To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress at the Oslo Conference on preventing the exploitation of child labour in third world and developing countries. [13359]

The Conference was organised by the Norwegian Government with the joint support of the ILO and UNICEF. Building on an earlier conference in Amsterdam, as well as three subsequent regional conferences in Asia, Africa and Latin America, its purpose was to achieve agreement on an Agenda for Action, to be taken forward by governments—41 were represented, the majority from developing countries; representatives of multilateral organisations, trades unions, employers associations and NGOs were also represented at the conference.The Conference was a success. It produced a sensible and balanced agenda for action; it provided the opportunity for the different constituents to understand each other's viewpoints and agree more collaborative ways of working together. While some further work will be required to achieve agreement next year on the new ILO Convention on Intolerable Child Labour, the Oslo Conference will have strengthened in-country and international partnerships for tackling the problem on the ground.The Conference was largely devoted to working sessions on the themes of legislation, education and social mobilisation. Views on priorities and sequencing between these themes depended largely on each participant's constituency and country of origin. Cutting across each working group was a discussion of how to take measures to end child labour while protecting the livelihoods of working children and their families.In my statement to the Conference I said that the industrialised world should re-read its own history concerning our own past exploitation of children and then approach this subject with due humility. But our own history reminds us how destructive child labour can be. It stunts childhood and damages health, and the deprivation of education it entails sentences the child concerned to a lifetime of poverty. At the same time, child labour undermines the wages of adults and entrenches families in poverty. If the poor countries are to develop, they must ensure that the children are in school and their parents at work.I mentioned the great public concern in the UK about child labour. UK consumers are increasingly supporting ethical movements and are not prepared to buy goods produced by exploiting children. But we have learnt that boycotts or over-night exclusion of children from industries can drive the children into worse exploitation. So we must devise strategies that benefit the children and their families. Football stitching is not the most intolerable type of work for children in Pakistan, but it is one which drew international attention. We have to start work where we can. I therefore announced our intention to fund Save the Children to implement a social protection programme in Sialkot so that when, at the end of next year, children stop working in the football stitching industry, they are not forced into more hazardous and exploitative work. We intend that the model developed in Sialkot will then be adapted and applied in another province, focusing on removing and protecting children from more intolerable forms of work which are less susceptible to pressure form international consumers.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will publish the action plan, due by 1 October 1997, for resolving the computer millennium problem in her Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which she is responsible; if such was fully completed on time; and if she will make a statement. [13627]

Because of the extent of public interest in the issue, DFID's costed action plans, along with that of other government departments, will be reported first to Parliament after analysis by the Central Information Technology Unit (Cabinet Office) and Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency to which DFID's plans were notified in October 1997. They will be available thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which she is responsible completed the millennium computer compliance audits of systems; and if she will make a statement. [13630]

An audit of DFID's systems was completed in June 1997 and identified a small number of departmental systems that were not millennium compliant in addition to those corporate systems that had already been identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which (a) Minister and (b) civil servant has overall responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance in her Department and its associated public bodies. [13631]

As Secretary of State I have overall responsibility. The responsible official within the Department is Mr. A. Davis, Head of the Information Systems Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on what funding provision has been made to accommodate the expenditure needed to resolve the computer millennium problem; and if she expects to have sufficient funding to pay for the work necessary to achieve complete millennium compliance by 1 January 2000. [13629]

For 1997–98 we have made provision for £145,000 consisting of £100,000 for purchasing assistance and £45,000 of departmental staff's time working on year 2000 issues. For 1998–99 provision of £65,000 has been made to cover departmental staff time testing changes. The budgets are adequate unless there are unforseen difficulties.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in (a) her Department, (b) its agencies and (c) other public bodies for which she is responsible; if she will state in each case (i) expenditure incurred to date, (ii) expenditure planned for 1997–98, (iii) expenditure planned for 1998–99 and (iv) expenditure planned for 1999–2000; and if she will make a statement. [13628]

The figures of expenditure to date are not available for the corporate systems already made millennium compliant. This is because they were being transferred to a new system for resource accounting and no separate costs for staff input were kept. An estimated £10,000 of staff time establishing inventory, planning and reporting on other systems has been incurred to date.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the effect of the lack of rule of law in southern Ethiopia on the delivery of United Kingdom supported aid programmes to that country. [13750]

There has been no disruption to UK supported aid programmes in southern Ethiopia arising from legal or security problems in that region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the World Trade Organisation's ruling on Caribbean banana imports to the EU and its impact on overseas aid to the Caribbean. [14048]

The EU bananas regime represents a serious attempt to meet our obligations to our trading partners and developing countries. We are obviously disappointed that parts of it have been found incompatible with the WTO, but accept that the Community must now set about revising the EU arrangements to bring them into conformity with the WTO's rules.The Government is considering the WTO findings on the EU banana regime in liaison with the Commission in Brussels, which have the principal responsibility for proposing a new WTO compatible regime. We intend to play a major role as leading advocates of the legitimate interests of those developing countries in the Caribbean which have traditionally supplied the UK market. They can rest assured that we have their interest high on our agenda.The Windward Islands, already have large allocations of aid from the European Union under the Stabex facility. These are being deployed to strengthen the competitiveness of the banana industry, assist economic diversification and develop social safety nets. The case for additional finance from the European Union will be examined as the implications of the WTO findings become clearer.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to his Department's letter to the hon. Member for Linlithgow on the peoples of the New Guinea highlands, what measures he is taking to help the victims of drought in Papua New Guinea. [14414]

As stated in the letter of 20 October to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, we have already provided £50,000 for the purchase of food, medicines and water containers. We are now considering the 28 October appeal from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and are expecting proposals from CAFOD and World Vision.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the 12 guiding principles for using market testing and contracting out. [14544]

Following consultation with the Council of Civil Service Unions and the CBI, I have published "12 Guiding Principles in Using Market Testing and Contracting Out" for central Government Departments, including their agencies. I am grateful for the assistance of the Council of Civil Service Unions and the CBI. Wherever possible I have incorporated their suggestions.The "12 Guiding Principles" have been very well received. They will also apply to private finance initiative projects that involve staff transfers.The Government's "12 Guiding Principles" are as follows.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what is his estimate of the total cost of the United Kingdom public sector of resolving the computer millennium problem; and if he will make a statement; [13229](2) what assessment he has made of the progress being made by departments towards computer millennium compliance; if he expects all departments and public bodies to have achieved complete computer millennium compliance prior to 1 January 2000; and if he will make a statement. [13231]

I have asked Government Departments to provide me with detailed and costed plans for dealing with the year 2000 date change problem as soon as possible after 1 October 1997.I am awaiting an analysis and report on these plans from the Central Information Technology Unit and the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency so that I can form an overall picture of progress, costs and future plans. Once I have done so I will inform Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those Departments and agencies which did not respond to the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency questionnaire regarding progress towards millennium computer compliance, sent out in December 1996 to January 1997. [13230]

In December 1996 and January 1997, the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency issued a year 2000 questionnaire to a sample of 133 central government departments, executive agencies and other public sector organisations. The majority of large departments and agencies responded to this questionnaire. Departments and agencies which did not respond are listed in the table. Most of these have responded to a follow-up survey carried out in the summer. All departments and agencies are required to complete a full and detailed costed action plan as soon as possible after 1 October 1997.

• Export Credits Guarantee Department;
• General Register Office for Scotland;
• Intervention Board;
• Legal Aid Board;
• Lord Chancellor's Department;
• Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department;
• Serious Fraud Office;
• The Royal Parks;
• UK Passport Agency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the action plan, due by 1 October 1997, for resolving the computer millennium problem in his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible; if such was fully completed on time; and if he will make a statement. [13632]

The action plans for resolving the computer millennium problem in the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, its agencies and associated public bodies are complete. These plans will be published by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, when he has completed his analysis of the situation across Government as a whole.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is his latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) other public bodies for which he is responsible; if he will state in each case (i) expenditure incurred to date, (ii) expenditure planned for 1997–98, (iii) expenditure planned for 1998–99 and (iv) expenditure planned for 1999–00; and if he will make a statement. [13633]

Estimates of the total cost of addressing the computer millennium problem within the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, its Agencies and associated public bodies are:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible completed the millennium computer compliance audits of systems; and if he will make a statement. [13635]

In the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, its Agencies and associated public bodies for which I am responsible, millennium computer compliance systems audits were completed between 1994 and September 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on what funding provision has been made to accommodate the expenditure needed to resolve the computer millennium problem; and if he expects to have sufficient funding to pay for the work necessary to achieve complete millennium compliance by 1 January 2000. [13634]

The expenditure required to address the computer millennium problem will be met from within existing planned expenditure totals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which (a) Minister and (b) civil servant has overall responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance in his Department and its associated public bodies. [13636]

Within the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, its agencies and associated public bodies, ministerial responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance rests with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Cabinet Office civil servant with responsibility for this work is the head of infrastructure. Responsibilities within the agencies are as follows:

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he intends to implement sections 3(2) to 3(9) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. [13005]

Subsections 3(3) to 3(9) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 introduce, among other things, a system whereby the breach of an injunction granted by a civil court may be dealt with as a criminal offence. Rules and forms have been drafted for use by the High Court, county courts, the crown court and magistrates courts to ensure that the process works effectively. Consultation on these is under way, and as soon as it is complete the outstanding subsections will be commenced.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average time taken by his Department to give full answers to letters received from hon. Members. [13958]

For letters received since 1 May 1997 the average time is approximately 23 days, including weekends and bank holidays.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has to extend the provisions of the Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992 to Northern Ireland. [11995]

There are no such proposals. The differences between the land laws of Northern Ireland and of England and Wales make such an extension impossible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has undertaken into the ease with which the euro currency symbol will be distinguishable from that for sterling. [12534]

[holding answer 27 October 1997]: The Royal Mint and Bank of England have been closely involved in preparatory work with other member states and national central banks on the design and specifications of euro coins and banknotes. On the basis of the provisional specifications for euro coins and the specifications for banknotes agreed in the European Monetary Institute they will be easily distinguishable from sterling coins and banknotes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the suppliers to his Department who are owed outstanding amounts, indicating the amounts and the due date on which the account should have been settled. [13551]

[holding answer 30 October 1997]: At 29 October, there were 24 invoices outstanding with a value of £9,002. This represents 2·4 per cent. of invoices paid in a typical month. The value represents less than 1 per cent. of the typical average value of invoices paid per month.The following table lists the 24 payments that are due to suppliers on 29 October, that will be paid more than 30 days after the receipt of the invoice and which are not in dispute.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the amount allocated in each budget of the European Community for information relating to implementation of EMU; on what occasions such expenditure was authorised by the Economic and Finance Council; and what (a) observations and (b) votes were made by Ministers on each occasion. [12965]

[holding answer 27 October 1997]: Funding for information relating to the implementation of EMU has been made available since 1996 under the European Commission's information programme for European citizens (Prince). The relevant budget line is B3306.The EC Budget does not break down the overall level of Prince by individual programme. I would suggest that the hon. Member approaches the European Commission directly for this information.The Budget Council have so far considered the budget allocation for Prince on four occasions—during their second reading of the 1996 budget on 17 November 1995, their first and second readings of the 1997 budget on 25 July 1996 and 19 November 1996, and their first reading of the 1998 budget on 24 July 1997.On each occasion the Budget Council, supported by the UK, have reduced the budget allocation for Prince. However, since this spending is not obligatory under the treaty it has been the European Parliament that has in each case set the final level in the budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent Government investment in (a) additional building for maintained schools, (b) the national health service, (c) London Underground and (d) new roads counts within the totals of Government revenue, expenditure and borrowing used for the European monetary union convergence criteria.[12944]

[holding answer 27 October 1997]: All current and capital expenditure by central and local government contributes to the general government financial deficit (GGFD), the Maastricht measure of the budget deficit. This includes all government grants to maintained schools and London Underground, and all Government spending on the national health service and new roads.Government lending and government transactions in shares are not included in the GGFD. For example, government lending to London Underground, NHS trust hospitals and students does not increase GGFD. However, the government has to finance such lending through higher taxes or increased borrowing. Increased borrowing would add to general government gross debt—the Maastricht measure of Government debt.Similarly, receipts from repayments of government lending, and from privatisation proceeds, do not reduce the GGFD but would reduce gross debt.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to preserve the protection of the British veto on tax matters in the European Union. [12843]

The Government has made it clear that EU tax matters will continue to be subject to unanimous agreement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what tax regime and investment allowances he proposes to apply to individual savings accounts; and if he will make a statement; [13031](2) if he plans to allow existing personal equity plans and tax-exempt special savings accounts account holders to retain their current tax incentives and annual investment allowances, under these schemes, following the introduction of the individual savings account in 1999; [13033](3) what estimate he has made of the annual cost or benefit to the Exchequer of introducing the individual savings account; [13039](4) if the introduction of the individual savings account will alter the contractual obligations between savers and saving institutions; and if he will make a statement. [13032]

Consideration is currently being given, with interested parties, to the scope of tax-privileged savings from 1999. The matters referred to will be covered in a consultative document to be published later this year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations his Department has received on insurance premium tax for the travel industry. [13123]

I have received a number of representations on this subject.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's review of insurance premium tax; and what is the timetable for the review. [13122]

I have asked officials in Customs and Excise to monitor the effect of the introduction of the higher rate of insurance premium tax and this will include the impact of the differential tax treatment on travel agents. It is too early yet to draw any firm conclusions from this process and I anticipate that the monitoring will continue for some time. The issue of the application of the higher rate to travel insurance sold by travel agents will also be the subject of a judicial review hearing on 4 November. The conclusions of that hearing will clearly need to be taken into account when considering whether changes are necessary to this measure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his Department's review of the impact of different rates of insurance premium tax as between travel agents and brokers. [14006]

I have asked officials in Customs and Excise to monitor the effect of the introduction of the higher rate of insurance premium tax and this will include the impact of the differential tax treatment on travel agents. It is too early yet to draw any firm conclusions from this process.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with banks on the need for their computer systems to be millennium compliant. [13157]

This subject has been raised in Treasury discussions with the British Bankers Association, which has issued guidance and a timetable to the industry. The Bank of England has been talking to banks about their implementation of the timetable.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) proportion and (b) value of Britain's trade was conducted in (i) German marks, (ii) United States dollars and (iii) other European currencies in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [13764]

The following two tables show the most recent official data on currency of invoice other than sterling, relating to 1984–1988. The data requested are only available for US dollars. Data for individual European currencies other than sterling are not available, although a special exercise to determine Deutschmark usage suggested that, in 1987 and 1988, this was 4 per cent. for exports and 14 per cent. for imports.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) proportion and (b) value of Britain's trade was denominated in sterling in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [13763]

The following table shows the most recent official data on currency of invoice, relating to 1984–1988.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the excess winter mortality deaths for elderly people in the winter of 1996–97. [14208]

[holding answer 3 November 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 if the Government intends to pursue the four challenges made by the United Kingdom in the European Court of Justice to spending without a legal base by the European Commission. [14576]

The Government has decided to continue with the four cases currently before the European Court of Justice. These cover expenditure on social exclusion projects, for both the 1995 and 1996 budget years; and, for the 1996 budget year, measures in favour of older people and the "pilot action" for a European Voluntary Service.I should like to make it clear that in choosing to retain these challenges the Government is seeking to uphold an important matter of budgetary principle. We believe that it is essential for the proper and effective control of public expenditure that the European Commission should be bound by the same rules of propriety that apply elsewhere in the EU.At the same time, I am anxious to stress that this decision in no way reflects our views on the policy content of the challenged measures nor calls into question the Government's commitment to Community action in the social field where this is agreed by the Council. Our support for the new treaty provisions agreed at Amsterdam, which allow the Council to adopt small spending programmes on employment and social exclusion by QMV, is evidence of this.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the latest list of signed PFI projects. [14578]

Yes, I have done so today.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the international meetings he attended in September. [14577]

I attended the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting in Mauritius on the 15–17 September. I then attended the first meeting of Asian and European Finance Ministers on 19 September in Bangkok. This was followed by a series of meetings in Hong Kong. The G7 was held on 20 September with the G10 Finance Ministers and central bank governors meeting on 21 September. The IMF's interim committee meeting was also held on 21 September, and was followed by the IMF/World Bank annual meeting on 23 September. I also attended the IMF/World Bank Development Committee with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on 22 September.My over-arching priorities for these meetings were the reduction of developing country debt and the promotion of the benefits of openness and transparency in economic policy.I announced the UK's "Debt 2000" initiative at the Commonwealth Finance Ministers meeting. This initiative, which has now been dubbed the "Mauritius mandate", is designed to resolve the debt problems of poor countries once and for all and set them on a path to sustainable growth. It proposes that every poor country eligible for debt relief should have at least embarked on the process of securing the full relief they need by the year 2000. This will contribute to the international target of halving the proportion of the world's population living in absolute poverty by 2015.I stressed that the success of this mandate depends not only on the commitment of the creditor countries but also on solid action by the debtors. Debtor countries must adopt and maintain sound economic policies which are necessary for sustainable economic development. Each country is unique and no one policy will be right for every country. But accountable economic decision-making and a focus on productive expenditure, including basic health and education, will be vital aspects of their economic programmes. My right hon. Friend, the Minister for International Development announced that the UK is willing to cancel the remaining aid debt due to the UK from poorer Commonwealth countries. These countries could be relieved of the need to repay as much as £132 million.I encourage other creditors to provide the maximum possible relief to ensure a robust exit from unsustainable debt to those countries who focus on transparency and productive expenditure. I expressed my desire for these countries to receive the necessary debt relief in less than the maximum six years that is presently envisaged under the rules of the initiative. The Mauritius mandate was well received and was supported by other Commonwealth Ministers.I also launched a new initiative on openness in economic decision making at the interim committee. My central proposal was that the IMF should develop a code of good practice for promoting openness in fiscal and monetary policy. I believe that this should focus on basic principles that apply to all IMF members. As such, I proposed that the IMF should, as a matter of course, comment on such practices in their IV consultations with all member countries. I also suggested that this code could be used operationally in the design of IMF programmes for financial assistance. These proposals attracted considerable interest and the fund is now developing such a code on the fiscal side.I stressed that long-term stability in monetary and fiscal policy is necessary to achieve sustainable growth. But, the role of government must also be to equip individuals and companies to succeed in the ever more competitive global market-place. Part of this entails ensuring that policies which provide economic stability are combined with institutions and procedures which create the confidence that stability will be maintained. It was agreed that greater openness and transparency would enhance policy credibility and limit the potential for corruption.In keeping with this, I announced that the UK would publish a full set of annual accounts and a quarterly report on the region exchange reserves detailing the UK's outstanding forward position.Another key feature of the discussions at these meetings was capital flows. It was agreed that private capital flows can bring substantial benefits and as such, the report of the Commonwealth working group on private capital flows was endorsed by the Ministers. The importance of sound macroeconomic policies and financial systems, strong regulatory and supervisory frameworks and political stability were recognised as essential for encouraging inward investment.There was general agreement that the international financial institutions also have a key role to play in putting in place multilateral arrangements and mechanisms for promoting and coping with private capital flows. More specifically for the Commonwealth, Ministers agreed on the key elements of a code of good practice for national policies that attract and sustain private capital flows. The secretariat was asked to develop these elements into a full code as soon as possible.The interim committee adopted the statement on "The Liberalisation of Capital Movements Under an Amendment of the Fund's Articles" and considered that an amendment of the fund's articles will provide the most effective means of promoting an orderly liberalisation of capital movements consistent with the fund's role in the international monetary system. The proposed amendment to the articles will also ensure that liberalisation can be phased in at a country's chosen pace and that controls can be reintroduced on a temporary basis.The first ever meeting of Asian and European Finance Ministers represented an important addition to the Asia-Europe Meetings (or ASEM) process which began only last year, and reflected the growing co-operation between two regions whose economic and financial interests are rapidly converging.The meeting began with an exchange of views on the macroeconomic outlook and developments in foreign exchange markets. I offered my full support to the programmes of adjustment which Thailand and the Philippines have agreed with the IMF, and stressed how crucial it would be to adhere to these programmes. Asian partners were keen to learn more about the implications of EMU, and we agreed that every opportunity would be taken to keep them fully informed on latest developments.In the second session on financial sector issues, I stressed the need for close co-operation, and the importance for both Asia and Europe of sharing and learning from each other—especially through a greater openness, in the trade in financial services and a welcoming attitude to foreign capital. We agreed a number of useful initiatives, including closer co-operation on financial supervision and the fight against money laundering.The Government places great importance on the ASEM process, and the Prime Minister very much looks forward to welcoming Asian and European Heads to London next April as host of the second ASEM summit. The G7 meeting considered recent developments in south-east Asia in the context of surveillance. We were informed of international efforts to assist Thailand and expected the Thai authorities not only to implement the Fund program but also to continue to co-operate with the other international financial institutions. We agreed on the importance of minimising contagion and will continue to monitor closely developments in south-east Asia. In accordance with this, the importance of increased transparency within and supervision of financial systems was stressed. We also discussed recent developments in exchange and financial markets and agreed to monitor developments in these markets and cooperate as necessary.My colleagues were interested in the plans that we have for our presidency of the G7 and G8 next year. I informed them that employability will be one of the main themes of the UK presidency.The G10 meeting welcomed the broad endorsement given to the concerted strategy to promote financial stability in emerging market economies that has been developed in collaboration with representatives of these economies. The finalisation of the Basle core principles of effective banking supervision was welcomed and the importance of their endorsement and implementation by national authorities was stressed.I was nominated as Chairman of the Group of Ten for the coming year. At the interim committee, I welcomed the agreements in the executive board on the eleventh review of quotas which provides a 45 per cent. increase for the fund—$;90 billion—and the special equity allocation of 21·4 billion SDRs which was formally approved at the meetings.Both the Secretary of State for International Development and I attended the Development Committee meeting where we stressed that corruption and weak governance undermine macroeconomic stability, private sector activity and sustainable development objectives, and may erode international support for development objectives, and may erode international support for development cooperation. We supported calls for criminalisation of bribery and the abolition of tax deductibility of bribes, and for the fund to examine the effects of corruption in governance on countries macroeconomic performance.A package to alleviate the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency's resource constraints was agreed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what work opportunities the tourism industry can offer under the welfare-to-work programme. [13397]

Tourism is well placed to play a key role in the new deal/welfare-to-work initiative. It already supports some 1·7 million jobs. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has invited around 200 people involved in tourism, hospitality and leisure to a conference later this month to hear more about the proposals and the opportunities they present for the industry to meet its own staffing needs while offering young people real jobs leading to long-term, worthwhile careers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which (a) Minister and (b) civil servant has overall responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance in his Department and its associated public bodies. [13611]

As with all matters relating to the running of the Department, ultimate responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport rests with the permanent secretary who is supported in this matter by the head of information systems. Responsibility for the Department's sponsored bodies rests with the individual accounting officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) when his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible completed the millennium computer compliance audits of systems; and if he will make a statement; [13610](2) what is his latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has submitted its costed action plan to CCTA. This plan along with those of other Departments will be analysed by CITU and CCTA. The conclusions will be reported to my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who then will inform Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on what funding provision has been made to accommodate the expenditure needed to resolve the computer millennium problem; and if he expects to have sufficient funding to pay for the work necessary to achieve complete millennium compliance by 1 January 2000. [13609]

The cost of preventive and remedial action on Year 2000 will be met from existing PES provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the average time taken by his Department to give full answers to letters received from hon. Members. [13953]

Since 1 May 1997, my Department has received 1,647 letters from hon. Members. The average time taken to give full answers is 15 working days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) other public bodies for which he is responsible; if he will give in each case (i) expenditure incurred to date, (ii) expenditure planned for 1997–98, (iii) expenditure planned for 1998–99 and (iv) expenditure planned for 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [13598](2) which

In accordance with Cabinet Office guidelines, an audit of all computer-based systems across MOD, including the Defence Agencies, has been under way since mid-1996. The audit is being used to identify and assess the Year 2000 compliancy of systems that process date-related information and to measure progress in modification or replacement of affected systems. The audit covers equipment ranging from office systems to front-line military hardware. The audit is one component of the MOD action plan for managing the Year 2000 problem. As is the case with other Departments, a costed action plan has been provided to the Cabinet Office, who are preparing a report for my right hon. Fiend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who will then inform Parliament of the conclusions. The plans are exempt from disclosure under Category 2 of the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information which permits non-disclosure prior to an announcement. However, once the announcement has been made the plans will be available to the public.No new money is available for resolution of the Year 2000 problem, the costs of which will be met from within existing financial resources.The Minister with responsibility for Year 2000 action is the Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Gilbert. Within MOD all budget holders have been made responsible for ensuring that affected systems within their departments are modified or replaced. Overall responsibility for managing the MOD response to the Year 2000 problem lies with the Director General of Information and Communication Services, Major General W. J. P. Robins.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he (a) has had and (b) plans to have with his North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Western European Union counterparts on the problems facing computer systems through the century date change; and if he will make a statement. [13504]

The MOD initiated a departmental programme 18 months ago to address Year 2000 date change problems within its computer systems. During this time, the Year 2000 question has been raised with our counterparts in NATO and Allied Nations. They are fully aware of the serious nature of the problem and the actions being taken within UK MOD to ensure that Defence operations are not at risk from failure of systems to process date-related information correctly. We are discussing with our Allies the need for a collaborative approach to ensuring the continued effectiveness of the interconnection between systems on which allied operations depend. Senior-level discussions have taken place with the US Department of Defense on solutions to the Year 2000 problem, which has also been raised within the NATO Command, Control and Communication Board, the most senior committee in NATO dealing with Command and Control Systems, and is being raised within the WEU information systems forum. This will be kept as a high-priority topic within NATO and the WEU, and established as a regular agenda item on the appropriate committees so that progress can be monitored.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Indonesian delegates attended the Government's Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition in September. [13970]

The official Indonesian delegation referred to in the answer that I gave to the hon. Member on 23 June 1997, Official Report, column 344, did not attend the Royal Navy and British Army Equipment Exhibition. The Indonesian Defence Attaché in London did, however, attend the exhibition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list by appointment the officers who constitute the selection board for three and four star appointments in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force. [14233]

The officers who constitute the Services selection boards for promotion to 3 and 4 star appointments are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current estimate of the (a) running costs, (b) service life expectancy and (c) de-commissioning costs of Trident [13988]

Our latest estimate of the running costs of Trident remains as stated by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces in his answer of 23 June, Official Report, column 356. As was stated, that estimate included an element for de-commissioning and disposal costs; this represented some 3 per cent. of the total. Trident is currently programmed to have an overall service life expectancy of some 30 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost per unit of the Eurofighter. [13103]

The current estimated unit cost of Eurofighter for the UK is £40·2 million at today's prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Eurofighter will enter squadron service with the Royal Air Force. [13102]

The first Eurofighter is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Air Force in December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Eurofighter will enter service. [13864]

The first Eurofighter is scheduled to be delivered to the Royal Air Force in December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Eurofighter aircraft have been ordered by (a) the UK, (b) Germany, (c) Italy and (d) Spain; and what is each country's workshare. [13862]

The declared aircraft offtake requirements of the nations is: United Kingdom 232, Germany 180, Italy 121 and Spain 87 and these give workshare entitlements of, United Kingdom 37·42 per cent., Germany 29·03 per cent., Italy 19·52 per cent. and Spain 14·03 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the advantages of Eurofighter over (a) Refale, (b) Gripen (c) Mig 29. [13859]

Studies by the Ministry of Defence have confirmed that Eurofighter is the most cost-effective option to meet the Royal Air Force's currently assessed future needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original estimate of the cost of the Eurofighter project to each of the partners; what are the current projected costs in equivalent terms; and how much each country has already spent. [13863]

The Ministry of Defence does not have all the information requested in respect of our Eurofighter partners. On the basis of a requirement for 232 aircraft, the UK's estimated procurement cost for Eurofighter at the start of development in 1988 amounted to £13·2 billion at 1997 prices, and the current estimate is £15·9 billion at 1997 prices. Up to 30 September 1997 we have spent a total of £2·8 billion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his current estimate of the costs to his Department of (a) research, (b) construction and (c) commissioning in respect of the European fighter aircraft. [13987]

The latest estimated costs to the UK of the Eurofighter programme are £4·4 billion for the full development phase, which includes the costs of earlier phases. Further, we currently estimate that it will cost £11·5 billion for the procurement of 232 aircraft. This figure includes the cost of initial support for the aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the increased defence burden and resulting financial costs placed on (a) Poland, (b) Hungary and (c) the Czech republic as a result of NATO membership. [14003]

By joining an alliance whose essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by collective means, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic will lighten their defence burden, as no single Ally is forced to rely on its own national efforts alone in dealing with basic security challenges.The costs of enlargement to the three invited countries will fall into two categories: the development of their ability to operate alongside other NATO countries on the full range of Alliance missions; and their contribution to NATO common-funded budgets.The countries concerned were, in any case, intending to modernise and restructure their Armed Forces. Their contribution to NATO common-funded budgets is being discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the costs of NATO expansion for Britain. [14004]

NATO staff are currently studying the military and financial implications of enlargement, and a report will be made to NATO Ministers in December.NATO Heads of State and Government stated in the Madrid Declaration:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom armed forces or Ministry of Defence personnel are involved in the servicing and maintenance of British Aerospace Hawk aircraft sold to Indonesia; and if he will make a statement. [13969]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the criteria for selecting names for new ships of the Royal Navy. [13701]

Proposals for ships names for both the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary are initiated by the Admiralty Ships Names and Badges Committee which takes into consideration a number of criteria, including the promotion of links with communities, the geographical spread of names and opportunities to revive those with an honourable history. Selected names are submitted, through the Controller of the Navy and the First Sea Lord, to the Secretary of State for approval. In the case of major vessels, final approval is sought from HM The Queen.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding his Department intends to allocate to the Defence Diversification Agency. [14202]

No decision on funding has yet been taken. This will depend on the outcome of the consultation period on our forthcoming Green Paper on diversification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what United Kingdom naval forces are currently on station in the Gulf. [14300]

The Royal Navy currently has a destroyer and a frigate deployed in the Arabian Gulf engaged on Armilla Patrol duties. They are ably supported by a Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to public funds of the Ministry of Defence police presence at the COPEX exhibition in 1997. [13995]

The cost of the Ministry of Defence Police presence at the COPEX exhibition has not yet been fully assessed. I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average time taken by his Department to give full answers to letters received from hon. Members. [13947]

Statistics are not held in the form requested. My Department has a target of replying to letters from hon. Members within 15 working days of receipt. Since the start of the Session Ministers have replied to 65 per cent. of letters within this target and to 80 per cent. within 20 working days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons questions were not allowed at the press conference at the Government's Royal Navy and British Army equipment exhibition in September. [13672]

The Royal Navy and British Army Equipment Exhibition (RNBAEE) was opened formally by my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement on 1 September. In light of the tragic death of Diana Princess of Wales the previous day, my noble Friend decided to make only a brief opening statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the suppliers to his Department who are owed outstanding amounts, indicating the amounts and the due date on which the account should have been settled. [13543]

[holding answer 30 October 1997]: This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Defence Bills Agency, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, the Meteorological Office and the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. I have asked the Chief Executives to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all (a) secondary, (b) other delegated legislation and (c) all deregulation orders his Department made during the summer adjournment. [14376]

None.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement about the Government's policy to curb the misuse of drugs. [12033]

The Prime Minister announced last month that Keith Hellawell—currently Chief Constable of West Yorkshire—would be the new UK anti-drugs co-ordinator, and will take up his post early in the New Year. He will be supported by a deputy, Michael Trace. The co-ordinator's first priority will be to review existing action against drugs across the board, and then make recommendations to Ministers for further developments.

To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the result of the Government's strategy on the reduction in the use of illegal drugs. [12037]

The most recent national data on the prevalence of drug misuse are from the 1996 British Crime Survey (BCS). The report concludes that between the 1994 and 1996 BCS, there was essentially no change in levels of drug misuse across England and Wales as a whole. I have asked Keith Hellawell to consider the implications of these findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proposed diploma in probation studies will require a full-time course of study; how long the course will last; and at which institutions it will be available. [12731]

The new arrangements for the recruitment and training of probation officers, which I announced in a reply to the hon. member for Enfield, Southgate (Mr. Twigg) on 29 July, Official Report, column 151, will be employment led. Trainee probation officers will be employed by their local probation services while they work towards the new combined diploma and national vocational qualification. The length of the training period will vary according to trainees' previous work and academic experience. Work is under way to implement these new arrangements, but it is too early to say which institutions will offer the diploma.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to limit the period for which people accused of non-violent crimes may be held on remand prior to cases coming before the courts; and if he will make a statement. [13324]

The Government are determined to ensure that defendants should spend as little time as possible on remand awaiting trial. The period for which those charged with indictable offences may be held in custody on remand is already restricted by statutory custody time limits. Unfortunately, it is clear that in far too many cases it has been necessary for the courts to extend those time limits and the Government intend to introduce stricter criteria in the forthcoming Crime and Disorder Bill to govern the court's decision to grant extensions to limits.The remand decision, whatever the offence charged, is, of course, a matter for the court in the exercise of its judicial discretion in accordance with the Bail Act 1976. That Act establishes a statutory right to bail for all defendants involved in criminal proceedings, subject to certain exceptions. Bail may be withheld only in the case of a person accused of an offence punishable with imprisonment if the court is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for believing that, if released on bail, that person would abscond, commit an offence, interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice.In taking a remand decision, the court has to consider the nature and seriousness of the offence, the character, antecedents and community ties of the defendant, his past record under any previous grants of bail and the strength of the evidence against his having committed the offence, as well as any other considerations which appear relevant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the remand system; and if he will make a statement. [13720]

[holding answer 3 November 1997]: The consultation paper, "Tackling Delays in the Youth Justice System", published on 15 October, sets out a number of legislative proposals which are intended to remove obstacles to the speedy and efficient handling of cases, introduce new and more effective procedures and establish greater discipline in the processing of cases through the setting up of statutory time limits. The deadline for comments on the paper is 12 November 1997.The consultation paper, "Reducing Remand Delays", was issued on 23 October 1997. It sets out the time limits proposals in the context of the adult courts. It provides a little more detail on the procedural aspect of the new measures—for example, the mechanics of reinstituting proceedings—than the "Tackling Delays in the Youth Justice System" paper. For the sake of completeness, the "Reducing Remand Delays" paper also includes the other non-Narey legislative measures aimed at reducing delays in all courts: the two new bail measures and the power to conduct pre-trial hearings by live television link. The deadline for comments on the proposals in this paper is 14 November 1997.Copies of both these documents have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the Bail Act 1976 to ensure that courts take notice of the effects that remands in custody may have on the mental and physical health of defendants; and if he will make a statement. [13723]

[holding answer 3 November 1997]: The remand decision is a matter for the courts in the exercise of their judicial discretion in accordance with the Bail Act 1976. That Act establishes a statutory right to bail for all defendants involved in criminal proceedings, subject to certain exceptions. Bail may be withheld only in the case of a person accused of an offence punishable with imprisonment if the court is satisfied that there are substantial grounds for believing that, if released on bail, that person would abscond, commit an offence, interfere with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the course of justice. In taking a remand decision, the Bail Act requires courts to consider the nature and seriousness of the offence, the character, antecedents and community ties of the defendant, his past record under any previous grants of bail, and the strength of the evidence against his having committed the offence as well as any other considerations which appear relevant. Courts may seek information from the probation service and advice of health care professionals to assist them. They will also have regard to any representations made by the prosecution or defence. In addition, courts may use the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983 to enable appropriate mentally disordered persons to be remanded to hospital rather than prison.I have no plans to alter these arrangements but will consider ways of improving the information available to the court on the mental health of defendants the better to inform decisions, including an assessment of risk to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average time taken to process compensation payments for people who have handed in handguns to the police; [13904](2) what action he is taking to reduce the time it is taking to process compensation payments for people who have handed in handguns to the police. [13905]

Claims submitted under options A and B of the compensation scheme are being processed in 12–14 weeks. The more complicated option C claims will be processed when the bulk of these have been cleared.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about non-payment of claims submitted under the firearms compensation scheme which have been agreed by the receiving constabulary; and if he will make a statement. [14049]

[holding answer 3 November 1997]: A number of inquiries have been received about the progress of individual compensation claims. The firearms compensation section is dealing with claims as quickly as possible, and in the order in which they are received. It has so far made over 14,200 payments to the value of over £17 million. The sheer number of claims received over the three-month hand-in period means that some processing delays are inevitable. That was explained to the House when the scheme was approved, but, as promised, we are doing all that we can to keep these to a minimum.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment exercises his Department has conducted into the possibility of establishing a prison in the Colchester constituency during the past five years. [13700]

The Prison Service has had a long standing interest in developing a new prison in the east London/Essex area. This will provide new prison places to meet the population increases now being projected and help reduce the overcrowding currently being experienced within London prisons, to which large numbers of young offenders and adult prisoners from the Essex area are sent.A number of sites in the east London/Essex area have been looked at by the Prison Service in recent years. One site in the Colchester area was investigated some two years ago, but was considered too small for a prison development.Another possible site in Colchester has been recently drawn to the attention of the Prison Service. This is now being assessed, but it is too early to say whether it will prove suitable to be pursued further.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Prison Service about alleged assaults by prison officers against Mr. Carlos Pulgaria at Feltham young offenders institute on 5 September; if the officers against whom the allegations were made are still on duty; and if he will make a statement. [13971]

Mr. Carlos Pulgarin has alleged that while he was in Feltham young offender institution in September he was assaulted by prison officers. Because of the seriousness of the allegations, the governor referred the matter to the police to investigate. I understand that the police have sent their report on the incident to the Crown Prosecution Service, who are considering what action to take. The officers against whom the allegations were made are at present on special leave.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will amend the terms of the Intoxicating Substances Supply Act 1985 so as to introduce a strict liability clause with regard to the sale of Butane gas lighter refills to under 16-year-olds, if he will nominate an enforcement agency for the application of the act; and if he will make a statement. [13703]

We have no plans to amend the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs undertook a study into volatile substance abuse, the results of which were published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office in 1995. A copy of their report is in the Library. They concluded that there were no acceptable legislative changes that would do more than the Act already does to protect young people. Responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of the Act rests with the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the evidence of the effect of the end of British summer time on levels of crime. [13760]

A 1996 Home Office analysis suggested that an extra hour's light at the end of winter days might slightly reduce overall notifiable offences. However, this assumed no offsetting changes in offenders' and the general public's behaviour. If there were, some opportunities for crime might increase.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances MI5 operatives are allowed to undertake intrusive surveillance without first obtaining a warrant.[13781]

[holding answer 3 November 1997]: There are no circumstances under which Security Service officers would be allowed to carry out intrusive surveillance involving entry on to or interference with property which would otherwise be unlawful, except under authority of a warrant issued by the Secretary of State under the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time taken by his Department to give full answers to letters received from hon. Members. [13952]

The average time taken to reply to letters from hon. Members is 25 working days. The target response times in my Department are 15 days for the Home Office, 25 for the immigration and nationality directorate, the United Kingdom Passport Agency and Her Majesty's Prison Service. Departmental performance is shown in the annual statistics that were published on 17 June 1997 in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Miller) on 17 June 1997, Official Report, columns 107–12. Some targets were shortened earlier this year. These will be reflected in the 1997 annual statistics that will be published in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish the action plan, due by 1 October 1997, for resolving the computer millennium problem in his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible; if such was fully completed on time; and if he will make a statement; [13572](2) what is his latest estimate of the total cost of resolving the computer millennium problem in

My Department's costed action plans will be sent to the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA) this week. The plans will be analysed by the Central Information Technology Unit and CCTA and the conclusions reported to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who will then inform Parliament. The plans will be exempted from disclosure under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which permits non-disclosure prior to an announcement. However, once the announcement has been made the plans will be available to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on what funding provision has been made to accommodate the expenditure needed to resolve the computer millennium problem; and if he expects to have sufficient funding to pay for the work necessary to achieve complete millennium compliance by 1 January 2000. [13574]

My Department is proceeding on the basis that the cost of preventive and remedial action on the millennium problem will be met from existing public expenditure survey provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department, its agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible completed the millennium computer compliance audits of systems; and if he will make a statement. [13575]

My Department's main information technology service provider—Sema Group—completed an audit covering the bulk of our systems in late 1996. Since then, business areas have been reviewing, updating and prioritising their inventories as part of the process of preparing their costed action plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which (a) Minister and (b) civil servant has overall responsibility for ensuring millennium computer compliance in his Department and its associated public bodies. [13576]

I am the Minister responsible for ensuring millennium compliance in my Department. The civil servant with responsibility for this work is the director of corporate resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the (a) dates of and (b) participants in meetings he has held with the cosmetics industry and researchers to discuss a voluntary ban on cosmetic testing on animals. [13679]

The industry has been consulted through representative groups and by informal means. no meetings have been necessary. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will be in a position to make an announcement on Thursday about developments concerning cosmetics testing, the use of great apes in scientific procedures, welfare committees in designated establishments and the composition of the Animal Procedures Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received requesting the introduction of a licensing system for car boot sales. [13309]

I have been asked to reply.My Department has received seven letters making such a request since May 1997. We are currently considering whether further controls are required over temporary markets, such as car boot sales, which are currently permitted for up to 14 days in any calendar year under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.

To ask the President of the Council what discussions she has had to encourage greater transparency in the answers to parliamentary questions. [12031]

Ministers are under a duty—set out in the ministerial code—to be as open as possible with Parliament and the public, refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest, which should be decided in accordance with relevant statute and the code of practice on access to Government information.

To ask the President of the Council if she will set up a Select Committee on the re-analysis by the Metropolitan police of the circumstances surrounding the murder of WPC Yvonne Fletcher. [12034]

No, this would not be appropriate in the circumstances. The police investigation is continuing. The necessary analysis and inquiries are complex; and the police will complete them as soon as is possible.

To ask the President of the Council what progress she has made on assessing the advantages of a semicircular seating arrangement for the House. [12035]

None. As I said in the House on 17 June at column 111, I believe that we are a long way from any consensus that the shape of the Chamber should be changed. I have no proposals to make any structural changes to the Chamber.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the progress made in respect of the proposals from the Modernisation of the House Committee.[12036]

The Committee reported on 23 July and a debate on its conclusions is to be held shortly.

To ask the President of the Council what plans she has to arrange parliamentary business so that recesses coincide with school holidays. [12030]

I am aware of my hon. Friend's concern. As I previously told the House, I am in favour of our periodic Adjournments coinciding with school holidays whenever possible.I remain mindful of hon. Members' views and of the representations that have been made. The Modernisation Committee will soon be looking at the parliamentary calendar, and school holidays and half-terms will be one of the issues to be addressed.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what are the membership and terms of reference of the Advisory Committee on Works of Art. [14034]

I understand that Madam Speaker has appointed the following Members to the Advisory Committee on Works of Art: the hon. Members for Stockton, North (Mr. Cook), for Staffordshire, South (Sir P. Cormack), for Dudley, North (Mr. Cranston), for Wantage (Mr. Jackson), for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross (Mr. Maclennan), for Blackpool, South (Mr. Marsden), for Glasgow, Cathcart (Mr. Maxton) and for Windsor (Mr. Trend).

To ask the President of the Council what proposals she has to increase the numbers of staff available to hon. Members. [12025]

None. Members can employ staff out of their office costs allowance, which was reviewed by the SSRB in July 1996.

To ask the President of the Council how many Statutory Instruments have been made since 31 July without parliamentary scrutiny; and if she will make a statement as to the future arrangements for dealing with these instruments. [13956]

The number of Statutory Instruments laid was 153. I have no plans at present to make a statement on the future arrangements for dealing with these instruments.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will take measures to assist (a) hon. Members, (b) members of the press gallery and (c) officials of the House in giving access to the precincts of the House to work experience/school students. [12032]

The Administration Committee has no responsibility for (a) and (b). With respect to (c), I wish to advise the hon. Gentleman that the Establishments Office of the Finance and Administration Department co-ordinates a work experience scheme through which Departments of the House accommodate students who wish to spend a period of time working at the House of Commons.Students who express an interest in such work experience are asked to supply details of the type of work in which they are interested and the dates on which they are available. Details are then circulated to departments to ascertain the availability of suitable opportunities.The Establishment Office endeavours to place 12 students each year for periods of between one and two weeks—more than 20 students have been placed within departments of the House in the last 12 months. The students are not paid, but travelling expenses are re-imbursed.The education unit has for 17 years arranged a special programme of autumn visits for senior school students, and an extension to this scheme, to run on sitting Wednesdays, was approved in March this year. This is in addition to the large numbers of tours given by hon. Members themselves for individual school parties.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will seek to extend non-smoking policies to the division lobbies and other Members' facilities in the House. [12026]

Hon. Members should be aware already that smoking is not permitted in the Division Lobbies at any time. The Administration Committee has no responsibility for smoking policy in hon. Members' offices—this is a matter for the hon. Member or Members concerned. Similarly, smoking policy in Refreshment Department outlets is a matter for the Catering Committee. However, I shall draw to the attention of my Committee any proposals from hon. Members concerning the possible extension of non-smoking policies to other Members' facilities in the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will investigate what records of the disposal programme of houses by the Coal Board have been retained by British Coal. [13662]

British Coal retains records relating to property sales as long as there remains a prudent commercial reason for so doing. This is generally for a period of 12 years to ensure that British Coal can assess any claims made against it by a purchaser.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking to assist the Cornish tin mining industry. [13225]

[holding answer 30 October 1997]: Following the announcement on 7 August by South Crofty plc of the intention to close the South Crofty tin mine, officials from the Government Office for the South West have been working closely with the mine on a range of proposals. A delegation led by my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Ms Atherton) met my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms on 10 September. An application from South Crofty plc for regional selective assistance was received by the Department of Trade and Industry on 20 October 1997. The assessment of the application is being given the highest possible priority so that an early decision can be reached. It will be considered against the normal criteria for the scheme. These include demonstrating the viability of the project.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she plans to meet the liquidators of BCCI; and when she expects the next payment to be made to the creditors of BCCI. [14252]

I have no plans to meet the joint liquidators. The timetable for future payments to creditors is a matter for the liquidators but I understand that they hope to pay a substantial further dividend as soon as possible.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the recent trade mission to Yemen led by HRH the Duke of Gloucester. [14228]

HRH the Duke of Gloucester visited Yemen from 28 September to 3 October in his capacity as President of the British Consultants Bureau. He was accompanied by 29 representatives of UK companies on a DTI supported trade mission jointly sponsored by the BCB and the Middle East Association. The DTI export promoter and country officer for Yemen were also in attendance.During this high profile and successful mission, HRH met the President and Vice President of Yemen, the Governors of Taiz and Aden as well as five Ministers, senior Government officials, businessmen and diplomats. HRH attended the missioners' meetings with the Sana' s chamber of commerce and the seminar organised by BCB. He also visited Taiz and in Aden he inaugurated the premises of the new consulate-general and opened the new British Council teaching centre. Missioners held a meeting with Aden chamber of commerce and attended briefings on Aden's infrastructure development needs and the port/free zone development.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to encourage the establishment and growth of small firms in Staffordshire. [13890]

[holding answer 3 November 1997]: The Government recognises the vital role that small firms play in a successful enterprise economy and is firmly committed to providing the right conditions for the sector to compete and grow.Government funding supports initiatives which help both the establishment and growth of small firms in Staffordshire.Under the first round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund up to £1·28 million over six years has been committed towards establishing 2,000 new businesses and 3,600 jobs in Staffordshire. The Government Office for the West Midlands has contracted with Staffordshire training and enterprise council to manage this programme.The Government Office also holds an annual contract with the training and enterprise council, worth approximately £1·7 million, to fund Business Link Staffordshire. The purpose of the Business Link is to help small businesses become more competitive, more successful and better able to meet challenges of the next decade. The Business Link offers independent specialist advice to help businesses identify and address their problems through a tailored package of support.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when further progress is planned on limited liability partnership legislation. [14580]

We are working towards a policy announcement and publication of draft legislation as soon as possible next year.