To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with reference to the Answer of 26 November 2008, Official Report, column 1636W, on Christmas, for what reason his Department spent £33,000 on Christmas receptions in 2007-08; and if he will make a statement. (248588)

Every year the Northern Ireland Office use Hillsborough Castle to host a series of receptions at Christmas time to bring a wide cross-section of the community together and to use these opportunities to build community confidence.

2008 was in exactly the same mould as previous years. The four Christmas receptions held in Northern Ireland in 2007 were attended by over 1,400 members of the public drawn from the criminal justice, policing, military, business, charity and community sectors. The guests included families of the security forces and serving personnel, representatives of victims groups, churches and businesses, as well as many others working in the community sectors across Northern Ireland.

These events provide some recognition of the tremendous contribution made by people, both individually and collectively, who have helped to transform Northern Ireland. We work hard to monitor costs at these occasions as we are mindful in Government of the need to provide value for money. Anyone with a close understanding of Northern Ireland will know the value of these occasions in bringing people together in a renewed political environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the Answer of 17 December 2008, Official Report, columns 772-3W, on departmental domestic visits, how many of the overnight visits involved staying in an hotel. (257264)

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Ministers in his Department received representations from (a) Lord Moonie, (b) Lord Taylor of Blackburn, (c) Lord Snape and (d) Lord Truscott in the last seven months. (255235)

No such representations have been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent estimate he has made of the number of guns held by (a) loyalist paramilitaries and (b) republican dissidents. (255272)

This is an intelligence matter and it is the longstanding practice of successive Governments not to comment on such matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) EU foreign nationals and (b) non-EU foreign nationals are employed by his Department. (256197)

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which ICT projects initiated by his Department were abandoned before completion in each year since 1997; what costs were incurred on each project; who the contractors were; what the date of (a) commencement and (b) abandonment was in each case; and if he will make a statement. (256664)

I refer the hon. Lady to my answer of 12 January 2009, Official Report, column 192W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to increase levels of digital inclusion in Leeds West constituency; and if he will make a statement. (255468)

Several activities are taking place in Leeds to promote digital inclusion:

The Department for Children, Schools and Families Computers for Pupils programme has helped over 3,000 pupils in Leeds since its inception, and a further 400 learners will benefit from grant funding recently awarded under the new Home Access for Targeted Groups fund., West constituency host UK online centres, which act as ‘Media Beacons’, helping young people who are excluded from school to use new technologies such as music video software and to operate community radio stations, as part of their ‘Interplay Theatre’ programme. These centres also offer training on new media to staff in other parts of the UK online centres network.

Leeds city council provides public access and training in internet use throughout their network of libraries and community centres. A mobile learning vehicle offers internet access on a regular route around targeted communities, and the city’s mobile library vehicles will shortly be fitted with wifi internet access.

In December, senior officers from the city council met to raise awareness of the impact that technology can have on communities and the advantages that it can deliver. A ‘Digital Community Vision’ is now being developed which will identify and capture the city’s digital inclusion aspirations for the future, leading to an action plan for further digital inclusion work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had on the future of the Legal Services Commission in Wales with (a) the Secretary of State for Justice and (b) the First Minister; and if he will make a statement. (255544)

I have discussed this issue with the Welsh Minister for Social Justice and Local Government and with colleagues at the Ministry of Justice. I have also corresponded with my noble Friend Lord Bach, Minister for Legal Aid.

My right hon. Friend and I will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Justice and the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that where efficiency savings need to be made within the Legal Services Commission, the best solution for Wales is found.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to reduce congestion on the A1 in (a) Tyne and Wear and (b) Northumberland. (255768)

The A1 through Northumberland suffers little in the way of congestion. Schemes to dual discrete sections of the A1 north of Newcastle are being considered for funding by the north-east region, as part of the current regional funding allocation process.

The A1 through Tyne and Wear suffers severe congestion at peak times, and this can extend to periods outside the daily peak, particularly if incidents occur. A number of measures have been carried out over the last few years to improve route performance. These include signing and lining improvements, a slow moving vehicle ban in peak periods, variable message signing (VMS), close circuit television (CCTV), the introduction of the traffic officers, free to customer breakdown recovery services, and the “Retriever” motorcycle which can get to incidents more quickly and tow vehicles up-to 1,600 kg in weight to recently built emergency refuges.

The Department for Transport publication “Britain’s Transport Infrastructure: Motorways and Trunk Roads” in January 2009 stated that the Highways Agency will continue to work with local authorities to consider further the options for relieving congestion on the A1 around Newcastle and Gateshead.

Following the earlier government study the Highways Agency is looking at options for upgrading the A1 Newcastle and Gateshead Western Bypass. This work is being informed by the outcomes of the Tyne and Wear authorities “People in Motion” demand management study, and findings of the agency’s work are expected to be considered in the first half of 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles of each nationality of registration were (a) inspected and (b) prohibited following inspection at the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency checkpoint at Wylye on the A303(T) in the latest year for which figures are available; and for what reasons each vehicle was prohibited. (255883)

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)'s inspection figures from its site at Wylye are as follows:

Figures are from April 08 to January 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the terms of the original Civil Aviation Authority insurance policy with American International Group on air passenger bonds. (253448)

The Air Travel Trust Fund is currently structured to meet tour operator failure costs through a combination of cash, credit facilities and insurance. Cash is received primarily from ATOL Protection Contributions, and Barclays Bank plc provides credit facilities totalling £60 million, which includes a level of liquidity supported by a Government Guarantee.

The insurance policy placed by the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust with AIG UK Limited and Axis Specialty Ltd., is designed to provide the Air Travel Trust with access to funds in the event of a major tour operator failure where costs arising from refund and repatriation exceed £50 million in a year. The policy document is subject to a confidentiality agreement and the insurers have declined permission to disclose the terms of the policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish details of the PricewaterhouseCoopers financial model on air passenger bonds prepared for his Department and the Civil Aviation Authority. (253449)

A detailed overview of the financial model, of the Air Travel Trust, was included in appendix 4 of the “Consultation on Reform of ATOL Bonding Arrangements and the Replenishment of the Air Travel Trust Fund”, published by the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport in April 2007. The consultation document can be viewed at:

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/Consultation_ATOL_ Reform_2007.pdf

The model was produced by the Civil Aviation Authority (commissioned by the trustees of the Air Travel Trust), to assess the sustainability of a per passenger ATOL Protection Contribution in building up sufficient funds to meet potential refund and repatriation costs arising from the failure of tour operators, under different adverse scenarios. External forecasts from third parties such as travel companies, insurance firms and banks were used as the basis for assumptions. Information was received from a spread of ATOL license holders, including the four largest air travel tour operators, five medium sized operators and two online tour operators. The spread of firms accounted for more than half of all passengers covered by the ATOL protection scheme.

The Civil Aviation Authority engaged a professional services firm with expertise in economic modelling and the travel sector to review the model methodology, its fitness for purpose and a number of the underlying assumptions. The detailed overview in appendix 4 of the consultation paper took into account the work undertaken by the firm appointed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations (a) his Department and (b) the Civil Aviation Authority have received on the adequacy of cover for bonding arrangements for passengers travelling by aircraft, with particular reference to the PricewaterhouseCoopers report on Reform of Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing bonding arrangements. (253450)

The “Consultation on Reform of ATOL Bonding Arrangements and the Replenishment of the Air Travel Trust Fund”, was published by the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport in April 2007. The consultation document can be viewed at:

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/Consultation_ATOL_ Reform_2007.pdf

There were 88 respondents to this consultation and a summary of the responses is available on the Department for Transport website at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/archive/2007/atol/summary

A large majority of responses supported the introduction of a £1 per passenger ATOL Protection Contribution (APC) to replace bonding as the main means of meeting costs from the failure of tour operators and to replenish the Air Travel Trust Fund. The decision to introduce the APC was announced to Parliament on 22 October 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government is taking to foster the development of second generation biofuels. (256650)

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) creates a market for first generation biofuels which in turn helps to set the right conditions for the development of commercially viable second generation biofuels. The UK will be required to modify the RTFO in order to implement the Renewable Energy Directive in 2010. The directive incentivises second generation biofuels through requiring member states to count their contribution towards renewable energy targets as twice those of first generation biofuels. We shall be consulting later this year about how to take forward the implementation of the directive in UK legislation.

In addition the Government have recently announced £20 million of funding for the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s (BBSRC) new Sustainable Bioenergy Centre. This is a £27 million initiative aiming to build UK capacity in bioenergy research. Among other things, it will target research on the development of second generation bioenergy and biofuels. Last autumn the Government also announced that the Department anticipates contributing up to £3 million per year over the next two financial years to the Carbon Trust’s Advanced Bioenergy Directed Research Accelerator. This will allow the Carbon Trust to further increase its advanced bioenergy research and development activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding his Department provided to Chorley Borough Council for the purposes of concessionary bus travel in (a) 2006-07 and (b) 2007-08. (254733)

[holding answer 9 February 2009]: Before 1 April 2008, funding for the statutory minimum bus concession was provided exclusively through the Formula Grant system, which is administered by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG). The Department for Transport therefore provided no direct funding to Chorley borough council for concessionary bus travel in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

The Department did however provide Chorley borough council with £69,004 in 2007-08 for the cost of producing and issuing the new England-wide bus passes to all their eligible people. In 2008-09 DFT will provide Chorley borough council with special grant funding of £280,000 for the improvement to statutory concessionary travel; this is in addition to the existing formula grant funding from CLG. The Special Grant Funding represents a 33 per cent. increase in funding over and above Chorley borough council’s declared costs of £0.85 million for concessionary travel in 2007-08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many delegated examiners there are in the Greater London area. (256234)

[Holding answer 11 February 2009]: There are 23 delegated examiners in the Greater London area working for fire and police authorities and bus and coach operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of (a) nitrogen oxides, (b) carbon dioxide and (c) other greenhouse gasses recorded at Heathrow were caused by (i) aircraft, (ii) cars and (iii) each specified other source in each year since 1995; and what percentage he expects to be caused by each source in each year up to 2020. (250531)

[holding answer 22 January 2009]: The following sets out the information available:

Nitrogen oxide (NO_x) emissions

The White Paper set out the following strict conditions from 2010, in line with the current European Union directive on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) related pollutants¹:

Hourly limit value for the protection of human health: 200micro/m3 NO₂, not to be exceeded more than 18 times in a calendar year; and

Annual limit value for the protection of human health: 40micro/m3 NO₂ annual average.

The Department for Transport's 2007 ‘Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation’ document concluded that these conditions could be met.

Further information is available in the following documents:

‘Air Quality Studies for Heathrow: Base Case, Segregated Mode, Mixed Mode’ and ‘Third Runway Scenarios modelled using ADMS’—Airport, 15 November 2007, Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants, Table 4.5-4.7; Table 4.12-4.13

‘Heathrow Airport Emission Summaries’, October 2007, AEA Energy and Environment, Table 4.1.4-Table 4.8.4 Annual emissions by source category, available at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/emissionsummaries.pdf

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions

Published emissions data from DECC are at the national level only these are listed by source category, including breakdown by transport mode.

Published data at the UK national level can be found in Table 4a of ‘Estimated emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂ expressed as carbon dioxide) by IPCC source category: 1970-2006—last published 31 January 2008 at the following link:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/globatmos/download/xls/gatb04.xls

Data based on fuel uplifted at Heathrow is reported—this is published in the Department for Transport's 2009 impact assessment ‘Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport’, where aviation carbon dioxide emissions attributable to flights departing from Heathrow in 2005 are estimated at 17.2 MtCO₂ or 2.9 per cent. of total UK CO₂ emissions.

Data are not available regarding CO₂ emissions released specifically into the air surrounding Heathrow so the percentages by source are not available.

Other greenhouse gas emissions

Other greenhouse gas emissions are not currently reported specifically for the Heathrow area.

¹The revised directive provides for later compliance (up to 2015) in certain circumstances

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average (a) nitrogen oxide and (b) carbon dioxide emissions per passenger mile (i) were and (ii) are predicted to be for average aircraft using Heathrow Airport in (A) 1990, (B) 1995, (C) 2000, (D) 2005, (E) 2010, (F) 2015, (G) 2020 and (H) 2025. (253935)

The following information sets out what information is available for: (a) NO_x emissions; (b) CO₂ emissions, and (c) other greenhouse gas emissions:

Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x) Emissions

The White Paper set out the following strict conditions from 2010, in line with the current European Union directive on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) related pollutants¹:

Hourly limit value for the protection of human health—200micro/m3 NO₂, not to be exceeded more than 18 times in a calendar year; and

Annual limit value for the protection of human health—40micro/m3 NO₂ annual average

The Department for Transport’s 2007 ‘Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport’ consultation document concluded that these conditions could be met.

Further information is available in the following documents:

Air Quality Studies for Heathrow: Base Case, Segregated Mode, Mixed Mode and Third Runway Scenarios modelled using ADMS-Airport, 15 November 2007, Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants, Table 4.5—4.7; Table 4.12—4.13

Heathrow Airport Emission Summaries, October 2007, AEA Energy and Environment, Table 4.1.4—Table 4.8.4 Annual emissions by source category, available at:

http://w\/vw.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/emissionsummaries.pdf

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Emissions

There is limited data regarding past CO₂ emissions at Heathrow airport specifically. Published emissions data from DECC are at the national level only. However, data based on fuel uplifted at Heathrow are reported—this is published in the Department for Transport’s 2009 ‘Impact Assessment Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport’, where aviation carbon dioxide emissions attributable to flights departing from Heathrow in 2005 are estimated at 17.2MtCO₂ or 2.9 per cent. of total UK CO₂. emissions.

Average CO₂ emissions from aircraft at Heathrow airport in 2005 are estimated from DfT modelling to be around 114 grams of CO₂ per passenger km. This is in line with the air transport conversion factors published by DEFRA in 2008 and reflects the mix of aircraft used and flights made from Heathrow in that year.

For future years, the Government have announced a new target to get UK aviation carbon dioxide emissions in 2050 below 2005 levels for the UK as a whole.

Once aviation joins the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2012, CO₂ emissions from all flights departing and arriving at airports in the EU will be capped at 97 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels, with the cap tightening to 95 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels from 2013 onwards (the cap applies at the EU level, and not at individual member state or airport levels). Any aviation emissions above this cap will need to be accounted for by airlines securing reductions from other sectors within the EU ETS. So any change in the capacity of Heathrow in future years will not lead to any net increase in CO₂ emissions.

¹ The revised directive provides for later compliance (up to 2015) in certain circumstances

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what levels of (a) nitrogen oxide, (b) carbon dioxide and (c) other green house gases have been released in the air surrounding Heathrow Airport in each year since 1995; and what estimate he has made of the level of each at Heathrow in each year to 2020. (249897)

[holding answer 21 January 2009]: The following information sets out what information is available for: (a) NOx emissions; (b) CO₂ emissions, and (c) other greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Emissions

The White Paper set out the following strict conditions from 2010, in line with the current European Union Directive on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) related pollutants¹:

Hourly limit value for the protection of human health—200micro/m3 NO₂, not to be exceeded more than 18 times in a calendar year; and

Annual limit value for the protection of human health—40micro/m3 NO₂ annual average

The Department for Transport’s 2007 “Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport” consultation document concluded that these conditions could be met.

Further information is available in the following documents:

“Air Quality Studies for Heathrow: Base Case, Segregated Mode, Mixed Mode and Third Runway Scenarios modelled using ADMS-Airport”, 15 November 2007, Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants, Table 4.5—4.7; Table 4.12—4.13

“Heathrow Airport Emission Summaries”, October 2007, AEA Energy and Environment, Table 4.1.4—Table 4.8.4 Annual emissions by source category, available at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/emissionsummaries.pdf

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Emissions

There is limited data regarding past CO₂ emissions at Heathrow airport specifically. Published emissions data from DECC are at the national level only. However, data based on fuel uplifted at Heathrow is reported—this is published in the Department for Transport’s 2009 Impact Assessment “Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport”, where aviation carbon dioxide emissions attributable to flights departing from Heathrow in 2005 are estimated at 17.2MtCO₂ or 2.9 per cent. of total UK CO₂. emissions.

For future years, the Government have announced a new target to get UK aviation carbon dioxide emissions in 2050 below 2005 levels for the UK as a whole.

Once aviation joins the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2012, CO₂ emissions from all flights departing and arriving at airports in the EU will be capped at 97 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels, with the cap tightening to 95 per cent. of average 2004-06 levels from 2013 onwards (the cap applies at the EU level, and not at individual member state or airport levels). Any aviation emissions above this cap will need to be accounted for by airlines securing reductions from other sectors within the EU ETS. So any change in the capacity of Heathrow in future years will not lead to any net increase in CO₂ emissions.

Other Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Other greenhouse gas emissions are not currently reported specifically for Heathrow airport.

¹ The revised directive provides for later compliance (up to 2015) in certain circumstances .

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the additional road vehicle movements which would result from (a) an increase from 67 to 122 million passengers a year and (b) an increase of 125,000 flight movements a year at Heathrow Airport. (252660)

Forecasts of surface access demand at Heathrow are set out in BAA's ‘Surface Access Report’, published alongside the ‘Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport’ consultation document. This is available at the following link:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/surfaceaccess.pdf

The figure of 122 million passengers assumes around 702,000 flights a year in 2030, whereas we are initially supporting a maximum of 605,000 (an additional 125,000 a year). The additional number of passengers accessing the airport by road is therefore expected to be around 14 million, around half the number previously assumed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of the number of additional car journeys per day which will result from the establishment of a third runway at Heathrow, broken down by major road. (253936)

Forecasts of surface access demand at Heathrow are set out in BAA’s ‘Surface Access Report’, published alongside the 2007 ‘Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport’ consultation document. This is available on the Department’s website at the following link:

http://wvwv.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/heathrowconsultation/technicalreports/surfaceaccess.pdf

Table 36 reproduced below shows the daily traffic composition for the main road corridors (A4, M4 and M25) with a third runway in 2020 and 605,000 air transport movements a year, which is the limit we are supporting initially.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost to the public purse was of Passenger Focus in the latest 12 months for which figures are available. (256560)

The total cost of Passenger Focus to the public purse in 2007-08 was £5.315 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department has spent on rail replacement bus services in each of the last 10 years. (247301)

The information is not held by the Department for Transport and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has had any discussions with train operators about the effect on their businesses of a reduction in (a) UK GDP and (b) Central London employment levels. (256007)

There are regular meetings with all operators to discuss all aspects of their performance. These discussions include, where appropriate, the impacts of UK GDP and central London employment levels on revenues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the RP plus one per cent. formula for regulated fares may result in a negative number. (256015)

Yes, the RPI plus 1 formula for regulated fares may result in a negative number.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions about (a) economic growth and (b) passenger volumes were made in the franchise agreements for the (i) East Coast Main Line, (ii) East Midlands, (iii) South West Trains, (iv) South Eastern and (v) East Anglian franchises. (255979)

The information requested is commercially confidential between the Department for Transport and the respective train operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of contingency plans made by Network Rail and train operating companies to minimise disruption to rail services caused by severe weather events; when he next plans to review the implementation of those plans; and if he will make a statement. (255375)

The handling of major disruptions to rail services is reviewed in detail by the industry to see what can be learned for the future. Ministers meet senior representatives of the industry regularly to discuss rail performance.

The Department for Transport will encourage the industry to implement any improvements to contingency planning which are identified following the recent bad weather.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Government's policy is on the development of a global emissions trading scheme for shipping under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. (255177)

The Government are clear that shipping emissions must be tackled and that the shipping sector must operate under carbon limits. We believe that a coordinated multilateral maritime carbon emissions trading system is the best option for delivering cost-effective reductions while maintaining a thriving shipping sector.

The Government actively support the development of such a scheme under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization. If this proves impossible we would support inclusion of maritime emissions in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. However, because of the world-wide nature of the shipping industry, the Government believe that any action by the EU should be seen as a stepping stone to future global agreements on international shipping emissions.

We are working with industry and our European partners to develop further the maritime emissions trading concept.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of progress on implementation of new regulations covering access to taxis for people with disabilities. (255783)

The Department for Transport published a consultation document about improving access to taxis on 2 February and this consultation will run for the statutory 12-week period. The consultation looks at ways to make taxi services more accessible to disabled people. We will consider in detail the responses to the consultation to inform the way forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the latest expected timing is of the (a) (i) start and (ii) completion of Stage 1 and (b) the delivery of the new units to the Thameslink franchise for Phase 1. (255998)

The Thameslink timetable change which comes into effect on 22 March 2009 marks the start of the Key Output One stage of the Thameslink Programme. This stage is due for completion in March 2012.

The first new Class 377 dual voltage unit was delivered to Southern trains on 30 January 2009. The remaining 22 units will follow over the next few months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions of EU directives within his Department's responsibilities have not yet been transposed into United Kingdom law; in respect of the provisions of which such directives the UK has been subject to infringement action by the European Commission since January 2005; and what stage has been reached in such actions in each case. (255494)

There are 24 EU directives within my Department's responsibilities that have not yet been transposed into UK law. The stages of infringement proceedings are:

Five are the subject of Article 226 Letters.

Four are at the Article 226 Reasoned Opinion stage.

Four were the subject of infringement proceedings that have since been closed or withdrawn.

11 are not yet subject to infringement proceedings by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with train operators about services which did not operate on 2 February 2009; and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of those problems. (255908)

Of the just over 18,000 trains due to have run on 2 February, nearly 9,000 reached their destination on time and another 2,000 ran but arrived late. The remaining 7,000 were cancelled, most of them on routes south of the Thames.

The provision of train services is a matter for operators and I am satisfied that they understand the need to have arrangements in place to deal with exceptional weather. Ministers have not therefore sought to discuss train performance on 2 February with them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2008, Official Report, column 613W, on vehicle number plates: flags, when he plans to make an announcement on the way forward. (256130)

The Government are bringing forward the new legislation to legalise the display of national flags on number plates in GB as soon as possible. It is expected, subject to the outcome of an informal consultation, that the revised regulations will come into force around the end of April 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government has for the electrification of the Bidston to Wrexham railway line. (256269)

[holding answer 11 February 2009]: A cross-industry working group led by Network Rail is assessing the case for electrifying a wide range of lines. The group is expected to publish its conclusions at the end of March.

If costs can be reduced and funding identified, it would be for Merseytravel to consider whether a Bidston to Wrexham scheme is suitable to promote for major scheme funding via its local transport plan, provided that this is endorsed as a priority as part of the regional funding allocation process.

To ask the Prime Minister how many expert advisers, excluding special advisers, have been commissioned by his Office since June 2007; and on which topics they have advised. (254741)

I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 12 January 2009, Official Report, column 53W.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a copy of No. 10 Downing Street’s website accessibility plan. (257216)

Information on accessibility is available on the No. 10 website at:

http://www.number10.gov.uk/footer/accessibility

A copy of this web page has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister which of the public appointments for which he is responsible are due to be (a) renewed and (b) filled in the next 24 months; what the (i) remit, (ii) salary, (iii) political restrictions, (iv) eligibility requirement and (v) timetable for each appointment is; and what records his Office keeps in respect of such appointments. (254263)

Information on public appointments I make are published on the No. 10 website and announced to Parliament where appropriate. More detailed information about individual appointments is set out in the relevant body's annual report. Vacancies may also be advertised on the Cabinet Office Public Appointments website at

www.publicappointments.gov.uk

The process for making a public appointment, including guidance on political activity and eligibility criteria, follows the Cabinet Office publication “Making and Managing Public Appointments”. For appointments regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, the appointments process also complies with the "Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies". Copies are in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister what work the No. 10 Policy Directorate (a) has undertaken and (b) plans to undertake on energy and climate-related matters. (255042)

The No. 10 Policy Unit covers all Government policy, including energy and climate-related matters.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) on how many occasions the Forfeiture Committee has met since 1997; (256561)

Arrangements for the Forfeiture Committee are as set out by the then Prime Minister, the right hon. Sir John Major, on 2 December 1994, Official Report, column 923W

“Cancellation is considered in cases where retention of the appointment or award would bring the honours system into disrepute. There are no set guidelines for cancellations, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.”

Details of forfeitures are published in the London Gazette. Peerages do not fall within the terms of reference of the Forfeiture Committee.

To ask the Prime Minister to what events held in the United Kingdom to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel he has been invited; what such invitations he has (a) accepted and (b) declined; and if he will make a statement. (254992)

It is already a matter of public record. I attended the Embassy of Israel 60^th Anniversary Reception on 12 May 2008 in London.

To ask the Prime Minister under what circumstances Ministerial appointments may be made for a fixed-term period at the request of the appointee. (255817)

I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 28 January 2009, Official Report, column 541W.

To ask the Prime Minister whether he received representations from (a) Lord Moonie, (b) Lord Taylor of Blackburn, (c) Lord Snape and (d) Lord Truscott in the last seven months. (255236)

No.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) when he last met Russian President Medvedev; (256563)

I have regular discussions with the Russian leadership, including at G8 and G20 summits.

I have invited President Medvedev to the G20 in London in April.

To ask the Prime Minister how many parliamentary questions he has not answered since June 2007 on the grounds of disproportionate cost; and if he will make a statement. (254990)

The information requested is a matter of public record and can be found in the Official Report.

To ask the Prime Minister how many parliamentary questions for written answer he has transferred to other Ministers since May 2007; and if he will make a statement. (254991)

Questions are answered by the responsible Minister. Details of transfers can be found in the daily “Questions Book”, copies of which are available in the Vote Office.

8. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what HM Revenue and Customs’ most recent estimate is of the annual cost to the Exchequer of tax avoidance in the corporate sector; and if he will make a statement. (256289)

Due to its nature, it is difficult to be precise about the scale of avoidance. The most recent estimate, published by HMRC last March but relating to the start of the decade, showed corporate tax avoidance to be in the range £2.1 billion to £6.6 billion per year. HMRC continues to close down loopholes as it becomes aware of them.

9. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the remuneration packages for senior executives of banks which are in temporary public ownership or which have received recapitalisation funding from the public purse; and if he will make a statement. (256290)

For those banks that we recapitalised last October there were conditions imposed in relation to bank lending and restrictions on rewards for senior executives and on payment of dividends.

17. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on bank lending policies of his recapitalisation of the banks. (256299)

The measures that the Government announced on 8 October were to ensure the stability of the financial system and to protect ordinary savers, depositors, businesses and borrowers.

The Government’s recapitalisation scheme has helped to reduce the inter-bank lending rate, and the cost of insuring inter-bank lending through credit default swaps. As a result the price of wholesale funding—the money the banks use to finance lending to their customers—has come down considerably.

As part of their investment, the Government have agreed with the banks supported by the recapitalisation scheme a range of commitments, including on lending.

19. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on remuneration packages for staff of banks which are in temporary public ownership or which have received recapitalisation funding from the public purse. (256301)

UK Financial Investments (UKFI) has been set up to manage the Treasury’s shareholding in recapitalised banks. UKFI has a role in scrutinising banks compliance with the recapitalisation conditions, and also in scrutinising banks remuneration policies—to protect the interests of the taxpayer as a major shareholder.

The Government have rightly been closely involved in decisions on rewards for senior executives—those who made the decisions that brought the banks into difficulty. We have ensured that none of the banks accessing the recapitalisation scheme will award cash bonuses for 2008 to board members.

20. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on bank lending policies of his recapitalisation of the banks. (256302)

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Stourbridge (Lynda Waltho) today (256299).

10. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on measures to reduce the effects of the global economic downturn in EU member states. (256291)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Treasury Ministers attend regular meetings of EU Ministers, including the Council of Economic and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN). These discussions cover a wide range of issues including the co-ordination of measures among EU member states. The European economic recovery plan, as agreed by the December European Council, outlined a range of measures for member states to enact a co-ordinated response to the economic downturn.

11. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions his Department has had with the International Monetary Fund on the UK’s economic performance. (256292)

The IMF holds bilateral discussions with each of its member countries, usually every year as part of its country surveillance function, under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. IMF staff last visited London in May 2008 and met with various institutions including HM Treasury to discuss issues relating to the economy. The Government of course continue also to work closely with the IMF and other international partners in responding to the financial crisis.

13. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecasts of economic growth he has made for (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. (256294)

The Government’s most recent forecasts were published at the pre-Budget report. We will publish updated forecasts at the time of Budget 2009, as is normal practice. This will include a full assessment of developments and prospects for the world and UK economies, based on all relevant factors.

12 To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he next plans to review the liability of property owners for business rates on empty commercial properties. (256293)

In the pre-Budget report, the Government temporarily raised the threshold for exemption from national non-domestic rates on empty properties from £2,200 to £15,000 to take effect from 1 April 2009. As a result, an estimated 70 per cent. of empty properties will be exempt from business rates in the 2009-10 tax year.

Any further decisions on taxation are matters for the Chancellor at Budget.

14. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the effects on financial markets of media reporting on those markets. (256295)

The Chancellor receives representations from a wide range of stakeholders on issues relating to financial markets issues.

In October 2008 the Government announced a comprehensive package of support for the financial system both to support the stability of the banking system and to protect savers and depositors. On 19 January the Government announced a second support package designed to reinforce the stability of the financial system and provide a longer-term solution.

I follow media reporting on the markets with interest. It is routinely of a high quality. I hope all commentators, whether from the financial markets or from the general media, will continue to report responsibly, and bear in mind that unsubstantiated speculation has the potential to undermine financial stability and harm savers and depositors.

15. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department plans to take to assist savers who are pensioners during the economic downturn. (256296)

The Government are committed to supporting pensioners through the global economic slowdown, providing support for all, but more for those who need it most. A range of measures was announced at PBR 2008 to support pensioners including an extra £60 payment, and an increase in the pension credit by more than indexation, on top of the additional support announced in last year’s Budget.

16. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove liability for value added tax from bingo clubs. (256298)

The Chancellor keeps all taxes under review and decisions about gambling taxation are made at the Budget alongside all tax and spending decisions. The Government take all relevant factors into consideration when establishing and maintaining fair gambling tax regimes. These include the state of the industry and wider conditions within the economy.

18. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the decision to tax miners with small pensions from April 2009. (256300)

HMRC intend to bring a number of previously untaxed pensions into tax under PAYE from April 2009. We have received representations about this from a number of pensioner lobby groups, but none specifically in relation to miners.

21. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his forecasts for the public finances and economic growth in the UK before the Budget statement. (256303)

The Government will publish updated forecasts at the time of Budget 2009, as is normal practice. This will include a full assessment of developments and prospects for the world and UK economies, based on all relevant factors.

22. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he has taken of the effect of climate change on the economy in his preparations for the carbon budget. (256304)

The Climate Change Act requires the Secretary of State to take into account economic circumstances in setting the level of carbon budgets. Action to achieve environmental goals remains a high priority for the Government in the current economic circumstances. The Government will consider carefully the Committee on Climate Change advice on economic impacts of carbon budgets and announce the levels of the first three carbon budgets alongside Budget 2009.

23. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will replace the 25p age addition to state pensions with an additional £25 on the winter fuel allowance for the over-80s as a Budget measure. (256305)

The Government provide additional support to older pensioners. Higher age-related allowances and free TV licences help those aged over 75, while households with someone aged over 80 receive a higher winter fuel payment. The Government keep all tax and benefit rates under review as part of the normal Budget process.

24. To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent steps his Department has taken to ensure that companies in the financial sector are paying the appropriate levels of taxation. (256306)

It is important that all taxpayers pay their fair share of tax. Most corporates, including those in the financial sector, do pay their fair share. The Government will continue to tackle those companies who deliberately seek to evade or avoid tax. Each recent Budget has contained measures to close down avoidance schemes with a potential annual cost of £1-1½ billion a year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Bank of England has received requests to buy assets in all sectors. (256184)

As set out in its market notice on 6 February 2009, the Bank of England is currently consulting with the financial markets on the operational details of the asset purchase facility. The facility is expected to commence operation on 13 February 2009.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total monetary value of funds drawn down against the Bank of England Special Liquidity Scheme has been to date. (256179)

The drawdown period for the SLS closed on 30 January. The nominal value of Treasury Bills drawdown as of 30 January 2009 was £185 billion. The monetary value of Treasury Bills changes based on market prices.

Further details can be accessed via the Bank of England website:

http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/news/2009/006.htm

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what monitoring his Department has put in place to determine whether additional bank recapitalisation may be necessary. (256180)

In addition to decisive actions taken last October, on 19 January the Government announced further measures designed to reinforce the stability of the financial system, to increase confidence and capacity to lend, and in turn to support the recovery of the economy.

The Government are now working to implement these schemes and will monitor the impact of these measures.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the expected exposure range for the Government’s insurance scheme for banks for expected bad debts is; (256183)

The Government will publish further details of the Asset Protection Scheme by the last week of February.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what dates (a) ordinary and (b) preference shares taken by the Government in (i) Lloyds Bank, (ii) HBOS and (iii) Royal Bank of Scotland were subscribed; what type of share was issued on each such date; and how much was paid for each type of share; (256404)

On 1 December 2008, the Government purchased both 22.8 billion RBS ordinary shares at 65.5p and five million RBS preference shares at £1,000 each. On 19 January 2009, the Government, in consultation with UKFI, agreed to convert the RBS preference shares, plus accrued coupon and underwriting fees, into ordinary shares. The Government will acquire those that are not bought by existing shareholders in the placing and open offer process. The placing price is 31.75p.

As of 15 January 2009, immediately prior to the merger between Lloyds TSB and HBOS, the Government purchased 2.6 billion Lloyds TSB ordinary shares at £1.733 each and one million Lloyds TSB preference snares at £1,000 each, as well as 7.5 billion HBOS ordinary shares at £1.136 each and three million HBOS preference shares at £1,000 each.

The final placing and open offer agreements have been in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament since 18 November 2008.

Schedule 1 of the preference share agreements makes clear that if a dividend is not paid the preference share holders ‘shall have no claim in respect of such non-payment’. It also makes clear that the shares are non-cumulative, and therefore lost dividend is not recoverable.

The preference share dividend was required to be non-cumulative and discretionary to enable the investment to score as the best type of capital (tier one) and thereby to maximise the impact on financial stability.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to (a) prohibit the payment of bonuses to staff of those banks in which the Government has a majority stake and (b) review the levels of remuneration packages awarded to those staff at the end of 2009. (256502)

As part of their investment, the Government have agreed a range of conditions with banks accessing the recapitalisation scheme, including restrictions on bonuses for senior executives—both for 2008 (when the Government expect no cash bonuses to be paid to board members) and for remuneration policy going forward, where incentive schemes will be reviewed and linked to long-term value creation, taking proper account of risk. In the future remuneration packages should reflect long-term sustainable success and not simply short-term gains.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the decision to nationalise Bradford and Bingley was made. (255440)

I refer the hon. Lady to the answer given to the hon. Member for Wyre Forest (Dr. Taylor) on 27 January 2009, Official Report, column 365W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the status of the consultation on regulation by the Financial Services Authority of house sale and rent-back schemes is; and when a decision is expected. (256185)

On 6 February 2009, the Government published a consultation document, proposing that companies offering sale and rent-back agreements are brought within the scope of Financial Services Authority (FSA) regulation. The consultation will close on 1 May 2009. It is available at:

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/consult_sale_rent.htm

The FSA has published a separate consultation alongside on the detail of its proposed new regime, available at:

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/Library/Policy/CP/2009/09_06.shtml

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the number of people who are worse off as a result of the abolition of the 10p rate of income tax; and if he will make a statement. (255818)

An assessment of the impact of the Budget 2007 personal tax changes, and the subsequent reforms made to income tax, were included in the 2008 pre Budget report at paragraph 5.10.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to reply to the letter of 24 October 2008 from the hon. Member for North Norfolk. (256011)

Due to the large volume of correspondence received on these issues there has been a delay in sending some responses. The Financial Services Secretary hopes to be in a position to reply to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to reply to the letter of 13 November 2008 from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire on NDFA investments via Lehman Brothers Treasury Company BV, Netherlands, PO reference: 1/63049/2008. (256810)

Due to the large volume of correspondence received on these issues there has been a delay in sending some responses. The Financial Services Secretary hopes to be in a position to reply to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) display energy certificates and (b) advisory reports in respect of each property occupied by HM Revenue and Customs. (255932)

HM Revenue and Customs will place in the Library a copy of the display energy certificates and their associated advisory reports in respect of each property it occupies that requires a display energy certificate; that is, those of 1,000 square metres or above.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what administrative financial penalties may be levied by HM Revenue and Customs. (253601)

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) administer almost 20 different taxes and duties and several other collection and payment regimes such as tax credits, national insurance and child benefit. All of the regimes make provision for administrative financial penalties to underpin compliance.

Financial penalties are levied to address non-compliant behaviour in the following areas:

Failure to notify taxable activity;

Late filing or non-filing of returns;

Late or non-payment of taxes, duties and national insurance contributions;

Errors on returns due to negligence, carelessness or deliberate action;

Failure to provide information or to make business premises and records available for inspection;

Regime specific contraventions such as unauthorised issue of VAT invoices or unauthorised use of a customs warehouse.

The numerous existing regime specific penalties are being replaced by a smaller number of new generic administrative financial penalties, with no penalty charged for mistakes where the taxpayer has taken reasonable care. Significant reductions will be available for those who make unprompted disclosures, with smaller reductions for prompted disclosures. Most penalties will be charged as a percentage of the tax under-declared.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of redundancies arising from the proposed closure of the HM Revenue and Customs offices at (a) Regian House, Liverpool, (b) Dukes House, Southport and (c) Birchen House, Birkenhead. (256520)

HMRC announced the planned closure of these three offices in February 2008. While we cannot rule out compulsory redundancies, our aim is to avoid them as far as is reasonably possible, and there have been none so far.

We have set up implementation teams to consider when and how to implement closures and other office changes. They will seek a solution for each member of staff affected, with the first choice being to transfer to another HMRC office. The teams will consult with staff and local unions and advise and support managers and staff affected by planned closures.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much tax has been repatriated to the UK by each country adopting the withholding tax option under the EU Savings Tax Directive. (255258)

The amounts of tax paid to the United Kingdom by those countries adopting withholding tax under the terms of the European savings directive or equivalent agreements with third party jurisdictions for the years 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 are set out in the following tables.

The withholding tax regime is a transitional mechanism. The UK strongly supports, and is promoting internationally, transparency through exchange of information as the way forward in combating cross-border tax evasion.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect on value added tax (VAT) revenue of VAT-free goods coming through the Channel Islands into the UK in each of the last three financial years. (256410)