To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what has been the level of remuneration to the Dean and Chapter of (a) St. Paul's, (b) Westminster Abbey and (c) St. George's Windsor for each year from 1993 to 1997 inclusive. [25612]

The total costs (excluding National Insurance) of the stipend paid to the Dean and Chapter at St. Paul's for the years 1993–94 to 1997–98 are shown in the table:

• 1993–94: £129,350
• 1994–95: £135,298
• 1995–96: £136,778
• 1996–97: £138,460
• 1997–98: £143,570.

Westminster Abbey and St. George's Windsor are "Royal Peculiars" and outside the clergy payroll administered by the Commissioners.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the total cost of closing four coastguard stations and merging two stations; [22843](2) what is the cost of implementation of new digital technology for Her Majesty's Coastguard throughout the United Kingdom stations; and if he will list each station separately and the total costs involved. [22848]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Coastguard Agency, Mr. Chris Harris, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the number of empty housing units in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne in (a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997 (i) in total and (ii) by housing sector. [24659]

The numbers of vacant local authority and housing associations dwellings in Newcastle upon Tyne on 1 April are set out in the table, alongside the local authority's estimates of private and other public sector vacant dwellings.

	1995	1996	1997
Local authority1	1,634	1,726	1,674
Housing association2	327	569	607
Other public sector1	498	369	287
Private sector1	4,339	4,191	4,385
Total	6,798	6,855	6,953
1 Source: Annual Housing Investment Programme (HIP1) returns.
2 Source: Annual HAR10/1 returns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlay his assessment that a possible five million new homes are required for the next century's housing needs. [24867]

My Department has made no such assessment. The 1992-based household projections, published in March 1995, indicate a 4.4 million increase in the number of households in England in the 25 year period from 1991 to 2016. However, these household projections are not an estimate of the number of additional houses which have to be built. Rather, they represent just one of the factors to be taken into account by local planning authorities when arriving at figures for housing provision to be included in regional guidance and development plans.These projections remain the latest official estimates of household formation until the 1996-based household projections are compiled around the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions the Health and Safety Executive has carried out under the Manual Handling Regulations since they came into force; and of these how many were against (a) health care employers, (b) local government employers and (c) private residential homes. [25006]

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 came into force on 1 January 1993. Between then and 31 March 1997, the Health and Safety Executive has taken eight cases, involving the laying of 15 information's. Ten of the resulting charges produced successful convictions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the allocation of a large green field site at Silsden for housing development in the Bradford Unitary Development Plan. [24969]

Since Bradford City Council published their proposed modifications to the Unitary Development Plan, and their notice of intention to adopt it, we have received my hon. Friend's representations and others on behalf of the Silsden Town Action Group. Officials have also received telephone calls about the proposals for Silsden.We have been aware of the public controversy about the Plan and have taken full account of the representations before concluding that intervention by the Secretary of State would not be warranted.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 December 1997, Official Report, column 110, what guidance is given to local authorities to develop strategies for the preservation of mature street trees; and what monitoring takes place as to the effectiveness of the delivery of these strategies. [25018]

Various guidance has been given to local authorities, in Circulars, research reports and other documents, on the scope and content of strategies to guide the planting, maintenance, protection and replacement of trees in their area. In particular, the 1994 report 'Urban Tree Strategies' illustrated, through a number of case studies, a range of different approaches to help other local authorities when preparing their own strategies.Monitoring its effectiveness in achieving objectives should be an important element of any such strategy and should be undertaken at the local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his consultation document for the promotion of greater access to the countryside. [24816]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Wirral, West (Mr. Hesford) and for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 22 January 1998, Official Report, column 614.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many hectares in England are currently zoned as Green Belt. [24981]

The latest information available centrally relates to September 1993; it is estimated that there were 1,555,700 hectares of Green Belt in England. More up-to-date information will be available later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has carried out into the impact of the completion of the A419 in Gloucestershire on traffic flows. [24866]

Traffic studies were carried out in accordance with the Department's Traffic Appraisal Manual for the schemes on the A419 in Wiltshire and A417 in Gloucestershire which have recently been completed. The studies covered the effects of the Latton Bypass, the Cirencester and Stratton Bypass, the North of Stratton to Nettleton Improvement and the Brockworth Bypass on traffic flows in that corridor. We are monitoring traffic on the new road but it will be some time before we are able to draw any conclusions as to traffic patterns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from local authorities about the location of the Regional Development Agency for the East Midlands; what consideration he has given to these; on the basis of what criteria; and when he intends to make a decision. [24946]

On 2 September 1997, the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallesey (Angela Eagle), met members of Leicester City Council and others wishing to promote the case for the East Midlands Development Agency to be located in Leicester. However, it is not for Government to decide where the Agency will be located. The Agency itself will be best placed to decide where its offices should be.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what reports he has received from (a) the Office of the Rail Regulator and (b) the Franchising Director on the performance of Regional Railways North East since privatisation. [25258]

No reports on the performance of Regional Railways North East have been received from the Rail Regulator or the Franchising Director. The Franchising Director is responsible for monitoring train operators' performance and publishes performance details in quarterly Bulletins. A copy of OPRAF' s Bulletin is available in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide a regional analysis of moneys disbursed through the operation of the landfill tax environmental grant fund. [25257]

This information is not available by regions; however the UK figures for funds notified to Entrust at 31 December 1997 are:

	£
England	51,527,135.30
Scotland	4,948,679.58
Northern Ireland	1,415,247.21
Wales	2,157,707.15

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he plans to improve spray suppression from HGVs; and if he will make a statement. [25273]

The problem of spray from lorries is one that we would like to reduce. We had commissioned research in the hope of finding a better method of testing spray suppression equipment to ensure it is effective, but this has not led to useful results.However, there is a meeting of EU Member States experts later this month at which we will be discussing what others are proposing and we hope that this will lead to proposals for improvements in the Directive which sets standards in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent discussions the Minister of Transport has had with BAA regarding its policy for London's airports; and if he will make a statement; [25521](2) how often the Minister of Transport has had talks with BAA since 2 May. [25522]

I have had three meetings with BAA since 2 May 1997. None of the meetings was arranged specifically to discuss London airports. Discussions covered a range of issues.The Government are carrying out a fundamental review of transport policy leading to the publication of a White Paper later this year. Our aim in the White Paper is to establish the overall framework of an integrated transport policy within which policies relevant to specific modes, including aviation, can be developed. We believe that UK aviation and airports have an essential role to play within a fully integrated transport system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish the Second Report on the sinking of the Derbyshire. [25744]

The Assessors have submitted their report to Ministers for consideration. We expect to publish the report in March.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to hold the public inquiry into the plan to replace Walton Bridge at Shepperton. [25469]

[holding answer 26 January 1998]:Surrey County Council have advised my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State that they are reviewing the scheme. The arrangements for the inquiry into the called in planning application are being held in abeyance until such time as the Council have decided whether or not they wish to pursue the scheme in its present form.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Mr. Hawkins) of 24 July 1997, Official Report, column 699, if he will update his list of (a) consents and (b) refusals of consent since 2 May under the Allotments Act 1925 for the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes. [25610]

The Secretary of State has given his consent, under section 8 of the Allotments Act 1925, for the disposal of the following statutory allotments sites since 2 May 1997;

• 7 May: Peel Street, Carlisle
• 9 May: Wolverhampton Metropolitan Borough Council training Centre Wolverhampton
• 19 May: Firtree Lane, Bristol
• 19 May: Troopers Hill, Bristol
• 19 May: 32 Nicholas Lane, Bristol
• 23 May: Burton Road, Overseal, Derbyshire
• 28 May: Washbrook Allotments, Leicester
• 3 June: Roundwood Glen, Greengates, Bradford
• 9 June: Langham Allotments, Rutland
• 11 June: Bridge Street, Lodden, South Norfolk
• 24 June: Lee Lane, Langley, Amber Valley, Derbyshire
• 24 June: Ridgeway Allotments and Manor Hall Allotments, Southwick, West Sussex
• 25 June: Broadwater Gardens Allotments, Harefield, Middlesex
• 25 June: The Bartons, Much Marcle, Ledbury, Herefordshire
• 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Cornfield Road, Thornaby
• 26 June: Harewood Allotments, Thornaby Road, Thornaby
• 26 June: Colston Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey
• 10 July: Cannock Road, Cannock
• 11 July: Barnsfield Place Allotments, Uxbridge, Middlesex
• 14 July: Primrose Hill, Stockton on Thames
• 15 July: Dodmire Allotments, Darlington
• 17 July: Britten Road, Redditch
• 22 July: Scotchman Road, Bradford
• 4 August: Land adjacent to Merrilea, Dowlands Lane, Copthorne
• 4 August: Glassworks Fields, Leeds
• 5 August: London Road Allotments, Newport Pagnell
• 18 August: Ranmore Road, Dorking
• 18 August: Albany Road, Chatham
• 18 August: Florence Road, Chichester
• 20 August: Southbury Road, Enfield
• 23 August: School Place, Corby
• 12 September: Bury Lane Allotments, Codicote, Befordshire
• 16 October: Pickford Hill and Westfield Road Allotments, Harpenden
• 20 October: Church Knapp, Wyke Regis, Weymouth
• 20 October: Lenthay Road, Sherborne, Dorset
• 30 October: Church Way, Basingstoke
• 31 October: Bradshaw Close Allotments, Bozeat, Northamptonshire
• 19 November: Quarry Foot, Levens, Kendal
• 20 November: Stanley Avenue, Prestwich
• 21 November: Daws Field, Lipson, Plymouth
• 4 December: Upper Fant Road Allotments, Maidstone
• 4 December: Glebew Lane, Maidstone
• 8 December: Deweys Lane, Ledgershall, Marlborough, Wiltshire
• 10 December: Littlecoates Allotments, Macaulay Lane, Scunthorpe
• 12 December: Lapford Crescent, Northwood, Kirby
• 9 January: Lodsworth Village Hall Allotments, Lodsworth
• 13 January: Benhill Road, Sutton.

There have been no refusals of consent under section 8 of the 1925 Act since 2 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant. [25615]

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions disposes of its surplus information technology equipment through either departmental contracts or the Ministry of Defence's Disposal Sales Agency. These contractors have not been informed by the Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to announce his decision on the public inquiry into the establishment of a Category C prison at Middleton Sands, Morecambe; and if he will make a statement. [25099]

The Secretary of State will endeavour to issue a decision as soon as possible.

To ask the Prime Minister what is the membership of the Civil Contingencies Unit. [15692]

[pursuant to his reply, 17 November 1997, c. 16–17]: The following Departments should be added to the list of Departments represented on the Civil Contingencies Committee:

• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• Scottish Office.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman) on 21 January 1998, Official Report, column 1009, what assessment he has made of the impact of a bomb/missile attack on Iraq in the absence of ground troops; and what support he has received for possible military action against Iraq from (a) the other permanent members of the Security Council, (b) Arab states and (c) Iran. [25299]

It would not be sensible to speculate about the possible use of military force against. Iraq at this stage. But it cannot be ruled out.We, and other members of the Security Council, continue to pursue by diplomatic means the objective of total Iraqi compliance with the Council's demands.

To ask the Prime Minister what monitoring he is undertaking to ensure ministers follow the guidance in the Ministerial Code of Conduct; how many instances of non-compliance he has identified; and what steps he intends to take when non-compliance is identified. [24831]

[holding answer 26 January 1998]: The Ministerial Code makes clear that I expect all Ministers to work within the letter and spirit of the Code; that it is for individual Ministers to judge how best to act in order to uphold the highest standards; and that they are accountable to Parliament for their conduct.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with the (a) Chinese, (b) French, and (c) Russian governments whether they have available for service in Iraq technical experts with equivalent qualifications to survey chemical and biological weapons to those of Mr. Scott Ritter. [25611]

The choice of personnel for the UN Special Commission is a matter for the Executive Chairman of the Special Commission. A large number of nations have provided staff. France and Russia have regularly made personnel available. China is now also contributing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what has been the total value of ticket sales in (a) the constituency of Erewash and (b) the constituency of Westminster since the establishment of the National Lottery. [24855]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total value of ticket sales has been in the constituency of Basildon since the establishment of the National Lottery. [24538]

Figures on ticket sales are not held by the Department and are an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. I have therefore asked the Director General of the National Lottery, who is responsible for regulating the operation of the Lottery, to write to my hon. Friends, and copies of his responses will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentages of lottery grants have been awarded to voluntary and commercial organisations in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames. [24722]

To date £4,214.085 has been awarded to 33 lottery projects in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames. The information available to the Department suggests that the recipients of all of these awards are either charitable or voluntary organisations, or local government. A full list has been placed in the Libraries of the House.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 how many applications for lottery grants have been made from Warrington, North constituency; how many of these were (a) successful and (b) unsuccessful; and what is the total value of grants approved so far. [24825]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: To date, organisations in the Warrington, North constituency have made 82 formal applications to the Lottery distributing bodies, of which 23 have been successful, 47 unsuccessful and 12 are awaiting a final decision. The following table shows the breakdown of applications by distributing body. The 23 successful awards have a total value of £2,587,361.Information on unsuccessful applications is not kept by the Department. Information on successful Lottery applicants can be found on the Department's website

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the value of Arts Council administered Lottery Capital Grant awarded to (a) the London region and (b) the Yorkshire and Humber region (i) in total and (ii) broken down (1) by national award, (2) by regional award, (3) by local project award and (4) by head of population in each region. [23379]

The most recent figures available (1 December 1997)are:

	£
London
Total	336.521 million
National projects	166.846 million
Regional and local projects1	169.675 million
Regional and local projects per capita	12.28
Total per capita	24.35
Yorkshire and Humberside
Total	46.646 million
National projects	2.879 million
Regional and local projects1	43.767 million
Regional and local projects per capita	8.15
Total per capita	8.71
1 Breakdown not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will discuss with the Chairman of Channel 4 the contents of the episode of "TV Dinners" relating to the cooking and eating of human placenta puree. [25223]

I understand that this programme is to be shown next month. Programme content on Channel Four is regulated by the Channel itself in the first instance, and by the Independent Television Commission which licenses it. The Commission does not preview programmes, but lays down guidelines for its licensees on the standards to be maintained in respect of taste and decency, which they are bound by the terms of their licences to observe. I know that my hon. Friend has made his concerns known to the ITC and I am confident that it, and the Broadcasting Standards Commission, will give careful consideration to any complaints made by him or other viewers once the programme has been broadcast.It is a long standing principle that Government do not intervene directly in matters of programme content and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not propose to intervene in this case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which specific sporting events the Sports Council is campaigning to bring to the United Kingdom. [24788]

Like the Government, the UK Sports Council fully supports England's campaign for the 2006 World Cup and all top quality UK bids to host major international sports events. It has been supportive of a number of successful bids for events to be held in the UK later this year, which include:

• the World Disabled Athletics Championships (England, August);
• the European Showjumping Championships (England, August);
• the World Orienteering Championships (Scotland, August); and
• the IAAF World Cross Country Championships (Northern Ireland, March).

The UK Sports Council is also in the final stages of developing a national strategy to ensure that there is a coherent and co-ordinated UK policy in the bidding for and staging of major international events in this country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the events included in the World Class Events Programme. [24787]

The Lottery Sports Fund World Class Events Programme has so far awarded grants totalling £4,361,981 to assist with the bidding for, and staging of, nine international events. The events are:

• Junior Hockey World Cup (1997);
• European Disabled Sailing Championships (1997);
• Sports Acrobatics World Championships (1997);
• Soccer World Cup (2006);
• European Short Course Swimming Championships (1998);
• World Disability Athletics Championships (1998);
• European Show Jumping Championships (1999);
• World Cup in Orienteering—Events 3 and 4 (1998);
• Soccer World Cup for Players with Learning Disabilities (1998).

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the total value of awards made by the Heritage Lotteries Foundation to the borough council areas of Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Darlington and Hartlepool. [24814]

The Heritage Lottery Fund do not hold information on grants awarded on a borough council basis. However, awards totalling £94,100 have so far been made for projects within my hon. Friend's constituency. The total value of awards for projects in the North East is £29.8 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of the Secretary of State for Defence of 15 January 1998, Official Report, column 408, what steps he is taking to assess the historic significance of the surviving structures at RAF Marston Moor. [25122]

The former RAF airfield at Marston Moor is included in English Heritage's thematic study of military airfields, to which I referred in the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 19 January 1998, Official Report, columns 424–25. Its initial view is that the control tower is likely to be the only building on the site that may merit consideration as being of special architectural or historic interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by her Department that such equipment may not be millennium complaint. [25653]

We have not specifically done so. All our redundant IT equipment over the last three years has been bought back by the companies providing the replacement equipment. Such companies are well able to make their own judgment on the question of millennium compliance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received on the nature of humanitarian relief in the Great Lakes region. [25445]

We expect to receive the UN 1998 Great Lakes humanitarian appeal in February. We have provided over £69 million emergency assistance to the region since October 1993, but 640,00 refugees and 875,00 displaced people remain to be helped. Those in Burundi and north west Rwanda are difficult to reach because of the security situation. We remain ready to respond to new emergency needs as they emerge.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent representations she has received on the nature of development in the Great Lakes region. [25446]

The development needs of the region are enormous. A major international effort is needed to assist the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to implement sustainable development policies which benefit the poor. Britain has not traditionally been a major bilateral donor to the region. But we are working with the International Financial Institutions and the European Commission to whom we are major contributors to try to deliver effective assistance. The EC has already committed £149 million (UK share £10 million) to the region in rehabilitation assistance since November 1994. Further funding is available from the European Development Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the amounts of development aid given to Cambodia in the last year for which figures are available. [25303]

The latest published information relates to the financial year 1996–97 and is contained in Table 7.3 (page 58) of the 1997 edition of British Aid Statistics, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. British assistance that year totalled nearly £5.5 million.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the cost of media presentations and press conferences which he has given, other than those held at his Department. [25142]

I have not given any media presentations or press conferences outside my Department's premises.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor' s Department how many overseas visits have been made by his Department's political advisers at public expense since 1 May. [25144]

There have been no political advisers in this Department in the period since 1 May.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many secretarial and support staff work full-time in support of his political advisers in his Department. [25190]

There are currently no political advisers in this Department.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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. [25146]

Two cars are provided for Ministers under the Government Car Scheme: one for the Lord Chancellor and one for the Parliamentary Secretary. No new cars have been acquired.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what audit of the natural resources of the dependent territories has been undertaken; and if he will make a statement. [24970]

We have extensive knowledge of the natural resources in the Dependent Territories, although no single comprehensive audit exercise has been undertaken. We place a high priority on working with Dependent Territory Governments to identify, use responsibly and protect their natural resources. We have responsibility in partnership with the Dependent Territories for the further development of the Territories, and for reminding them of their responsibilities under the environmental conventions to which they belong.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent carbon dioxide targets in respect of Kyoto will be applied to dependent territories; and if he will make a statement. [24971]

The United Kingdom's ratification of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has not been extended to the Dependent Territories. It is unlikely that the substantive emissions reductions targets agreed at Kyoto would be appropriate to the small developing economies of the Dependent Territories.After the United Kingdom has signed the Kyoto Protocol to the Climate Change Convention, we will consider again with the Dependent Territories whether they wish to have the Convention and/or the Kyoto Protocol extended to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government are taking to bring to the attention of the Algerian Government its responsibility to protect the lives of its civilians. [25255]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has made clear on several occasions our concern for the protection of the Algerian people from terrorist attacks. During the EU Troika mission which I led to Algiers on 19–20 January we made clear the concerns of the British and European people in our talks with the Algerian authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what ways note-taking procedures used by his Department when chairing European Council meetings differ from those used by the Dutch presidency; and what measures he is taking as a consequence of the letter of the Dutch Permanent Representative of 16 July to ensure clarity of communication between member states and the presidency. [25767]

We expect to use note-taking procedures similar to those used by all recent Presidencies, including the Dutch; but we and other member states keep these procedures under review in the light of experience.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will establish an investigation during the United Kingdom presidency into the circumstances behind the settlement of the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam relating to the voting procedures for the admission of new Schengen members. [25768]

No. We have already addressed the question of voting procedures for participation in the Schengen acquis in response to many previous questions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further measures the Government plan to take to assist Cambodia in the development of its democratic institutions; and if he will make a statement. [25351]

We strongly support peace and democracy in Cambodia. We are providing financial assistance through the EU to help the Cambodian authorities prepare their forthcoming elections. We are considering an additional bilateral contribution.To explore further opportunities for bilateral co-operation in strengthening democracy in Cambodia, we invited the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia to visit Britain on 18–23 January. I met the Deputy Prime Minister and encouraged him to submit specific proposals to help meet Cambodia's needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further assistance the Government plan to provide to assist the Cambodian authorities in their efforts to control illegal immigration, and drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement. [25352]

We support projects to combat drugs abuse and trafficking in Cambodia, through the UNDCP. We stand ready to consider specific proposals from the Cambodian authorities for further bilateral co-operation on this, and on illegal immigration, following the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Britain this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1997, Official Report, columns 433–34, if all police forces have appointed a management team to deal with year 2000 compliance; and what arrangements have been made by each police force to monitor the implementation of actions to overcome year 2000 problems with particular reference to test facilities. [24725]

It is the responsibility of each police force to ensure that its information technology systems are Year 2000 compliant. Information about the management structures put in place by each force to address the problem and the arrangement for monitoring the implementation of their action plans is not available centrally. However, we are currently reviewing progress as part of the Government's determination to ensure that Year 2000 problems are identified and dealt with right across the public service. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will also monitor progress as part of its regular inspections.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what current year 2000 problems have been reported to date by police forces. [24726]

The Police Information Technology Organisation is not aware of any incidences within police forces of system failure because of the millennium problem. Forces' own audits and information provided to them by suppliers have indicated potential problems with a number of information technology systems, including Command and Control, Crime Pattern Analysis and HOLMES I. The difficulties with HOLMES I will be overcome with the introduction of a year 2000 compliant HOLMES II, which will be in place before the end of the century. A Ministerial Group is urgently reviewing within Government and outside to ensure that all other systems are also year 2000 compliant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant. [25657]

Surplus or obsolete information technology equipment is sold to companies, rather than individual consumers. In these instances, the Home Office gives no guarantee or warranty in respect of fitness for use, purpose or merchantable quality.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the elements of the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] which will be piloted before wider implementation stating how long each pilot scheme is expected to last and the expected date of wider implementation; and if he will make a statement. [25052]

Details of the measures which the Government intend to pilot, including the expected implementation date (assuming the Bill receives Royal Assent in the summer) and the likely duration of each scheme, are given in the table. On completion, the pilot studies will be evaluated and, subject to the outcome of the evaluation and to resource constraints, full implementation will take place as soon as possible thereafter.

Measure	Clause(s)	Start	Duration
Parenting order	8–10	Autumn 1998	18 months
Child safety order	11–13	Autumn 1998	18 months
Local child curfew schemes	14, 15	Autumn 1998	18 months
Local provision of youth justice services/formulation of youth justice plans	29, 31, 33	Autumn 1998	6 months
Youth offending teams	30, 33	Autumn 1998	6 months
Statutory time limits	34–37	Autumn 1999	12 months
Case management: Powers of magistrates' courts exercisable by a single justice	40, 41	Autumn 1998	6 months
Indictable only cases to start in the Crown Court	42, 43	Autumn 1998	12 months
Prison/court television links	45	Spring 1999	6 months minimum
Drug treatment and testing order	48–51	Autumn 1998	12 months minimum
(Scotland) Drug treatment and testing order	72–78	Autumn 1998	12 months minimum
Reprimands and warnings	52, 53	Autumn 1998	18 months
Reparation order	54, 55	Autumn 1998	18 months
Action plan order	56, 57	Autumn 1998	18 months

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the calculations on which the financial effects of the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] are based; and if he will make statement. [25053]

The calculations used to estimate the financial effects of the Crime and Disorder Bill published in the Financial Memorandum are as set out. Taken as a whole, the Bill is intended to address offending behaviour more effectively and to reduce crime and it is therefore expected that this will produce significant savings to the criminal justice system.Measures aimed at dealing with youth crime and disorder (child safety orders and parenting orders) will be piloted to enable a detailed assessment of costs. Full year costs are estimated to be £3 million, based on a cost of £180 per order per month and a planning assumption of 5,000 parenting orders per annum typically lasting around three months, and 1,000 child safety orders per annum typically lasting one and a half months.The introduction of anti-social behaviour orders is expected to lead to additional costs of £3 million to the courts, the Crown Prosecution Service and in legal aid. This is based on an assumption of 5,000 orders annually with the majority of costs falling to magistrates' courts. Additional costs for the police and local authorities are expected to be fully offset by savings arising from the introduction of the new orders.The proposals relating to new racially aggravated offences and those concerning increased sentences for those offences are expected to result in some additional costs, but the innovative nature of the offences makes it difficult at this stage to estimate their likely financial impact.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) legislation and (b) other procedures apply to the disclosure of internal reports commissioned by police authorities into their police forces. 24856]

With regard to legislation, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) on 20 January 1998, Official Report, columns 525–26. There are no other procedures applicable to the disclosure of internal reports commissioned by police authorities into their police forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the age of 16 years have been prosecuted for offences related to prostitution, by age, in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [25050]

Information for prosecutions and cautions is given in the tables.

Table A: Number of children aged 10 to under 16 prosecuted for offences1.2 relating to prostitution by age and sex, 1992–96
England and Wales
		Ages
		10		11		12		13		14		15
Offence description	Year	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f
Kerb-crawling	1992	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
[Sexual Offences Act 1985 S1]	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1
	1994	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1995	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1996	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Common prostitute loitering or soliciting for the purposes of prostitution	1992	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	—	—	1	—	10
[Street Offences Act 1956 S1]	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	8
	1994	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	3	—	5	—	14
	1995	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	1	8
	1996	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	6
1 Generally, attempting, conspiring, inciting, aiding abetting, causing or permitting a crime is classified under the heading of the crime itself, though in certain cases it can be a separate offence.
2 There were no court proceedings against children aged 10 to under 16 for offences of 'Persistent soliciting of women for the purposes of prostitution' Sexual Offences Act 1985 s2); and 'Common prostitute behaving in a riotous and indecent manner in a public place' (Vagrancy Act 1824 s3 and pt s4).

Table B: Number of children aged 10 to under 16 cautioned for offences relating to prostitution by age and sex, 1992–1996
England and Wales
		Ages
		10		11		12		13		14		15
Offence description	Year	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f	m	f
Soliciting by a man	1992	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2	—	2	—
[Sexual Offences Act 1956 S32]	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	3	—	—	—
	1994	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	1	—
	1995	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1996	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Kerb-crawling	1992	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
[Sexual Offences Act 1985 S1]	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1994	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1996	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	1	—
Persistent soliciting of women for the purpose of	1992	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
prostitution	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
[Sexual Offences Act 1985 S2]	1994	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1995	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
	1996	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	2
Common prostitute loitering or soliciting for the	1992	—	1	—	—	—	1	—	1	—	6	1	41
purposes of prostitution	1993	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	5	—	32	—	32
[Street Offences Act 1959 S1]	1994	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	5	—	19	—	25
	1995	—	—	—	—	—	2	—	4	—	11	1	27
	1996	—	—	—	1	—	1	—	5	—	16	—	31
1 Generally, attempting, conspiring, inciting, aiding, abetting, causing or permitting a crime is classified under the heading of the crime itself, though in certain cases it can be a separate offence.
2 There were no cautions given to children aged 10 to under 16 for the offence of 'Common prostitute behaving in a riotous and indecent manner in a public place' (Vagrancy Act 1824 S3 and pt S4).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the proportion of his Department's budget spent directly on targeted crime prevention work; and if he will make a statement. [25046]

Our manifesto made clear the Government's commitment to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. We also gave an undertaking that, for the first two years, the Government would work within the Departmental spending limits already announced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the controls governing air rifles. [24854]

There are already laws in place to control the use and possession of air rifles. It is illegal to carry a loaded air weapon in a public place, to discharge an air weapon within fifty feet of a road or to use one to shoot birds or other protected animals. We have said that, once the total ban on handguns is in place, we will look at all firearms controls to see whether other measures are needed to safeguard the public. The law relating to air weapons will be included as part of that exercise. We propose to consult widely with all interested parties if further steps are considered necessary.

Asylum applications1received in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions2on applications, January to December 1997
Principal applicants
	Decisions
Month	Applications	Total decisions	Grants of asylum	Grants of exceptional leave	Refused asylum and exceptional leave3
January	2,715	3,260	265	415	2,580
February	2,475	3,090	305	375	2,410
March	2,160	2,845	295	140	2,410
April	2,665	3,390	265	185	2,945
May	2,590	2,880	235	155	2,490
June	2,585	2,930	235	175	2,520
July	3,070	3,480	280	330	2,875
August	2,930	2,980	265	355	2,360
September	2,850	2,800	310	265	2,225
October	2,990	3,035	330	260	2,445
November	2,345	2,990	595	305	2,090
December	3,120	2,355	605	155	1,595
Total	32,500	36,045	3,985	3,115	28,945
1 Figures rounded to nearest 5, with '*'= 1 or 2.
2 Decision figures do not necessarily relate to applications made in 1997.
3 Includes those cases refused on the grounds that the applicant had arrived from a safe third country and under Paragraph 340 of Immigration Rules. (For failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitation to interview).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's guidance to the Metropolitan Police Service on the use of civilians within police stations; and in what circumstances civilians may be given responsibility for the supervision of detainees within police stations. [25230]

The Commissioner tells me that the Metropolitan Police's civil staff are employed in a wide range of roles in support of operational police duties. There are currently 4,835 civil staff employed at divisional police stations within the Metropolitan Police District. Guidance on the use of civilians in the custody area of police stations was issued to all police forces on 6 July 1993. The guidance provided a list of tasks which were considered suitable for trained civilian staff working under the direct supervision of the custody officer.The Commissioner tells me that civilian gaolers were formally introduced in the Metropolitan Police via a pilot scheme in May 1993. Since then, it has been acknowledged that, despite having no special powers, they can make a useful contribution in assisting the custody officer in the management of detained persons. Their main role is to deal with a wide range of important routine matters on behalf of the custody officer concerning general welfare, housekeeping and detention conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications were made to and determined by his Department in each month of 1997; and with what result. [25135]

The information requested is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the role of the Metropolitan Police Service in dealing with fires on or close to the Thames. [25229]

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that fire fighting is not a primary objective of Thames Division. However, when they come across incidents of fire in the course of their duties, the Division respond and call on other resources as appropriate to preserve life and property.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to make cannibalism a criminal offence. [25221]

No. If anyone were to attack or kill a person with the intention of eating any part of the victim's body, it would already involve the commission of a criminal offence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he passed ministerial responsibility for matters relating to on-line lotteries to another minister. [24993]

[holding answer 26 January 1998]: 17 November 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of his correspondence with the Deputy Prime Minister on the subject of on-line lotteries. [24994]

[holding answer 26 January 1998]: It is not normal practice for correspondence between Cabinet Ministers to be placed in the Library and I see no reason to depart from that practice on this occasion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the British Board of Film Classification's Annual Report for 1996–97 will be published; and if he will make a statement. [26222]

I have today laid before the House copies of the Annual Report of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for 1996–97, which gives details of the Board's financial accounts and activities over the past eighteen months. Copies of the report have also been placed in the Library.Under section 6 of the Video Recordings Act 1984, the designated authority for the classification of video works (in practice, the President and Vice Presidents of the BBFC) is required to produce a report as soon as is reasonably practicable after 31 December. The production of the report for 1996–97 has been greatly delayed and I have expressed my concern about this very strongly to the new President, Mr. Andreas Whittam Smith. Mr. Whittam Smith has made it clear that he shares my concern and has assured me that he will be establishing a timetable for the production of the 1997–98 report to ensure that it is produced as soon as possible after the audited accounts are available.I have also made clear to Mr. Whittam Smith my serious concern at the unilateral action taken by the BBFC last year to relax the guidelines for the classification of videos in the R18 category (that is, videos which can lawfully be sold only in licensed sex shops). The BBFC's change of policy was brought to my attention by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise which was concerned that material had been classified which might have been liable to forfeiture under section 42 of the Customs Consolidation Act 1959 and the subject of forfeiture proceedings under section 3 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959. It was entirely unacceptable that the Board should have acted in this way. As a consequence of my concern, Mr. Whittam Smith has inquired into the handling of this matter and is putting in place procedures to ensure proper controls on the formulation of policy. He is also taking steps to improve management accountability at the Board.On taking up his post, Mr. Whittam Smith outlined his proposals for reviewing the Board's classification policy and his intention to consult widely on this issue. I welcome these positive steps towards greater openness and accountability at the Board.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the change in the crime rate in the centre of Chelmsford since January 1996. [25667]

Information collected centrally on recorded crime is broken down only as far as police force area. More localised data can be obtained direct from the Force Statistics Officer for Essex Police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of the introduction of CCTV on the crime level in the centre of Chelmsford; and how many arrests have been made as a result of CCTV. [25785]

The police in Chelmsford report that there has been a 21 per cent. overall reduction in recorded crime in the Chelmsford town beat area since the closed circuit television system became operational in January 1996; and that 426 arrests were directly attributable to incidents being caught on camera.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 January 1998, Official Report, column 165, for what reasons the average turn round time between receipt of claims from the police and processing of options A and B was 19 weeks. [25926]

With over 116,000 handguns and associated equipment surrendered over a short period, an initial build-up of claims was inevitable. Processing rates were initially held up by computer problems, now resolved, and are currently determined by a combination of factors, including: the nature and complexity of the claims that are being examined; the numbers of staff available at any given point; and the time that can be spent on processing claims, as opposed to non-productive work such as dealing with inquiries. We are doing all we can to keep the length of time that claimants must await payment to a minimum. This includes weekend working; the use of casual staff and of data processors on short term contract to input the claimant details; allowing the examiners more time on processing the payments; and increasing the number of trained examiners available. A recorded telephone mailbox message giving current processing times has been introduced to reduce the distractions to staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 January 1998, Official Report, column 165, on the Firearms Compensation Scheme, what was the reason for the delay in returning Mr. Fowles's incorrectly completed firearms compensation application; and if he will make a statement. [25350]

Errors in the completion of compensation claims are normally identified when the claim is examined prior to payment. Having been lodged on 23 September 1997, towards the end of the hand-in period, Mr. Fowles's claim has not yet reached that stage, and the error in his claim has come to light as a result of the previous Question. The form has been returned to Mr. Fowles for correction. There has been no delay in notifying him of the error, and the processing time for the case will be unaffected, so long as Mr. Fowles completes the form correctly and returns it promptly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the conditions that have to be met by the partner of someone seeking permission to live in the United Kingdom before they may be admitted. [25865]

The term "partner" is not defined in immigration legislation or rules. Different descriptions are used and so it is not possible to give a precise answer to this Question. Someone seeking permission to enter the United Kingdom with a view to settlement as a spouse or fiancé(e) must show that he or she is present and settled in the United Kingdom and that, as a couple, they intend to live together permanently and are able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. The parties to the marriage, or proposed marriage, must have met. If the overseas partner is seeking permission to enter under the concession for unmarried partners, introduced on 13 October 1997, the couple must additionally show that they have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage which has subsisted for four years or more; that they are legally unable to marry (other than by reason of consanguineous relationships or age); and that any previous marriage, or similar relationship, has permanently broken down. In all cases, the overseas partner must be in possession of a valid entry clearance for entry in the appropriate capacity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the rates of unemployment of (a)(i) Catholics and (ii) Protestants in Northern Ireland and (b) (1) Afro-Caribbeans and (2) Asians in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [23020]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the revenue from restricting the rate of tax relief on(a) employee pension contributions and (b) employer pension contributions to (i) the standard rate of income tax and (ii) to 20 per cent. [23109]

Estimates of the full year yield for 1998–99 of restricting income tax relief for employees' and employers' contributions to occupational and personal pensions are given in the table. They do not take account of any behavioural effects which might result from such changes.

£ million
Relief for	Yield from restricting income tax relief to
	23 per cent.	20 per cent.
Employees' pension contributions1	700	1,100
Employers' pension contributions2	950	1,600
1 Based on a projection of the 1995–96 survey of personal incomes and other survey and administrative data.
2 Based on a projection of figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics from a variety of sources.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Inland Revenue has taken to ensure that pensioners are made aware of the need to return their self-assessment forms in time; and what proposals he has to allow an extension of time for such people. [23458]

Only a small minority of pensioners are required to complete self assessment tax returns. The Inland Revenue has produced written guidance about people who receive pensions, explaining the time limit for completing their returns, and the Inland Revenue's publicity campaign has included a significant amount of advertisement on national television and radio, designed to raise awareness of the filing date amongst all sections of the population affected by self assessment. As I explained to the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 14 January, there are no plans to extend the filing date of 31 January 1998.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each benefit paid by (a) central and (b) local government (i) whether it is taxable and for what reasons and (ii) his estimate of the amount of income tax raised in the last year for which figures are available. [23456]

A list of the most readily identifiable non-taxable benefits is as follows:

• Central Government
• Attendance Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Disability Working Allowance
• Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
• Short-term Incapacity Benefit payable for first 28 weeks of incapacity
• Incapacity Benefit paid to existing claimants at April 1995
• Back to work Bonus
• Earnings Top-up
• Jobfinder's Grant
• Jobmatch
• Jobseeker's Grant
• Parent Plus
• Project Work
• Independent Living (1993) Fund
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Reduced Earnings Allowance
• Retirement Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Vaccine Damage Payments
• War Disablement Pension
• Training for Work
• Travel to Interview
• Income Support
• Social Fund payments—Community Care Grants, Budgeting Loans, Crisis Loans, Cold Weather Payments, Maternity Payments, Funeral Payments
• Free NHS Dental Treatment and Check-Ups
• Child Benefit
• Child Benefit (Lone Parent)
• Family Credit
• Guardians Allowance
• Maternity Allowance
• Maternity Payment from the Social Fund
• Child Maintenance Bonus
• Refunds on NHS Sight Tests and Spectacle Vouchers
• Wigs and Fabric Supports
• Hospital Travel Costs
• Assisted Prison Visits
• Milk Tokens and Vitamins
• Widows Payment and War Widows Pension
• Christmas Bonus
• Local Government
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit
• Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of outstanding debts to the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise were recovered by his Department over the most recent period for which figures are available; what methods were employed; and in what percentage of cases litigation was pursued. [23504]

Customs and Excise's debt management objective in 1996–97 was to ensure that month end arrears did not exceed 2.3 per cent. of 12 months payment trader liability. This was achieved with a figure of 2.21 per cent. Approximately 5 million separate debts were referred to Inland Revenue local offices in the year ending 31 October 1996, of which approximately 50 per cent. (2.5 million) were paid in that period.In the first instance, both Departments will issue a letter to the taxpayer. Inland Revenue may also telephone or visit the taxpayer's home or business premises before recovery action is taken.The method of recovery adopted will depend on the circumstances and nature of any particular case. Inland Revenue local offices will consider granting a period of time in which to pay, taking distraint action, commencing summary proceedings or instigating county court proceedings or similar actions in Scotland and Northern Ireland. If necessary, cases will be referred to the Inland Revenue's special enforcement offices for further action, including winding up or bankruptcy proceedings. Customs, in addition to granting a period of time in which to pay, would levy distress by certificated bailiffs (or sheriff officers in Scotland), or the use of court process which may lead to bankruptcy or winding up. In addition, Customs may, in appropriate cases, support voluntary arrangement proposals received from debtors.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the expenditure incurred by the Inland Revenue and by Customs and Excise in the recovery of debts for the most recent period for which figures are available; and what was the total amount recovered as a result. [23503]

In the financial year 1996–97, the expenditure incurred by Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue in the recovery of debt was £37 million and £165 million respectively.It is not possible to quantify the amount recovered as a direct result of that expenditure. In the financial year 1996–97, Customs discharged £2.5 billion of debt, which included tax collected, tax written off as irrecoverable at the time and accounting adjustments. The Inland Revenue does not separately measure the total amount of overdue tax that is collected as a direct result of action taken to pursue it during the year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total value of debts outstanding to the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise; what resources are being devoted by his Department to their recovery; and what is the average age of such debts. [23502]

Customs and Excise estimates that, on average, some £1,400 million of unpaid liability is in the system at any one time. The total value of debts outstanding to the Inland Revenue at 31 October 1996—the latest date for which figures are available—was approximately £4.4 billion.During the financial year 1996–97, Customs and Excise allocated £37 million to debt recovery, and the cost involved in Inland Revenue recovering debt was £165 million.At the end of the financial year 1996–97, Customs and Excise estimates that approximately 68 per cent. of unpaid liability was less than six months old. The Inland Revenue estimates that £2.5 billion had been outstanding for more than three months at 31 October 1996.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the establishment of the EMU preparation unit in his Department, with particular reference to the terms of reference for the unit, and its membership. [24118]

The euro preparations unit in HM Treasury has been established to help preparations for EMU. Its aims are to ensure UK business and public authorities are ready for the introduction of the euro in other EU countries on 1 January 1999 and to complete the necessary planning and preparation to enable UK entry early in the next Parliament, if this is what the Government, Parliament and people decide. The Government are committed to ensuring that businesses in the United Kingdom are ready for the introduction of the euro in other countries in 1999. The Unit will comprise around 15 members of staff drawn from the Treasury, DTI, other Government Departments, and business. As part of its work, it will support the Standing Committee on preparations for EMU and other similar bodies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of mortgage interest relief at source in Scotland for (i) 1995–96 and (ii) 1996–97; and what is his provisional estimate for MIRAS in Scotland for 1997–98. [24393]

The cost of mortgage interest relief in Scotland was estimated to be £200 million in 1995–96 and £180 million in 1996–97. The amount of relief given through MIRAS—mortgage interest relief at source scheme—was estimated to be £190 million in 1995–96 and £170 million in 1996–97.These estimates are based on the regional distribution of the cost of mortgage interest relief from analyses of family expenditure surveys up to 1995–96. The estimates for 1996–97 are projections based on applying the same regional distribution as in 1995–96 to the total figure for 1996–97. It is not possible to provide reliable estimates below United Kingdom level for 1997–98.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the impact on revenue of zero rating for VAT purposes if applied to items of clothing and footwear for use only as part of an approved school uniform, for schoolchildren under the age of 16 years. [24435]

None. This information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the tax revenue derived in (a) the current year and (b) the two previous financial years from the taxation of child benefit (i) on the present individual tax base and (ii) on the basis of a household tax assessment system. [24009]

[holding answer 20 January 1998]: Child benefit is not liable to income tax. If it had been taxed over the past three financial years (including the current year), the estimates of the tax yield are given in following table.

Yield in a full year (£millon)
	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98
Child Benefit taxed as:
Father's or lone mother's income	1,300	1,300	1,400
Mother's or lone father's income	700	700	700

These estimates are given on the basis of the system of independent taxation.