood Heath Plant on jobs in (a) the supply chain and (b) the West Midlands region. [124507]

My Officials within the Government Office for the West Midlands are in discussion with officers from Birmingham City Council's Economic Development Department, the Regional Development Agency, Jobcentre Plus and Alstom's senior managers over the future of the Washwood Heath plant. Alstom's plans for the site are not yet clear but officials will continue to work closely with the company to support both Alstom and their supply chain as appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Export Credits Guarantee Department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the supply of a defence equipment package to Qatar signed in 1996. [123019]

ECGD did not receive allegations of corruption by BAE Systems in respect of the Qatari defence package signed in 1996. In May 2001, ECGD was made aware by the Serious Fraud Office of an investigation being carried out in relation to this project by the Attorney General of Jersey.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment she has made of the benefits of broadband access for small and medium-sized businesses. [124256]

The Government believe that the key benefits of broadband for small and medium-sized businesses, as for all businesses, are speed and convenience. A broadband connection can carry 10 times more information than a narrow-band (dial-up) connection. Broadband services can change the way businesses operate, enabling new markets to be reached with potentially beneficial effects on productivity and competitiveness. Broadband allows businesses to respond faster to their customers' needs; supports greater flexibility in working practices; and with its fixed cost, allows businesses to budget more effectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the crèche facilities she makes available to the children of her Department's staff. [121116]

The information is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what policies (a) initiated and (b) managed by her Department since 2001 have had an impact on Pendle; and if she will make a statement. [124098]

North West Development Agency's Pendle Economic Regeneration Programme is providing £6.4 million over four years from 2002 to promote the economic infrastructure and boost business competitiveness in the area. This is in addition to ongoing policy initiatives that were in place before 2001, including Business Link East Lancashire, which provides support to new and developing businesses in the area, and the Enterprise Grant Scheme (EGS) and SMART awards. Since January 2001, there have been 17 EGS and two SMART awards in the Pendle area, providing a total of £636,500 of investment support to small and medium-sized enterprises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the (a) cost and (b) level of provision of electricity generated by (i) coal-fired power stations and (ii) environmentally friendly sources. [123363]

Electricity generation from coal in the United Kingdom in 2002 amounted to 124.4 TWh, equivalent to 32 per cent. of total UK generation. Electricity generation from renewables and wastes amounted to 11.4 TWh, equivalent to 3 per cent. of total UK generation. Most recent estimates of generation costs from different types of plant are contained in a report, "Long-Term Reductions in Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the UK" by an Inter-departmental Analysts Group (IAG) which was published in February 2002. A copy of the IAG report is in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts are being made to encourage the use of electricity generated by environmentally friendly plants. [123364]

The Government have put in place a range of measures to promote and encourage the use of energy from environmentally friendly plants using renewable forms of energy.Chapter four of the Energy White Paper "Our energy future—creating a low carbon economy" sets out the Government's policy on the increasing role renewable technologies will play in our overall energy policy, and highlights many of the successes that have already been achieved.We have put in place a framework of measures to encourage the renewables generation and supply industry: our target is that 10 per cent. of the UK's electricity sales should be from renewable-sourced electricity by 2010. To help achieve the necessary growth to reach that target, we have introduced a range of important measures:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has had from the British embassy in Seoul regarding due diligence procedures in the decision to give public aid to LG electronics group; and if she will make a statement. [121906]

I am not accountable for events under the previous Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the performance targets that (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies are required to meet; and if she will specify for each target (i) who sets it and (ii) who monitors achievement against it. [120885]

Key performance targets for the Department of Trade and Industry are agreed as part of the Spending Review. The latest set were published in "Spending Review 2002: Public Service Agreements 2003–06" (Cm 5571). Progress towards these targets is monitored by the Department together with HM Treasury and the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit and is reported on regularly in DTI's annual Departmental Report (Cm 5916) and Autumn Performance Report (Cm 5731).The Departmental Report also sets out and reports on the key targets for DTI's seven Executive Agencies (Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, Employment Tribunal Service, National Weight and Measures Laboratory, Radiocommunications Agency and Small Business Service). These are agreed and set by the responsible Ministers each year in the context of discussion and agreement to the agency's corporate plan. Performance against the agencies' targets is monitored by their steering boards, which include independent members and Departmental representatives, and reported annually to Ministers.Information on the targets for DTI's Executive non-departmental public bodies is set out as follows for each body.

Body	Available information
British Hallmarking Council	Hallmarking Act 1973
Coal Authority	Corporate Plan available on website (www.coal.gov.uk)
Competition Commission	Indicators and targets to be developed to reflect new functions introduced by the Enterprise Act
Consumer Council for Postal Services (Postwatch)	Annual Report and Forward Work Programme available on website (www.postwatch.co.uk)
Design Council	Four targets in unpublished corporate plan:
	To demonstrate through innovative, practical projects the value of effective design
	To provide world-leading knowledge on effective design
	To communicate the value of effective design to decision makers within business and the public sector
	To pursue excellence in our people, processes and premises
Equal Opportunities Commission	Corporate Plan available on website (www.eoc.org.uk)
Gas and Electricity Consumer Council (Energywatch)	Forward Work Programme available on website (www.energywatch.org.uk)
Hearing Aid Council	Reclassified as an executive NDPB on 1 April 2003. Targets are under discussion and will be published on HAC's website (www.thehearingaidcouncil.org.uk) once agreed
National Consumer Council	Targets published in annual report
Regional Development Agencies	Targets published on website (www.dti.gov.uk/rda/info)
Research Councils	Targets contained in Councils' Operating Plans, which will be placed on their websites once finalised in late summer
Simpler Trade Procedures Board (SITPRO)	Performance targets not set
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)	Corporate Plan available on website (www.ukaea.org.uk)

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) is statutorily independent. Its targets, which are not set by Ministers, are available on www.acas.org.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many, and what percentage of, power stations are fitted with flue gas desulphurisation equipment. [123813]

[holding answer 4 July 2003]: DUKES 2003 (to be published on 31 July 2003) lists 14 coal fired power stations with a total capacity of 23,214 MW; this excludes capacity which is mothballed or in receivership. In addition there exists dual fired plant (coal/gas or coal/oil) with a combined capacity 5,405 MW. The total UK coal fired plant including such dual fired installations hence comprises a total capacity of 28,619 MW; (28.6 GW).Three stations are currently fitted with flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) equipment: Drax, and Ratcliffe (combined total 5,870 MW) and West Burton. West Burton is not yet fully operational but this is anticipated by early 2004 producing then a total FGD capacity of 7,802 MW; (7.8 GW).Based on the full inclusion of West Burton, the percentage of UK coal fired plant capacity fitted with FGD is approximately 27 per cent. However the Environment Agency has also received applications for the installation of FGD at Cottam (2 GW), Eggborough (1 GW) and Rugeley (1 GW). Some additional installation activity is either under way or planned at these sites. Further stations are examining the feasibility of fitting FGD equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the running costs have been of Ministers' private offices in her Department in each year since 1997. [123098]

The running costs of Ministers' private offices in each year since 1997 is as follows:

	£ million
1997–98	3.8
1998–99	4.2
1999–2000	3.4
2000–01	3.6
2001–02	4.08

Complete data not yet available for 2002–03.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to assess the effectiveness of regional assistance schemes such as Regional Selective Assistance and Enterprise Grants; and if she will make a statement. [122223]

The Department routinely commissions a programme of independent evaluations of the impact of its business support programmes, including Regional Selective Assistance and the Enterprise Grant Scheme. The Enterprise Grant Scheme was created in 2000 and has not therefore existed long enough to result in meaningful independent evaluation. Recently funded Regional Selective Assistance projects were evaluated in 2000, and the results of the evaluation are available on www.dti.gov.uk/support/rsajf2512001.htm.Regional Selective Assistance and the Enterprise Grant Scheme are being considered in the context of the Department's reassessment of the business support it provides. In future the effectiveness of these and all business support programmes will be monitored on an ongoing basis using a balanced scorecard approach.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the work of the North West Science Council; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the research taking place within the region's universities contributes to the Regional Development Agency's economic strategy. [124119]

The North West Science Council brings together business, academic and science partners to promote the north-west as a world-class region for science, attracting investment and talent and driving innovation. Its members have the expertise, authority and respect needed to implement the North West Science Strategy, a central feature of which is the need to maximise the exploitation of the knowledge base of the region. The North West Development Agency is represented on the council, and works closely with it and with the region's HEIs to deliver the Regional Economic Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to raise the audit threshold for services from £1 million turnover. [123341]

[holding answer 3 July 2003]: The Government will shortly be publishing a consultation document on proposals to increase the threshold for mandatory company audit from its current level of £1 million turnover.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the five key targets for the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme from 1994 to 1999 were. [124378]

The five key targets for the 1994–99 objective programme were to:

1. Job creation—to create 25,000 jobs in Merseyside.

2. Business assistance—to assist 113,260 businesses in Merseyside.

3. Commercial/industrial floor space built or improved—to see 635,100 square meters of floor space built or improved.

4. People accessing further education or training—wanted to open up further education or training to 72,700 people.

5. People accessing jobs through training schemes—wanted to see 44,800 people access jobs through training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs were created by the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme between 1994 and 1999. [124379]

The number of jobs created under the 1994–99 Objective I Programme was 34,474 against a target 25,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in how many cases business assistance was provided by the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme between 1994 and 1999. [124380]

The number of businesses assisted under 1994–99 Objective 1 Programme was 179,173 against a target of 113,260.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people accessed further education or training during the currency of the first Merseyside Objective 1 Programme. [124381]

During the currency of the 1994–99 Objective 1 Programme, 70,353 people accessed further education or training against a target of 72,700.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on supersonic aviation. [123544]

Airlines will determine what level of demand there may be for supersonic travel. British Airways has taken the view that their existing fleet of Concorde need to be retired after almost 30 years of service. For the longer term, if sufficient demand is forecast for supersonic travel, I am sure airlines will work closely with aircraft manufacturers to understand the particular environmental, technical and cost challenges of developing and operating a new generation of supersonic passenger aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether he will make the initiative announced on 11 June on improving access to affordable and quality child care available to parents in Chesham and Amersham; and if he will make a statement. [123921]

We announced a number of initiatives on 17 June all of which will benefit parents in the Chesham and Amersham Constituency.

• Funding for the "Childminder buddying scheme" will be available from April 2004.
• Childcare Partnership Managers are now available in each Jobcentre Plus District.
• Quality First is available for childminders who wish to develop their child care capabilities.
• Care to Learn is available for all teenage parents who wish to take part in publicly funded education or training.
• The Foundation Stage Information Packs will be available from EYDCPs after 18 July.
• New Sure Start Guide to Choosing Childcare is available from Daycare Trust on 0207 840 3350.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the schools in (a) North Lincolnshire and (b) North East Lincolnshire which are running a deficit budget; and how much each deficit is. [124163]

The latest outturn statement published by North Lincolnshire local education authority shows that seven schools ended the financial year 2001–02 with a deficit balance. These were:

	£
Priory Lane Infant School	621
St. Bernadette's Catholic Primary School	9,457
St. Mary's Catholic Primary School	9,124
Brumby School	18,756
Frederick Gough School	54,910
Huntcliff School	7,787
Baysgarth School	3,571

The latest outturn statement published by North East Lincolnshire local education authority shows that four schools ended the financial year 2001–02 with a deficit balance. These were:

	£
St. Joseph's RC Primary	6,005
Welholme Infants' School	35,105
Healing Comprehensive School	5,841
Lindsey School and Community Arts College	81,554

Figures for the year ending 31 March 2003 are due to be published by LEAs by 9 October 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people resident in (a) West Derbyshire and (b) Derbyshire are (i) further and (ii) higher education students. [124012]

The question asks about West Derbyshire and Derbyshire. Further Education figures are available for the parliamentary constituency of West Derbyshire and for the two local education authorities (LEAs), City of Derby and Derbyshire, in the county of Derbyshire. Higher education figures are only available by LEA and not by parliamentary constituency.In 2000–01, 5,000 people living in the West Derbyshire constituency and 73,000 people living in Derbyshire attended courses at Further Education (FE) sector colleges. In 2001–02, 24,000 people resident in Derbyshire were Higher Education Students.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the funding arrangements for higher education. [124482]

The funding arrangements for higher education in England were set out in the White Paper, "The future of higher education" (Cm 5735) and in the grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), both of which were published on 22 January 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much funding for Millennium Volunteer projects was allocated to (a) each region and (b) each shire county in (i) 2001–02, (ii) 2002–03 and (iii) 2003–04; and how much funding he proposes to allocate to each region in 2004–05. [123287]

The amount of funding allocated for Millennium Volunteers projects in each region in 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 is provided in the table. Details of funding for each shire county is not collected as many projects operate across boundaries.

£
Region	2001–02	2002–03	2003–04
East Midlands	1,027,174	1,059,268	1,111,052
East of England	1,474,717	1,452,331	1,325.198
London	2,062,717	1,933,514	1,696,119
North East	1,072,368	932,442	960,734
North West	1,834,084	1,967,701	2,019,687
South East	1,468,231	1,933,827	1,952,871
South West	1,628,993	1,675,570	1,810,513
West Midlands	1,598,413	1,577,314	1,664,627
Yorks and Humberside	1,315,365	1,711,213	1,758,946
Total	13,482,062	14,243,180	14,299,747

The funding which is to be allocated to each region in 2004–05 will not be finalised until September to allow local discussions on budget allocations and final agreement of the funding formula. When this has been agreed I will arrange for the information to be provided in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of entrants aged under 21 years to modern languages courses at higher education institutions in each year from 2003 to 2008. [110875]

The information is not held centrally. The latest edition of the Department's Annual Report contains projected student numbers for the years up to 2004/05, but these are not disaggregated by subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Government is taking to improve (a) the quality of research and (b) access to high quality research in universities in Yorkshire and Humberside. [124148]

The Government are committed to supporting and encouraging the highest quality research to ensure that we maintain our international standing and competitiveness. A year ago we announced the most generous research settlement for many years, with total expenditure on science and research set to increase by 30 per cent. by 2005–06 compared with 2002–03.Yorkshire and Humberside will receive quality-related research funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) of £102.3 million in 2003/04 to support university research in the region. This represents an increase of over 12 per cent. on last year. The HEFCE formula for distributing the funding ensures it is targeted at the highest quality work. Our White Paper proposals encourage higher education institutions to engage increasingly in collaborative work giving them greater flexibility to determine the focus of their research. In Yorkshire and Humberside, Leeds, York and Sheffield universities are already working successfully together through the White Rose consortium.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his visit to King's Ford Junior School, Colchester, on 9 June, when he will report on the funding requirements for schools with large numbers of children from military families; and if he will make a statement. [124337]

We recognise that turbulence in pupil numbers can have an impact on school budgets and pupil attainment. A local military presence is one cause, influxes of asylum seekers is another. Local authorities are able to include factors in their funding formulae to provide additional funding to take account of high turnover of pupils during the year. Essex local education authority has such a factor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was made available to (a) North East Lincolnshire and (b) North Lincolnshire education authority via the standards fund in each year since 1997. [124162]

The following table shows the Standards Fund grant for North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire since 1997. The figures include Government grant only, they do not include local authority contributions to the Standards Fund.

Standards Fund Grant Allocated to North East Lincolnshire
£ million
	Recurrent Grant	Capital Grant	Total Standards Fund Grant	Education Standards Spending Assessment
1997–98	0.6	0.0	0.6	64.4
1998–99	0.9	0.9	1.8	70.1
1999–2000	2.2	0.4	2.6	73.0
2000–01	4.6	2.9	7.5	77.3
2001–02	5.4	4.9	10.3	79.8
2002–03	5.9	6.8	12.7	81.4
2003–04	5.4	5.0	10.4	188.6
1Education Formula Funding Share (EFSS). This includes the transfer of class size grant and Nursery Education grant. The equivalent figure on the same basis for 2002–2003 would be £85.1 million.

The recurrent grant figure for 2002–2003 includes class size grant of £0.61 million. The funding for class size grant is distributed via the Education Formula Spending Shares (EFSS) in 2003–04. On a like for like basis North East Lincolnshire has received an increase in EFSS per pupil of 3.9 per cent.

Standards Fund Grant Allocated to North Lincolnshire
£ million
	Recurrent Grant	Capital Grant	Total Standards Fund Grant	Education Standards Spending Assessment
1997–98	0.7	0.0	0.7	56.5
1998–99	1.6	0.6	2.2	61.9
1999–2000	2.9	0.4	3.3	65.0
2000–01	4.7	2.3	7.0	67.8
2001–02	5.0	6.2	11.2	69.9
2002–03	5.1	5.2	10.3	72.3
2003–04	5.0	3.8	8.9	180.4
1 Education Formula Funding Share (EFSS). This includes the transfer of Class Size grant and Nursery Education Grant. The equivalent figure on the same basis for 2002–2003 would be £76.2 million.

The recurrent grant figure for 2002–03 includes class size grant of £0.84 million. The funding for class size grant is distributed via the Education Formula Spending Shares (EFSS) in 2003–04. On a like for like basis North Lincolnshire has received an increase in EFSS per pupil of 4.7 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many people resident in (a) Taunton constituency and (b) Somerset are (i) further and (ii) higher education students. [123582]

The question asks for Taunton constituency and for Somerset. A breakdown by parliamentary constituency is not available for higher education students. Figures are available for Somerset local education authority (LEA).In 2000/01, 10,000 people living in the Taunton constituency and 40,000 people living in Somerset LEA attended courses at Further Education (FE) sector colleges.In 2001/02,12,000 people resident in Somerset LEA were Higher Education students.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers are working in schools in Chesham and Amersham; how many have qualified teacher status; what the status is of the remainder; and what their distribution is by (a) primary and (b) secondary sectors. [123922]

Teacher information is not available at constituency level. The most recent teacher data available for Buckinghamshire LEA is for January 2002, which show that the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) regular teachers in the maintained schools sector was 4,030, of which 3,860 had qualified teacher status (QTS). The FTE number of instructors and teachers without QTS on contracts of a month or more was 100 and the FTE number of teachers on the Graduate Teacher Programme, Registered Teacher Programmer or the Overseas Trained Teacher Programme was 70.There were 1,850 teachers in maintained nursery and primary schools, 1,990 in maintained secondary schools and 190 in maintained special schools and pupil referral units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by what percentage the pay of the average full-time state sector (a) infant school, (b)junior school, (c) secondary school, (d) further education and (e) higher education teacher has changed in real terms since 1997. [122572]

The mean salary¹ of full-time qualified nursery and primary school teachers² in England and Wales (it is not possible to distinguish between infant and junior) rose by 6.9 per cent. in real terms between March 1997 and March 2001³. The mean salary of full-time¹ qualified secondary school teachers in England and Wales rose by 7.3 per cent. in real terms between March 1997 and March 2001³.The mean salary

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much has been spent on centrally funded projects and initiatives to reduce truancy in schools by his Department since 1997. [119435]

The Department has directly funded publicity materials aimed at parents, a number of practitioner conferences and the commissioning of research into truancy. Spending in these areas totals approximately £700,000. In addition it has supported a wide range of work at local level by local education authorities and schools to improve both behaviour and attendance through the Standards Fund. Local education authorities have made decisions about local priorities, and much of the funding has been delegated to schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many emergency service vehicles were involved in road traffic accidents in the UK during the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many of these accidents occurred while vehicles were responding to emergency calls. [122009]

Information from the Department's database of personal injury road accidents in Great Britain shows that 344 ambulances and 88 fire engines were involved in road traffic accidents involving personal injury during 2001. It is not possible to distinguish those that were responding to an emergency call at the time of the accident. Corresponding information for police vehicles is not available from this database.On a different basis, information on the total number of accidents involving police vehicles and fire appliances is available from the Home Office (for police vehicles), and the Scottish Fire Service Inspectorate and ODPM's Fire, Health and Safety Directorate respectively. Figures for the financial year 2001–02 are given in the following table. The figures relate to all accidents, whether or not personal injury was involved. The corresponding number of vehicles involved is not known. Comparable information for accidents involving ambulances is not available.

Accidents1 involving emergency service vehicles: GB, 2001–02
	Number
Accident involving police vehicles	18,010
Accident involving police vehicles responding to an
emergency call	5,173
Accident involving fire appliances2	3,389
Accidents involving fire appliances responding to an
emergency call	1,696
1 Figures relate to all accidents, not just those involving personal injury
2 Data not available for the Isle of Wight, Merseyside and Warwickshire

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the statement on 25 February 2003 by the former Minister for Transport to the Select Committee on Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions, when he will make a statement on transport provision in the new housing growth areas. [124443]

We are already committed to funding a considerable number of the priority schemes in the growth areas. More schemes are likely to be taken forward as a consequence of further announcements on transport studies which we are currently considering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents took place on UK motorways during the hours of darkness in each year since 1997. [124072]

The information requested is shown in the table.

Accidents on UK Motorways during the hours of darkness
	Number
1997	2,476
1998	2,483
1999	2,608
2000	2,820
2001	2,704
2002	2,705

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2003, Official Report, column 336W, to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow), how many times each rail franchise holder has asked to exceed the prescribed maximum journey times; how many times these requests have been (a) approved and (b) denied; and if he will list the approvals granted. [123470]

The SRA may allow train operators to exceed the prescribed journey time in the Passenger Service Requirement (PSR) as part of the effective management of the network and for a variety of operational reasons including capacity constraints, maintenance and renewals work on the network, and amendments to service patterns to provide improved services. The answer given to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam on 19 June 2003, Official Report, column 336W, sets out the derogations for the current timetable on Thameslink. Information for previous timetables could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Details for the current timetable of approved journey time derogations relating to all TOCs will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list aircraft sold to civilian (a) individuals and (b) companies by the Department in each of the last five years; and who the purchaser was in each case. [124257]

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: All aircraft sold over the last five years by type of aircraft, the year in which the sale took place and the numbers are set out in the table. The table includes aircraft sold for scrap metal recovery. Our records do not differentiate between individuals and companies.Details of purchasers of surplus equipment are a matter of commercial and customer confidentiality and I am therefore withholding details under Exemptions 12 and 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

	Year of sale
Aircraft Type	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Jet Provost	—	—	1	—	—	1
Jetstream	—	2	—	—	—	—
Meteor	1	—	—	—	—	—
Schleicher Valiant Glider	—	—	4	—	—	—
Varsity	1	—	—	—	—	—
Victor	2	—	—	—	—	—
Andover	1	—	—	—	—	—
BAC 1–11	—	—	1	—	—	—
BAE 146	—	—	—	—	—	—
Bucaneer	—	—	3	1	—	—
Bulldog	—	6	28	73	—	—
Chipmunk	—	—	3	—	—	—
Canberra	1	—	—	—	3	2
Chieftan	1	—	—	—	—	—
Devon	1	—	—	—	—	—
Gnat	—	—	1	—	—	—
HS 125	2	—	—	—	—	1
Harrier	2	6	—	2	11	2
Hunter	2	2	7	—	1	—
Jaguar	2	—	—	3	2	—
Schempp-Hirth Janus-C	—	—	1	—	—	—
Javelin	1	—	—	—	—	—
Gazelle	4	2	8	20	4	3
Lynx Helicopters	—	—	—	—	3	—
Sioux Helicopters	—	1	—	—	—	—
Wessex	14	2	4	3	6	—
Whirlwind	1	1	2	—	—	—
VC10	—	—	1	—	—	—
Lightning	1	—	—	—	—	—
Shackleton	1	—	—	—	—	—
Tornado	—	1	2	7	15	4
Puma	—	—	—	—	—	1
Hercules	—	—	—	2	—	—
Sea King	—	—	—	—	1	—
Viking Glider	—	—	—	—	1	—
Phantom	4	—	6	10	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when contributory pensions were introduced for members of the armed forces; what criteria have to be met to qualify for a pension; and what changes have been introduced in these criteria since 1970. [124509]

Members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) pay no direct contribution towards their pension entitlement, although the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body abates comparator pay, currently by 7 per cent. to take account of the value of the pension relative to those of selected comparator schemes. An individual qualifies for a preserved pension and tax-free lump sum of three times the pension at age 60, provided they have been members of the AFPS for at least two years. Immediate pensions are paid after 16 years (officers) or 22 years (other ranks) and a full pension after 34 and 37 years respectively, at age 55.The only significant change to the criteria for members' pensions since 1970 has been the introduction of the preserved pension in 1975 for those leaving the Armed Forces too early to receive an immediate pension. Armed Service Pensions were awarded to those who served before 1975 but only to those who completed the necessary qualifying periods of 22 years (from age 18 for other ranks) and 16 years (from age 21 for officers). Prior to 1975 there was no requirement for pension schemes to preserve benefits for those who left the scheme early. The qualifying periods for the AFPS were much less than for most other schemes at that time and, in addition, those who left before qualifying for pensions, but who had completed nine years (for officers) or 12 years (other ranks), were paid a gratuity. The provisions were changed in 1975 to meet with the requirements of the Social Security Act 1973 but in keeping with the policy of successive Governments, the provisions were not made retrospective. A number of changes have been made to other scheme criteria, notably to the eligibility criteria for widows' pensions and recently those for unmarried partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purpose is of the new tritium plant being built at the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment, Aldermaston. [123486]

The purpose of the new Tritium Handling Facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment is to replace a 40-year-old facility which is now being decommissioned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the Department plans to secure tritium supplies after production ceases at Chapelcross. [123487]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence on 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 175W, to the hon. Member for Keighley (Mrs. Cryer).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 11 June 2003, Official Report, column 915W, on scientific exchanges, if he will list the United States Departments and establishments that were visited by AWE personnel. [123589]

AWE personnel on scientific exchanges to the United States in 2002 visited the following Departments or establishments:

• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
• ITT Industries
• Honeywell Kansas City Plant
• BWXT Pantex Plant
• BWXT Y-12 Plant
• National Nuclear Security Administration Headquarters
• Bechtel Nevada
• NNSA Savannah River site
• Logicon RDA
• Titan Corporation
• Mitre Corporation
• Picatinny Arsenal
• US Strategic Command
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency
• LLE Rochester
• Pacific Northwest Laboratories
• Brookhaven National Laboratory
• Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
• Bolling Air Force Base
• AFT AC Patrick Air Force Base
• MIT Lincoln Laboratory
• Naval Surface Warfare Center
• Science Applications International Corporation

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, pursuant to his answer of 11 June 2003, Official Report, column 915W, on scientific exchanges, if he will list the United States Departments and establishments from which visitors to AWE have come. [123590]

United States visitors to AWE on scientific exchanges in 2002 were from the following State Departments or establishments:

• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
• Sandia National Laboratories
• ITT Industries
• Honeywell Kansas City Plant
• BWXT Pantex Plant
• BWXT Y-12 Plant
• National Nuclear Security Administration Headquarters
• Bechtel Nevada
• Science Applications International Corporation
• Titan Corporation
• US Strategic Command
• Defense Threat Reduction Agency
• Naval Research Laboratory
• Alme Associates
• Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space
• LLE Rochester
• Naval Surface Warfare Center
• Strategic Systems Programs

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken by principal personnel officers in the Army to identify best practice in dealing with bullying; in what form common procedures have been established; and what the agreed definition of bullying is. [112620]

The Army's zero tolerance policy towards bullying is reviewed regularly to ensure best practice in the light of experience and to take account of emerging legislation. The policy was re-emphasised when the new Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct was issued to all personnel in January 2000. The Armed Forces Diversity policy, issued subsequently in June 2002, strives to create an environment that is free from harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination. In this spirit, the Army, in common with the other two Services, has set up a confidential helpline for use by personnel who consider themselves to be the victims of bullying or harassment.The Army's policy on bullying is promulgated extensively through the chain of command. Commanders at all levels are briefed specifically on it and the policy features widely in service literature. In addition each unit routinely publishes orders at least every six months reminding personnel of their rights as individuals and how to raise a complaint if they feel they are being bullied. The chain of command also issues reminders on bullying policy where it considers it necessary to do so.There is no legal definition of bullying. However, the Army defines bullying as the abuse of physical or mental strength or a position of authority to intimidate, persecute or victimise individual(s).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to discourage the use of illegal drugs at Deepcut barracks since 1995. [124174]

Drug misuse is unacceptable in the armed forces and the Services have vigorous education and training programmes aimed at deterring drug misuse. Steps taken include drugs awareness lectures and regular poster campaigns to promote awareness on the dangers and consequences of the misuse of drugs. In recognition of the growing drug problem within the society from which it recruits, the Army introduced a Compulsory Drug Testing programme in May 1995. All measures to deter the misuse of drugs have, and continue to be, applied at Deepcut as they are applied at all military units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) on what date NATO was given right of first refusal over the European Security and Defence Policy mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; [119854]

Name	Date	Location
Major Ward	21 March	Kuwaiti side of the Kuwait/Iraq border
Captain Guy
Major Ward
Colour Sergeant Cecil
Marine Hedenskog
OM(C)2 Seymour
Sergeant Hehir
Lance Bombadier Evans
Warrant Officer 2 Stratford

The United Kingdom Government have on-going discussions on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the ESDP deployment, with the US Administration. Under the European Security and Defence Policy the EU undertakes operations where NATO as a whole is not engaged. The EU Secretary General/High Representative, Mr Solana, briefed NATO Foreign Ministers, including US representatives, on EU discussions about the operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 3 June. NATO Foreign Ministers welcomed this transparency. There was no suggestion that NATO would become engaged. NATO and the EU are autonomous organisations. As such, they take decisions independently of each other, albeit in close consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research has been undertaken into the threat posed by the use of electromagnetic pulse weapons; what steps have been taken to protect against the effects of such weapons; and if he will make a statement. [111231]

Research programmes have been undertaken since the mid 1980s into the threat posed by electromagnetic energy, including high power microwave and radio frequency sources, to both military and civil electronics-rich systems. This research has produced guidelines and procedures to alleviate these effects, by using good equipment fabrication practice, shielding techniques and hardened circuit design.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when first deliveries of the Eurofighter Typhoon will be made to the Royal Air Force. [123570]

I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 30 June 2003, Official Report, column 1 WS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list (a) the location and (b) the number of British service personnel (i) killed and (ii) injured while on military duties in Iraq in 2003. [122308]

[holding answer 30 June 2003]: As at 30 June 43 UK personnel have died and 155 have been injured since the beginning of Operation Telic.

Name	Date	Location
Lieutenant Green	22 March	Northern Gulf
Lieutenant King
Lieutenant Lawrence
Lieutenant West
Lieutenant Wilson
Lieutenant Williams
Flight Lieutenant Williams	23 March	Iraq/Kuwait border
Flight Lieutenant Main
Staff Sergeant Cullingworth	23 March	Southern Iraq
Sapper Allsopp
Lance Corporal Stephen	24 March	Al Zubayr
Sergeant Roberts	24 March	Al Zubayr
Corporal Allbutt	25 March	South west of Basrah
Trooper Clarke	25 March
Lance Corporal of Horse Hull	28 March	Southern Iraq
Marine Maddison	30 March	Near Basrah
Major Ballard	30 March	Az Zubayr
Lance Corporal Brierley	30 March	Kuwait
Staff Sergeant Muir	31 March	Southern Iraq
Lance Corporal Shearer	1 April	Southern Iraq (Lt Tweedie died on 21 April in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary)
Lieutenant Tweedie
Private Muzvuru	6 April	Basrah
Lance Corporal Malone
Fusilier Turrington	6 April	Basrah
Senior Aircraftsman Pritchard	8 May	In hospital in UK following RTA in theatre
Lance Corporal McCue	30 April	Southern Iraq
Private Kelly	6 May	Southern Iraq
Corporal Shepherd	19 May	Kuwait
Mr. Leonard Harvey (Defence Fire Service)	22 May	Died in hospital in UK after being taken ill while deployed in the Gulf
Corporal Aston	24 June	Al Majaar Al Kabir
Corporal Miller
Lance Corporal Hyde
Corporal Long
Lance Corporal Keys
Sergeant Hamilton-Jewell

We cannot provide the locations of the incidents where service personnel were injured as these are not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in clearing sites in Iraq where cluster bombs were used; and if he will make a statement. [112531]

United Kingdom and other coalition explosive ordnance disposal (E0D) teams in the UK's area of responsibility have completed over 1,000 tasks and destroyed over 100,000 individual munitions. We do not record types of munitions destroyed.A full survey of sites contaminated with unexploded munitions is now under way. The survey is being conducted in concert with other coalition forces, nongovernmental organisations and demining companies. On average about 30 new EOD tasks are being identified each week.We cannot comment on progress made by other coalition partners, other than to reiterate that providing a safe, secure and risk free environment for the Iraqi people is a key aspect of restoration activity for all the coalition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council under regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994 about his plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton. [124243]

Full consultation with the relevant authorities has identified no European designated sites within two km of the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton. It is therefore not considered necessary for Aylesbury Vale district council, as the competent authority, to undertake an appropriate assessment as outlined under Regulation 48(2) of the Conservation (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1994.Bats are a European protected species. A full bat survey and comprehensive mitigation strategy will be submitted to Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature for their consideration in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on plans to redevelop the Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, of the discovery that bats are roosting in the hospital building. [124245]

Defence Estates has commissioned a detailed bat survey at Princess Mary hospital site, RAF Halton, to determine the location of roosting bats, identify species type, estimate population size and provide recommendations for their protection with respect to the potential redevelopment of the hospital site. This survey is currently being undertaken by WSP Environmental, licensed bat ecologists, in consultation with relevant officers at Aylesbury Vale district council and English Nature. There should be no delay to the disposal as this work can run concurrently with the outline planning application.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been put in place to ensure that those selected for instructional duties in each of the three services are temperamentally suitable. [123949]

A number of measures have been put in place to ensure suitable personnel are selected for instructional duties. These include closer definition of competences in the selection process and better training

	1998–99		1999–2000		2000–01		2001–02		2002–03
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
Naval Service
Officers	80	8	70	6	80	7	80	6	120	10
Other
Ranks	1,390	42	1,610	46	1,430	45	1,690	50	1,620	46
Total	1,470	34	1,680	36	1,500	35	1,770	38	1,740	36
Army
Officers	260	26	220	22	260	25	190	18	180	16
Other
Ranks	6,060	51	5,990	48	4,920	41	4,230	35	4,720	35
Total	6,320	49	6,210	46	5,180	40	4,410	33	4,900	37
RAF
Officers	50	5	40	4	40	3	50	4	50	4
Other
Ranks	640	27	640	26	640	24	570	21	580	19
Total	690	21	680	19	680	17	620	15	630	15
All
Services
Officers	390	13	330	10	380	11	320	9	350	9
Other
Ranks	8,080	46	8,240	45	6,990	39	6,480	35	6,910	36
Total	8,470	41	8,580	40	7,370	35	6,810	31	7,260	32

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the investigation of allegations concerning the destruction of documents and evidence that may be required by Sir John Stevens. [124330]

No allegations concerning the destruction of documents and evidence have been put to the Ministry of Defence. If, however, such allegations were made it would be for the police to investigate the matter in the first instance and consider whether charges should be brought. The Department would, as is its policy and practice, co-operate fully with any such investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Suez veterans will be awarded a of instructors after selection.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of recruits dropped out of initial training in each of the last 10 years. [123951]

Figures for the last 10 years are not available. However, the number and percentage of recruits who left the untrained strength of the armed forces and returned to civilian life in each year since 1998–99 are as follows:medal for their service in the Canal Zone; and when medals will be issued to veterans. [123985]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 July 2003, Official Report, column 453W, to the hon. Members for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) and for Castle Point (Bob Spink).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are deployed in (a) Kosovo, (b) Bosnia and (c) Afghanistan. [124466]

There are some 300 British troops deployed in Kosovo, a further 1,250 in Bosnia and around 330 deployed in Afghanistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he held with the Afghan authorities about reconstruction on his recent visit to Afghanistan. [123685]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed reconstruction in the context of security sector reform with President Karzai and Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah during his recent visit. Without improved security, wider reconstruction efforts will not be possible. The UK is contributing £16.6 million this year to security sector reform; and has spent more than £170 million on development assistance to Afghanistan since September 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department will give to proposals for a regional peace conference in the African Great Lakes area. [124009]

The UK fully supports proposals for a regional peace conference in the Great Lakes area, when conditions in the region are stable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the UN on promoting the re-opening of Nicosia airport; and if he will make this his policy. [R] [123412]

None. This is an issue for the two sides to discuss within the context of the measures introduced in response to the partial lifting of the restrictions on freedom of movement. We welcome all efforts to improve relations between the two communities, which have demonstrated that Greek and Turkish Cypriots can live together peacefully. However, confidence building measures cannot be a substitute for a comprehensive settlement on the basis of the UN plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department will be taking to support the newly created Transitional National Government in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if he will make a statement. [124006]

We warmly welcome the announcement on 30 June 2003 of the proposed new Transitional National Government (TNG) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We are encouraging the parties to ensure that inauguration of the TNG happens soon, as the next step on the road to peace and democracy.The Department for International Development is preparing a strategy to support the DRC during the transition and beyond. We are working closely with them on this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the leaders of the (a) Democratic Republic of the Congo, (b) Rwanda and (c) Uganda on preventing the supplying, training and arming of rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [124008]

We are in regular contact with the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. We continue to call on them to stop all support to all armed groups throughout the DRC. UN Security Council Resolution 1484 of 30 May demanded that all states in the Great Lakes region refrain from any activity which could further destabilise the situation in Ituri, and

"the cessation of all support, in particular weapons and any other military materiel, to the armed groups and militias".

It further demanded that all Congolese parties and all states in the region actively prevent the supply of such support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received regarding the conflict in the east and north-east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [124010]

The UN-mandated Interim Emergency Multinational Force has reached operational capacity and has made good progress. The situation in Bunia is reported to be much calmer since demilitarisation of the town. The UK has contributed five staff officers to the Force Headquarters and an engineer detachment (around 76 strong).There have been a series of military confrontations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's other troubled eastern provinces, the Kivus, between the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD-Goma) and various other groups. A ceasefire agreement was signed in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura, on 19 June by the RCD-Goma, the Rally for Congolese Democracy-Liberation Movement and the FAC (DRC Government forces), which we welcome. We hope that the inauguration of the Transitional National Government in Kinshasa—anticipated later this month—will reduce tension in the Kivus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Ministers there were in his Department in each year since 1996. [120997]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 24 June 2003, Official Report, column 661W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his Department first received allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft. [123012]

We have not received any substantiated allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems over the possible sale of Gripen jets to the Czech Republic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United States Government first made complaints of alleged corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the Government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft to his Department; and which United States Government Department made this complaint. [123013]

Various Departments of the US Administration have raised allegations against BAE Systems, on a number of occasions, since the US industry decision in May 2001 not to continue participation in the Czech Republic's fighter aircraft competition, but we have been unable to find, nor have we been given, any evidence whatsoever to substantiate them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many meetings have been held since 1 January 1999 between Ministers in his Department and the United States administration in which allegations of corrupt practice by BAE Systems regarding the possible sale of Gripen jets and the decision by the government of the Czech Republic to buy supersonic aircraft were discussed; when each of these meetings was held; where each of these meetings was held; and which United States Administration departments attended each of these meetings. [123015]

No allegations of corrupt practice have been discussed in any meetings between FCO Ministers and the US Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of whether the proposed amendments before the legislative chamber of Hong Kong regarding article 23 are compatible with the basic rights and freedoms that were laid down in the Joint Declaration; and if he will make a statement. [123025]

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government announced several proposed changes to their draft Article 23 legislation on 3 and 6 June. We welcome this further demonstration of their willingness to take account of views expressed and to improve the wording of this sensitive piece of legislation.There has, however, been no substantive change to the proposed new provisions on the proscription of organisations that have links with groups banned in the mainland on grounds of national security.The Joint Declaration and Basic Law provide for Hong Kong to have a legal system separate from that on the Mainland. The proposed new provisions on proscription blur the dividing line between the two autonomous legal systems by introducing into Hong Kong legislation linkages to mainland law. We share the view of many in Hong Kong that this is inconsistent with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which underlies the Joint Declaration. We have made this point to the SAR Government.I issued a press statement expressing these views on 30 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK lorry drivers have been arrested in EU countries for offences related to drug smuggling and human trafficking in each of the last three years; and what proportion of these have claimed to be innocent. [121454]

[holding answer 7 July 2003]: We do not have the statistics for the last three years on the points raised by my hon. Friend. It would incur disproportionate cost to provide this information. However, we are aware of 82 British lorry drivers currently detained in EU countries for drug smuggling or human trafficking offences.We do not make judgments on the innocence or guilt of British nationals detained overseas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the dossier on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction produced in March 2002 was not published at that time. [122503]

There was work going on in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on a document which covered four countries and WMD in consultation with other Government Departments and the JIC. A large part of that was on Iraq and could have been published separately. However, once it was decided that the intelligence material on Iraq should be referred to more explicitly the process was taken over by the JIC Chairman and the JIC and a new draft was produced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the (a) membership, (b) previous positions held by members, (c) terms of employment, (d) responsibilities, (e) line management and (f) funding of (i) the Coalition Information Centre and (ii) the Iraq Communications Committee; and what access each is given to intelligence and security information. [122685]

The Coalition Information Centre (CIC) was based in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it was under the direction of the Prime Minister's Director of Communications. It was staffed by officials from a wide range of Whitehall Departments and, when appropriate, secondees from other Governments. Most of those involved had previously worked in the field of Government Communications and Information. They remained on the normal employment terms of their home Departments. Their responsibility within the CIC was to contribute to the co-ordination and dissemination of cross-Government information and communications.When delivering their day-to-day objectives within the CIC, staff were managed by a senior FCO official, but their personnel management remained with their home Departments. The funding of the CIC for infrastructure (IT etc.) was covered by the FCO. Home Departments covered staffing costs. Those members of the CIC who were authorised to have access to intelligence and security information did so through the appropriate channels.The Iraq Communications Group is comprised of senior officials from Downing Street and other Whitehall Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his statement of 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 31, on Iraq, when he will make a written statement on the disruption of the INDICT conference in Paris in 2000. [123984]

[holding answer 7 July 2003]: We are still looking into this issue, which relates to newspaper reports concerning documents obtained in Iraq. We are seeking to establish whether the claims made about the content and importance of a number of such documents have any foundation. It will take some time for the documents to be examined and there is no guarantee that it will be possible to publish the findings. If it transpires that the Government can make public any new insights, we will do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which states have offered to become engaged in the stabilisation of Iraq following Resolution 1483, passed by the UN Security Council on 22 May; and what role each state will play, together with the commencement date. [124351]

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: At least 17 states are expected to contribute military forces and personnel to work alongside UK and US troops in the multi-national stabilisation force in Iraq. These states are Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Mongolia, Netherlands, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Thailand, and Ukraine. New Zealand will provide engineers for humanitarian and reconstruction tasks. Other nations are also expected to contribute. The multi-national force will be responsible for internal and external security in Iraq, until new Iraqi forces are capable of taking on these roles. Some forces have already deployed and we expect all to deploy over the next few months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Moroccan authorities on the jailed Saharani human rights activist Ali Salem Tamek. [123849]

[holding answer 7 July 2003]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the then Under-Secretary of State on 7 May 2003. Officials and Ministers regularly call upon the parties to the Western Sahara dispute to take action on human rights issues.In April this year officials brought our concerns over the trial, sentencing and prison conditions of Ali Salem Tamek to the attention of the Moroccan authorities in Laayoune and Rabat. We continue to monitor the situation closely, and will take action with the appropriate authorities where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the impact on the Saharawi people of changed restrictions on their civil rights by the Moroccan authorities. [123850]

[holding answer 7 July 2003]: We continue to monitor the situation in Western Sahara and raise specific cases with the relevant authorities where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the impact of Shari'a law on Pakistani Christians in the North West Frontier Province. [123638]

We are aware that a Shariat Bill has been passed in the North West Frontier Province which envisages an Islamic way of life there. No representation has been made because the human rights implications are as yet unclear. The law is not yet in force and its constitutionality has reportedly been challenged in the Supreme Court. Our High Commission in Pakistan will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Government of Pakistan on the imprisonment of Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy. [123639]

We remain concerned about the treatment of minorities and misuse of the blasphemy laws. We are aware of a number of people (including Pakistani Christians) who are imprisoned for blasphemy, some of whom are facing the death sentence. On 7 February 2003 the EU Presidency in Islamabad delivered a comprehensive demarche to the Minister of State (Law, Justice and Human Rights), Mr. Muhammad Raza Hayat Harraj, expressing our serious concerns. The Presidency reiterated these concerns to Mr. Harraj, in a second demarche on 23 June 2003. With our EU partners, we will continue to press for the death penalty to be abolished and blasphemy laws amended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the prospect for free and fair elections in Rwanda. [124007]

The Rwandan authorities have announced that Presidential and Parliamentary elections will be held in August and September. We have encouraged the Government gradually to open up political space in the run-up to these and to ensure that the elections are free, fair and transparent. A new law governing political organisations and politicians was adopted on 23 June. This prohibits parties from basing themselves on

"race, ethnic group, tribe, clan, region, sex, religion or any other division which may give rise to discrimination".

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to support Taiwan's efforts to be granted observer status at the World Health Organisation. [121322]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on 26 March 2003, Official Report, column 260W, and 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 134W.A number of World Health Assembly (WHA) members proposed that Taiwan be granted observer status to the WHA. China and a number of countries strongly opposed this. This proposal did not make the agenda for the WHA and was not therefore discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the use of UK arms exports to Indonesia. [123939]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) on 12 June 2003, Official Report, columns 1038–39W, and the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) on 3 July 2003, Official Report, column 455W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the contribution crown green bowling makes to the promotion of (a) social cohesion and (b) a healthier nation. [123516]

[holding answer 8 July 2003]: The Government appreciate that sport and physical activity have valuable roles to play in tackling a wide range of objectives, including promoting social cohesion and improving health. This Department and Sport England have, however, made no formal assessment specifically of the role of crown green bowling in the promotion of social cohesion and a healthier nation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has (a) received from and (b) made to the Scottish Executive concerning the London Olympic bid. [122523]

I recently received representations from Frank McAveety, Scottish Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, concerning the London Olympic bid, in which he generally welcomed the bid and identified the need, which I endorse, to work together closely to maximise the benefits of the Olympics for the whole of the UK. Mr. McAveety also raised concerns about the potential impact of the Olympics on the Lottery in Scotland and I intend to respond to his letter shortly.In January this year I discussed the London Olympic bid at Sports Cabinet, the body which brings together the four Home Country Ministers with responsibility for sport. At this meeting I outlined the key criteria on which the decision to support a London bid for 2012 would be based—affordability, deliverability, legacy and winnability.DCMS officials have also had various discussions with their Scottish Executive counterparts and I am keen that in taking forward work on the Olympic bid there is a clear and open dialogue between my Department and the Devolved Administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what projects the Department supported in the Crosby constituency and Merseyside in (a) 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002 and (d) 2003. [116286]

The information required has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether Sport England has settled regional budgets for the current year; and what the budget allocation is for the English regions. [124241]

Sport England has not yet set the budgets for the regions and is currently looking at a range of options regarding future funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what representations she has received regarding Royal Parks in the last 12 months; [123372](2) what plans she has to work with The Royal Parks Foundation in the regeneration of Royal Parks; [123373](3) what recent discussions she has had with The Royal Parks Foundation; and if she will make a statement; [123374](4) if she will make a statement on the condition of Royal Parks in London; [123376](5) what further plans she has to maintain the condition of The Royal Parks following the recently announced funding to restore Royal Parks. [123375]

DCMS receives many representations about various aspects of the role and work of The Royal Parks over the course of a year.The latest assessment of The Royal Parks' priorities and plans, including plans to improve the condition of infrastructure in the Parks, is contained in The Royal Parks Corporate Plan 2003–04 to 2005–06, which my right hon. Friend the then Minister for the Arts, Baroness Blackstone, approved on 12 May 2003. Copies of the Plan have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.The Royal Parks Foundation is a charity which has very recently been established to increase the profile of the Parks and raise funds for projects and initiatives within the Parks. It has three trustees and is chaired by Peter Ellwood CBE. It shares the vision and objectives of The Royal Parks but is independent of Government, and will make its own decisions about the use of any funds which it raises. The Chief Executive of The Royal Parks is working closely with the Foundation and is in regular contact with its Chairman and trustees. The Royal Parks has not so far received any funding from the Foundation. The Foundation has yet to start its fund-raising work and its programme will take time to develop.