To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what was the annual cost of running and maintaining Lambeth Palace in each of the last three years. [25204]

Lambeth Palace is the base for the Archbishop of Canterbury's ministry and a listed historic building. The cost of running and maintaining the fabric of Lambeth Palace, which includes not only domestic accommodation but a chapel, meeting rooms and office accommodation, was £440,000 in 1996, the last year for which figures are currently available. The figure includes expenditure on repairs and decorations, other outgoings such as insurance and water rates, garden upkeep and extra provision for security and takes account of rental income from leased accommodation.The costs in 1994 and 1995 were £410,000 in each year. Expenditure each year varies depending on the incidence of major repairs.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 January 1998, Official Report, column 18, what plans he has to reduce the £124,545 spent on average per bishop per year. [25203]

In 1996 the Commissioners spent 10 per cent. of their total expenditure on supporting episcopal ministry. The Commissioners endeavour to provide the level of support for bishops necessary to enable them to undertake their ministry to the Church efficiently and economically.Spending on episcopal housing, staff salaries and expenses is subject to close budgetary control. Repairs to buildings are limited to the minimum which the Commissioners feel is consistent with the proper maintenance of those properties in their care. The Commissioners are engaged in a review of the suitability of diocesan bishops' houses and in many cases steps have been taken to reduce long-term running costs.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners how many people work for the Church Commissioners; and what was their total cost in 1996. [24830]

The Commissioners' administrative costs in 1996 (inclusive of salaries, staff pensions and office running costs) were £10.6 million, down 8 per cent. in real terms since 1993. £5.2 million were asset management costs; £5.4 million was the cost of central Church functions for which the Commissioners are responsible. Two hundred and forty-seven staff worked for the Commissioners as at 31 December 1996, down 12 per cent. over the previous three years. I direct the hon. Member to page 22 of the Commissioners' Report and Accounts, a copy of which is in the Library. This shows the Commissioners' efficient cost management record over the last ten years.

To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 15 January 1998, Official Report, column 268, if he will publish the programme of his wife when she accompanied him to Dublin at public expense. [25595]

My wife's programme on visiting Dublin on 17 and 18 September 1997 was as follows:

17 September

Arrive Dublin.

Visit British Embassy, to meet HM Ambassador, followed by short tour of Dublin.

Attend reception, lectures and banquet hosted by the Ambassador of the United States on the occasion of the opening of the Forum for US-EU Legal and Economic Affairs.

18 September

Return to London.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he plans to take to strengthen the principle of local justice dispensed through magistrates courts. [25032]

My hon. Friend will be aware that on 29 October 1997, Official Report, columns 901–05, I made a statement to the House setting out in some detail the Government's plan for the future structure of the magistrates courts service. As part of that statement, I made clear my commitment to the concept of local justice dispensed through a locally administered magistrates courts service. We will shortly be embarking upon a joint working group with the service and local authorities which will examine the financial and legal relationship between them, define their relative responsibilities and enable the close local relationship which is already in evidence to develop further.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) of 19 January 1998, Official Report, column 403, if the implementation of those civil justice reforms and changes intended for completion in April 1999 are progressing as anticipated; and if he will make a statement. [25416]

I am pleased to confirm the answer I gave to the question of the hon. Member for Hendon on 19 January that the preparations for implementation of the civil justice reforms in April 1999 are indeed progressing as planned. For example, draft rules for the fast and multi-tracks, revised in the light of responses to the consultation paper issued last year, will be considered by the Rule Committee this month. A similar exercise will follow the closure of consultation on the small claims procedures at the end of this month. Further details can be obtained from the Department's bulletin, "Implementing the Civil Justice Reforms", a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on what date his Department's proposals to introduce the legal aid changes announced by the Lord Chancellor on 18 October 1997 will come into effect. [25340]

When my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor announced on 18 October 1997 the Government's proposals for reform of the legal aid system, he indicated his determination to consult widely before reaching any final decisions. We have received a large number of representations, each of which is being carefully considered. We intend to complete this consultation before implementing any changes.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what is the total cost to the Legal Aid Board of court fees since January 1997; [24121](2) what is the additional cost to the Legal Aid Board arising from the increase in court fees since January 1997. [24120]

From the Legal Aid Board's computer system it is not possible to identify separately the amounts paid in respect of court fees from other disbursements.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last 12 months an application under Order 19 rule 3(2), to rescind an automatic reference to arbitration has (a) been made and (b) been granted. [24123]

In the 12 months to 31 December 1997, there were 820 applications made and 650 applications granted.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on how many occasions in the last 12 months an application under Order 19 rule 3(2)(d), to rescind an automatic reference to arbitration where it would be unreasonable for the claim to proceed, having regard to the subject matter, circumstances of the parties or interests of third parties who would be affected, has (a) been made and (b) been granted. [24122]

(a) The information is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. (b) The information is not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many district and deputy district judges are able to sit as arbitrators in small claims proceedings; and how many of those have received training in handling small claims. [24119]

All district judges and deputy district judges, apart from those who sit in the Principal Registry of the Family Division, have the jurisdiction to sit as arbitrators in small claims proceedings. The Judicial Studies Board provides training on handling small claims arbitrations for all Deputy District judges as part of their induction programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policy concerning permanent sites for travellers in Flintshire. [24158]

Guidance to local planning authorities in respect of the provision of permanent sites for gipsies in their development plans is set out in Welsh Office Circular 2/94 and in Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy. Local authorities no longer have a statutory duty to provide sites for gipsies, but should have regard to gipsies' accommodation needs in drawing up their development plans. The definition of "gipsies" is contained in Welsh Officer Circular 76/94 and excludes those persons who move from place to place without any connection between their movement and their means of livelihood.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans his Department has to adopt an integrated rural policy for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24697]

My appointment of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) as Minister with specific responsibility for rural and countryside issues recognises the special needs of people living and working in rural Wales. I am committed to fostering an integrated approach so that there is improved co-ordination across the wide-range of agricultural, environmental and economic policies which affect the interests and well-being of rural communities. I have also initiated discussions with both farming unions in Wales to discuss these matters.Subject to legislation, the creation of the new economic development powerhouse, equipped with the combined strengths, skills and expertise of the Welsh Development Agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales and the Land Authority for Wales, will provide for the first time the opportunity for unified policies and programmes for development across the whole of rural Wales. The legislation will also restore the Welsh Development Agency's grant-making powers, which will be available to promote business growth and diversification in rural Wales, and the powers to promote initiatives that support social as well as economic regeneration. The new economic development powerhouse, in partnership with the National Assembly and other agencies, will be well equipped to contribute to the promotion of sustainable development in rural Wales.The new Agency will have a strong regional presence and a rural policy unit which, in collaboration with other partners, will I hope be able to come forward with effective and innovative proposals for securing the future prosperity of rural communities in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of deaths caused in each of the last 10 years by drivers who had consumed at least one alcoholic drink in the 12 hours prior to an accident but who had a blood alcohol limit lower than the legal limit at the time of accident. [22821]

This information is not available in the form requested.When drivers are breath-tested and found to be within the legal limit their precise breath or blood alcohol content is not normally measured, so no information about their alcohol consumption, if any, is available. It is known that some drivers with blood alcohol below the legal limit, including drivers who cause a death, are prosecuted and convicted of "under the influence" drinking-driving offences, but no estimate can be made of the number of fatalities.Where a driver has been killed in a road accident the driver's blood alcohol level may be taken in post mortem examinations on behalf of Coroners and Procurators Fiscal. Figures based on these reports are given in the table. They have been adjusted for under-reporting and include the estimated number of persons other than the driver to have been killed in the accidents concerned. 1995 is the latest year for which sufficient information is currently available.These figures do not show when alcohol was last consumed by the drivers in these accidents, nor whether the presence of alcohol played any role in causing or aggravating the accidents. Other things being equal, the lower the concentration of alcohol, the less likely it is the alcohol was the cause of the accident.Accidents where the driver had a blood alcohol concentration below 10mg/100m1 are not included in this table because below that level, measurement is unreliable and may indicate natural fermentation rather than consumption of alcohol.

Fatalities in road accidents involving a motor vehicle driver or rider who was killed with a blood alcohol level between 10 and 80mg/100ml: Great Britain (adjusted for under-reporting)
Number
1986	270
1987	310
1988	270
1989	320
1990	270
1991	270
1992	270
1993	200
1994	260
1995	250

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 18 November 1997, Official Report, column 133, what factors underlay the decision not to include measures to encourage the re-establishment of ancient bridleways in his plans for increasing access to the countryside. [24082]

We have a long-standing commitment to give people greater freedom to explore open countryside. However, we have no plans at present to introduce new measures relating to rights of way. Local authorities already have powers to create linear routes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the new form of driving licence will display the union flag of the United Kingdom; and what consultations he is having regarding the format of the new licence. [24397]

The forthcoming photocard driving licence will, like existing paper licences, not include the Union flag in its design. Proposals for plastic photocard driving licences were the subject of public consultations in 1991 and 1996. No further consultations are proposed on the format of the licence, the main features of which are laid down in the second EC driving licence directive, as amended.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations were undertaken prior to the decision to exclude insulin-dependent diabetics from holding driving licences for categories C1 and D1 vehicles. [24223]

The Department consulted over 100 representative organisations in August 1996 on a number of proposals for implementing the requirements of the Second EC Driving Licence Directive (91/439). These included the proposal that drivers with entitlements to drive vehicles in categories C1 and D1 on the strength of an ordinary car licence should, on expiry of their current licence, have to meet the higher health standards required for those categories by the Directive if they wished to renew those entitlements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number of accidents for each of the last five years involving vehicles in categories C1 and Dl driven by insulin-dependent diabetics. [24222]

No information is collected nationally on the medical conditions of drivers involved in road accidents. It is not, therefore, possible to supply the information requested.

	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	Total
April	0	0	0	1	0	1
May	0	1	0	0	0	1
June	2	0	2	0	0	4
July	1	2	1	2	0	6
August	2	0	0	0	0	2
September	0	0	0	0	1	1
October	0	0	3	0	0	3
November	1	0	0	0	1	2
December	2	2	1	1	0	6
January	0	0	1	0	0	1
February	0	1	0	0	0	1
March	3	2	1	1	0	7
Total	11	8	9	5	2	35

The figures cover all railways in Great Britain, and are published in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Reports on Railway Safety, copies of which are placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the monthly number of railway fatalities per passenger mile in each of the last five years. [24438]

Death or injury rate: passenger
	Train accidents per billion passenger miles			Movement accidents per billion passenger miles			Non-movement accidents per billion passenger journeys
	Killed	Major	Minor	Killed	Major	Minor	Killed	Major	Minor
1991–92	0.08	0.75	12.01	1.16	3.03	90.65	0.63	63.64	2,091
1992–93	0.00	0.13	2.67	0.68	3.35	98.93	1.29	100.26	2,395
1993–94	0.00	0.22	5.67	0.62	1.80	95.37	1.30	103.05	2,793
1994–95	0.14	0.50	8.17	0.55	2.65	98.41	1.26	85.28	2,685
1995–96	0.04	0.04	2.24	0.29	1.91	102.91	1.23	98.65	2,819

	Train accidents per passenger miles		Movement accidents per billion passenger miles		Non movement accidents per billion passenger journeys
	Killed	Injured	Killed	Injured	Killed	Injured
1996–97	0.04	6.50	0.40	20.21	1.80	1,025.80

New accident regulations were introduced in 1996–97.Under the new regulations—the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR 95) there is no distinction between a major and minor injury to a passenger.The reporting trigger is that the person is taken from the site of the accident to hospital for treatment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the monthly number of staff fatalities in the railway industry for each of the last five years. [24439]

Details on the number of staff fatalities in the railway industry for the past five years are as follows:

This information is not available in the for requested. However, annual death and injury rates to passengers per billion passenger miles are published in the Chief Inspector of Railways Annual Report on Railway Safety, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. The relevant extract from the report for 1996–97 listing these rates over the past five years is as follows:Train accidents are accidents to trains and rolling stock.Movement accidents are accidents to people caused by the movement of railway vehicles, but excluding those involved in train accidents.Non-movement accidents are accidents to people on railway premises which are not connected with the movement of railway vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the proposal by the Civic Trust to introduce a levy of 10 per cent. on the value of green-field sites with planning permission; and if he will make a statement. [24465]

We want to stimulate a debate about the scope for using economic instruments to help achieve our planning objectives and we will take further account of the Civic Trust's proposal in that context. It is likely to be one of the items discussed when my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction meets the Director of the Civic Trust next week.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to protect green-field sites in the North East of Chelmsford and the Al2 corridor. [25291]

The Government wish to see as much new development as possible allocated to urban areas and existing settlements, and maximum use made of previously developed sites. Any proposals for the development of green-field sites in Essex are, initially, for the local planning authorities to consider. When examining such proposals they, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, should he become involved, will have regard to national policies and the protection of the countryside, and to the need for new development to be suitable and environmentally acceptable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the (a) name of, (b) occupation of and (c) organisation represented by each of the members of the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force; and if he will make a statement. [24467]

The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force aims to create a new partnership between Government and the private sector to promote environmentally friendly vehicles that people and businesses will want to buy and drive. The task force's members are:

	Name	Occupation	Organisation
Co-Chair	Gavin Strang	Minister for Transport	DETR
Co-Chair	Ian McAllister	President Chairman and Managing Director	SMMT Ford UK
	John Battle	Minister for Science, Energy and Industry	DTI
	Sir Robert May	Government Chief Scientist	OST
	Walter Hasselkus	Chairman and Chief Executive	Rover Group
	Keith Taylor	Chairman and Chief Executive	Esso UK
	Neil Johnson	Chief Executive	RAC
	David Lea	Assistant General Secretary	TUC
	Nigel Haigh	Director	IEEP
	Michael Gwilt	Chief Executive	Arriva Group
	David Green	Director-General	FTA
	Mike Parker	Chief Executive	Nexus
	Mike Baunton	Managing Director	Varity Perkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions to what extent environmental sustainability is included as a quality factor under the new best value replacement to compulsory competitive tendering for local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [24458]

It will generally be for local authorities to decide how to reflect environmental sustainability in their performance targets for the different services under the proposed best value regime, following consultation with the local community and in the light of their progress in drawing up Local Agenda 21 strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the use of the home zone sign in other European member states in reducing traffic casualties; and if he will make a statement. [24468]

The effectiveness of the "home zone" signs used in some EU member states depends on drivers observing very low speed limits (and being conditioned to give way to pedestrians). My Department has been working with local authorities on schemes and studies to reduce vehicle speeds in residential streets and shopping areas. Our experience in this country so far has been that signs by themselves do not reduce vehicle speeds to 20mph or below, and that other self-enforcing measures are needed. We have no plans at present to change primary legislation to introduce home zones but we think there is scope within the current legislation for further speed reducing measures to be applied.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on coastguard provision in Wales (a) currently and (b) after 2001; and if he will list in each case those stations that will be permanently manned. [24479]

There are three permanently staffed Coastguard centres in Wales, located at Swansea, Milford Haven and Holyhead.There are no plans to change Her Majesty's Coastguard provision in Wales, including the 11 Sector Managers and 47 auxiliary stations, after 2001, with the exception of an increase in the staff complement at Holyhead Coastguard station for the control of the additional radio aerials, following the proposed closure of the Liverpool Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in 2000. A proposed five year strategy for the service was announced on 17 November 1997,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to call in the planning application for the Amble sewerage scheme. [24784]

This application has not been referred to my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State and he has received no representations about the proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what specific policy decisions have so far been taken by the Government to deliver the new commitments to the reduction of greenhouse gases that he gave in Tokyo on behalf of the Government. [24707]

The Kyoto Protocol set a legally-binding target for the European Union of an 8 per cent. overall reduction in the emissions of six greenhouse gases between 2008 and 2012, compared with 1990. Under our Presidency of the European Union we aim to share out this target between Member States, and to take forward proposals for common and co-ordinated policies and measures. Our priority within the UK will then be to ensure that we achieve our legally binding target.We have already taken action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Chancellor announced in the July Budget, that the real increase in fuel duty would be raised to 6 per cent., a year. Later this year we will be consulting on a programme of policies and measures to meet our legally binding target and launch a national debate on moving towards our domestic aim of a 20 per cent. cut in emissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to answer the letter about the City of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitary Development Plan sent to him by the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central. [24657]

I replied to my hon. Friend's letter on 14 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make modifications to the Revised Unitary Development Plan published by the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. [24656]

None. Following very careful consideration of all the relevant issues considered by the Inspector to the UDP Inquiry, the Secretary of State decided not to object to the proposals to delete land from the Green Belt for the Northern Development Area. I understand that Newcastle City Council resolved to adopt their plan on 21 January.Key factors which were taken into account in reaching this decision included the City Council's proposal to accommodate 76 per cent. of its housing requirements within the existing built up area and the fact that the Inspector accepted that further development in the built up area would lead to town cramming. In addition, the Inspector found that a continuation of population dispersal from Newcastle to Northumberland and North Tyneside would be less sustainable than the proposed development which lies less than 5km from the city centre and can be readily linked to the public transport network.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will request the SRB partnership for the Graingertown area of Newcastle upon Tyne city centre to report to him on the effect of the proposed Northern Development Area on office redevelopment prospects. [24658]

It would not be appropriate for the Secretary of State to do so in view of his quasi-judicial role in the planning system. However, there are well-established procedures in place which allow individuals and organisations to make full representations on development proposals at all stages of the planning process. I understand that the issues of the effect of the proposed Northern Development Area on development elsewhere in the local authority area have already been examined in public before an independent planning inspector in the context of Newcastle upon Tyne Unitary Development Plan Public Inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for further legislation regarding low flying to combat aircraft noise. [24699]

We are considering whether new legislation may be required in respect of civil aircraft noise disturbance, whether that is attributable to low flying or to other causes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidelines he has issued to local authorities (a) on dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant and (b) on budgeting for the costs of remedying computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24704]

Local authorities are responsible for their own systems and have access to high quality advice on this issue from the Local Government Management Board, the professional body of local government IT officers (SOCTIM) and other professional bodies. My officials have also kept the Local Government Association (LGA) informed on the steps being taken by central government. In addition, the Government have published best practice guidance on millennium compliance. The LGA's views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate for each local authority of the costs of dealing with computer systems which are not millennium compliant; and if he will make a statement. [24702]

The Local Government Association (LGA) highlighted the possible level of pressures local authorities might face in preparing for millennium computer compliance. Their estimate of £500 million, with spending of at least £100 million required for 1998–99, was based on the overall cost to local authorities. The LGA's views on the pressures faced by all local authorities were taken into account in our proposals for local government revenue expenditure in 1998–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those roads for which he is responsible where lighting columns are life expired and need replacing. [24280]

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The Highways Agency is responsible for lighting columns on the trunk road network. Lighting columns on local roads are the responsibility of the relevant local highway authority.The Highways Agency is not aware of any life expired lighting columns on trunk roads as corrective action is taken when problems arise or preventive maintenance identifies signs of defects.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many public inquiries on applications for motorway service areas were completed in the period 1 May to 31 December 1997; and what was the estimated cost of each inquiry to his Department; [24582](2) how many public inquiries are currently in progress in respect of applications for the development of motorway service areas; and what is the estimated cost to date of those inquiries to his Department. [24578]

Three motorway service public inquiries were completed between 1 May and 31 December 1997: M4 Maidenhead area; A1(M) North Yorkshire and M25 Junctions 15–16 (Elk Meadows). The only such public inquiry currently under way is one which opened on 20 January into a motorway service area proposal at Redbourne on the M1 between Junctions 8 and 9.A substantial part of the cost of all four inquiries to my Department will be the time spent on them by staff of the Highways Agency as part of their normal duties. The time spent specifically on these cases could not be separately identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was (a) the amount of Housing Rent Account surplus used to finance rent rebates, (b) the number of council tenants paying full rent in each local authority area in which Housing Rent Account surpluses are being used and (c) the financial contribution made per week by each tenant paying full rent in each local authority area in the most recent available year. [24710]

In 1997–98, we estimate that £1,228.6 million of notional Housing Revenue Account surpluses will be used to meet the cost of rent rebates granted by housing authorities in England. In the same year, we estimate that 1,038,873 council tenants will not be granted rent rebates, and will therefore pay full rent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial criteria are used by his Department in determining the cost of a road accident for a (a) fatality, (b) serious injury and (c) slight injury; and in each case what is the current figure. [24485]

[holding answer 21 January 1998]: The values attributed to the avoidance of deaths and injuries in road accidents in 1996 were (a) fatal £983,710; and (b) serious accident £118,030; (c) slight accident £11,590. These values take account of medical costs, lost production, the cost of police and courts, insurance administration, property damage, and human costs based on the widely accepted concept of "willingness to pay".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional resources have been allocated in the financial year 1998–99 to the Vehicle Inspectorate to enhance safety regulation in road transport. [24772]

[holding answer 22 January 1998]: Additional resources have been allocated to the VI for road safety enforcement activities in the financial year 1998–99. The total available for this activity will be £16,295,000, an increase of £246k over the current year's allocation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the regional office of the Driving Standards Agency at Haymarket House, Edinburgh. [24420]

[holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its Area Office structure. The Agency's preferred option is to relocate the driving test booking operation from Haymarket House to its Newcastle Office but to retain a number of administrative activities, such as handling examiner deployment, customer service and estates functions, in Edinburgh. We expect to announce the results of that review soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of the driving test centres at (a) Edinburgh, Newington, (b) Saltcoats, (c) Hamilton, (d) Aberfeldy, (e) Girvan, (f) Cumnock, (g) Callander, (h) Fort Augustus, (i) Tarbert, (j) Bettyhill, (k) Helmsdale and (l) Duns. [24421]

[holding answer 22 January 1998]: The Driving Standards Agency is currently reviewing its test centre estate across England, Scotland and Wales to ascertain whether there is scope for rationalisation while retaining satisfactory levels of service. There are no plans at present to withdraw the driving test service from any of those centres identified by the hon. Member. Any proposals to close particular test centres at a later date would be subject to consultation with local driving instructor groups, local authority interests and the Members within whose constituencies those centres are located.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the plans by the Driving Standards Agency to move the driving test centre in Beeches Road, Chelmsford to another site in the town; and when he expects the move to take place. [25290]

The Driving Standards Agency proposes to relocate its driving test centre to a new site at the Chelmar Business Park. Subject to contracts being agreed and the due planning process being completed, a new centre should be opened either later this year or early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when Her Majesty's Government expect to ratify Directive Euratom 96/29 passed by the Council of Ministers in 1996; and what measures he plans to prevent the recycling of nuclear waste into consumer goods. [24817]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to relax the limits on uncontrolled disposal or release of radioactively contaminated materials; and if he will make a statement. [25493]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 19 January 1998, Official Report, column 376.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) of 10 June 1997, Official Report, column 403, when he expects to announce proposals to improve regulation of vehicles on byways. [25070]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: We hope to make an announcement next month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many official cars are available for use by Ministers in his Department; and how many new cars have been acquired for the use of Ministers in his Department since 1 May. [25161]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: Following the merger of the former Departments of the Environment and Transport the total number of cars available to Ministers has been decreased by one to nine. One new car has been acquired since 1 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the provisions of the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 to come into force; and if he will make a statement. [24985]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: Guidance to local authorities on implementing the provisions of the Road Traffic Reduction Act was issued in draft on 15 January for public consultation. Comments are sought by 20 April 1998. We envisage that the Act will be brought into force later this year, and be followed by final guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on funding of the Great Leighs bypass. [25292]

Essex County Council bid for support for this scheme in their Transport Policies and Programme (TPP) submission for 1998–99. Because of financial constraints no new major schemes were accepted in the 1998–99 local transport capital settlement, which was announced on 17 December 1997.The guidance for the TPP round of 1999–2000 is due to be published in the Spring. My Department is currently considering the headings under which bids will be invited. It is not possible at this stage to say how much weight will be given to major road schemes such as Great Leighs Bypass.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will bring forward proposals to reduce overcarrying of passengers on the rail network in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [25077]

Central door locking has appreciably reduced the risk of accidents caused by passengers boarding and alighting from trains when it would be unsafe to do so. It may have increased the risk of overcarrying, but the Health and Safety Executive does not consider overcarrying a safety issue. Measures to prevent overcarrying are for train operators to consider.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the regulations regarding maximum permitted decibel levels and the environmental impact of private parachuting flights; and if he will make a statement. [25098]

Aircraft used for parachuting are subject to the same noise certification requirements as comparable aircraft used for other purposes. Depending on local airspace constraints and the location of drop zones, the need for the aircraft to climb over a limited area can be a source of nuisance to those below. Aerodromes and aircraft operators should plan their routes, procedures and activities so as to minimise noise nuisance; subject always to the overriding requirements of safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what analysis his Department has made of the answers to the questions set out in the Government's Consultation Paper, "New Leadership for London"; if he will publish this analysis; and if he will make a statement. [25528]

An analysis of the responses we received to the Green Paper "New Leadership for London" will be set out in the White Paper which we intend to publish in March. A list of names of all the individuals and organisations who responded to the Green Paper was placed in the House of Commons Library on 21 November 1997. On the same day, copies of their letters were made available for inspection by the public, in the library of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans his Department has to adopt an integrated rural policy in England; and if he will make a statement. [24695]

The Government are committed to developing an integrated approach to tackling the problems of rural areas.The Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) of Countryside and Rural Policy which is currently being undertaken jointly by DETR and MAFF is considering the aims and delivery of countryside and rural policy for the medium and long term. We expect to make an announcement about how we intend to take forward rural policy in due course, taking account of the work of the CSR.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is

Bilateral aid expenditure
£ thousand
	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Total emergency1 aid all countries	142,831	179,544	208,165	141,560	119,934
of which
Disaster preparedness all countries	1,119	1,939	2,782	2,891	4,303
Total DFID programme all countries	1,145,113	1,177,598	1,144,066	1,124,226	1,078,795
Total GPEX all countries	1,353,889	1,308,743	1,379,665	1,421,567	1,283,224
Emergency aid as a percentage of DIFD programme	12.47	15.25	18.20	12.59	11.12
Disaster preparedness as percentage of DFID programme	0.10	0.16	0.24	0.26	0.40
Emergency aid as a percentage of GPEX	10.55	13.72	15.09	9.96	9.35
Disaster preparedness as percentage of GPEX	0.08	0.15	0.20	0.20	0.34

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Marine Safety Agency, Mr. Bradley, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the impact on the revenue costs of the National Air Traffic Control over (a) 10 and (b) 20 years of the PFI project for the Air Traffic Control centre at Prestwick. [25464]

Negotiations are still continuing between National Air Traffic Services Ltd., and Sky Solutions, the preferred bidder for the New Scottish Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick. It would therefore be inappropriate for me to make a statement on estimated costs at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the proportion of the United Kingdom aid programme devoted to emergency relief operations and disasters preparedness and prevention programmes. [24233]

The proportions of our aid programme devoted to emergency relief operations and disaster preparedness and prevention programme are set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what money the Government plan to give (a) bilaterally and (b) multilaterally to (i) Burkina Faso, (ii) Niger, (iii) Mali and (iv) Chad for long-term disaster preparedness and food security in 1997–98 and 1998–99. [24348]

We plan to channel DFID assistance to Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad through multilateral agencies, mainly the EU, and through non-governmental organisations.We are in close touch with the European Commission on EU plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what response she has made to the request for international food aid issued (a) by Niger in November and (b) by Burkina Faso in December. [24349]

UK assistance to these countries is provided mainly through the EU. We are in close touch with the European Commission about their plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations the Government have received from (a) NGOs and (b) UK officials in Burkina Faso and Niger about the impending food shortages in these countries. [24350]

We have received an official representation from one NGO on this issue. Our Embassy in Abidjan, which is accredited to Niger and Burkina Faso, has recently received a request from the Nigerien authorities for assistance which is now being considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money has been given in development assistance to (a) Burkina Faso, (b) Niger, (c) Mali and (d) Chad in each year since 1992; and what percentage was (i) bilateral and (ii) multilateral assistance; and what proportion was given for (1) emergency relief and (2) long term disaster preparedness and food security. [24347]

Figures for total bilateral assistance (including emergency aid and debt relief) to Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali and Chad from financial year 1991–92 to

Table 1b: Bilateral emergency aid 1991–92 to 1996–97
£ thousands
Country	Year	Food aid1	Disaster relief2	Refugee relief	Disaster preparedness	Total
Chad	1991–92	—	90	—	—	90
	1992–93	—	—	80	—	80
	1993–94	—	222	65	—	287
	1994–95	—	—	—	—	—
	1995–96	—	—	—	—	—
	1996–97	—	14	—	—	14
Mali	1991–92	—	—	—	—	—
	1992–93	—	—	—	—	—
	1993–94	—	—	—	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how she intends to deploy New Deal Welfare to Work resources relating to Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement; [22735](2) When she proposed to announce the results of the Government's consultation on long-term unemployment; and if she will make a statement; [22743](3) if she will make statement on the New Deal Welfare to Work as it affects lone parents and people with disabilities. [22744]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency, under its chief executive Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she expects to respond to the recommendations of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights report on Fair Employment and Equality Review; and if she will make a statement. [22738]

The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has provided a major report on employment equality which includes over 160 recommendations. Following consultation with those who would be directly affected by SACHR's recommendations, the Government's consideration of the recommendations is well advanced and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already indicated certain recommendations on which the Government propose to take action—clarification of the law on direct recruitment of the long-term unemployed and firmer powers against persistent discriminators. The Government will give a response to the full range of SACHR's proposals in a paper to be published early this year. Those recommendations which are accepted by the Government will be implemented as appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps her Department is taking to ensure the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Government's proposed legislation on the funding of political parties. [22808]

As my hon. and learned Friend will be aware the Committee on Standards in Public Life—formally the Nolan Committee, now the Neill Committee—has been asked by the Prime Minister to undertake a wide-ranging investigation into the funding of political parties. Northern Ireland will be included in this. My officials will also be keeping in contact with colleagues in the Home Office regarding Government's legislative proposals. We welcome submissions from political parties and other interested groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria are used to measure pollution in rivers; and which rivers fail to meet the standards. [25020]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Environment and Heritage Service, under its chief executive Mr. Robert C. Martin. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 November 1997, Official Report, columns 576–77, on 826 squadron, in which years since 1968 the squadron was based at (a) RNAS Culdrose, Helston, Cornwall and (b) Malta. [24540]

From 1968 until disbandment in 1993, 826 Naval Air Squadron was a front line Anti-submarine Warfare squadron parented by RNAS CULDROSE where it was based when not embarked or deployed. The squadron was deployed in Malta from 31 October to 12 November 1969 and 3 to 22 March 1971. This and similar information, together with that supplied on 12 November 1997, Official Report, columns 576–77, is obtainable from the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are under the command of each one star and each two star commander of Land Command United Kingdom. [24796]

The number of service personnel under command of two-star and one-star commanders in land Command in the United Kingdom is as follows:

Two Stars
Appointment	Regular	TA	Total
General Officer Commanding
2 Division	10,704	17,737	28,441
3 Division	8,966	3,221	12,187
4 Division	17,218	5,702	22,920
5 Division	5,335	13,492	18,827
London District	4,620	714	5,334
Scotland	2,596	7,084	9,680

One star
Appointment	Regular	TA	Total
Commander
1 Mech Bde	6,280	0	6,280
2 (SE) Bde	2,843	1,501	4,344
5 AB Bde	4,599	208	4,807
15 (NE) Bde	2,401	8,865	11,266
19 Mech Bde	6,029	0	6,029
24 Airmob Bde	5,200	0	5,200
42 (NW) Bde	1,870	5,690	7,560
43 (Wx) Bde	1,597	3,221	4,818
49 (E) Bde	2,170	8,852	11,022
51 (H) Bde	883	3,183	4,066
52 (L) Bde	1,654	3,862	5,516
143 (WM) Bde	1,676	3,069	4,745
145 (HC) Bde	4,525	3,980	8,505
160 (W) Bde	1,630	3,584	5,214

The figures for service personnel include uniformed non-regular permanent staff. The figures for two-star commands include in total some 8,000 service personnel working in headquarters and other units which are distributed throughout the United Kingdom and do not feature in the figures for one-star commands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the proposed capital expenditure for United Kingdom Land Command 2nd Division over the next five years. [24795]

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to publish detailed information on the outcome of the Department's long-term costings, of which planned capital expenditure forms a part. I am, therefore, withholding the information requested under exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the annual cost of maintaining the (i) Land Command United Kingdom Divisional Headquarters in Edinburgh, (ii) the Brigade Headquarters at Perth and (iii) the Brigade Headquarters at Edinburgh. [24792]

The estimated cost of maintaining these headquarters next financial year will be:

(i) HQ Scottish District, Edinburgh: £5,598,000

(ii) HQ 51 Brigade, Perth: £648,000

(iii) HQ 52 Brigade, Edinburgh: £930,000.

These figures include pay and running costs of the headquarters, and maintenance of the buildings. In the case of HQ Scottish District, the figures include the costs of not only the Headquarters but its supporting camp.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) regular and (b) territorial army soldiers are based currently in (i) Scotland and (ii) the 2nd Division; and how many would be based in the English part of the proposed Northern District with its headquarters at Edinburgh being considered by Land Command United Kingdom. [24797]

Land Command has 2,596 regular and 7,084 territorial army personnel currently based in Scotland; and 10,704 regular and 17,737 territorial army personnel in the 2 Division area. A region covering the North of England would at present include some 10,258 regular and 15,730 territorial army personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the Army Brigade Headquarters in (i) Perth and (ii) Edinburgh; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24790]

Headquarters 51 Brigade in Perth has an establishment of 12 Service, and nine civilian personnel; Headquarters 52 Brigade in Edinburgh, 12 Service and 15 civilian staff.The total established strength of Land Command units under command or administrative control of Headquarters 51 Brigade is 883 regular and 3,183 Territorial Army personnel; and of Headquarters 52 Brigade: 1,654 regular and 3,862 Territorial Army personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the headquarters of 15 and 49 Army Brigades; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24798]

There are currently 33 service and 37 civilian personnel employed in the Headquarters 15 Brigade at York; and 38 service and 37 civilian personnel in the Headquarters of 49 Brigade at Chilwell. The authorised strength of units under command or administrative control of Headquarters 15 Brigade is 2,401 regular and 8,865 territorial army personnel; and of Headquarters of 49 Brigade, 2,170 regular and 8,852 territorial army personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) service and (b) civilian personnel are employed at the United Kingdom Land Command Divisional Headquarters in (i) Edinburgh and (ii) York; and what is the total number of regular and territorial troops under their respective commands. [24791]

Headquarters Scottish District in Edinburgh has an establishment of 91 Service and 60 civilian staff. The equivalent figures for Headquarters 2 Division at York are 104 and 171 respectively. I regret that the figures for Headquarters 2 Division given in the answer from my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary on 16 January 1998, Official Report, column 349, excluded a number of staff who should have been included.The total established strength of units under command or administrative control of Scottish District is 2,596 regular and 7,084 Territorial Army personnel. The figures for 2 Division are 10,704 and 17,737 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Defence Council instructions have been issued since 1 January 1996; and how many were unclassified. [24507]

A total of 1,920 Defence Council Instructions have been issued since 1 January 1996, of which 1,609 were unclassified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries where British peacekeeping forces are currently operating. [25008]

United Kingdom armed forces are currently deployed in Cyprus, Iraq/Kuwait, Georgia, Bosnia/Herzegovina and Croatia on peacekeeping operations under specific United Nations mandates. UK forces are also engaged in monitoring activities in Northern and Southern Iraq and in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf, as part of a wider coalition force to monitor Iraqi compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions were held on the co-ordination of patrols of Trident and Triomphant submarines at the Anglo-French summit in London in November. [24606]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 22 January 1998, Official Report, column 628.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the impact of the introduction of Trident on (a) the availability of the United Kingdom's ballistic missile-carrying submarines to fire their missiles and (b) the number of submarines that can be deployed on patrol at any one time. [24602]

The introduction into service of our Trident submarines has not resulted in any change in the United Kingdom's policy of maintaining continuous deterrent patrols. Submarines on patrol are at a reduced alert state reflecting improved strategic conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's present policy towards disclosing the number of nuclear warheads deployed on Trident submarines and the date they entered service; and if he will make a statement on changes in Government policy in respect of disclosing such information. [24604]

Details of the exact number of warheads deployed on our Trident submarines are covered by exemption 1 of the code of practice on access to government information relating to defence, security and international relations. The Government are considering, in the Strategic Defence Review, whether we can in future be more open about aspects of our nuclear capabilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's assessment of the (a) current and (b) future capacity of Russia to track and determine the whereabouts of the United Kingdom's Trident submarines when on patrol; and if he will make a statement. [24603]

Although the most modern Russian submarines might be theoretically capable of detecting UK Trident submarines at close range, the operating arrangements for UK Trident submarines are designed to ensure that they remain undetected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of warheads currently deployed on each of the United Kingdom's Trident submarines relative to the original estimates of the number of warheads required. [24605]

The original requirement for Trident was drawn up at the height of the Cold War based on 16 Trident C4 missiles on each submarine capable of carrying a total of 128 warheads. The previous Government announced in 1994 that they would not deploy more than 96 warheads on each Trident submarine. We are considering future warhead requirements in the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the relative accuracy of the Trident D5 missile against the Polaris/Chevaline system; and what are his Department's requirements in respect of the accuracy of nuclear weapons. [24594]

The Trident missile system is inherently more accurate than Polaris reflecting technological advances in missile system design. The greater accuracy of Trident has allowed us to plan on our Trident force also undertaking the sub-strategic role allowing the withdrawal of our air delivered WE-177 nuclear bombs without replacement. Details of the performance of Trident are covered by exemption l of the code of practice on access to government information relating to defence, security and international relations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the warheads on the Trident D5 missile deployed by the United Kingdom are independently targetable. [24596]

Trident warheads are independently targetable within constraints imposed by the missile system and its trajectory.