To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what checks were made to ensure that all counting areas involved in the Welsh referendum were following the same procedure in relation to new guidance provided following representations from Denbighshire on the night of 18 September; and if he will make a statement. [23133]

Decisions as to what regard should be had to the advice given by the Chief Counting Officer on the night of 18 September were for individual Counting Officers to take at their discretion; it would not have been appropriate for my officials to make inquiries on that matter during the course of the various counts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he sought, and from whom, following representations received relating to the conduct of the count of the Welsh referendum. [23157]

I became aware of concerns in my constituency capacity in respect of the count in Caerphilly County Borough. I asked the Counting Officer to consider these and advise me of the outcome. He replied on 29 September. A copy of his letter has been placed in the Library of the House. I have received no other representations on this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with Labour Party officials in his official capacity concerning the Welsh devolution referendum count in Caerphilly; on what dates these discussions took place; and if he will make a statement on the content of these discussions. [23166]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who gave the instructions for guidance to counting officers to be changed during the counting of the Welsh referendum votes; when this instruction was given; and what action was taken to ensure that the new guidance was followed. [23159]

The Chief Counting Officer decided to issue supplementary advice in response to the representations received from Denbighshire Counting Officer; this decision was made at approximately 11 pm on the night of 18 September. The advice was telephoned to Counting Officers. It was for them to decide what regard should be had to it, and it would not have been appropriate for officials to make further inquiries during the course of the counts as to how Counting Officers were exercising their discretion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he was first notified of allegations of irregularities in the count of the Welsh devolution referendum count at Caerphilly. [23171]

I received verbal representations in my constituency capacity shortly after the referendum on 18 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what input into guidance to counting officers in the Welsh referendum (a) he and (b) his officials provided. [23267]

I made no input. My officials prepared draft guidance for the Chief Counting Officer to issue, drawing on guidance issued by the Home Office for the 1997 General Election.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what (a) correspondence an (b) discussions his special adviser has had relating to the Welsh devolution referendum count at Caerphilly. [23135]

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what (a) correspondence and (b) discussions his special adviser has had relating to the Welsh devolution referendum count at Caerphilly. [23169]

Neither of my advisers either corresponded about, or discussed, the count before Tuesday 6 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales at what hour the chief counting officer gave new guidance to counting officers in relation to the counting of votes during the Welsh referendum count. [23151]

At approximately 11pm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) of 12 January 1997, Official Report, columns 39–41, by what means he became aware of complaints made by Caerphilly County Borough Council relating to aspects of the Welsh referendum count; and which representatives of his Department attended meetings at which such irregularities were discussed. [23168]

I am not aware of any complaints made by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his discussions with the chief counting officer during the counting of the referendum votes in Wales. [23156]

I had no discussions with the Chief Counting Officer during the counting of the referendum votes in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance his Department gave to returning officers relating to the Welsh devolution referendum counts in Wales; and if he will publish this guidance. [23163]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) on 12 January 1997, Official Report, columns 39–41, and to the supplementary letter I sent the hon. Member on the same day. Copies of that letter, and of the guidance issued to Counting Officers, are in the Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with his Department's officials since the result of the referendum was made known relating to the Welsh devolution referendum count at Caerphilly; and what was the date of such discussions. [23155]

I had no discussions with officials on this matter before 6 January, the date of publication of articles in The Scotsman newspaper referring to the count at Caerphilly. In light of that publication, I sought information from officials as to whether they had received any complaints or correspondence relating to that count, and I informed them of action I had taken in my constituency capacity on the matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with his officials relating to irregularities during referendum counts in Wales. [23161]

Following publication of press articles in The Scotsman and the Western Mail, I have discussed with my officials the various allegations made, and the terms of my answer to the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas), on 12 January 1997, Official Report, columns 39–41.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he made relating to the count of the votes at Caerphilly to the Chief Counting Officer for Wales (a) prior to and (b) after 1 January. [23152]

(a) None. (b) None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with the Chief Executive of Caerphilly County Council since 1 January; and if he will make a statement. [23158]

(a) In my constituency capacity, I telephoned the Chief Executive on 6 January, following publication in The Scotsman of articles about the Caerphilly count. The purpose of my inquiry was to seek information about any outstanding complaints or concerns relating to the count. I was informed that there were no such complaints or concerns outstanding, all matters having been answered to the complainants' satisfaction in a letter from the Chief Executive dated 28 October 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the training and guidance advice given to counting officers conducting counts during the Welsh referendum. [23162]

I have made no such assessment, but I consider the counting procedures to have complied fully with the Parliamentary Election Rules which Parliament stipulated should apply to the referendum.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the representations he has received relating to errors that were made during the Welsh referendum count. [23153]

As at 12 January, I had received no representations and I am unaware of any errors that may have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the correspondence between the Welsh Office and other bodies relating to the Welsh devolution referendum count at Caerphilly; and if he will make public this correspondence. [23160]

There has been no such correspondence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received in relation to the count of the votes in the Welsh referendum in Caerphilly; [23129](2) what reports he has received in relation to the counting of votes in the Welsh referendum in Caerphilly. [23173]

I received verbal representations in my constituency capacity shortly after the referendum on 18 September. I requested the Chief Executive to consider them, and he wrote to me again in my constituency capacity, on 29 September. That letter is the only report I have received. A copy of it, and of my reply of 20 October, are in the Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for how long his Department proposes to retain the ballot papers relating to the Welsh referendum; and for what purpose. [23154]

The papers will be retained for one year from 18 September 1997. It is considered appropriate to follow the practice adopted in respect of ballot papers at parliamentary elections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had in his official capacity with outside bodies relating to the Welsh referendum count at Caerphilly; and if he will make a statement. [23165]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice his officials issued relating to the counting of spoilt ballot papers during the Welsh devolution referendum count. [23270]

Following the Chief Counting Officer's decision, in response to a request from the Denbighshire Counting Officer, to issue further advice on the treatment of ballot papers with the word "No" written opposite the "I do not agree" box, officials telephoned other Counting Officers to inform them that this advice had been given. The officials were acting in support of the Chief Counting Officer, and not on my behalf or with my knowledge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what verbal advice was given during the Welsh devolution referendum count to returning officers seeking clarification on the counting of spoilt ballot papers. [23150]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Thomas) on 12 January 1997, Official Report, columns 39–41.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [22932]

Today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all overseas visits made since 1 May 1997 on which he or any other Minister in his Department has been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code, indicating (a) who accompanied him or her (b) the cost to public funds of each such visit. [23248]

No overseas visits have been made since 1 May 1997 by myself or either Minister in my Department on which I or they have been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish the White Paper on the future of the NHS in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [23782]

Our White Paper on the future of the NHS in Wales, "Putting Patients First", is published today. The White Paper has been laid before Parliament and copies are also available in the Library of the House and in the Vote Office."Putting Patients First" fulfils the undertakings we made before coming into office. It abolishes the divisive internal market in the NHS and charts a course for NHS Wales which will restore it as a truly national service of quality, responsive to the needs of its patients.Our objectives are clear. An NHS which is people centred; an NHS which is delivering quality services in a seamless and collaborative way; an NHS which makes full use of new technologies and makes best practice common practice. "Putting Patients First" provides the framework within which these objectives will be pursued. Fragmentation, inequality and bureaucracy will be replaced by integrated services, collaboration and improved efficiency, saving £50 million over the lifetime of this Parliament for reinvesting in patient care.Health Authorities and NHS trusts will be retained with new duties and responsibilities for improving health and for working co-operatively with others. We will honour our commitment to reinforce the place of primary care through the creation of Local Health Groups. These will allow professionals to take the lead, in co-operation with others, in planning and providing services locally for the benefit of their patients. They will have budgets and new freedoms to use the available resources in the best interests of their patients. Through these Groups, all primary care professionals, social services departments and others will be able to address the needs of their patients, without the divisions and inequalities of the GP fundholding scheme."Putting Patients First" sets out our vision for the NHS in Wales with measures suited to Welsh needs. It lays the foundations for the work of the National Assembly and gives NHS Wales a clear framework within which to address the health of our people and improve the health services they are due.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how his Department has performed against last year's targets for reducing empty government residential property; and what new targets have been set for 1997–98. [23783]

I am pleased to announce that my Department was successful in meeting the target set for disposal of empty government homes in 1996–97.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what account he takes of scripture in making investment decisions. [22940]

The Commissioners' ethical investment policy is exercised in the context of their duty to manage their inherited assets to provide financial support for the clergy of the Church of England, especially in areas of need and opportunity.Reconciling their legal duty to achieve the best return for their beneficiaries with their Christian heritage and with the views of Church people is central to the Commissioners' mission.The Ethical Investment Working Group set up in October 1994 as a joint venture between the Commissioners and the other central Church investing bodies keeps their ethical investment policy under constant review.

To ask the Prime Minister when he and the law officers approved the threat of legal action in a letter on behalf of the Paymaster General to newspapers. [22586]

The main purpose of the letters sent to the Sunday Times and The Observer on 8 December on behalf of the Paymaster General was to set the facts straight following the publication the previous day of inaccurate and misleading reports. Neither I nor the Law Officers approved these letters before they were sent. However, the Law Officers were consulted subsequently on the issues relating to possible future legal proceedings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which United Kingdom ports on the East Coast have been excluded from the list for the Trans-European Transport Network proposed by the EU Commission; and if he will obtain from the Commission its reasons for excluding any of the United Kingdom ports on the East Coast. [22733]

I understand that the EU Commission's proposal includes all ports with a total annual freight turnover of 1 million tonnes or 200,000 international passengers or which provide connections between land links of the Trans-European Network (TEN).The following English east coast ports are included under the new criteria:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of how many fatal vehicular accidents in England and Wales during each of the past 10 years there was evidence that the major contributory factor lay with drivers who were insulin-dependent diabetes sufferers. [22802]

We do not have comprehensive figures as information on the medical circumstances of drivers involved in accidents cannot be readily collected. Studies have shown, however, that a significant proportion of collapses at the wheel have been the result of hypoglycaemia, and there have been a number of accidents involving collapses over the years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what video material relating to damage to plastic roadside drainage pipes has been collated by the Department of Transport; and if it is available for public examination. [22759]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will revise passenger and freight access charges to stimulate greater use of the rail network. [22840]

The setting of access charges is the responsibility of the Rail Regulator. He has recently published a consultation document about the key issues and proposed framework for future access arrangements to assist in determining revised charges which will come into effect on 1 April 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will seek to negotiate an amendment to the Channel Tunnel Treaty allowing for the annual publication of a comprehensive safety report. [22825]

No. The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority already publishes an Annual Report on its activities, which covers all aspects of Channel Tunnel safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the report into the evacuation exercise carried out recently in the channel tunnel. [23207]

A report on the binational emergency exercise which took place on 10–11 January in the Channel Tunnel will be incorporated in the Annual Report of the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority for 1997–98. A copy of this Report will be placed in the Library of the House on its publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether he intends to seek the renegotiation of Clause 33.3 of the channel tunnel treaty which prevents the publication of safety information relating to the tunnel. [23206]

No. Clause 33.3 of the Channel Tunnel Concession Agreement requires the parties to the Agreement, and the Intergovernmental Commission and Safety Authority, to hold in confidence material provided to them. However, Eurotunnel is free to publish the safety information which it produces, and the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority publishes an annual report on its activities, covering all aspects of Channel Tunnel safety. Copies of this report are placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of Railtrack's performance in fulfilling its statutory obligations with respect to (a) maintenance of the rail infrastructure and (b) upgrading the system; and if he will list the figures for expenditure on both items. [22823]

Railtrack's statutory obligations are reflected in its network licence, which is monitored by the Rail Regulator. Modifications to that licence now require the company to publish detailed information on the level of expenditure for both the maintenance and enhancement of the rail network. Railtrack's next Network Management Statement is to be published in March 1998.Railtrack's core investment in the first half of 1997–98 had increased by 38 per cent.—to £520 million—compared to the first half of 1996–97. We have made it clear that we expect to see further improvements in investments levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with Railtrack the present and future access charges to the Railtrack system. [22824]

Access charges are a matter for the Rail Regulator. The Regulator has recently invited comments from consultees, including Railtrack, on the issues which might inform his decisions on revised charges, which will come into effect on 1 April 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date (a) he and (b) The Minister for Transport last used a train in the course of their officials duties. [22927]

I last used the train on Monday 12 January and my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport on Tuesday 6 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of heavy goods vehicles that have evaded excise duty in the last 12 months. [21081]

It is estimated that, at any one time, some 13,000 heavy goods vehicles are evading vehicle excise duty. This represents around 3 per cent. of these vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends issuing guidance to local authorities on the implementation of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. [23367]

Draft Guidance to local authorities on implementing the provisions of the Road Traffic Reduction Act is being issued for public consultation today. Comments on the draft guidance are being sought by 20 April 1998. I am arranging for copies of the consultation documents to be placed in the library.

To ask the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce his policy for the future of town and country planning in England; and if he will make a statement. [23787]

I have today placed copies of my Policy Statement in the Library of the House. This Statement confirms that we shall retain the principles of the town and country planning system established by the post-war Labour Government. For 50 years, these have demonstrated their flexibility and served us well. There are, however, a number of missing dimensions that this Government will put in place to cope with the challenges they now face.These are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what (a) representations have been received from and (b) meetings have taken place with representatives of East Sussex County Council since 2 May in respect of (i) the proposal to reinstate the Lewes-Uckfield railway line, (ii) the A27 Lewes-Polegate trunk road and (iii) the proposed A27 Polegate bypass. [22944]

Since 2 May 1997, there have been no representations made by East Sussex County Council to the Department, nor meetings held, regarding proposals to reinstate the Lewes-Uckfield railway line.Representations on the A27 Lewes-Polegate schemes, and the A27 Polegate Bypass scheme, has been received from East Sussex County Council in the form of a documented response to the Roads Review. We are currently considering the comments made by the County Council alongside the many other we have received. East Sussex County Council participated in a Regional Roads Review Seminar, held last October, which covered these schemes. In addition, as part of our consideration of the Accelerated Roads Review, Ministers met local MPs to discuss the proposed Weald and Downland DBFO project. Representatives of East Sussex County Council were part of the delegations accompanying Members at these meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will encourage more major authorities in the United Kingdom to participate in the European Union Car-Free Cities project as part of his policy to reduce urban congestion, pollution and environmentally damaging emissions. [23125]

The Government are always interested in effective and innovative approaches to tackling congestion and pollution. Local authorities may well benefit from participating in the Car Free Cities project, or other similar schemes. A number already do, and the Government would certainly encourage others to consider following suit. But such decisions are best taken at the local level, as authorities consider how best to meet their statutory duties under the National Air Quality Strategy and the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions information has been withheld on the grounds of commercial confidentiality from reports placed on the public register on the effects of the release of genetically modified organisms. [22877]

To date, no information contained in reports on the release of genetically modified organisms has been withheld from the public register on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which advisory bodies are consulted in advance of a decision to withhold information from the public register of applications for consents to release genetically modified organisms on the grounds of national security. [22882]

We cannot envisage any circumstances where it would be necessary to withhold information from the public register on the grounds of national security.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions following consent to release new information has been made available under section 111 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 regarding risks of damage to the environment by the release of genetically modified organisms. [22879]

The relevant section of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for the provision of new information regarding risks of releases is section 112. To date, no new information has been notified by a consent holder.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions information has been withheld from the public register for reasons of prevention to damage to the environment in respect of (a) commercial and (b) other applications for consent to release genetically modified organisms. [22880]

On no occasion has information been withheld from the public register for reasons of prevention of damage to the environment in respect of (a) commercial and (b) other applications to release genetically modified organisms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many reports on the effects of release have been received in respect of consents to release genetically modified organisms. [22876]

To date, there have been 133 consents granted for the release of genetically modified organisms in Great Britain. Under section 112 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, consent holders are required to notify the Secretary of State of the effects of any release on the environment. For every consent, a report must be submitted at the end of the release and for many consents a period of post-release monitoring is required for which a report must also be submitted. These reports are placed on my Department's public register and in the regional offices of the Environment Agency, and are freely available to the general public on request.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions information has been withheld from the public register for reasons of national security in respect of (a) commercial and (b) other applications for consent to release genetically modified organisms. [22883]

On no occasion has information been withheld from the public register for reasons of national security in respect of (a) commercial and, (b) other applications to release genetically modified organisms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions reports on the release of genetically modified organisms have revealed new risks of damage to the environment. [22878]

To date, reports on the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have not revealed any new information regarding risks to human health or the environment.In addition to these reports, my Department funds a research programme to identify possible new risks of the release of genetically modified organisms to human health and the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list all overseas visits made since 1 May 1997 on which he or any other Minister in his Department has been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code, indicating (a) who accompanied him or her and (b) the cost to public funds of each such visit. [23257]

My wife accompanied me to The Hague on 26 May 1997 when I represented the Government at the Marshall Plan Commemoration. The travel costs to public funds were £649.04 and we stayed at the Ambassador's Residence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the advantages of the award of sports lottery funds to state primary schools in those areas of social and economic deprivation identified by the Sports Council in its priority areas initiative scheme. [21392]

We have not made a formal assessment but we are aware that there is potential for good schemes of this kind.The English Sports Council is, of course, the distributor in England of Lottery funds for good causes on, or connected with, sport. While it has no specific policies pertaining solely to primary schools, I understand that all educational establishments are eligible to apply for support from the Lottery Sports Fund (LSF). Under the School Community Sports Initiative (SCSI), the LSF may provide up to 80 per cent. support where applicants can meet the Community Use criteria. Schemes within the Council's Priority Areas Initiative can apply for up to 90 per cent. award.Primary Schools will also be eligible to apply for funding from the New Opportunities Fund for out of school hours projects. The target is for at least a quarter of all primary schools to be undertaking such projects by 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of National Lottery funding for sport has been distributed to (a) areas of social and economic deprivation as defined by the Sports Council in its priority areas initiative and (b) severely deprived areas as defined by the Sports Council in its document Eighty Five Priority Area-designated Wards since November 1994. [21394]

I am advised by the English Sports Council that there have been 344 awards (14 per cent.), totalling £253,529,941 (39 per cent.) in the Priority Areas. Information on successful applications by Wards is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of National Lottery funding for sport has been distributed to priority areas as designated by the Rural Development Commission; and how much has been distributed to (a) local public sports clubs with open membership, (b) state secondary schools and colleges, (c) state primary schools, (d) private secondary schools and colleges, (e) private primary schools, (f) Oxford and Cambridge colleges, (g) other universities and colleges, (g) other universities and colleges, (h) local sports clubs with limited public access, (i) other projects and (j) individuals since November 1994. [21395]

Information on awards specifically to Rural Development Areas (RDAs) is not available and could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost. However, the English Sports Council have made a total of 823 awards (33 per cent.) to District Councils containing RDAs totalling £126,679,596 (19 per cent.). The other information requested is as follows:

• Capital projects: 2,282 awards totalling £566,882,972.
• World Class Events revenue awards: 9 events totalling £4,361,984.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [22938]

I last used a train in the course of official duties on Sunday 30 November to travel to Birmingham for the Competition Climbing World Cup Final at the National Indoor Arena.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications have been made to the National Lottery distributing bodies from organisations in the Basildon constituency; how many have been (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful in their applications; and what has been the total value of successful applications in each year. [22826]

To date, 15 awards totalling £1,018,513 have been made to organisations in the Basildon constituency. Eighty-four applications have been unsuccessful. A breakdown of successful applications by calendar year is set out in the table.Information on successful Lottery applicants can be found on the Department's website www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his plans are for the future management of the historic royal palaces; and if he will make a statement. [23684]

The historic royal palaces are currently managed by an Executive Agency of my Department, which has progressively reduced its call on Exchequer support since its establishment in 1989. I have given careful consideration to ways of building on that performance and bringing an end to Exchequer support, while safeguarding the fabric of the Palaces and maintaining the quality of visitors' experience. I have concluded that these benefits will best be realised through establishing the historic royal Palaces as a Non-Departmental Public Body.I therefore propose to apply for the grant by Her Majesty the Queen of a Charter establishing the new body and to seek Parliamentary approval of an Order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to enter into a contract for it to carry out my day to day responsibilities for the management of the historic royal palaces. An application for charitable status will be made to the Charity Commission.The new body would be established under a Board of Trustees to bring a wider range of expertise to the running of the historic royal palaces. I propose that the Board comprise three members appointed by Her Majesty the Queen and five appointed by me. The Chairman would be appointed by The Queen on my advice.I can reassure the current staff of the Agency, who have done so much to secure its success, that their terms and conditions of service will be protected on their transfer to the new body. New pension arrangements, broadly comparable to those under the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, will be put in place. The Chief Executive of the Agency will now take forward discussions with staff representatives on the detailed implications of the proposed arrangements.Exchequer funding is set to reduce to some £4 million in 1998–99, but I expect the new body to continue the Agency's success in increasing income and that its new status will give greater financial flexibility and open up fresh sources of income, so that the need for Exchequer funds can be brought rapidly to an end.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date she last used a train in the course of her official duties. [22937]

I last used a train in the course of my official duties on 17 December 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list all overseas visits made since 1 May 1997 on which she or any other Minister in her Department has been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code, indicating (a) who accompanied him or her and (b) the cost to public funds of each such visit. [23255]

Neither I nor the Under-Secretary have been accompanied on overseas visits under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all overseas visits made since 1 May 1997 on which he has been accompanied under Rule 83 of the Ministerial Code, indicating (a) who accompanied him (b) the cost to public funds of each such visit. [23262]

I was accompanied on my visit to Dublin on 17–18 September 1997 by my wife and an official. The total cost to public funds was £1,212.50.

To ask the Attorney-General on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [22930]

I travelled to Cardiff by train on 12 December 1997 to visit the Crown Prosecution Service office there.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what evidence the Government have submitted to the Low Pay Commission; and if it will make such evidence public. [23045]

The Government will be submitting written evidence to the Low Pay Commission shortly. The evidence will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the projects on which launch aid had been granted before, and on which payment was outstanding on, 1 May 1997, the total sum granted in each case and the payments (i) received in (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 and (ii) projected for 1997–98. [22980]

The following table details all the projects on which launch aid was outstanding at 1 May 1997 (all figures in £ million), together with amounts received by the Government in the form of levy payments for years 1995–96 and 1996–97. Forecast receipts are not disclosed in advance of the end of the financial year for reasons of commercial confidentiality; such information may be market sensitive in cases where the Companies concerned have not published their financial results for the relevant period.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the projects which have been granted launch aid since 1 May 1997, the sum granted and the number of jobs secured. [22981]

On the 12 November 1997, the Government announced a long term investment of up to £200 million in Rolls-Royce plc's large engine programme. The investment is expected to secure 16,000 jobs in the Company and its UK suppliers.No other projects have been granted Launch Aid since 1 May 1997.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects to publish the report on British policy towards enemy property during and after the Second World War; and what action she will take. [23908]

My hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs announced on 31 July 1997, Official Report, column 641 that the Government had commissioned a research project, to examine papers relevant to the Trading with the Enemy legislation under which the property of residents of enemy countries was confiscated during the Second World War. The project which has been co-ordinated by the FCO in close partnership with the DTI is nearing completion. The Government are considering the project's findings and will publish their response together with the report soon.The Government, however, recognise that some of the information currently held at the Public Record Office will be of particular interest to Holocaust survivors or their families who may wish to check their family history. The Government therefore intend to publish a list of the names and other details of those who had their property seized under the Trading with the Enemy legislation. This cannot be a complete list as many individual case records have not been retained. However officials are examining the remaining records to see what information can be provided and it is estimated that the list will cover some 25,000 names. It is intended to publish the list on the Internet as soon as possible but the size and complexity of the task makes it difficult to be specific on the timing at this stage. The Government are committed to openness on this issue and believe that the publication of the report and of the list of names should make a large contribution to the public's understanding of this complex subject and help the relatives of holocaust victims to research their family history.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley) of 18 December 1997, Official Report, column 308, concerning public consultation on the proposed European Biotechnology Patent Directive, if she will ensure that representatives from (a) other political parties and (b) groups ethically opposed to biotechnology, will be invited to the events he plans to host. [22914]

The purpose of the discussion meeting I shall be hosting next month is to determine how best to develop a public consultation activity with a view to develop a consensus. The focus will therefore be on the process associated with this type of activity, rather than a discussion of the issues raised by biotechnology as this would pre-judge the public attitudes, which we are seeking to understand.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to commission further research into nuclear fusion; and if she will make a statement on progress. [23463]

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) carry out an on-going programme of research into nuclear fusion. This is supported by my Department, and it forms part of the European Union's fusion programme. Later this year, the UKAEA will complete and commission an important new experimental device—the mega-amp spherical tokamak (MAST).Both the European and UK programmes have made progress in the last year. The Joint European Torus achieved world-record values for fusion power and fusion energy. On a smaller scale, the UKAEA's small tight aspect ratio tokamak (START) achieved world record values for the efficiency of plasma confinement. Although the research is meeting and exceeding its targets, it is still thought to be at least 50 years before we could build commercial fusion power stations.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the allocation of the science budget. [23909]

I have discussed the allocations with the Director General of Research Councils and have decided that, subject to Parliamentary approval of the Supply Estimates in due course, the Science Budget of £1,338.326 million should be allocated as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he will be taking in response to the recent National Audit Office report relating to fraud at British embassies. [22751]

We continuously reappraise the adequacy of our financial management systems and staff resources at British Embassies to minimise the risk of fraud. The lessons learnt from the recent National Audit Office report forms part of this process. We have a dedicated Financial Compliance Unit to do this, as well as the full normal Internal Audit arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whom the United Kingdom has nominated for the second term of the European Committee of the Regions; and if he will make a statement. [23785]

The following nominations have been forwarded to the Council of Ministers:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European European Union for January; and if he will list the major European Union events for the next six months. [23786]

The following Councils are scheduled:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [22924]

I travelled to Coventry by train on Friday 11 July 1997 to attend a half day seminar on the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the authorities in India about the position of Peter Bleach, facing a charge subject to the death penalty; and if he will make a statement. [23211]

Foreign Office Ministers have discussed Mr. Bleach's position with the Indian authorities on four occasions in the past year. We are doing all we properly can for Mr. Bleach. His trial will begin on 27 January; the case remains sub judice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the cost to public funds of the proposed overseas visits to be undertaken by Mrs. Regan; [23132](2) if he will make a statement on the duties and the role of Mrs. Regan in the forthcoming visits of the Foreign Secretary to

Ms Regan does not currently propose to undertake any overseas visit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the value to Britain of arms sales (a) to Indonesia and (b) to Turkey in each year since 1990. [22810]

The estimated value of UK defence sales (including services) to Indonesia and Turkey in each year since 1990 is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the rolling programme of improvements relating to environmental remedial action in connection with Menwith Hill, referred to in the answer of 10 June 1996, Official Report, column 46, has now been completed; and what recent environmental assessment of Menwith Hill Station has been carried out. [21416]

The programme of improvements at RAF Menwith Hill reflecting the recommendations contained in previous environmental surveys is due to be completed in the first half of 1998. The most recent environmental assessment was carried out in 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Health and Safety Executive last visited RAF Menwith Hill; and what was the outcome of that visit. [21418]

The Health and Safety Executive last visited the site in June 1996 following allegations that equipment at the site caused cancer. It concurred with North Yorkshire Health Authority's findings that the incidence of cancer within the area was no higher than the national average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has full access to US environmental compliance status surveys in respect of RAF Menwith Hill; and when the last such survey was carried out. [21419]

MoD personnel are fully involved in the environmental audit processes at all USVF facilities in the United Kingdom and are routinely made aware of the contents of Environmental Compliance Status Surveys. The last such survey at RAF Menwith Hill was conducted in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on expenditure on the maintenance and building of nuclear bunkers in (a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom for each of the last 10 year; [22919](2) what assessment his Department has made of the use of nuclear bunkers sold by the Government; [22920](3) how many nuclear bunkers in

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the agency review of the Defence Animal Centre. [23788]

A review of the agency status of the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) has begun. The performance of the DAC has been evaluated and its activities will shortly be subjected to the normal "prior options" tests.Comments and contributions form those with an interest in the work of the Agency would be welcome and should be sent by 31 January 1998 to Major General W. R. Short, Director General Army Medical Services (DGAMS), Building 21, Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hampshire GU12 SRR.Prospective contributors to the Agency Review should note that the DAC is proceeding with a PH project to rebuild its accommodation and provide associated support services.