To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of the care home abuse cases have been rejected by the Crown Prosecution Service since 1997. [128390]

The Crown Prosecution Service does not maintain a central database of cases, and 'care home abuse cases' do not form a separate category of offence. The information requested could be obtained only by examining every case file and would therefore incur disproportionate costs.Recently, ACPO undertook a study that concluded that between 1997 and 2000 the CPS rejected 79 per cent. of cases of institutional child abuse referred to it. Of the cases that were prosecuted, convictions were achieved in 83 per cent. of cases.

To ask the Solicitor-General what guidance she has issued to the Crown Prosecution Service on the prosecution of crimes involving fraud against small businesses. [128965]

In March this year, I arranged and attended a meeting between the CPS, the SFO and the Federation of Small Businesses.I have had discussions with colleagues in the DTI about the importance of tackling fraud against small business.In July of this year, the Home Office published their report on responses to their consultation on business crime.

To ask the Solicitor-General what targets were set by the CPS in 2002–03 on meeting the needs of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, in co-operation with other criminal justice agencies; and what the performance results are of these targets. [128719]

Meeting the needs of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system, in co-operation with other criminal justice agencies was a specific Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) objective in 2002-03 and is set out in the 2002-03 CPS Annual Report.Two targets were set: firstly, to pay 100 per cent. of correctly completed witness expense claims within 10 days; and secondly, to increase to 94 per cent. the proportion of replies to complaints within 10 days.

To ask the Solicitor-General what steps the Crown Prosection Service has taken to improve the service to (a) victims and (b) witnesses of crime. [128858]

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is working to improve the service that victims and witnesses of crime receive. This includes working with the Home Office and other criminal justice system agencies in developing the Government's recently published national strategy to deliver improved services to victims and witnesses.The CPS has fully implemented the direct communication with victims initiative, whereby prosecutors provide reasons to victims for decisions to drop or substantially alter charges. A meeting to provide a further explanation should also be offered in cases involving death, child abuse, sexual offences, racial offences or offences with a homophobic element.In relation to vulnerable or intimidated witnesses, the CPS is continuing to work closely with the Home Office and others to implement measures recommended in the report Speaking up for Justice, given statutory force by the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. In July 2002, video recorded statements became admissible as evidence in chief in crown court proceedings for children under 17 and for vulnerable adults. In the crown court, the provision to give evidence by way of TV link is also available to children, vulnerable adults and intimidated witnesses. The CPS undertook a comprehensive training programme to ensure that staff were fully aware of the issues raised by the new measures. By March 2003, over 1000 CPS staff had been trained.In relation to general victim and witness care, the CPS is working with ACPO and the Office for Public Service Reform on piloting a Victim and Witness Care Project that builds on the developing working relationship between the police and the CPS. Five pilot Areas (Gwent, North Wales, West Midlands, Essex and South Yorkshire) were established in July 2003. The pilot will run until March 2004.In all pilot Areas, police officers will undertake a needs assessment for all victims and witnesses. If criminal proceedings are commenced, dedicated witness care staff will manage delivery of information and support to witnesses throughout the life of a case.The CPS has also been conducting a public consultation on whether prosecutors should be permitted to conduct pre-trial interviews with prosecution witnesses in order to assess their reliability.

To ask the Solicitor-General what steps are being taken by the CPS to target street crime in each hot spot street crime area. [128723]

Since Aril 2002, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has worked in partnership with the police and the courts to target street crime in the 10 areas with the biggest robbery problem.As a result, levels of street crime in these 10 areas have been reduced by 17 per cent. and conviction rates have been improved.The CPS has played a central role by developing a premium service for street crime cases whereby experienced prosecutors get 'in early and stay late'. The elements of the premium service are:

To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of the CPS's area business managers were new appointments in 2002–03. [128837]

During the financial year 2002–03, 71 per cent. of Area Business Managers were new appointments.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases were dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2001–02. [128853]

In 2002–03 the Crown Prosecution Service dealt with cases in respect of 1,435,763 defendants in magistrates courts of which 125,709 proceeded to the Crown court. In 2001–02 the figures were 1,359,205 in magistrates courts, of which 115,014 proceeded to the Crown court.The magistrates court figures include some non-criminal proceedings and advice cases that may not have resulted in prosecution. Crown court figures include appeals and committals for sentence.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many defendants were prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service in (a) magistrates courts and (b) the Crown Court in (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 2001–02. [128854]

In 2002–03 the Crown Prosecution Service prosecuted 1,362,312 defendants in magistrates courts, of which 94,546 proceeded to the Crown Court. The comparable figures for 2001–02 were 1,304,185 defendants prosecuted in magistrates courts, of which 84,335 proceeded to the Crown Court. These figures exclude non-criminal proceedings and advice cases, appeals and committals for sentence.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many (a) summary cases and (b) indictable or either way cases were received by the Crown Prosecution Service in 2002–03. [128859]

The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records showing the type of charge in cases received: rather the information is recorded when the case is eventually completed.In 2002–03 the Service dealt with 796,742 defendants in summary proceedings in magistrates courts, and 565,570 in either way and indictable only proceedings in the magistrates courts and the Crown court.

To ask the Solicitor-General what change there has been in the volume of pre-charge advices provided to the police by the Crown Prosection Service since 2001–02. [128860]

Pending the implementation of the charging scheme in the Criminal Justice Bill, the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are establishing non-statutory arrangements (based on those which were piloted in 2002) which involve their working together more closely pre-charge. One element is the provision of early CPS advice through a duty prosecutor routinely stationed at busy police stations or charging centres. These arrangements, which in some Areas are still at the planning stage, should be in operation in all Areas by the end of the year. Prior to the charging pilot, advices sought by the police from most forces were usually limited to a few cases involving substantial legal difficulty. Frequently, advice was sought after charge when many of the issues were already decided and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) intervention would often involve a reversal of previous police decisions. In the charging pilot last year over 6,100 advices were sought by the police during the period of CPS attendance.

To ask the Solicitor-General what the Crown Prosecution Service budget was for (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2001–02. [128862]

The Crown Prosecution Service resource budget was (a) £464 million for 2002–03 and (b) £402 million for 2001–02.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many additional lawyers the CPS employed in 2002–03 [128873]

The number of lawyers in post has increased by 237 during the period from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003, when the total stood at 2,267.

To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of CPS staff work in areas prosecuting or supporting the prosecution of offenders. [128874]

All staff in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are employed to ensure that the CPS can fulfil its statutory functions, namely prosecuting offenders. A table showing the percentage of staff working in different functional areas follows.

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on guidance issued to the Crown Prosecution Service on the conduct of cases involving domestic violence. [129395]

Cases involving domestic violence are conducted in accordance with the Crown Prosecution Service revised policy on prosecution of cases of domestic violence issued in November 2001. The policy focuses on the safety of the victim and children, while holding abusers accountable for their actions. The CPS is committed to supporting victims by, where appropriate, the use of special measures and, wherever possible, by constructing cases on the basis of evidence other than that of the victim.The CPS network of domestic violence co-ordinators facilitates implementation of the revised policy, assists in providing training and shares and promotes good practice and a consistency of approach across the 42 areas.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many people in the Law Officers' department had a role in advice given on the legality of the continued occupation of Iraq. [128964]

There are two officials in the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers who assist in dealing with any questions of international law relating to Iraq. There is a longstanding convention, followed by successive governments, that neither the substance of Law Officers' advice, nor the fact that they have been consulted, is publicly disclosed. This is consistent with paragraphs 2 and 4(d) of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Solicitor-General what new structures have been developed to manage delivery and reform of the CJS at national and local levels. [128724]

The Government established a National Criminal Justice Board and 42 Local Criminal Justice Boards following recommendations made by Lord Justice Auld in his review of the Criminal Courts and as part of a wider package of Criminal Justice reform announced in the White Paper "Justice for All".At a national level, a National Criminal Justice Board comprising CJS Ministers, senior officials from the Home Office, the CPS, the Department for Constitutional Affairs and senior representatives from the police and the judiciary, is responsible for

To ask the Solicitor-General how many criminal trials collapsed as a result of witnesses receiving payment from media organisations in each of the last 10 years. [127660]

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) keeps a wide range of statistical information on matters pertaining to the prosecution of cases, as do the courts and other criminal justice agencies. Data is gathered by CPS on generic reasons leading to unsuccessful case outcomes but this does not extend to specific and unusual acts, such as a witness receiving payment from a media organisation.

To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of cases in the Crown court resulted in a conviction in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [128856]

In 2001–02 the Crown Prosecution secured convictions in 73.3 per cent. of Crown court cases. This rose to 74.5 per cent. in 2002–03.

To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of defendants who pleaded not guilty in the Crown court were convicted in 2002–03. [128857]

In 2002–03, the Crown Prosecution Service secured convictions in respect of 61.9 per cent. of all defendants who pleaded not guilty and whose cases proceeded to a contested hearing in the Crown court.

To ask the Solicitor-General what the discontinuance rate was in magistrates court cases in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [128861]

Discontinuances—those cases in which a decision is made not to proceed before evidence is heard by the court—fell from 16.2 per cent. of all magistrates court cases prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service in magistrates courts in 2001–02 to 15.5 per cent. in 2002–03. These figures include cases in which the defendant was bound over without a trial being held.

To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of prosecutions in the magistrates courts secured a conviction in 2002–03; and how many defendants pleaded or were found guilty. [128855]

In 2002–03 the Crown Prosecution Service secured convictions in 76.8 per cent. of all prosecutions in the magistrates courts. This figure comprised 811,583 guilty pleas and 166,909 verdicts of guilty after trial.

To ask the Solicitor-General what definition is used of a vulnerable adult as it relates to the admissibility of video recorded statements as evidence in chief in Crown Court proceedings. [128726]

Chapter 1 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 provides for a witness to be eligible as a vulnerable adult for assistance by the use of video recorded evidence if the court considers that the quality of the evidence given by the witness is likely to be diminished by reason of any of the following circumstances:

(i)the witness suffers from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983; or

(ii)otherwise has a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning; or

(iii)that the witness has a physical disability or is suffering from a physical disorder.

The court will consider any views expressed by the witness pursuant to section 16 (4) of the Act.Once a witness is deemed eligible, then in relation to adult vulnerable witnesses, the court needs to be satisfied that the video will maximise the quality of their evidence.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what work is outstanding on (a) Norman Shaw North, (b) Norman Shaw South and (c) Portcullis House; and what the estimated completion date is. [128789]

No work is outstanding in Norman Shaw North other than routine maintenance.In Norman Shaw South the refurbishment contractor has defects liability until February 2004 and he will attend to any items as necessary. The design consultant has liability to resolve window closure details and an issue in connection with air conditioning design. Also, some minor alterations were requested by the Accommodation and Works Committee for execution this summer.In Portcullis House the water feature contractor is currently fulfilling his defects liability and the fenestration contractor has one item remaining from his defects schedule which is to be dealt with in September.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much the Houses of Parliament ticket office has cost in each year since its construction. [127949]

During the period of the trial opening (2000 and 2001) of the summer line of route, tickets were on sale in Westminster Hall. Following the Houses' decision to put the arrangement on a permanent footing, and pending the outcome of discussions with Westminster City Council as the local planning authority and with English Heritage, a temporary facility on Abingdon Green was used as a ticket office in 2002. The cost was £53,500, of which the House of Commons share was £32,100.The permanent ticket office used this year for the first time has an estimated cost of £155,000 (the House of Commons share is £93,000). It will be dismantled and put into store during the winter and with due maintenance it is expected to be used each summer for at least 10 years. The annual cost will therefore be £15,500, of which the House of Commons' share will be £9,300.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what the cost of constructing the Houses of Parliament ticket office was; what the cost of storing the ticket office until 2004 will be; which company has been selected to store the ticket office until 2004; and if he will make a statement. [128788]

The permanent ticket office used this year for the first time has an estimated cost of £155,000 (the House of Commons share is £93,000). It will be dismantled and put into store during the winter and with due maintenance it is expected to be used each summer for at least 10 years. The annual cost will therefore be £15,500, of which the House of Commons' share will be £9,300.Tenders are to be invited shortly for the dismantling, storage, maintenance and re-erection of the building for the next four years.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission (1) what percentage of the paper collected for recycling was (a) recycled within the UK and (b) exported for recycling in each of the last three years; [127225](2) what percentage of paper collected for recycling was recycled in each of the last three years; and what steps he takes to ensure this happens. [127226]

The parliamentary waste management contractor mixes waste paper from all sources at his recycling plant and is not able separately to measure the weight from any one source which has gone to UK or overseas paper makers.All the paper collected for recycling in the Palace and the northern outbuildings has been recycled, unless there were any isolated incidents where the staff of the cleaning contractor misdirected sacks intended for recycling.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what items can be recycled by hon. and right hon. Members and their staff; and if he will make a statement. [128786]

Waste paper from Members' offices may be recycled by using the special bins provided and metals may be recycled by using the general office waste bins. Glass may be recycled by leaving it at the waste centres at Peers' Inner Court in the Palace and at 1 Canon Row.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans there are for civil emergency exercises (a) in London and (b) elsewhere in the next 12 months. [128657]

In London, the London Resilience Partnership of the emergency services, health services, local authorities, utilities and transport agencies have a continuous programme of training and exercises. These comprise tabletop exercises, live exercises and training events.Elsewhere, a nationwide rolling programme of exercises ensures that we have robust and well-practised contingency plans in place to respond to a whole range of civil emergency incidents. The main activity is carried out at the local and regional level by local authorities and the emergency services. These exercises are based on risk assessments which include natural, technological or man-made crises; for example, exercises cover key facilities such as airports, nuclear power stations and chemical complexes. It is complemented by a cross-governmental programme.Under the broader cross-governmental programme, on the counter-terrorist side, the Home Office carries out three major exercises per annum plus a number of smaller scale exercises. Other exercises cover the health service response and consequence management of CBRN-related emergencies.On non-terrorist disruptive challenges, future exercises include the testing of the response to oil pollution, civil nuclear emergency response, foot-and-mouth contingency testing, chemical spills, flood management and a fuel shortage and its impact on the food supply chain.The UK also plans to participate in exercises with international partners and fora.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what arrangements there are for the disposal of (a) ministerial and (b) departmental vehicles; and if he will make a statement; [128796](2) what the average time is that ministerial cars have been kept in operational service; and if he will make a statement. [128799]

The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive Mr Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what percentage of appointees to UK Government sponsored public bodies are (a) disabled people and (b) people with minority ethnic backgrounds. [128059]

Further to my written statement on 16 July 2003, Official Report, column 49WS, I would like to correct the figure given for the percentages of disabled public appointees to public bodies and those with a minority ethnic background. As at 31 March 2003, 5.3 per cent. of public appointments are held by people with a minority ethnic background and 3.1 per cent. by disabled people. Information about the public bodies sponsored by UK Government Departments, and those appointed to serve on them, is available in Public Bodies 2003, revised copies of which have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made by the Department in increasing the number of women seeking public appointments since May 2001. [129457]

Each Government Department handles the public appointments process for the non-departmental public bodies for which it is responsible.I will shortly be publishing the annual report on increasing diversity in public appointments, which will contain a section for each department, on their activity, including progress to date against their individual targets for increasing diversity on the boards of the public bodies for which they are responsible. Copies of the report will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.Wherever possible, my Department encourages individuals from under-represented groups to apply for appointments by clear job descriptions and person specifications, which do not contain unnecessary requirements which might discourage or eliminate their applications.In addition, my Department actively seeks to identify suitable women candidates through approaches to the Women and Equality Unit at the Department of Trade and Industry and the Women's National Commission.The progress made by my department is shown in the table.

	Total number of appointments	Womem (percentage)
20011,2	103	32
20021,2	101	34
20032	94	35
1For comparison excludes the Women's National Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission, which transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry in May 2002.
2 Information is collected as at 31 March.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to retain the post of e-Envoy after the termination of the contract of the present office holder. [129127]

The e-Envoy's contract has not been terminated. The current contract runs to April 2004, and succession planning decisions will not be made until closer to that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many claims for compensation were submitted to the French authorities after 1 January 1995 in respect of lorry blockades; and how many have been (a) paid in full, (b) paid in part and (c) not paid. [129259]

Following the lengthy disruption in France in November 1996, the Department offered hauliers assistance in submitting compensation claims to the relevant French authorities. Some 1,200 claims were handled in this way. All claims arising from these lorry blockades have been processed by the French authorities, and payment agreed in the case of all claims eligible under French law. The French authorities dealt directly with the cases and claimants were under no obligation to inform the Department of the outcome of their cases. We are, therefore, unable to provide information about amounts of compensation paid or refused.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the (a) dates and (b) areas over the last 10 years, that roadworks have taken place for more than two weeks' duration on the A12 between the M25 turnoff and Wivenhoe, Essex. [128824]

I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Stephen Hickey, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the A27 through Worthing will have been improved or replaced. [129416]

A number of small-scale improvements to ease congestion and improve safety are planned to be implemented by late 2004. In the longer term, following the Secretary of State's announcement on 9 July 2003, the Highways Agency has been asked to work with local authorities and statutory environmental bodies to identify schemes that are less damaging than those recommended by the South Coast Multi-Modal Study and reduce the need for major road construction. The Highways Agency are expected to report back in the middle of 2004, which will enable a decision on the way forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatal accidents have occurred on the A38 in Devon between Marsh Mills roundabout, Plymouth and Ivybridge in the past five years. [129704]

There have been a total of five fatal accidents on the A38 in Devon between Marsh Mills roundabout, Plymouth and Ivybridge, in the past five years. There were two fatal accidents in 2001 and three fatal accidents in 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to prevent airlines from intentionally overbooking flights; if he will issue guidance to airline companies on appropriate (a) levels of compensation and (b) alternative arrangements for passengers unable to board flights they booked; and if he will make a statement. [129217]

Overbooking is an accepted practice among full-service scheduled airlines. On any particular flight there is likely to be a proportion of passengers, mainly from those holding flexible tickets, who do not check in. On the basis of statistical evidence from previous flights, airlines estimate the probable number of no-shows and overbook accordingly. On the great majority of flights no passengers are denied boarding, and by reducing the number of empty seats overbooking keeps fares lower than they would otherwise be. This practice is widely accepted by passenger organisations and by regulators as being in the best interests of consumers generally.In the comparatively small proportion of cases where denied boarding occurs, existing Community legislation requires Community air carriers to provide prescribed minimum levels of financial compensation, in addition to offering passengers a choice between re-routing and reimbursement. In December 2001 the European Commission presented a proposal for a regulation to increase levels of compensation to passengers denied boarding, as well as to require the provision of assistance to travellers affected by cancellations for commercial reasons or delays. Political agreement on this proposal was reached at Transport Council in December 2002, and it is currently subject to conciliation procedures involving the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to require signs at airports which are in English to carry equivalent information in other major European languages. [129250]

The International Civil Aviation Organisation recommend that, as far as possible, symbols alone should be used without words and that, where words are found to be essential, the choice of languages should be determined having regard to the particular needs of air travellers and the general public. We consider that airport operators are best placed to judge whether any language other than English would be beneficial in conjunction with particular signs, and that it is not necessary or desirable to impose requirements on them in this respect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the revenues of airports at (a) Luton, (b) Heathrow, (c) Gatwick and (d) Stansted derive from parking charges. [128936]

In the case of Luton Airport, in the fiscal year to 31 March 2003 the proportion of car park revenue to total revenue was 21 per cent. For Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, the proportions were, respectively, 6 per cent., 9 per cent., and 20 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) pilots and (b) cabin crew have been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in each year since 1997. [129797]

Based on an analysis of cases of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) between 1990 and 2000, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) estimates that there is an incidence in pilots of 0.2 per 1,000 per year. The annual incidence for the northern European population as a whole is 1.6–1.8 per 1,000 per year. Records are not kept by the CAA on the health of cabin crew as this group, unlike professional pilots, are not required to have routine regulatory medical examinations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to implement a public awareness campaign on the risks of travel-related deep vein thrombosis; [129798](2) what advice is available to British air travellers on travel health, with particular reference to measures to prevent travel-related deep vein thrombosis; and if he will make a statement. [129799]

Advice on health and travel is widely available to the public in the Department of Health's 'Health advice for Travellers' booklet. The Government issued specific advice on travel-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 2001, which has been made available to the public through NHS Direct, the internet, the airlines and health services. All UK long-haul carriers have produced information for their passengers, in pamphlets, videos or announcements, incorporating material contained in the Government's advice.The Department of Health has commissioned research, jointly funded with UK airlines, to evaluate the public perception of the risk of DVT and the awareness and use of information sources relating to DVT. One of the tasks of the new Aviation Health Unit that my Department is setting up within the Civil Aviation Authority will be to consider the results of this research as part of its remit to recommend and offer advice to air passengers and crew on aviation health issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the possible effects on the health of airport workers if an additional runway were to be built at Gatwick. [128998]

Analysis of air quality impact of options included in the consultation "The Future Development of Air Transport in the United Kingdom" is related to community exposure to ambient emission levels. This comparative analysis for strategic purposes is not intended to be exhaustive and no formal assessment has been made for the purposes of the White Paper. Airports, like other employers, are subject to Health and Safety requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of (a) aircraft crossing runways, (b) wake vortices, (c) high ground, (d) turbulance from flying through a cutting and (e) proximity of the main railway line from building (i) one and (ii) two additional runways at Gatwick; [129000](2) what assessment he has made of the risk of wake vortices from the building of a close parallel runway at Gatwick. [129005]

All the factors you have mentioned have been appropriately taken into account in the development of the options presented in the consultation. The constraints imposed by each factor vary in relation to each option. For instance, wake vortices are less of a problem where there is greater distance between two runways (i.e. the wide spaced two runway option). In the close parallel option, their potential effects can restrict operations to the dependent segregated mode (resulting in reduced movement capacity).Further information is contained in the Optioneering report for Gatwick, Stansted and Southampton airports, which was included in the package of SERAS documents made available as part of the consultation (document reference numbers 51 and 66). Although this information relates to options which differ somewhat from those presented in the consultation document, the differences between the options are small in this respect. The information therefore remains valid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of aircraft using the proposed new wide spaced runway at Gatwick would need to cross the existing runway to reach the terminal buildings. [129001]

This information is not available. It would depend on the precise way in which the runways would be operated and the balance of aircraft parking space between and north of the runways.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what impact to the public safety zone related to the proposed new wide spaced runway at Gatwick would have on use of the main London to Brighton railway line. [129002]

The impact of the Public Safety Zone (PSZ) for the proposed wide-spaced runway on the use of the London to Brighton railway line is likely to be small. The focus of PSZs is on the risks associated with residential property and places where people congregate for significant time. These risks are greater than for road and rail traffic passing through the zones as the time spent stationery is relatively short.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by how much the high ground to the west would reduce the runway length available for take-offs in relation to the proposed new wide spaced runway at Gatwick. [129003]

Information on how the high ground to the west of the airport would reduce the runway length for take-offs is given in the Optioneering report for Gatwick, Stansted and Southampton airports, and included in the package of SERAS documents made available as part of the consultation (document reference number 51). Page 25 of the report states that the TODA (take-off distance available) would be reduced to about 2,550m. Although this information relates to a slightly different runway location it should be regarded only as an estimate and, therefore, remains broadly valid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies he has made of the alternative plans produced by BAA for a close parallel runway at Gatwick; and what asessment he has made of the additional environmental impact of these plans. [129004]

As with all alternative options put forward during the consultation, we are considering these carefully.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much earth would need to be removed to make the proposed new north runway at Gatwick level with the rest of the existing airport. [129102]

This information is contained in the Optioneering report for Gatwick, Stansted and Southampton airports, and included in the package of SERAS documents made available as part of the consultation (document reference number 51). Page 28 of the report states that an estimated 18 million cubic metres of material would need to be removed to create a platform 1100 million wide. The corresponding draft layout plan for Gatwick with a possible new northern runway is shown in the associated document of figures, also available (document reference number 66, figure 4.4).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the rail lines operated for freight purposes only, giving the mileage length of each line identified; and what assessment has been made of the potential use of each line for passenger traffic. [129251]

The information on the first two points is contained in Appendix D of the "Review of Freight Charging Policy: Consultation on Costs", published by the Office of the Rail Regulator in November 2000. A copy of this document is obtainable from the Office of the Rail Regulator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in percentage terms the movement of freight within the United Kingdom by (a) road, (b) rail and (c) water for each year from 1996 to date. [129262]

The information is in the following table.

Percentage share of goods moved (tonne kilometres): United Kingdom
	Road	Rail1	Water	Pipeline	All modes2
1996	66	6	23	5	100
1997	68	7	20	5	100
1998	65	7	23	5	100
1999	64	7	24	5	100
2000	62	7	26	4	100
2001	64	8	24	5	100
1Financial year figures.
2 Figures for some years may not sum to 100 due to rounding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the laws regarding harbour revision orders; if he proposes to change them; and if he will make a statement. [130210]

We have no current plans to change the legislation governing harbour revision orders although we are always willing to consider changes either suggested to us or that stem from our own experiences in processing them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he is making on the integration of public transport (a) timetables and (b) ticketing. [129455]

My Department continues to support the traveline service, which offers integrated, multi-modal public transport route and timetable information through a single national telephone number. The service is now also available on the internet.The Transport Direct service will launch in early 2004. It will provide route, timetable and fare information for all modes of public and private transport and provide for the purchase of tickets. Transport Direct will initially be provided through an internet portal and, ultimately, it is hoped that access will also be possible via digital TV, mobile and WAP phones, other handheld devices and high street kiosks.Work is also continuing to encourage the PlusBus ticketing scheme that allows the addition of bus validity to national rail tickets. There are currently 102 stations participating in the PlusBus scheme, with a further 33 expected by the end of September 2003. A significant number of additions are expected next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many traffic accidents resulted in a fatality in Crosby in each of the last five years. [129456]

Information is not available on the number of fatal traffic accidents in Crosby.The number of traffic accidents that have resulted in one or more fatalities in the local authority district of Sefton, which includes Crosby, are given in the table.

	Fatal Accidents
1998	7
1999	5
2000	8
2001	6
2002	9

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations apply (a) within UK waters and (b) beyond the 12 mile limit, for the ship to ship transfer of oil and other chemicals. [129160]

Regulations specific to ship to ship transfer operations within UK waters, remain in draft form as a Statutory Instrument and Merchant Shipping Notice at this time. No specific regulations apply beyond the 12 mile limit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans are in place for dealing with spillages within and beyond the 12 mile limit from ship to ship oil and chemical transfers in Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement. [129161]

Within the 12 mile limit of UK waters, transfers comply with draft legislation and include contingency planning for oil spills, mainly through the mechanism of Ship's Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (SOPEPS). Where cargoes being transferred are of a particularly persistent nature, appropriate oil recovery, collection and containment measures are also required in the form of a recovery vessel on stand-by throughout the operations.Beyond the 12 mile limit, but within the UK's Pollution Control Zone, which can stretch up to 200 miles off shore, pollution resulting from ship to ship transfers would be treated in the same way as marine pollution from any other source.Any Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) response would follow the National Contingency Plan for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations and would be tailored to the circumstances of the incident.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents of oil and chemical spillage have been reported as a consequence of ship to ship transfers of oil and chemicals off the UK coast in each of the past five years. [129162]

There have been no incidents of oil and chemical spills as a consequence of ship to ship transfer operations off the UK coastline in any of the past five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many ship to ship transfers of oil and chemicals took place off the UK coastline in each of the last five years (a) in total and (b) broken down by Government office region. [129163]

A break down of the number of ship to ship transfers off the UK coastline in the last five years is given in the table:

Year	Total	Broken down by Government office region
1999	1	Scottish waters
2000	1	South west
2001	5	4 South west
		1 East
2002	3	2 East
		1 South west
2003 to date	5	3 South west
		2 East

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his. Department monitors the ship to ship transfer of oil and chemicals off the UK coast. [129164]

There are only two locations outside harbour limits and within UK waters where ship to ship transfers are allowed to take place, namely off Lyme Bay, Dorset and Southwold, Suffolk. The industry has accepted current craft regulations governing these transfers as a common standard.Agents for ship to ship transfers have to make an application to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) counter pollution branch at least 72 hours prior to the proposed transfer taking place. Permission for the transfer to proceed is only given after thorough assessment and may include limitations or specific requirements. Copies of the draft Statutory Instrument and Merchant Shipping Notice are supplied to the applicant for reference.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his Department enforces regulations covering the ship to ship transfer of oil and chemicals off the UK coast (a) within the 12 mile limit and (b) beyond the 12 mile limit. [129165]

The regulations governing ship to ship transfers are currently in draft form through Statutory Instrument, The Merchant Shipping (Ship to Ship Transfers) Regulations 1999 and Merchant Shipping Notice 1739, Ship to Ship Transfers of Dangerous or Polluting Cargoes at Sea. Although these regulations remain in draft form, industry has accepted them as good working practice and their contents are applied when assessing and vetting applications for ship to ship transfers within UK water.There are no regulations controlling ship to ship transfer activities beyond the 12 mile limit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the future of the Thameslink 2000 project. [129320]

Progress on Thameslink 2000 is dependent on securing approval of the necessary planning and other powers under the Transport and Works Act. The Strategic Rail Authority and Network Rail are currently working to address design deficiencies identified at public inquiry. If a viable and economic solution can be found, a revised proposal will be submitted for consideration in the TWA process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions his Department has held with each of the emergency services regarding traffic calming schemes; and if he will make a statement. [128793]

My Department wrote to all local field operatives in the emergency services on 2 September 2003 encouraging them to work with local authorities whenever new traffic calming schemes are proposed. Similar letters were also sent to every local authority reminding them of the legal requirement to consult the emergency services wherever road humps are introduced. This letter also strongly urged local authorities to consult the emergency services when all other traffic calming measures are proposed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the most recent rail performance indicators from train operating companies. [129068]

The Strategic Rail Authority publishes rail performance statistics in the quarterly National Rail Trends (NRT) and six-monthly On Track publications. Copies of both publications are placed in the Library of the House. The next edition of NRT will be published on 19 September 2003 and provide performance data for the quarter April to June 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on NATO's leadership of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. [129034]

Since 11 August 2003, NATO has given enhanced support to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, including providing the Headquarters for the Force. NATO has made an excellent start in its new role and the Alliance is now looking at ways to make the ISAF still more effective.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on security operations in Afghanistan. [129067]

Coalition operations against remnants of the Taliban and their terrorist supporters continue, especially in the South and East of Afghanistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on military support for the government of Afghanistan. [129069]

I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 8 September 2003, Official Report, column 10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which aircraft will be used on the new aircraft carriers. [128534]

The primary aircraft for the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) will be the Short Take Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). CVF will have the capacity to operate a wide range of aircraft including that selected to provide maritime airborne surveillance and control and helicopters in a wide variety of roles that could include anti-submarine warfare, attack, surveillance and support. As CVF will be built to an innovative and adaptable design, it will be capable of modification to operate future generations of air platforms, such as aircraft requiring a catapult launch and arrested recovery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated conversion cost is for the Eurofighter Typhoon to operate from the new aircraft carriers. [128536]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 20 May 2003, Official Report, column 678W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the importance of the Canadian BATSU facility for the British Army. [129491]

The British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) facility fulfils a valuable role in the training of units and formations to bring them to the required readiness state.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the medal for those who served in the Suez Canal Zone between 1951 and 1954 will be available; and what arrangements have been made for its presentation. [129305]

The four medal offices are preparing to issue medals to eligible veterans pending final agreement of the qualifying criteria. Stocks of the Naval General Service Medal 1915–62 and the General Service Medal 1918–62, their associated ribbons and the new clasp are being prepared by the medal offices in anticipation of that approval by Her Majesty. Once eligibility has been confirmed, the medal will be posted to the recipient.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former Chatham Dockyard workers have received their radiation dose records. [129735]

241 workers have received radiation dose record summaries under the Ministry of Defence Radiation Workers Counselling Scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former Chatham Dockyard workers have been given estimated radiation dose records. [129736]

It was necessary to enter estimated external doses into the statutory records of those radiation workers likely to receive higher radiation doses (called classified persons) when the film badge issued to these workers was lost or damaged. In such circumstances an estimated dose was entered onto an individual's dose record by entering doses from direct reading dosimeters worn by the individual. On the rare occasions when no dosimeter information was available, a calculation was made based upon time of exposure and radiation dose rates in areas where the individual worked. Since these details were entered onto individual records and there was no requirement to record the number of such events centrally, the numbers could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average compensation per person paid by his Department to claimants suffering from asbestosis was in each of the last three years. [129706]

The amount paid in compensation and the associated legal costs of cases brought against the Ministry of Defence are not in general recorded separately and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. The average amount paid in compensation and legal costs by the MOD to claimants suffering from asbestos related disease for the last three years was as follows:

	£
2000–01	35,556
2002–02	26,644
2002–03	36,233

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts issued by his Department in the last five years have included no UK build. [128538]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that all contracts awarded by his Department include a provision that a minimum of 50 per cent. of the work will be carried out in the UK K. [128539]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 13 January 2003,Official Report, columns 405–06W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces profess (a) Christianity, (b) Judaism, (c) Islam, (d) Hinduism and (e) other faiths; how many chaplains from each faith are attached to the forces; and if he will make a statement. [129322]

The numbers of armed forces personnel with the following recorded religion are:

Religion	Number
Christianity	191,985
Judaism	65
Islam	280
Hinduism	140
Other	925

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate the Department has made of (a) the number of Iraqi ammunition dumps and (b) the quantity of munitions in the British sector. [125699]

As of the 3 September, the following caches of munitions have been found in the United Kingdom Area of operations:

Number of caches	Size	Estimated quantity unexploded ordnance	Types
111	Small	500–1,000	Various
61	ISO Container	1,000–5,000	Various
8	Multiple ISO Container	5,000–10,000	Various
9	Small Compound	Over 10,000	Various
8	Large Compound	Over 100,000	Various

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British casualties there were (a) during the conflict and (b) since the conflict in Iraq. [127391]

As of 9 September United Kingdom Forces had suffered 49 fatalities, 33 during the conflict and 16 since. One member of the Defence Fire Services had also died after the conflict ended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his Answer of 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 484W, on Iraq (friendly fire incidents), if he will make the reports and recommendations of these investigations available to hon. Members and the public when inquiries are completed; and if he will make a statement. [128520]

The purpose of the internal Service inquiries being carried out into these incidents is to establish the facts; to discover whether any shortcomings in Service equipment or procedures caused or contributed to the incident; and, where necessary, to make recommendations to prevent a recurrence. To encourage witnesses to come forward freely and speak with the utmost candour, we do not publish reports in their entirety; this has been the policy of successive governments. The reports are, however, made available to HM Coroners to help them determine the cause and circumstances of death.I am prepared, however, to make a summary of the report's conclusions available to the House in this instance, but only after all other related proceedings such as disciplinary action are entirely complete. To do otherwise would be to risk prejudicing those other proceedings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to retrieve and render safe cluster bombs and other munitions used by allied forces during the recent military action in Iraq; how much of this work will be carried out by non-governmental organisations; and if he will make a statement. [128527]

The United Kingdom and other Coalition Armed Forces and Non-Governmental Organisation teams have been engaged in Explosive Ordnance Disposal tasks since before the end of the conflict in Iraq. This Unexploded Ordnance includes not only that fired or dropped by Coalition Forces, but also much from the Iraq-Iran war, as well as mines laid, ordnance fired or dropped, and stores of ammunition and other ordnance left by Iraqi military and paramilitary forces.In the UK's Area of Responsibility, 1,500 tasks involving the destruction of over 146,000 munitions have been completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many coalition forces (a) were killed in the Iraq conflict and (b) were injured in the conflict and are still receiving treatment; and how many of these were from friendly fire. [128942]

[holding answer 11 September 2003]: As of 9 September 2003, 49 United Kingdom armed forces personnel and one member of the Defence Fire Service had died since the start of coalition military operations against Iraq. 39, all from the armed forces, were killed in action or subsequently died of wounds received and 11 died in non-battle accidents or from natural causes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent requests he has received from the United States Government for the use of British military facilities in respect of the military action in Iraq. [129070]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence received a formal request on 18 November 2002 from the United States Government for assistance in any potential military action against the regime in Iraq. This was one of some 50 requests made by the US to a range of potential coalition partners. Subsequently, the Government have set out to Parliament the nature of their contribution to military action in Iraq on a number of occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists are deployed on operations in Iraq. [129071]

As at 1 September 2003 there were 2,453 reservists deployed on operations in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much finance has been allocated to UK-funded operators responsible for cleaning UK unexploded ordnance used in the recent invasion of Iraq. [118021]

Providing a safe, secure and risk free environment for the Iraqi people is a key aspect of restoration activity for the coalition. The responsibility for developing a programme for the removal of landmines rests with the Iraq Mine Action Centre (IMAC) and not the UK military. While the Ministry of Defence has not therefore allocated Defence funds to demining operators for the cleaning of UK unexploded ordnance, we have provided personnel to help the process. The UK and the Iraq Mine Action Centre are in the process of marking and documenting around 400 unexploded ordnance sites.The UK has made a significant effort to educate the local population in its area of operations about the dangers of mines and unexploded ordnance. We have, with the support of UNICEF and the ICRC, developed a Theatre Mine Risk Education Programme.A poster and leaflet campaign continues and head teachers in Basrah have been briefed so that they can educate the children. In addition to this, local radio stations are informing the local population about unexploded ordnance and encouraging them not to tamper with anything that has either been marked as or may look like unexploded ordnance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of recovering unexploded ordnance in Iraq. [118325]

The United Kingdom and other coalition explosive ordnance disposal teams in the UK's area of responsibility have completed over 1,500 tasks and destroyed over 146,000 individual munitions. We do not record types of munitions destroyed. 197 caches or storage sites of unexploded ordnance (UXO) have already been identified:

Number of caches	Size	Estimated quantity of unexploded ordnance	Types
111	Small	500–1,000	Various
61	ISO Container	1,000–5,000	Various
8	Multiple ISO Container	5,000–10,000	Various
9	Small Compound	Over 10,000	Various
8	Large Compound	Over 100,000	Various

A full survey of sites contaminated with unexploded munitions has been underway since June. The survey has been conducted in concert with other coalition forces, demining companies and with non-Government organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) secret and (b) top secret material produced by the Joint Intelligence Committee has been shown to any official in his Department who has not been cleared to see material at these levels of classification since 1997. [129649]

The Ministry of Defence controls protectively marked material, including Top Secret and Secret material produced by the Joint Intelligence Committee: material is made available only to individuals who have been appropriately cleared and have a need to know the information. No incidents of unauthorised access to protectively marked Joint Intelligence Committee material by Ministry of Defence officials have been reported.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on releasing names of military service personnel to marketing companies. [129526]

The Ministry of Defence does not release names of military, or civilian personnel, to marketing companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Master of St. Edmund's College, Cambridge, on NATO's scientific programme; and if he will make a statement. [128268]

Defence Ministers have not received representations from Professor Sir Brian Heap, Master of St. Edmund's College, Cambridge. Professor Heap has, however, corresponded with my colleagues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with regard to NATO's scientific programme.

To ask t he Secretary of State for Defence if he will list current overseas deployments of Navy, Army and Air Force Institution (NAAFI) units; and how many staff are involved in each. [120738]

Current Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) locations, and associated personnel numbers, outside the United Kingdom are as follows:

Country	Staff numbers
Germany	980
Kuwait/Iraq	39
Afghanistan	4
Cyprus	3
Kosovo	3
Bosnia	3
Saudi Arabia	2
Kenya	2
Falkland Islands	2
Gibraltar	2
Belize	1
Brunei	1
Ascension Island	1

The list covers permanent NAAFI undertakings in overseas garrisons as well as Expeditionary Forces Institute (EFI) deployments in support of military operations. The personnel figures shown for each location relate to the number of United Kingdom or United Kingdom Based Contract (UKBC) personnel in post and exclude locally paid staff. The figures for Germany exclude 45 UKBC personnel working for NAAFI financial services and 505 with NAAFI support services.In addition, some 60 NAAFI personnel serve with the Naval Canteen Service (NCS). NCS personnel serve on ships deployed in a range of locations around the United Kingdom as well as elsewhere, including the Gulf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of Army personnel he estimates purchase their own (a) boots, (b) shirts, (c) vests, (d) jackets, (e) bergens and (f) trousers. [129493]

In common with many individuals, and as a matter of personal choice, some soldiers will purchase work-related items of clothing or equipment but none are advised to do so. Specific records are not maintained, but the subject features in the Army's Continuous Attitude Survey (CAS). The latest CAS indicates the following percentages for Army personnel who purchase their own items of clothing.

Clothing	Percentage
(a) boots	3
(b) shirts	1—
(c) vests (T-shirts)	1.5
(d) jackets	8.0
(e) bergens	2.3
(f) trousers	1.3
1 No statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the investment appraisal of the possible relocation sites for (a) the Joint Services Adventurous Training (Gliding) and (b) the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association Centres. [129300]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what status the six ro-ro ships are accorded within the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [128340]

The six Joint Rapid Reaction Force ro-ro are not part of the Royal Navy. They are commercial vessels, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. They were built and are owned and operated, under a Private Finance Initiative, by AWSR Shipping, a commercial consortium. They are manned by Merchant Navy seafarers, who are members of the Sponsored Reserves List of the Royal Naval Reserve, and are therefore liable for call-up when the situation dictates.In the same way as for Royal Navy ships, threat assessments are carried out and the appropriate level of protection is provided to the ro-ro, when considered necessary. Such protection may include a United Kingdom Service escort party on-board or accompanying Royal Navy ships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what classification is given to the MOD estate at Rosyth; what this estate consists of in respect of the dockyard and the former naval base; and what plans there are to reclassify the defence estate at Rosyth. [111152]

[holding answer 6 May 2003]: The Rosyth estate consists of:

The HMS Caledonia Site

Married quarters (retained by the Defence Housing Executive (DHE))

Storage/warehousing properties within the former dockyard port, South Arm Jetty (currently occupied by QinetiQ)

Forthview House complex housing Defence estates and the Pricing and Forecasting Group.

The Rosyth site was classified as a core site in the review that concluded in March. However, core sites classification is not static and therefore subject to change in response to evolving Defence needs. Subject to this, there are currently no plans to reclassify the defence estate at Rosyth.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the levels of security clearance to which officials of his Department are subjected before they are allowed to see the different categories of classified material. [129648]

The levels of security clearance that Ministry of Defence officials need in order to be granted access to classified material are those which apply across Government. They are set out in HM Government's statement of vetting policy, as announced to the House on 15 December 1994, Official Report, columns 764–66W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of women into front line positions. [129492]

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made on 22 May 2002, Official Report, column 363W, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. Women are not restricted from deployment into front line positions but, for reasons of combat effectiveness, they are excluded from close combat posts. Further information may be found in the report, "Women in the Armed Forces", which may be found on the Ministry of Defence website at: www.mod.uk/ issues/women

To ask the Prime Minister whether Mr. Alastair Campbell was the subject of the developed vetting procedure. [129774]

Information relating to personnel records, including those relating to recruitment, promotion and security vetting, are not disclosed under part 2, exemption 8 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had regarding the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands with President Kirchner; what the outcome of those discussions has been; and if he will make a statement. [129907]

I last met President Kirchner at the Progressive Governance Summit on 13 to 14 July 2003. We did not enter into discussions concerning the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. The United Kingdom position on this is well known and remains unchanged; the Falklands will remain British for as long as that is the wish of the Islanders.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those categories of information that have been provided to the Hutton Inquiry which are not normally made available (a) to Parliamentary Select Committees and (b) in response to Parliamentary Questions; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the different approaches to information disclosure. [128596]

The Government are committed to co-operating fully with the Hutton Inquiry. Relevant papers are being provided to the Inquiry. The decision on which papers to make public is a matter for the Inquiry. In respect of a small number of papers, there may be issues about the need to keep certain information confidential, for instance, because of national security. Where necessary, the papers are provided to the Inquiry on the understanding that certain text will be suitably redacted before being made public.Information provided in response to PQs and Select Committees will continue to be decided as appropriate in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and Information and Departmental Evidence to Select Committees.

To ask the Prime Minister on what dates prior to the recent conflict with Iraq he met the heads of each of the armed forces to discuss the proposed conflict. [129222]

I discussed the situation in Iraq with the heads of the armed forces at a meeting on 15 January 2003; the Defence Secretary and the Chief of the Defence staff were also present. Subsequently, the views of the Chiefs of Staff were represented to me by the Chief of the Defence Staff, whom I met regularly prior to the conflict.

To ask the Prime Minister which weapons the Prime Minister was referring to in his foreword to the Government's Iraq dossier when he made the statement that military planning allows for some of the weapons of mass destruction to be ready within 45 minutes of an order to use them. [129840]

It was judged that the chemical and biological munitions concerned would be deployed with battlefield systems such as artillery, multiple-launch rockets and mortars.

To ask the Prime Minister what procedure is in place to handle complaints about the failure of a Prime Minister to adhere to the Ministerial Code of Conduct. [129258]