To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many civil servants are currently working on the siting of the Welsh Assembly; and what has been the cost to public funds to date of work on the siting of the assembly. [20084]

There are currently no civil servants working full time on the siting on the Assembly. Eight civil servants currently devote a proportion of their time to the siting of the Assembly. The cost to date of finding a site for the Assembly is included in the running cost expenditure of my department which is published in the Welsh Office Departmental Report 1997 (Cm 3615).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many secure cycle spaces there are in his Department. [22682]

Sixty eight.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to seek exemptions for any of its (a) civilian and (b) military employees from the minimum wage. [22639]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 12 January 1998, Official Report, column 13.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what delays there have been in issuing those qualifying ex-members of the Ulster Defence Regiment with their Accumulated Service Medal; how many qualify for this medal; how many have been issued to date; and what has been the situation in respect of other UDR members who transferred to the Royal Irish Regiment. [22799]

The delay in issuing the Accumulated Service Medal (ACSM) to former members of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) has been caused by the large number of applications received from all sections of the Army since the medal's introduction, and the decision to afford priority of assessment and issue to serving members of the Armed Forces. In addition, the absence of detailed records of operational duties for part-time ex-UDR/Royal Irish Regiment members has presented some difficulties in establishing entitlement. There has, however, been little delay in issuing medals once an individual's entitlement has been confirmed.A total of 12,500 successful applications for the ACSM have been processed by the Army Medals Office since the commencement of Issues in January 1995, of which 4,779 ACSM's have been made to former members of the UDR, serving and ex-members of the Royal Irish Regiment. The entitlement to the medal of some 600 former UDR and Royal Irish Regiment members has still to be established, but is being reviewed expeditiously.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many secure cycle spaces there are in her Department. [22675]

There are 21 cycle racks with capacity for 158 cycles in the Department's four buildings in the Victoria area. There is room for more racks should demand increase.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action the Government intend to take on the EU Directive, Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions; and what amendments they propose in respect of its provisions on the patentability of the human body. [22728]

The Government recently joined other Member States in supporting a Common Position which was reached by the Internal Market Council on 27 November 1997. The Common Position includes a provision which excludes the human body, at the various stages of its formation and development, from patentability. This provision fully reflects the views of the European Parliament, and the Government did not seek to amend the text.The Common Position will now be sent to the European Parliament for second reading.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking to ensure accounts for the New Statesman and Society are filed. [22344]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: The Registrar of Companies has responsibility under the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989 for ensuring that up-to-date information on limited companies is available for public inspection.In line with normal procedures, a letter was sent on 16 December to New Statesman Limited at its registered office warning of the consequences of continued default and requesting that overdue accounts be delivered within one month. Should the company not comply, formal warnings of prosecution proceedings will be sent to the directors.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances her Department prosecutes directors of companies in respect of a failure to file accounts on time if the director for the trading period concerned has resigned. [22347]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: In line with the guidance issued by the Attorney-General in his "Code For Crown Prosecutors", Companies House institutes criminal proceedings against directors who fail to comply with the disclosure requirements of the Companies Acts 1985 and 1989.The aim of these proceedings is to secure compliance and, as a general rule, prosecution would not normally take place against a former director who would no longer be able to influence the company's affairs and would, therefore, not be capable of remedying a default.It is possible, however, to depart from these general rules where there is an indication that a director has resigned purely to avoid compliance or conviction.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances her Department grants an extension for the filing of accounts; and what actions her Department takes to ensure that accounts are filed on time. [22348]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: Short extensions to the time allowed for the delivery of accounts to the Registrar are granted by Companies House, on a discretionary basis, where the reasons for the delay can be demonstrated to be unforeseen and outside the control of the company and its auditors. Applications for such extensions are considered on their merits.As far as compliance is concerned, the Registrar reminds all companies of the requirement to deliver accounts to him, prior to the date when accounts fall due to be delivered. This is followed up by a further series of reminders once the accounts are overdue. Continued failure to deliver accounts may render the directors liable for prosecution. In addition, where accounts are filed late, the company is subject to a civil late filing penalty. Specific guidance is also provided to assist first time directors to become more aware of their statutory obligations to deliver accounts and adhere to their statutory filing responsibilities.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 10 December 1997, Official Report, column 548, if she will list the international experts consulted since 1988 in the review of measures to protect against terrorist activity directed at nuclear materials in transit; and if she will list the research her Department has evaluated on this subject. [22300]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: In accordance with the requirements of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, government security experts co-operate, exchange information and consult directly with experts in other governments so as to ensure that nuclear material in international transportation is protected adequately and effectively. All relevant available information is reviewed on a case by case basis before movements of sensitive quantities of nuclear material.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the United Kingdom representatives on the informal group on guidelines for the management of plutonium proposed that details of plutonium isotopic quality be included in section 9 on nuclear material accountancy and control in the report on the guidelines recently placed in the Library. [22285]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: In many respects the guidelines represents a reaffirmation of existing obligations and commitments. Section 9 concerning nuclear material accountancy and control is a case in point and accords with the provisions in the participating countries' respective safeguards agreements with the IAEA and, in the case of the United Kingdom, France Germany and Belgium, Euratom. The inclusion in the guidelines of details of plutonium isotopic quality would not have been consistent with these agreements which, with one minor exception, do not distinguish between plutonium of different isotopic composition.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will announce the outcome of her review of Renewable Energy. [22290]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: I am expecting an interdepartmental review group to present me with a number of policy options shortly. I will then need to consult with colleagues, and perhaps with industry and other interested parties, before announcing the outcome of the review as soon as possible this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the current breakdown by (a) age, (b) sex and (c) socio-economic background of visitors to the (i) Victoria and Albert Museum, (ii) British Museum, (iii) National Museum of Science and Industry, (iv) Imperial War Museum, (v) National Gallery, (vi) National Maritime Museum, (vii) Natural History Museum and (viii) Tate Gallery. [19509]

The best available survey information is in the following tables. Figures relate to periods from 1995 to date.

(a) Age of visitors
Age band	Percentage
(i) Victoria and Albert Museum
Up to 24	21
25–34	20
35–44	20
45–54	21
55 and over	17
(ii) British Museum
0–16	15
17–24	11
25–34	24
35–44	25

(a) Age of visitors
Age band	Percentage
45–54	12
55–64	7
65 and over	7
(iii) National Museum of Science and Industry
15–34	36
35 and over	64
(iv) Imperial War Museum
0–15	12
16–24	16
25–44	30
45–59	20
60 and over	22
(v) National Gallery
15–34	44
35–54	35
55 and over	21
(vi) National Maritime Museum
18–24	10
25–34	18
35–44	25
45–54	22
55–64	13
65 and over	12
(vii) Natural History Museum
0–4	8
5–10	20
11–14	10
15–18	4
19–24	9
25–34	17
35–54	26
55 and over	6
(viii) Tate Gallery
15–24	26
25–34	24
35–44	15
45–54	17
55 and over	19

(b) Male/female percentages
	Male Percentage	Female Percentage
Victoria and Albert Museum	43	57
British Museum	46.5	53.5
National Museum of Science and Industry	56	44
Imperial War Museum	65	35
National Gallery	49	51
National Maritime Museum	61	39
Natural History Museum	60	50
Tate Gallery	45	55

(c) Socio-economic background of visitors
	A or B percentage	C1 percentage	C2, D or E percentage
Victoria and Albert Museum1	89	—	11
British Museum	41.2	50	8.8
National Museum of Science and Industry	52	34	14
Imperial War Museum	47	33	17
National Gallery2	49	31	9

(c) Socio-economic background of visitors
	A or B percentage	C1 percentage	C2, D or E percentage
National Maritime Museum	34	45	21
Natural History Museum	41	38	21
Tate Gallery1	91	—	8

Figures from free institutions are more prone to error than from those which charge. Some institutions have no data available on the composition of educational groups and information on schoolchildren is frequently omitted. Figures for the National Museum of Science and Industry and the Imperial War Museum are for the principal site only. Some totals do not sum to 100 per cent. due to rounding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many secure cycle spaces there are in his Department. [22679]

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has secure storage for 12 bicycles, with scope for a further eight should the need arise.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 22 December 1997, Official Report, columns 394–95, if any of the Admiralty House apartments available for Ministers have previously been allocated on the basis of security requirements. [22689]

Yes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the Ministers for whom accommodation in Admiralty House has been made available since 1968. [22690]

Accommodation in Admiralty House has been made available to various holders of the following Ministerial offices since 1968:

• Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions
• Attorney-General
• Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs
• Secretary of State for Defence
• Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• Secretary of State for the Environment
• Secretary of State for the Home Department
• Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
• Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Chief Whip)
• Paymaster General
• Minister without Portfolio
• Lord President of the Council
• President of the Board of Trade
• Lord Privy Seal
• Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the control total for cash planning for the year ahead in each year since 1987; and by what amount the outturn figure has differed from the figure previously announced. [22539]

The table gives the information requested. It shows the control aggregate for cash planning which was set before the beginning of the year and the difference between that planned figure and the final outturn. Planned figures have been amended for classification changes between the beginning of the year and the publication of outturn, but are otherwise as were published immediately preceding that financial year. Differences from outturn are calculated using data published in the following year.

Year ahead control aggregates and amount by which outturn differed (£ billion)
	Aggregate	Planned expenditure1	Amount by which outturn differed2
1987–88	Planning Total	148.7	-3.0
1988–89	Planning Total	156.9	-7.3
1989–90	Planning Total	167.1	2.1
1990–91	New Planning Total	179.0	1.0
1991–92	New Planning Total	204.2	-0.8
1992–93	New Planning Total	226.7	0.6
1993–94	Control Total	244.4	-2.5
1994–95	Control Total	250.9	-2.4
1995–96	Control Total	256.2	-1.0
1996–97	Control Total	259.5	0.4
1 Adjusted for classification changes.
2 For 1987–88 to 1991–92 outturns are as published in the following year's Autumn Statement or related Statistical Supplement, and for more recent years in Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses. The outturn figure used for 1996–97 is as published in the Pre-Budget Report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received about the filing deadline for submission of self assessment tax returns; [22499](2) what plans he has to extend the filing deadline for submission of self assessment tax returns; [22498](3) if he will make a statement on the filing deadline for self assessment tax returns; [22540](4) how many self assessment tax returns have been rejected by Inland Revenue staff since self assessment was introduced; [22518](5) what estimates he has made of the number of self assessment tax returns

Self assessment tax returns are due from individuals, partnerships and trusts for the tax year 1996–97. The statutory filing date for these returns is 31 Janaury 1998. There are no plans to extend this deadline. Although representations have been received from a number of tax practitioners seeking an extension to the filing date, others have argued against an extension. The timetable for filing returns is a realistic one, details of which have been known for the last four years.During the pilot exercises carried out to test the new system, between 85 per cent. and 90 per cent. of returns were received by the deadline despite there being no national advertising campaign or any penalties charged for late filing. The Inland Revenue expect the vast majority of taxpayers to meet this year's deadline and will continue to give as much assistance and advice as they reasonably can to help taxpayers and their agents do this.Of the returns filed by 30 September 1997, about 6 per cent. had to be sent back to taxpayers, mainly because of basic errors—such as missing signatures or pages—which the Inland Revenue were unable to correct. However, this error rate has fallen in respect of returns received more recently. The majority of returns that were sent back to taxpayers have now been corrected and re-submitted to the Inland Revenue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the limit recommended by the Government for the amount of savings exposed to risk-inherent equities by poorer savers. [21344]

[holding answer 17 December 1997]: There is no such Government recommended limit. Investors should make their own decisions drawing on regulated investment advice if they wish, and using information disclosed by product providers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what minimum educational qualifications are required of new recruits for training as prison officers in (a) the Prison Service and (b) each of the contractually managed prisons operated by the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [21572]

Since 2 September 1997, the minimum educational requirement for prison officer entry to the Prison Service is a minimum of five subjects in GCSE, grades A^*-C, including English, Mathematics, or their equivalent.For each of the four companies running prisons under contracts let or extended prior to 2 September 1997, the requirement is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has evaluated on the role of street lighting in deterring criminal activity. [22815]

The Home Office Crime Prevention Unit published two papers on street lighting in 1991. The first reported the results of an independent evaluation of a major street lighting programme in the London Borough of Wandsworth, which concluded there was little impact on crime. The second reviewed a number of evaluations of street lighting initiatives and concluded that there was little scope to reduce crime by improving street lighting generally. However, it did report that improved street lighting could help in local "blackspots" where lighting was particularly poor and when it was part of a package of measures. A recent report by Dr. Kate Painter, University of Cambridge, concludes that improved street lighting reduced crime on a high crime estate in Dudley, West Midlands. The Home Office is currently examining this report and will also review existing evidence and published research on the subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1997, Official Report, column 433, if he will list (a) the locations in which staff of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate are based in the United Kingdom other than Croydon and (b) the number of staff based in each such location. [22079]

The information requested is as follows:

	Number
Aberdeen	7
Belfast	8
Birmingham	105
Bournemouth/Poole	8
Bristol	13
Cambridge	1
Cardiff	13
Cheriton	74
Dover/Ramsgate	282
East Midlands	20
Edinburgh	7
Felixstowe	5
Feltham Green	75
Gatwick	430
Glasgow	39
Gravesend/Rochester	19
Harwich	48
Heathrow	1,242
Hull	13

	Number
Humberside	2
Leeds/Bradford	25
Liverpool	215
London (excluding Croydon)	348
Luton	26
Manchester	118
Mildenhall	3
Newcastle	10
Newhaven	19
Norwich	6
North Shields	11
Oxfordshire	12
Portsmouth/Southampton	47
Preston	1
Plymouth	12
Southend	2
Stansted	83
Stockton on Tees	9
Swansea	2
Total	3,360

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made by the Government of Gibraltar to deal with illicit trafficking. [23453]

We and the Government of Gibraltar have taken decisive action to stop drugs and tobacco smuggling using Gibraltar-based boats. Effective regulatory mechanisms, including new bodies, have been established.The Government of Gibraltar have also introduced tough legislation to UK and EC standards on an all crimes basis to deal with money laundering. This has transformed Gibraltar's international reputation in this context. EC Commissioner Gradin, for example, said in the European Parliament last year that there are no grounds for suspecting Gibraltar of tolerating money laundering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many exceptions to the arms embargo on Argentina have been granted since 2 May. [23144]

We have recently granted two exceptions to the embargo, one in respect of the sale of a single sporting rifle to a private individual in Argentina, another in respect of the sale of eight deactivated weapons to an Argentine collector. These represent exceptions but not changes to the embargo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the United Kingdom will apply the EU arms embargo against China to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. [230191

Following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997, we have conducted a detailed review of the applicability to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the European Union arms embargo against China. In view of the HKSAR's autonomy from mainland China in customs, trade and economic matters and its well-established strategic trade control system, we have concluded that its access to a broad range of strategic commodities from the UK for civil end-use should be preserved. The DTI will therefore issue a new Open General Export Licence and Open General Transhipment Licence to allow the continued export and transhipment of dual-use goods to the HKSAR for civil end-use.As for the export of strategic goods for military end-use, we have concluded that, in order to fulfil our obligations under the EU embargo, goods which we would not approve for export to the Chinese armed forces in mainland China should not be permitted for export for military end-use in the HKSAR. Goods for military end-use will therefore be subject to individual licensing requirements.These changes will take effect on 23 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when his Department's review of the operation of the Environment Act 1995 will be completed. [22752]

My Department is not carrying out a review of the operation of the Environment Act 1995 as a whole. However, I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 17 December 1997 to my hon. Friend the Member for Normanton (Mr. O'Brien), Official Report, columns 193–94, and on 22 December 1997 to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman), Official Report, column 439. The former announced the objectives and timing of a review of the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997, which were made under sections 93–95 of the Environment Act 1995. The latter announced the outcome of the Government's review of the proposed statutory regime for contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which was inserted by section 57 of the Environment Act 1995. The Government also announced in July last year that they intended to review by the end of 1998 the National Air Quality Strategy set in place under section 80 of the Environment Act 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting held on Monday 22 December to review the decision to reduce the funding of the Energy Saving Trust from £19 million to £14 million next year. [22594]

The meeting to which the hon. Member refers was internal to my Department. I shall be making a statement shortly about the Energy Saving Trust's grant support for 1998–99. The previous Government's planned public expenditure total provided for grant support of £13.5 million for the Trust in 1998, compared to £25 million in 1996–97 and £19 million in 1997–98.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if all trunk road crossings required by the National Cycle Network will be completed by 2000. [22671]

I will write to my hon. Friend and will place a copy of my letter in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Department's letter (reference EE/PS0/17203/97), what analytical results he has received from the Environment Agency about the use of earthworms on contaminated sites; and if he will make a statement. [22732]

The Environment Agency has completed the field work part of this study and the process of identifying and quantifying the results has begun. A report on the findings will be published in due course and will be available to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the (a) time of arrival, (b) aircraft type and (c) owning company of aeroplanes that landed at Heathrow Airport before 7 am on (i) 25 December 1997 and (ii) 1 January 1998. [22729]

The information from Heathrow Airport Ltd. is as follows:

Arrivals—25 December 1997
Time of arrival	Aircraft type	Airline
01.32hrs	Citation	Gama Aviation
04.07 hrs	A340	Virgin Atlantic
04.15 hrs	B747	British Airways
04.18 hrs	B747	British Airways
04.28 hrs	B777	British Airways
05.00 hrs	B777	British Airways
05.03 hrs	B747	Cathay Pacific
05.05 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.15 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.18 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.24 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.28 hrs	B747	Qantas
05.32 hrs	B747	Singapore Airlines
05.51 hrs	B747	Saudia
06.00 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.02 hrs	A300	American Airlines
06.03 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.05 hrs	A340	Virgin Atlantic
06.07 hrs	B747	Malaysian Airlines
06.08 hrs	B757	EL AL
06.10 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.18 hrs	B747	Thai Airways
06.20 hrs	DC10	Canadian Airlines
06.22 hrs	B747	British Airways

Arrivals—25 December 1997
Time of arrival	Aircraft type	Airline
06.24 hrs	B747	Cathay Pacific
06.25 hrs	B747	Air Canada
06.27 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.28 hrs	B747	Air Canada
06.30 hrs	B747	Qantas
06.32 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.34 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.36 hrs	B747	Virgin Atlantic
06.38 hrs	A340	Gulf Air
06.39 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.41 hrs	B767	American Airlines
06.42 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.44 hrs	B737	British Airways
06.46 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.47 hrs	B767	United Airlines
06.50 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.52 hrs	B747	Virgin Atlantic
06.57 hrs	B747	South African

Arrivals—1 January 1998
Time of arrival	Aircraft type	Airline
04.17 hrs	A340	Virgin Atlantic
04.21 hrs	B747	British Airways
04.27 hrs	B777	British Airways
04.31 hrs	B777	British Airways
04.33 hrs	B747	British Airways
04.44 hrs	B747	Cathay Pacific
04.49 hrs	B747	British Airways
04.52 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.04 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.06 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.10 hrs	B747	Singapore Airlines
05.19 hrs	B777	British Airways
05.29 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.33 hrs	B747	British Airways
05.40 hrs	B747	Malaysian Airlines
05.44 hrs	B747	Qantas
06.02 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.04 hrs	MD11	American Airlines
06.06 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.08 hrs	B747	EL AL
06.09 hrs	B747	Air Canada
06.10 hrs	DC 10	Ghana Airways
06.12 hrs	A300	American Airlines
06.14 hrs	B747	Cathay Pacific
06.16 hrs	B767	Gulf Air
06.18 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.19 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.21 hrs	B747	Virgin Atlantic
06.22 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.23 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.25 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.27 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.28 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.30 hrs	DC10	Canadian Airlines
06.32 hrs	B747	Virgin Atlantic
06.33 hrs	B747	Thai Airways
06.35 hrs	B747	Qantas
06.36 hrs	A340	Virgin Atlantic
06.37 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.39 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.40 hrs	B747	South African
06.42 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.43 hrs	B747	Air Canada
06.44 hrs	B767	United Airlines
06.46 hrs	B747	British Airways
06.47 hrs	B747	Air Nambia
06.49 hrs	B777	British Airways
06.50 hrs	A310	Cyprus Airways
06.52 hrs	B747	British Airways

Arrivals—1 January 1998
Time of arrival	Aircraft type	Airline
06.53 hrs	A300	American Airlines
06.55 hrs	B767	American Airlines
06.57 hrs	B777	United Airlines
06.59 hrs	B767	British Airways
07.00 hrs	A340	Virgin Atlantic

Of these landings, between midnight and 0600 all of the flights except for the Citation (a small business jet) counted against the movements limit and against the noise quota, in accordance with the night flying restrictions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards the adoption of a European standard for the manufacture and installation of plastic sewerage pipes. [22763]

Progress toward the adoption of a European standard for different types of plastic sewerage pipes is being made as follows:

Proposals for a European standard for PVC-U) Poly-Vinyl Chloride—Unplasticised) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1401–1.

Proposals for a European Standard for PP (Polypropylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have passed the formal vote stage in Europe and are awaiting publication as European standard EN 1852–1.

Proposals for a European standard for PE (Polyethylene) piping systems for non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings) have recently been through the CEN enquiry process as prEN 12666–1. Comments are now being considered by the appropriate CEN Working Group.

Proposals for a European standard for plastics piping systems for structured wall non pressure underground drainage and sewerage (Part 1. Pipes and Fittings), PVC-U, PP and PE are about to be submitted for CEN enquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what standards for the unblocking of sewage pipes by high pressure water jet are presently in force. [22762]

A Code of Practice for removing blockages, which limits the pressure of the cleaning jet when blockages occur in plastic pipes, is currently in force. This can be used as a condition of contract for jetting contractors. I understand a new design of jet has been developed from which it is claimed that thin walled pipes cannot sustain damage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that street lights (a) are properly maintained and (b) do not present a safety risk to the public. [22816]

It is the responsibility of the relevant highway authority to ensure that street lights are properly maintained and safe.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made to assess the impact of increasing raptor numbers on game bird and racing pigeon interests; and what future projects his Department plans. [23101]

In 1995 my Department set up a Raptor Working Group to investigate the effects of the recovery in populations of birds of prey and their impact on game bird management and racing pigeons. The Working Group is chaired jointly by DETR and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Membership comprises scientific, conservation, game bird, landowning and racing pigeon interests. This Working Group has made significant progress in analysing the factors causing conflict and recently detailed its planned work for 1998 in a report to a forum of interested parties.In 1998 the Group will concentrate on identifying integrated and practical solutions to deal with conflict situations. This will apply particularly to conflicts between the hen harrier and red grouse, where the Group will clarify the detail and legal implications of scaring techniques, supplementary feeding of raptors and possible translocation of harriers. Also the Group will consider how to raise awareness of moorland management issues and to discourage illegal persecution of raptors. The Working Group indicated its support for a national survey of hen harrier populations which is planned to take place in 1998.Conclusions on the impact of birds of prey on racing pigeons should become clearer when the Department's sponsored research in this area reports in the late Spring of 1998. The Working Group will also assess the need for further research on the predation of pheasants at release pens.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the technical report on the feasibility study into a new economic model to help estimate the demand and need for social housing in England. [23455]

I have today placed in the Library of the House a technical report on a feasibility study to develop an economic model to help predict likely demand and need for social housing in England. The study was commissioned by the Department of the Environment in November 1995 and has been carried out by the Department of Applied Economics at Cambridge University. The study was encouraged by the work of the Select Committee on Housing Need, which also supported the potential value of economic analysis of housing need.Previous estimates of social housing need produced by the Department were based on the extrapolation of past trends and did not take explicit account of economic variables. The economic model developed during this study projects the need for social housing in England over the period 1996 to 2006, and takes account of key economic factors such as unemployment, income growth and interest rates. Feeding these variables in to reflect a range of economic scenarios, it projects their likely impact on household formation, house prices, housing supply and housing choice. The model also analyses the cost effectiveness of different forms of support for households who might need help with their housing costs.The model developed during the feasibility study has produced a range of projections of need for social housing but, as the report notes, these are not alternative forecasts of need. The projections are based on a range of assumptions. For example, assuming macroeconomic growth is high, unemployment low and social housing construction relatively expensive, the model projects a "low" annual average need for 22,000 lettings. Assuming low macroeconomic growth and unemployment at 9 per cent., the model predicts a "high" annual average need for 72,000 lettings.This economic model is a significant step forward in the analysis of likely demand and need for social housing. The Department of Applied Economics have now begun further necessary research to develop and improve this national model, and to explore whether regional variants are feasible.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those gifts received by (a) the Queen and (b) other members of the Royal Family from heads of state during 1997 which have been given to the nation, indicating their estimated value. [20812]

[holding answer 15 December 1997]: Official gifts received by The Queen from Heads of State in 1997 were:

• Two shell baskets and wall hanging
• Silver salver
• Bronze sculpture of giraffes
• Wooden carving of a seated man
• Set of silver tray, box and bowls
• Silver model of boat
• Carved wooden statue
• Book of antiquarian maps
• A pair of carpets
• Silver tea-set, marble inlay table and a carved wooden elephant
• Two water colours of orchids.

It is not the normal practice to estimate the value of such gifts.No other member of the Royal Family received gifts for the nation from Heads of State.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those Ministers who have advisers paid for in whole or in part by (a) commercial and (b) charitable concerns; and if he will make a statement. [22608]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: Ministers receive advice from a variety of sources including the Civil Service, consultants, consultative committees, advisory task forces and special and unpaid advisers. Details of the names of unpaid advisers and the appointing Minister in each case were given in my answer to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Mr. Hawkins) on 13 November 1997, Official Report, columns 615–17. Information on appointments of other external advisers and the funding of individual salaries is not held centrally.

To ask the Prime Minister if the request made in November by the consortium of organisations representing people with disabilities for a meeting with Ministers has been granted. [22583]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will be meeting representatives from the Disability Benefits Consortium.

To ask the Prime Minister what instructions were given to officials involved in reviewing disability allowances, benefits and income support; when the instructions were issued; who issued them; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [22584]

Benefits paid to disabled people, their carers and people who have long-term health problems are included in the Department of Social Security's Comprehensive Spending Review. This review was announced on 11 June last year, and its terms of reference were published. A copy was placed in the Library on 24 July.

To ask the Prime Minister when he decided to take charge of the policy and review of disability allowances, benefits and income support. [22580]

Responsibility for the Comprehensive Spending Review of Social Security, which includes benefits paid to disabled people and people with long-term health problems, rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. Shortly before Christmas I established a separate group to look at the wider issues of welfare reform.

To ask the Prime Minister how long each main Cabinet meeting lasted since 1 May. [22597]

No record is routinely kept of how long Cabinet meetings last.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will transfer financial provision for education and training in prisons to the Department for Education and Employment. [22585]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has no immediate plans for such a transfer, but all policy priorities and spending plans are subject to the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Prison Service will continue to review how it can most effectively develop its core educational curriculum to meet the needs of all prisoners, particularly juveniles.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the (a) agreed pay and (b) numbers employed by each Department in London of staff aged (i) 16, (ii) 17, (iii) 18 and (iv) 19 years. [22587]

The information centrally available, which covers about 98 per cent. of the Civil Service, shows that at 1 April 1997 the number and average gross salary of staff of each age in the London Government Office region were as follows:

Age	Number	Average salary (£)
(i) 16	3	9,552
(ii) 17	24	9,790
(iii) 18	73	9,717
(iv) 19	168	9,930

Departments employing five or more staff in the 16–19 age group were as follows:

	Number aged 16–19
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food	18
Cabinet Office, including OPS	7
HM Customs and Excise	36
Ministry of Defence	17
Department for Education and Employment	42
Home Office, including Prison Service	34
Inland Revenue, including Valuation Office	32
Lord Chancellor's Department	17
Department of Social Security	43
Crown Prosecution Service	7
Other Departments	15

To ask the Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds of arrangements made in respect of his civil servants and security staff, for his summer holiday in Tuscany. [22655]

The arrangements for Civil Servants accompanying me on my holiday in Tuscany were the same as for previous Prime Ministers staying abroad. Separate costs for these staff are not readily available.The Metropolitan Police Special Branch provides protection for the Prime Minister throughout the year, whether he is in the UK or abroad, on official business or holiday. The security arrangements for my holiday in Tuscany were the same as for previous Prime Ministers staying abroad. The disaggregated costs of security during this trip are not available.

To ask the Prime Minister if it is his policy to require that Ministers who have misled the House make a statement correcting the record. [22279]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Worthing, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 26 June 1997, Official Report, column 609.

To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received in the last three months urging him to ban fur farming in the United Kingdom. [22522]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: I have received a number of representations.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those (a) Ministers and (b) participants in the current Northern Ireland talks process with whom he has discussed the escape of Liam Averill from HM Prison, Maze. [22792]

I have discussed with colleagues and others as appropriate.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to recommend that titles be removed in cases where local councillors have been surcharged. [22569]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: Holders of honours and awards who are subsequently found to have conducted themselves in a way that would be perceived to bring the honours system into disrepute may be considered for forfeiture of their award. Each case is treated on its merits once all the relevant legal proceedings have been completed. The necessary action differs according to the honour or award. I do not propose to adopt a different system.

To ask the Prime Minister when he will establish the Strategic Communications Unit, as recommended by the report of the Working Group on the Government Information Service published in November. [23559]

I am today launching the new Strategic Communications Unit which will be based in No. 10 and answerable to me (working through the Chief Press Secretary).The Mountfield Report, a copy of which was placed in the Library, said that more needed to be done to improve strategic communications so that the key Government messages are better communicated across Government. Departmental initiatives and events need to be presented in such a way as to show their coherence with the main themes of the Government's strategy.To achieve this, Departments must be properly informed of Government activity, Ministers must be properly briefed on key Government issues at all times, and initiatives must be properly prepared and co-ordinated.The Strategic Communications Unit will work to achieve that. It will be responsible for the implementation and operation of the new electronic information system which will provide a future diary of Government events (Mountfield recommendation 2.3). It will be responsible for managing strategic communications across all departments and will produce the Government's Annual Report on their performance and achievement of their objectives, as announced in August 1997.The Strategic Communications Unit will comprise six people, two Special Advisers and four civil servants. They are:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what review he has carried out of the effectiveness of the National Meat Hygiene Service; and if he will make a statement. [21033]

Since the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) was established in April 1995 as an Executive Agency of the Department, its effectiveness has been the subject of constant review. It took over responsibility from over 300 local authorities for the enforcement of hygiene controls and subsequently those for the removal of Specified Risk Material (SRM) in licensed slaughterhouses and cutting plants in Great Britain. As an Agency, it has been set demanding annual targets by Ministers in respect of its financial performance, efficiency and quality and delivery of service. These targets have all been achieved to date. Full details are set out in the MHS Annual Report and Accounts for 1995–96 and 1996–97, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.In addition, the performance of the MHS is subject to continuous audit to establish whether its operations, practices and activities comply with the instructions issued to the Service by the Ministry in the MHS Operations Manual. This audit is carried out by Veterinary Meat Hygiene Advisers from the Joint Food Safety and Standards Group in England, and by the State Veterinary Service in Scotland and Wales. The results are published. Details of MHS enforcement activity are included in the monthly Meat Hygiene Enforcement Report and BSE Enforcement Bulletin. Copies of both are available in the Library of the House.These all demonstrate the continuing effectiveness of the MHS in driving up hygiene standards and enforcing SRM controls in licensed premises.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of the current crisis facing the livestock industry on its medium-term future. [21375]

The beef sector is in long-term structural surplus and this has been exacerbated by consumers' concern over BSE. The majority of UK producers have had negative returns on beef in 1997 and clearly cannot endure these for many years together. There is thus an urgent need for reform of the sector to bring supply more nearly into line with demand and for some restructuring of the sector in the UK and Europe more generally to improve competitiveness. The Government will be pressing for fundamental reform of the Beef Regime in forthcoming negotiations. Although sheep prices have fallen recently, they were firm for much of 1997. We will be seeking to ensure that the sheep sector is taken into consideration in negotiations on reform in related areas.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to harmonise the situation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, relating to the costs incurred by farmers disposing of SRM; and if he will make a statement. [22442]

The cost of disposal of Specified Risk Material (SRM), other than that arising under the Over Thirty Months Scheme, which is the responsibility of the Intervention Board Executive Agency, whether in Northern Ireland or the rest of the United Kingdom, is a commercial matter between the abattoir and those who collect this material. Similarly, any recovery of those costs from its farmer suppliers is a commercial matter for abattoirs in the light of their own individual circumstances. I have no plans to intervene.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the number of police officers in Scotland for each year since 1978–79. [22420]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: The information is set out in the table and has been taken from strength returns supplied by forces since 1978–79.

	Number of police officers
1978–79	12,675
1979–80	13,294
1980–81	13,252
1981–82	13,221
1982–83	13,206
1983–84	13,175
1984–85	13,189
1985–86	13,317
1986–87	13,417
1987–88	13,475
1988–89	13,619
1989–90	13,847
1990–91	13,811
1991–92	13,984
1992–93	14,095
1993–94	14,174
1994–95	14,323
1995–96	14,512
1996–97	14,789

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the clear-up rates for crime in Scotland relative to levels of recorded crime. [22397]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: Information on the number of crimes recorded and the clear-up rate in each calendar year since 1978 is provided in the table.

Year	Total crimes recorded	Clear-up rate (per cent.)
1978	334,957	30
1979	346,680	30
1980	364,587	33
1981	408,204	31
1982	435,081	30
1983	445,495	30
1984	471,643	30
1985	457,899	33
1986	458,605	33
1987	472,947	34
1988	457,921	32
1989	478,208	31
1990	518,523	30
1991	572,921	29
1992	564,890	29
1993	517,247	31
1994	500,110	34
1995	475,697	35
1996	451,956	37

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the number of sheltered houses provided by public agencies in Scotland. [22398]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: The available information, as supplied by local authorities, is as follows:

Sheltered housing stock of public agencies in Scotland 1979 to 1997
	Number
1979	5,768
1980	6,567
1981	7,338
1982	8,651
1983	9,877
1984	10,951
1985	12,318
1986	14,220
1987	14,968
1988	16,318
1989	17,000
1990	18,463
1991	19,533
1992	19,983
1993	19,873
1994	20,053

Sheltered housing stock of public agencies in Scotland 1979 to 1997
	Number
1995	19,856
1996	19,579
1997	20,089

Information is as at end March each year. The figures refer to the housing stock owned by local authorities or Scottish Homes in 1997, and in previous years also include dwellings owned by the former New Town Development Corporations and the Scottish Special Housing Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since 1978–79 the amount of business rates levied in Scotland in (a) cash terms and (b) current prices. [22402]

[holding answer 12 January 1998]: The available data are:

Net income from business rates
£ million
Year	Cash terms	Current (1996–97) prices1
1978–79	386	1,187
1979–80	458	1,207
1980–81	621	1,383
1981–82	835	1,696
1982–83	929	1,761
1983–84	933	1,690
1984–85	970	1,673
1985–86	1,018	1,665
1986–87	1,104	1,753
1987–88	1,237	1,865
1988–892	1,309	1,849
1989–90	1,191	1,573
1990–91	1,204	1,472

Letters, Information and Booklets sent to Schools1since 2 May 1997
Date	Title	Pages	Publication	Purpose
May	Letter of Introduction from Secretary of State	1	Letter	Information
May	Data Collection on Pupil Absence	5	Leaflet and forms	Data collection
June	Careers Education and Guidance in Further Education Colleges	24	Circular	Guidance
June	Education Act 1997	1	Poster	Guidance
June	Progress on taking forward Dealing Proposals	3	Letter	Information
July	School Governors: A Guide to the Law for County and controlled Schools	159	Book	Guidance
July	Excellence in Schools	99	White Paper	Consultation
	+ summary	10
	+ Education: What it Means to You	10
July	Publication of Information about Secondary Schools Performance Tables in 1997	9	Circular	Information
July	General Teaching Council: Teaching High Status, High Standards	16	Booklet	Consultation
July	New Deal for Schools 1997–98: Phase 1	6	Letter	Information
July	School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document	31	Circular	Guidance
July	Teachers Superannuation Scheme: Certificate of Notice of Intention to Re-elect to Contract out of SERPS	3	Letter	Information
July	Part 1 GNVQ Arrangements for 1998	1	Letter	Information
July	Data Collection Timetable 1997–98	1	Letter	Information

Net income from business rates
£ million
year	Cash terms	Current (1996–97) prices1
1991–92	1,226	1,409
1992–93	1,214	1,339
1993–94	1,165	1,249
1994–95	1,125	1,188
1995–96	1,258	1,293
1996–97	1,279	1,279
1 Calculated using the Adjusted GDP deflator at market prices—Source HM Treasury. Base Year is 1996–97.
2 Non-domestic (Business) rates were not separately identifiable until the introduction of the Community Charge in 1989–90—prior to this domestic and non-domestic rates were collected together. Data for 1978–79 to 1988–89 have been estimated and are therefore not directly comparable with later years.

The figures from 1995–96 onwards are subject to revision. The 1996–97 figure is provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the (a) dates and (b) numbers of pages of letters, information and booklets sent in his name to schools and chairmen of schools since 2 May; if he will place copies in the Library; and if he will estimate the costs of sending the materials to schools by (i) first and (ii) second class post. [22575]

The table gives the details of the material sent to schools from 2 May to end December. Copies of consultation papers, booklets and circulars are in the Library.Information on the estimated costs of sending material to schools by first and second class post respectively is not available in the form requested.

To ask the Secretary of state for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his policy concerning universities charging students for (a) laboratory fees, (b) library fees, (c) photocopying fees and (d) IT and internet fees. [22368]

Under the present funding arrangements, it is for universities to decide what fees to charge students. We have, however, made it clear that top-up fees play no part in our plans for the future funding of higher education. In deciding whether or not to exercise the power to control fees charged by universities under the provisions of the Teaching and Higher Education Bill, my right hon. Friend would consider the circumstances relating to particular types of fee. In particular, he would have regard first to the amount charged and secondly to whether such fees related to an optional service for which students could choose to pay or to essential elements of their courses for which they would be obliged to pay in order to undertake and complete those courses. Small charges for services such as photocopying are entirely a matter for universities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the total level of his Department's budget, in 1995–96 prices, in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; if he will estimate what such figures for (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99 would be on the basis of the estimates of the GDP deflator contained in the November 1996 Budget; and if he will make a statement. [21954]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply from my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to my hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 10 December 1997, Official Report, columns 568–72.In 1995–96 prices the figures quoted in that reply for the DfEE are £13.3 billion for 1997–98 and £12.3 billion for 1998–99. On the basis of the November 1996 GDP deflators, the figures in 1995–96 prices would be £13.5 billion for 1997–98 and £12.5 billion for 1998–99. As my right hon. Friend noted, the apparent reduction for the DfEE between 1997–98 and 1998–99 principally consists of transfers to other Departments, notably the return to local government finance, following the abolition of the nursery vouchers scheme, of resources for under 5-year-olds to support local education authorities' early years development plans. As my right hon. Friend also noted, the figures for the DfEE do not include the £1 billion provided for schools in 1998–99 in the Budget. These funds have been added to support local authorities and appear in the table shown in column

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she last met Irish Government Ministers to discuss the peace process in Northern Ireland. [20857]

I meet Irish Government Ministers regularly in the talks process and on other occasions—including Monday night. As my hon. Friend may have seen, the Irish Foreign Minister and I also met earlier this week and were able to make an announcement of some significance to the negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards a political settlement in Northern Ireland. [20862]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on progress in the peace process talks. [20865]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress of the Stormont talks. [20827]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the progress made in the peace process talks in Northern Ireland. [20828]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards a political settlement in Northern Ireland. [20874]

I refer the hon. Members to the oral answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken to address under-achievement in Northern Ireland schools. [20858]

The Raising Schools Standards Initiative is one of a number of measures currently in place. I will be announcing my School Improvement Programme next month, which will set out new measures to address the quality of school leadership, literacy and numeracy, school discipline and targeted support for the weakest schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new jobs have been created in Northern Ireland with (a) IDB, (b) Local Enterprise Development Unit and (c) International Fund for Ireland support since 1 May. [20859]

Since 1 May the Industrial Development Board has promoted 4,338 new jobs and the Local Enterprise Development Unit over 6,000. These jobs are expected to be created over a two to three year time period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many weapons were handed in by paramilitary organisations in 1997. [20860]

While no paramilitary organisation voluntarily decommissioned weapons during 1997 the Government's position remains that we would like to see the decommissioning of some paramilitary arms during negotiations as progress is made in the political talks. This would be a major contribution to confidence building.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage agreements over disputed parades in Northern Ireland. [20861]

As my hon. Friend will know, the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Bill received its Second Reading in the House on 18 December and will shortly be going into Committee. The Bill is designed to tackle the difficulties that have surrounded the parades issue in recent years by encouraging local agreement, and by giving the Parades Commission the power to make determinations where local accommodation has not proved possible. Under Clause two of the Bill, the Parades Commission will also be able both to mediate directly on disputed parades and to promote mediation on parades.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards creating an economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. [20863]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards creating an economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. [20869]

We are already pursuing a clear economic development strategy in Northern Ireland. As in the rest of the United Kingdom, we aim to encourage investment and raise employability. We have a range of measures in place to improve skills, tackle unemployment and boost the international competitiveness of Northern Ireland firms. But what the economy needs most is lasting peace and stability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time taken for planning decisions for major retail developments in Northern Ireland to be made. [20864]

For major retail applications decided since 1995, the average length of time taken to reach a decision was 485 days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the future of the NHS in Northern Ireland. [20829]

My Department recently published "Well in 2000—A Positive Agenda for Health and Well-being", which sets out the Government's vision and strategy for health and social services in the next millennium. A major consultation paper on new arrangements to replace the internal market for health and social services in Northern Ireland will be published shortly. The paper will set out broad policy aims and objectives which parallel those in the White Paper "The New NHS, Modern, Dependable" and will seek views on how the policy should be taken forward in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to expand nursery education in Northern Ireland. [20830]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to expand nursery education in Northern Ireland. [20875]

As the first stage of an expansion programme, £1.9 million is being provided in 1998–99 to create 1,700 full-year pre-school education places—an increase of 15 per cent. on existing grant-aided pre-school provision. The additional places will be secured in the statutory, voluntary and private sectors, and will be targeted initially on children from socially disadvantaged circumstances and the oldest four-year-olds. The expansion will be planned at local level by Pre-School Education Advisory Groups, established by the five Education and Library Boards which are responsible for securing the implementation of the initiative. A paper setting out proposals for the expansion programme was issued for consultation purposes on 17 December, and a copy has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to increase confidence in policing in Northern Ireland. [20866]