To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to give local authorities a statutory obligation to co-ordinate local initiatives to prevent crime and develop plans to make them more effective. [4811]

We intend to place a new responsibility on local authorities and the police service jointly to develop statutory local partnerships for crime prevention and community safety and to agree, with the key partners, local community safety targets. Our proposals will be developed on the basis of full consultation with all interested parties. This will be included in the forthcoming Crime and Disorder Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has given to the Prison Service to ensure that wherever possible convicted prisoners should serve their sentences in prisons within reasonable travelling distance of close relatives. [4610]

Prison Rule 31 provides that special attention should be paid to the maintenance of such relationships between a prisoner and his family as are desirable in the best interests of both. Circular Instruction 7/1988, a copy of which is available in the Library, sets out the principles governing the allocation of convicted adult male prisoners. Similar instructions exist for women and males under 21 years of age. The needs of the individual prisoner, including the facilitating of visits, is one of four priorities governing allocation.Wherever possible, prisoners are located close to their home and family. However, security is the primary consideration in a prisoner's allocation and account must also be taken of the need to maintain good order and control and, particularly because of the current population pressures, the need to make best use of the estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's estimate of the percentage of content providers on the Internet who publish material unsuitable for children but are currently taking part in voluntary self-certification. [4902]

Information is not available in the form requested. However, I understand from figures compiled in April by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the independent industry body set up last year, that some 7 per cent. (1,419) if sites which are rated with the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC), the voluntary content ratings system developed by the RSAC in the United States of America, are in the United Kingdom. There is no United Kingdom rating system available, although the IWF hope to report shortly on their recommendations for the development of a self-rating system suitable for the United Kingdom, to which major Internet Service Providers would subscribe.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the tariff recommended by (a) the trial judge, (b) the Lord Chief Justice and (c) the Home Secretary in the case of Patrick Nichols; what length of sentence he has already served; and what are the reasons for his continued detention. [3517]

The trial judge and the Lord Chief Justice both recommended 13 years, and that was the period set by the then Home Secretary.Mr. Nichols has served 22 years in custody. For reasons which have been explained to him, the Parole Board has not considered it appropriate to recommend release. Without such a recommendation, my right hon. Friend has no power to release Mr. Nichols.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many years have elapsed since the maximum penalties in force on the statute book for (a) treason and (b) piracy were applied. [4647]

[holding answer 20 June 1997]: The last execution for the offence of treason was 41 years ago in 1946. In 1945 there were three persons sentenced to death for treason. One of the sentences was commuted to penal servitude. William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) was executed in 1946 for treason. The other offender, Thomas Cooper, who had joined the German army at the age of twenty (his mother was of German origin) was reprieved in 1946 and ended up with a life sentence, of which he served seven years.Historical records indicate that the last two executions for the offence of piracy took place 167 years ago in 1830.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of prosecutions that have been undertaken against foreign nationals for immigration offices, indicating (a) the offence, (b) the outcomes and (c) the maximum sentences passed for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [5340]

[holding answer 24 June 1997]: Court data for prosecutions of foreign nationals by the type of immigration offence committed are given in the tables:Information given is for 1995 (latest available).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate a fast track system for those who have been refused admission under the primary purpose rule to apply for entry clearance. [4008]

I have been asked to reply.In cases where an application has been refused solely on primary purpose grounds and an appeal is pending the Home Office will remit the papers to the Entry Clearance Officer for issue of entry clearance, subject to there being no change of circumstances. Cases which were deferred at posts pending an announcement by the Home Secretary will now be reviewed and where primary purpose would have been the only ground for refusal, again subject to no change of circumstances, entry clearance will be issued. Where no application or appeal is pending, applicants may re-apply for entry clearance in the normal way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time persons employed by his Department and its agencies are paid (i) less than £4.00 an hour, (ii) less than £3.50 an hour and (iii) less than £3.00 an hour. [4198]

The number of staff paid less than the levels shown is as follows:

	Staff
£4.00 an hour	1,246
£3.50 an hour	717
£3.00 an hour	35

These estimates reflect current salary levels and staff numbers, which will vary considerably over time. Part-time and full-time staff are paid the same hourly rates.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to set up the environmental task force. [4479]

We are proposing to launch the New Deal Programme shortly, including the Environmental Task Force, which will be one of the four options on offer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the process of consulting on the future funding of areas of outstanding natural beauty; and when a consultation document will be made available. [4613]

Ministers will shortly be considering these matters with the Countryside Commission, including the question of a consultation document.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for further consultation on future policy relating to water charges; and if he will make a statement. [5091]

As the Deputy Prime Minister announced at the Water Summit, the Government is to review the system of charging for water in England and Wales. I am launching that review today. The purpose of the review is to ensure that we have a fair and sustainable system of charging for water and sewerage services.The review will be conducted jointly by my Department and the Welsh Office, in consultation with the Office of Water Services. My Department will be writing today to interested bodies with details of the main issues which the review will address and inviting their representations. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Libraries of the House.There is public concern about the system of charging for water. Water and sewerage services have to be paid for, but customers are entitled to expect that the basis on which their charges are levied is a fair one. The method of charging should have the support of customers as well as water companies.The review will look at the various methods of charging for mains water and sewerage services, including both unmeasured and measured systems. Under Section 145 of the Water Industry Act 1991, water companies must not base their charges on rateable values after 31 March 2000. The review will consider the future use of rateable values and other possible bases for unmeasured charges, such as the use of council tax bands. It will also consider debt recovery arrangements.We have made clear our opposition to compulsory metering for essential household use of water. We will also want to look very carefully at the issues of disconnection and the use of budget payment meters for household water supplies: no one should be deprived of water because of inability to pay for it. We will consider these issues in the review. But we do want to have views from all the interested parties before we bring forward proposals for changes in the present regime.The overall level of water charges and the system of price limits set by the water regulator will not be considered in this review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review Planning Policy Guidance Note 8 as it affects the siting and erection of telecommunication masts. [4993]

We have no immediate plans to review the basic approach of Planning Policy Guidance note 8 to the siting and erection of telecommunication masts. Work is in hand with representatives of local planning authorities and telecommunications code system operators to review the working of the Code of Best Practice for Telecommunications Prior Approval Procedures as applied to Mast/Tower Development, which was published by my Department last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will establish a review into the methods by which developments in environmentally friendly design and the use of sustainable materials can be incorporated into future house building programmes; and if he will make a statement. [4878]

My Department is supporting research on a wide range of projects aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of, and promoting, more sustainable construction. I shall be launching new construction innovation and research business plans on 4 July. Sustainable construction will be a major theme. We are also examining how dissemination and take up of research and best practice can be improved and made more effective.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the effects on the environment of the use of organophosphates. [4913]

The Environment Agency keeps the environmental effects of organophosphates under review through its monitoring programmes. I have arranged for a copy of its recently published report "Pesticides in the Aquatic Environment 1995" to be placed in the Library. The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, run by the Agriculture Departments, monitors the impact of agricultural pesticides, including organophosphates, on wildlife. Approvals of organophosphate pesticides and veterinary medicines are reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Veterinary Products Committee. Agricultural pesticides including organophosphates are also subject to the European Community rolling review programme under Council Directive 91/414. The Veterinary Products Committee reviewed organophosphate sheep-dips earlier this year and its recommendations are currently being put into place. There are also many research projects addressing the effects of organophosphates on the environment including those funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. The Government is considering whether any further action to reduce the effects of organophosphates on the environment is necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review progress made to date in cleaning contaminated mine water; and what plans he has to enhance the current clean-up programme. [4919]

Last year, the Environment Agency and the Coal Authority identified for further study a priority list of 35 serious mine water discharges from abandoned coal mines in England and Wales which need remedial pollution treatment, and which are being monitored by the Environment Agency during 1997. Following discussions with the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Coal Authority has undertaken 14 detailed feasibility studies on the most environmentally damaging discharges and allocated over £2 million principally to tackle four priority sites during 1997–98. I am reviewing the need for further action to clean-up contaminated mine water sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to revise the current list of charges which local authorities can make. [5074]

We are currently consulting local authority and business interests on draft Regulations allowing local authorities to recover costs for certain highway and transport services. I have placed a copy of the consultation version of the Regulations in the Library of the House. We hope to lay the Regulations before the summer recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to create new council tax bands below the current band A and above band E. [4885]

The question of whether any changes should be made to the structure of the council tax valuation bands is one that the Government will wish to discuss with the Local Government Association and others before reaching a view.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will examine occasions in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Germany where water companies have (i) encouraged organic agriculture and (ii) promoted the marketing of organic produce from farmers within their watersheds with a view to promoting examples of best practice within the industry; and if he will make a statement. [4887]

Water suppliers have an interest in any initiatives which prevent pollution of drinking water sources and work closely with the farming community to protect catchments. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture has general responsibility for organic farming; it would be interesting to learn of any specific initiatives by water suppliers either here or in Germany to encourage organic farming and the promotion of organic produce.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) who has the responsibility for rat control in public sewers; and what steps he has taken to monitor performance in this area; [5156](2) what plans he has to review the duties and responsibilities of the sewerage undertakings with respect to the funding of sewer baiting programmes to control the rat population. [5155]

No one body has overall responsibility for rodent control because of the diverse factors involved in dealing with both the causes and effects of rodent infestations. Sewerage undertakers have programmes to control and reduce the number of rats entering sewers and the funding of these programmes is a matter for each undertaker. All undertakers monitor the level of rat infestation in their sewers and I understand that the water industry will be undertaking some research in this area early next year. Local authorities have the power to take action if the drainage systems in their area pose a threat to public health and this helps to ensure that sewerage undertakers maintain a sufficient programme to control the rat population. I have no plans to review the duties or monitor the performance of sewerage undertakers in this field.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when it is proposed to review the approved document to part H of the Building Regulations; and what plans he has to strengthen the advice on the prevention of damage (a) by rates and (b) from high pressure water jetting for cleaning drains. [5158]

We propose to begin a review of the Approved Document to Part H of the Building Regulations next year, when we will consider whether the advice on prevention of damage by rats and from high pressure water jetting needs to be strengthened.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to discourage water companies from abstracting water from rivers. [5270]

Abstraction of water from rivers is subject to licensing requirements, set out in Chapter II of the Water Resources Act 1991 and administered by the Environment Agency. At the Water Summit we held in May, we made it clear to water companies that they must make stringent efforts to improve their management of the demand for water. We also said that we would review the water abstraction licensing system, with a key aim of ensuring that the needs of the environment are given due weight in licensing decisions. That review is currently underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to change the cash and running cost limits and external financing limits within his responsibility for 1997–98. [5592]

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, the following changes will be made.The cash limit for Class VI, Vote 2—Regeneration and Countryside and Wildlife-will be increased by £27,000,000 from £1,453,168,000 to £1,480,168,000. The increase, which will be met by a call on the Reserve, is required for the Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships) to continue with the clearing and preparation of the Greenwich Peninsula site for the Millennium Exhibition.The external financing limit for the Urban Regeneration Agency (English Partnerships) will be increased by £27,000,000 from £177,779,000 to £204,779,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to pursue his commitment to the proper regulation of buses. [5632]

As part of the fundamental review of transport policy announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 5 June at column 226. I announced in a speech to the Confederation of Passenger Transport earlier today a wide ranging bus review. Its purpose is to examine how buses can best play their part in an integrated transport policy. Our aim is to see increased use of the bus as a means of reducing congestion and pollution, particularly by attracting motorists from their cars.The review will look at all aspects of buses including: the scope for more effective use of bus priority measures, coupled as necessary with traffic restraint; better arrangements for passenger information and ticketing, including inter-modal travel; and regulatory and other measures to improve the quality of bus services, notably through the "quality partnership" approach between operators and local authorities. In addition, it will address financial issues such as costs and support for the industry.I intend to consult fully with the industry, local authorities, bus users and other interest groups, building on the joint work that has previously been done in this area. The results of the review will form part of the proposed White Paper next Spring on integrated transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the result of the Transport Council held in Luxembourg on 17 and 18 June. [5794]

The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 17 and 18 June. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and I represented the United Kingdom.My right hon. Friend made a statement emphasising the importance the Government attaches to Europe and stressing the constructive approach the United Kingdom would seek to take.The Council reached political agreement on a Directive to co-ordinate and improve Member States' arrangements for safety inspection of third country aircraft using EU airports. The United Kingdom, supported by Germany, asked for a statement to be entered in the Council minutes making clear that we would have preferred the Directive to apply also to EU aircraft.The Council agreed conclusions on Community involvement in the EUROCONTROL organisation, which co-ordinates air traffic management arrangements within Europe, and on work towards the creation of a new European aviation safety organisation.The Council held a further discussion on a draft directive on the levels of heavy goods vehicle taxation and of road user charges for those Member States which levy a specific charge for the use of their motorways. By qualified majority (with Germany opposing) the Council agreed a Regulation which will require new commercial vehicles to be fitted with electronic tachographs when such instruments have been type approved. This was the only item on which the Council took a vote. The United Kingdom secured an amendment intended to ensure that the security of new electronic tachograph products will be properly tested before they are approved for use.The Council debated road safety, and agreed conclusions which, in particular, encouraged the Commission to take forward ideas on exchange of best practice. The Council also agreed conclusions endorsing a Commission report by the Commission on road transport telematics and inviting further work in this area.The Council agreed conclusions welcoming a Commission communication on trans-European rail freight freeways, whose aim is to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail by allowing greater freedom of access by train operators to the Community's rail network.The Council reached political agreement on a Directive requiring counting of passengers on all sea voyages and the registration of the name, gender and other details of passengers on voyages over 20 miles, subject to certain exemptions and derogations. The Council also reached political agreement on a Directive bringing Community rules on seafarer training into line with the 1995 revision of International Maritime Organisation Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.The Council held a general debate on a Commission communication on maritime external relations, and agreed conclusions welcoming a Commission report on short sea shipping.Among other issues raised at the Council were the growth of weekend lorry bans, the Community's aviation negotiations with the US and with central and Eastern European countries, and duty-free sales on travel with in the European Union. On this a number of Member States sought an independent study of the effects of abolition: no undertaking was, however, given by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much in each of the last three financial years his Department has provided in financial support to London Transport for dial-a-ride schemes operating in London, and how much London Transport paid to the dial-a-ride companies in each of the same years. [4424]Ms Glenda Jackson: The answer is as follows:

£million
	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Payments to London Transport for Dial-a-Ride	12.6	9.3	10.1
Payments by London Transport to the Dial-a-Ride companies	9.3	8.8	8.5

The difference between the two figures is London Transport's own salary and staff costs in support of Dial-a-Ride, and certain costs which London Transport met on behalf of the Dial-a-Ride companies such as vehicles and computer equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will use the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 to test the new quieter road surfaces developed by his Department. [5136]

When the M20 between junctions 3 and 5 needs attention as part of planned maintenance, the possibility of using it to test novel forms of quieter road surface developed by the industry will be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide noise barriers on the M20 between junction 3 and 5. [5135]

It is not possible to justify the expenditure of public funds on providing noise barriers along this section of the M20. As this would mainly be of benefit to people who either bought property in the vicinity of the M20 in full knowledge of the noise from traffic, or were compensated for the loss of value of their property when the road was first built, in anticipation of the growth of traffic on it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will adopt a discretionary policy of providing noise barriers on motorways that were opened to traffic after 17 October 1969. [5134]

The current policy is aimed at reducing the adverse effects that road construction or improvement would have on the surrounding area and applying similar principles to those roads which were built before the operative date specified in the Land Compensation Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact on pollutant emissions of introducing a tax differential between diesel fuel products based on the level of pollution they generate. [4864]

Provision has been made for a duty differential of 1p per litre between ultra low sulphur diesel and conventional diesel fuel and this will be introduced when we have completed the procedure of obtaining the necessary EU derogation. This is imminent. It is expected that the effect of this differential on pollutant emissions will increase as supplies of ultra low sulphur diesel become more readily available. It is still too early to judge what the final impact of the existing differential might be.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of reconstituting the Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials. [4911]

The Advisory Committee on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Material (ACTRAM) was wound up in January 1989 after the Secretary of State for Transport and the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission had agreed that its work had been satisfactorily completed. I am satisfied that ACTRAM's conclusions remain valid and that there is no need to reconstitute the Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the stretches of motorway which are currently unlit; what his Department's policy is in relation to lighting these parts of the motorway; and if he will make a statement. [5079]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received against the abolition of vehicle excise duty and the replacement of the lost revenue by the introduction of an additional fuel duty. [5382]

Representation has been received from a range of individuals and organisations on vehicle and fuel taxation, including the suggestion of abolishing vehicle excise duty and increasing fuel duty.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the privatisation of the Port of Tyne; and if he will make a statement. [5257]

My right hon. Friend is currently considering a request from the Port of Tyne Authority that the compulsory privatisation of the port should not proceed. Six other letters about the port have also been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will consider renegotiating river cruise licences with a view to safety. [4022]

This is not a question which necessarily falls to my Department as the description of "river cruise licences" does not conform to any particular licence or certificate which is currently issued.Local authorities issue licences allowing the operation of vessels which carry passengers and these licences would seem to be the most similar to those referred to in the question. There is an administrative charge relating to such licences and limited safety implications are involved.The Marine Safety Agency (MSA) is responsible for issuing Passenger Certificates to vessels operating on inland waterways and the Environment Agency (EA) formally the National Rivers Authority (NRA) operates a Boat Safety Scheme with the emphasis for both being safety.If you have any questions relating to either of these areas, I am sure that the Chief Executives of the MSA or EA will be able to help.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for a national scheme of disregards for war pensioners in respect of council tax and housing benefit to replace the current local discretionary schemes. [4128]

I have been asked to reply.The present disregard aims to strike a balance between acknowledging the special reasons for payment of the pension and the proper use of public funds. War pensioners already receive preferential treatment and benefit from many advantages over their Social Security counterparts.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what visitorial rights he has in respect of disputes between the officials of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and its members.[5391]

I have none. Her Majesty The Queen has directed the Lord Chancellor to exercise Her visitorial jurisdiction in connection with one dispute involving the Association.

To ask the Attorney-General what progress has been made on the appointment of an organisational expert as part of the Crown Prosecution Service review.[5795]

I have appointed Mr. Robert McFarland, formerly Chief Executive of BOC Gases (South Asia, Middle East and Africa). He is a Chartered Accountant who has recently completed a successful international career in industry and will bring considerable organisational/management expertise to the Review team.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio if he will list the (a) meetings and (b) telephone conversations he has held since 2 May in his official capacity with members of the media, and the subjects discussed.[5417]

No.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will extend the complaint and redress provisions of the citizens charter to the Post Office.[4989]

Both Royal Mail and Post Office Counters Ltd. already produce documents under the Charter which set out what customers can expect when they use the Post Office's services and what to do if something goes wrong, including details of available compensation. We are, however, committed to re-launching the programme of charters and, in this context, officials will be meeting the Post Office next month.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish a list of those persons who were not established civil servants on 2 May whose salaries are currently being paid by his Departments, identifying the current salaries and position held by each of these persons and giving a summary of their provisions careers. [5420]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bromley and Chislehurst (Mr. Forth) on 6 June 1997, Official Report, columns 262–63

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to increase the involvement of women in traditionally male-dominated sports; and if he will make a statement.[2709]

The Government is keen to improve opportunities for women at all levels in sport, whether as participants, competitors, coaches or administrators.The four Home Country Sports Councils, which are funded by central Government, actively encourage the involvement of women in all sports. Other sporting agencies, such as the Womens Sports Foundation are also doing much to underline the significant achievement of women in sport and help improve levels of participation.Organisations are required to include ways of encouraging the participation of women when applying for monies from the National Lottery Sports Fund. This is helping to increase participation levels, particularly in those sports that have traditionally been male-dominated. These sports will be carefully monitored to ensure that the increased access is delivered.The Government will explore ways to build on this and further extend opportunities through a national strategy for sport which will embrace all sections of the community regardless of where they live, social background, age or ability.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has for supporting Millennium events in the regions.[3210]

It is the Government's intention to support Millennium events throughout the UK through the Millennium Commission. In announcing his support for the Millennium Exhibition on 19 June the Prime Minister said that the Exhibition must be a truly national event, with links across the whole of the UK.The addition to the Exhibition in Greenwich the Millennium Commission has to date awarded grants totalling £994 million to 112 capital projects on 2,036 sites across the UK. These range from landmark projects, such as the Lowry Centre in Salford, to small local projects. The Commission is also funding a number of nationwide umbrella projects, such as "Woods on your doorstep" and "21st Century Halls".

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many acres of school playing fields have been sold off in the last 10 years; and what is the policy of the Government towards the sale of (a) playing fields and (b) school playing fields. [3189]

[holding answer Monday 23 June 1997]: Local Education Authorities are not required to report their disposals of playing fields to Central Government and consequently no central record of playing field sales exist. Provided their schools continue to comply with the requirements for minimum playing field area in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996, Local Education Authorities may dispose of land belonging to them without reference to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.The Government intends to make sure that those playing fields which schools and their local communities need are not sold in the future. The Government is considering, urgently, a wide range of options to ensure that all school pupils and communities will have access to proper sports facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the selling of playing fields. [5386]

The Government intends to make sure that those playing fields which schools and their local communities need are not sold in the future. The Government is considering, urgently, a wide range of options to ensure that all school pupils and communities will have access to proper sports facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he proposes to take to ensure the registration of all businesses supplying bed spaces for tourists; and if he will make a statement. [5138]

The Government is determined to see improvements in accommodation standards. The AA, RAC and ETB announced in February plans for a new harmonised scheme which for the first time would give a single rating for hotels according to both the quality of their service and the facilities they offer. They will be consulting the industry on the details of this and on a scheme covering non-hotel accommodation such as guest-houses, B and Bs, farmhouses and inns. The introduction of these voluntary measures will be an important first step in raising standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to introduce secondary legislation to increase the minimum requirement for sign language on digital terrestrial television.[4777]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no current plans to use the powers in the Broadcasting Act 1996 to amend the minimum requirements for sign language on digital terrestrial television. The Government will, however, monitor this issue closely taking into account, in particular, any technological advances which would make on screen signing easier for the broadcasters to provide. The Independent Television Commission has undertaken that it will regularly review all aspects of its Code on Subtitling, Sign Language and Audio Description on Digital Terrestrial Television. The Government welcomes this and will maintain close liaison with the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement about his Department's policy towards kick boxing.[4086]

[holding answer Monday 23 June 1997]: The Government does not regulate kick boxing— any other sport in this country. This is a matter for the relevant governing body, or bodies, acting within the bounds of the law. However, I believe that those in charge of such sports have a duty to ensure they are conducted safely, particularly where there is a risk of injury, and that governing bodies of sport should have the appropriate medical and safety regulations in place. The tragic death of Sean McBride, following his participation in a kick boxing bout in Northern Ireland, highlights the need for governing bodies to take urgent and appropriate action.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer of 19 May, Official Report, column 361, if he will list the alternative sponsors he has identified to replace existing funding provided by tobacco companies for each sport in the event of the proposed ban on tobacco sponsorship of sport. [4289]

I will be looking very carefully at how best to achieve an end to the advertising and promotion of tobacco at sports events in a way that will minimise any damage to the sports concerned. Clearly we will do all we can to help the sports concerned identify alternative sponsors.

To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made of the effect of VAT and the VAT threshold on the international competitiveness of the British tourism industry. [5137]

Issues concerning VAT and the VAT threshold are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am aware of the tourism industry's concerns about VAT-related issues, as is he.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive the results of the National Savings Accommodation Review. [3370]

The review of National Savings, future accommodation needs has now been subsumed into the exploration of a possible Private Finance Initiative(PFI) project. A shortlist of three property firms are being consulted, and the Agency hopes to issue an Invitation to Negotiate next month.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what respects the Bank of England would need to be reformed to meet all the requirements for central bank independence in the Maastricht treaty; and when legislation would need to be passed if the United Kingdom wished to join a European single currency at the beginning of 1999. [4243]

The proposed changes to the Bank of England will not make it compatible with the requirements in the EC Treaty which would apply if the United Kingdom were to adopt the single currency. In particular, the Governor would need to be fully independent when carrying out his tasks in the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, and the Bank of England would need to be able to play a full role in the European System of Central Banks and the formulation and implementation of the single monetary policy.The Treaty provides for the ECB to take responsibility for the monetary policy of the single currency on 1 January 1999. The legislative framework enabling the Bank of England to play its part would need to be in place by 1 January 1999 at the latest if the United Kingdom were to adopt the single currency. Progress towards making the Bank of England compatible with the Treaty will be assessed by the Commission and the European Monetary Institute as part of their reports made in accordance with the procedure under Article 109j(1) of the Treaty probably in spring 1998.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) in whose name the deeds for the gold reserves for the Euro will be held;. [4463](2) what action would be taken against a participant in the single currency which was found to have gold reserves less than its planned contribution to the central reserves;. [4461](3) where the gold reserves for the Euro will be held;. [4464](4) what estimate he has made of the quantity of gold and foreign currency reserves which this country would contribute to the Euro' s central reserves in the event of participation in the single currency. [4462]

The foreign reserve assets to be held and managed by the European Central Bank (ECB) will be provided by the national central banks of countries which adopt the single currency in accordance with Article 30 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) annexed to the EC Treaty. The amount to be provided by each national central bank will depend on the size of its country's population and national income. It is not possible at this stage to say precisely how much the Bank of England would need to provide if the United Kingdom were to join. The amount required in total by the ECB and its precise composition will be decided by its Governing Council, within a ceiling provided by the Treaty.Foreign reserve assets held and managed by the ECB will be "pooled", in the sense that the central banks which provide them will have in turn a proportionate claim on the assets of the ECB. The Governing Council will decide the degree of decentralisation of the activities of the ESCB. There are likely to be good reasons for some or all foreign reserve assets to remain in individual national central banks, so that they can be used more effectively in local financial markets for example.The Treaty provides no mechanism or sanction specifically for use against a national central bank which fails to provide the required amount of foreign reserve assets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged 17 to 25 years were claiming unemployment benefit in Portsmouth in June of (a) 1974, (b) 1979, (c) 1988, (d) 1992, (e) 1993, (f) 1994, (g) 1995 and (h) 1996; and what percentage of the total number of those in this age group these figures represent. [4743]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people aged 18 to 24 years have come off unemployment benefits in each of the past five years; and what were the alternative activities to which they moved. [4995]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many persons aged 18 to 24 years in the Colchester parliamentary constituency who are currently registered unemployed have never been employed. [5003]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of households (a) in each region and (b) in total have no one in full-time employment; and if he will make a statement. [4854]

[holding answer 24 June 1997]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the economic reform programmes agreed between low-income countries and the IMF as a condition for debt relief; what plans he has to press for a review of these requirements; and if will make a statement. [3877]

It is essential that countries which benefit from debt relief should have a track record of economic reform, and a commitment to continue with sound economic policies, as part of a wider commitment by debtors to balanced transparent economic reform programmes which encourage economic and social development and thus create the conditions in which poverty can be alleviated. We review the suitability of each country's proposed economic reform programme as a prerequisite for debt relief prior to participating in decisions on each case.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the windfall tax will be a one-off levy. [5656]

As I explained to the House, the legislation will be for a one-off levy. The intention is that the legislation will enact this financial year, in one Bill and will not form a recurring part of the legislative programme.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has for improving co-operation between the European Commission and Government Departments in the United Kingdom in the control of expenditure by United Kingdom Government Departments which is financed by the EC Budget. [5655]

I am very pleased to announce that agreement has been reached between the European Commission and the Government on the signature of Protocols between the Financial Controller of the European Commission and the Accounting Officer and Heads of Internal Audit of UK Departments with responsibilities for Structural Fund expenditure. These Protocols provide for an enhanced level of co-operation between the Commission's Financial Control and the Internal Audit Units of UK Departments in the control and auditing of Structural Fund expenditure. This will lead to a better use of the resources available for this purpose, agreement on common standards, and the exchange of relevant reports, without prejudicing the independence or statutory responsibilities of either party.This is an important contribution to the improvement of the Community's financial management systems within the context of the Commission's strategy for improving and modernising financial management, Sound and Efficiency Management (SEM) 2000, which the Government strongly supports. Similar Protocols have already been agreed between the Commission and a number of other Member States, and I understand that discussions are under way between the Commission and further Member States.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce changes in the level of the child cash allowance for under 16s. [3965]

I have been asked to reply.Modernising the Social Security system to reduce poverty and strengthen family life is one of our key priorities. We are committed to retaining universal Child Benefit from birth to age 16, and to uprate it at least in line with prices. The rates of Child Benefit are reviewed and announced annually.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place an immediate moratorium on the downgrading, reduction and loss of services provided by St. Bartholomew's hospital. [3040]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 20 June 1997 the establishment of a review of London's health services to be conducted by an independent advisory panel chaired by Sir Leslie Turnberg, President of the Royal College of Physicians. During the review there is a moratorium on all hospital closures in London. The review panel will be advising in particular on the future of St. Bartholomew's hospital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the calculation and implementation of capital charges on hospitals will be included in his review of the funding of the NHS. [4899]

The comprehensive spending review announced on 11 June will look at all areas of spending. The Government's election manifesto made clear our commitment to a national health service based on need not on ability to pay. Every aspect of the Department of Health's comprehensive spending review will be judged against that commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the terms of reference of the current review of the Devonshire Royal hospital, Buxton, currently being carried out by NHS Estates, Leeds. [4900]

The terms of reference for the review of the Devonshire Royal hospital, Buxton are:

to explore, with English Heritage, the possibility that the Devonshire Royal hospital be transferred to a heritage trust, and if so what arrangements would need to be put in place, and if this would enable the building to remain in continued National Health Service use; and

to explore, with English Heritage and the local planning authority, what alternative uses the Devonshire Royal hospital might be put to if it becomes surplus to NHS requirements, and if early steps can be taken to identify a purchaser.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements exist for the long-term safety monitoring of MMR vaccines. [4920]

Before measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination was introduced into the United Kingdom immunisation programme in 1988, there was extensive experience of its use in many other industrialised countries. The United States had been using MMR routinely since the early 1970s and around 100 million doses have been administered. By the time a two dose programme was introduced in the UK, in 1996, there was extensive experience of two dose programmes in many other countries. For example, a two dose programme of MMR in place in Finland since 1982 has led to the elimination of these diseases from that country. The vaccine was reported to have an excellent safety record.In the UK the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) collects information from many different sources to monitor the safety of all medicines, including vaccines, in clinical practice worldwide. Spontaneous reports of suspected adverse drug reactions are submitted to the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) and MCA by doctors, pharmacists, coroners and dentists under the voluntary 'yellow card' scheme in the UK. There is a statutory requirement for pharmaceutical companies to report reactions to their products on a world-wide basis. Companies also provide regular safety updates for their products to the MCA. The number and pattern of suspected adverse reactions reports from all data sources are regularly reviewed, and appropriate action initiated if there is any indication of a safety hazard. The safety of vaccines is carefully monitored both by the CSM and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation which advise UK Health Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress made in work, funded by his Department, by the Public Health Laboratory Service in respect of vaccine safety. [4924]

The Public Health Laboratory Service is investigating adverse events associated with immunisation in children under two years of age, using hospital admissions data and child health immunisation records. Pilot studies in single districts have been published and copies of this paper have been placed in the Library. Their latest work, using regional data, will shortly be submitted for publication. Unfortunately, the results from studies using general practitioners' records do not so far suggest that this will be a useful source of data for identifying adverse reactions to vaccines.