To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what is the timetable for the connecting up to the PDVN of the remaining parts of the Palace of Westminster. [31534]

The timetable for installation of the Parliamentary Data and Video Network (PDVN) has been planned to coincide with other work such as the new fire detection system, asbestos removal, electrical rewiring and the voice alarm system. The majority of Members' offices will be provided with full access to the PDVN by the end of 2000. However, it has been decided that some areas, such as the offices in Commons Court, St. Stephen's Tower and Norman Shaw South should be connected to the PDVN when they are refurbished. These areas are scheduled for refurbishment after completion of Portcullis house.To assist occupants of offices in areas of the estate which are not yet connected to the PDVN, temporary connections can quickly be made available to individual hon. Members' offices on request. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate is also experimenting with a wireless system, which, if successful, might provide an additional cost-effective means of connection to the PDVN.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the average length of suspension police officers experienced while under disciplinary investigation broken down by police authority in the last five years; [31589](2) how many police officers currently have been suspended from operational duties for

The information is not available in the form requested. Some information about suspended officers is at present being obtained from the 43 police forces in England and Wales in response to a Question from another hon. Member. When that information has been collated, I will also provide that information to my hon. Friend. The cost of any suspension would depend on the rank of the officer and at what point on the relevant pay range he or she is being paid.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will request a copy of the report prepared by the Humberside Police into the handling of the Fleming case; and if he will place it in the Library. [31586]

No. This report was prepared at the request of the police authority who have yet to complete their consideration of it. My right hon. Friend is the appellate authority for police discipline and should not see any material which bears on possible disciplinary proceedings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to ensure that investigatory reports into the running of police authorities are made public. [31587]

There is a general requirement for reports by Commissioners for Local Administration into complaints of maladministration by police authorities to be made publicly available under the Local Government Act 1974. However, the Local Commissioner concerned may direct that a report shall not be made available to the public if the Commissioner considers that it would not be in the public interest and the interests of the complainant and others to do so.The Government are considering extending the range of information available to the public generally. Our proposals were set out in the White Paper "Your Right to Know" which was issued for consultation on 11 December 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigations have been undertaken by outside police authorities into other authorities in each of the past five years; and what was the estimated cost of each investigation. [31592]

I am not aware of any such investigations in the last five years. Outside forces carry out investigations into other forces, usually at the request of the police authority for the force of being investigated or that force itself. However, comprehensive information on the number of any such investigations and on their cost is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the handling of grievances made by serving police officers, by police authorities; and what steps he intends to take to ensure that there is consistency across police authorities. [31588]

The management of individual grievances and the provision of effective procedures is a matter for chief constables within the balance of tripartite responsibilities for the management of the police service. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary review police force personnel procedures as part of their Inspection programme, and if Her Majesty's Inspector was dissatisfied with their adequacy, the issue would be drawn to the attention of the chief constable for remedial action.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial benefit would accrue to PA Consulting if the PFI contract for providing information technology services to his Department were to be awarded earlier than the proposed date in the current timetable. [30283]

PA Consulting have been engaged to provide independent professional advice so as to ensure that we achieve best value for money from the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract for information technology services. We are taking all necessary steps to avoid any potential conflict of interest. These include an agreement with PA Consulting that they will not take part in any consortium bidding for the PFI contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many doctors have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted since 1984 for assault arising from carrying out a cosmetic surgical procedure for which they were unqualified or were incompetent. [30387]

Court proceedings information held centrally cannot identify such cases from other offences of assault. However, anyone who attempts to perform a cosmetic procedure, but who is not competent to do so, would expose himself to the risk of civil, and possibly criminal, liability, and to the possibility of professional proceedings for misconduct.If criminal proceedings are brought for such an offence of assault then they may be instigated under either the more general legislative powers of the Offences Against the Persons Act 1861 (OAPA61) or the Medical Act 1983, section 49—pretending to be registered by taking name or title of a medical practitioner. We are aware of one prosecution in 1996 under the latter provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers he intends to give the proposed young offender teams; and if he will make a statement. [30290]

Youth offending teams will play a key role in working with young offenders in the community from point of arrest to completion of sentence. Under clause 30(6) of the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords], youth offending teams will co-ordinate the provision in their area of the youth justice services set out in clause 29(3) and carry out the functions assigned to the team in the youth justice plan formulated by the local authority under clause 31(1).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department possesses (a) water cannons and (b) equipment designed to be adapted into water cannons. [31266]

Neither the Home Office nor police forces in England and Wales possess such equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research he has commissioned on the (a) benefits and (b) disadvantages of replacing CS spray with sprays based on CR. [31268]

Several possible incapacitant agents, including CR, were considered before CS sprays were adopted for police use. CR was rejected because not enough is known about its chronic health effects and its carcinogenic and genotoxic potential. It also poses particular problems in relation to decontamination because it retains its irritant characteristics in water. The simple decontamination procedures employed for CS involving the use of copious volumes of water would exacerbate the extent of contamination when used against CR.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to date of the police investigation into the alleged perjury of Mr. Jonathan Aitken. [31081]

The Commissioner informs me that approximately 61 officer days have been used so far. The nature of the inquiry has meant that it has not been possible to cost the police time more accurately. The Commissioner also tells me that the investigation is continuing and is being pursued as expeditiously as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how he plans to ensure that known football hooligans are prevented from travelling to France during the World Cup. [31090]

The Government are determined to do everything possible to prevent the disruption of the World Cup by football hooligans. Offenders who have been convicted of a football-related offence and made subject to a restriction order by the court are required to attend a designated police station during the period in which matches are taking place. British police, including the Football Unit of the National Criminal Intelligence Service, have established a close working relationship with the French authorities. They will ensure that all relevant intelligence about the movement of potential troublemakers is made available to the French police so that those who might want to cause trouble are identified or monitored to prevent disorder occurring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the anticipated average time for payment of compensation between the submission of a claim and its authorisation in respect of the handing in of .22 target pistols; and what has been the average time achieved to date for the payment of compensation; [31084]

As at 20 February 1998, a total of £36.7 million had been paid under the statutory compensation scheme for large calibre handguns and the ex gratia payment scheme for small calibre pistols voluntarily surrendered. The total amount claimed will not be known until all claims and applications have been examined.The average processing time for claims and ex gratia applications dealt with from the start of the scheme has been 13.8 weeks. It is not possible to say at this stage what the average processing time will be for claims under the new statutory surrender scheme for small-calibre pistols. Work will begin on these claims as soon as the overall work position permits.The central administration costs of all three schemes in 1997–98 are £6.4 million including £3.4 million in direct grants to police forces in England, Wales and Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the amount of money derived from criminal activities laundered through (a) the UK and (b) the European Union in the last five years. [31075]

I am not able to provide estimates. The extent of money laundering, and measures for dealing with the problem, are being addressed by us in liaison with other governments through the international Financial Action Task Force, established at the G7 Summit in Paris in July 1989.

To ask the Prime Minister what is the Government's estimate for the cost of official hospitality at 10 Downing Street in the current financial year. [21340]

[holding answer 17 December 1997]: The cost to my office of official hospitality at 10 Downing Street and Chequers since 2 May is £30,527.Total expenditure on entertainment at 10 Downing Street during the 1996–97 financial year was £50,126.

To ask the Prime Minister how much has been spent on official entertainment at No. 10 Downing Street since 2 July 1997. [22828]

Since 2 July, my office has spent £27,447 on entertainment at 10 Downing Street and Chequers.Total expenditure on entertainment at 10 Downing Street during the 1996–97 financial year was £50,126.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish an updated list of members of Cabinet committees; and if he will arrange to keep up to date the web-site list of membership of those committees. [26519]

I have placed a copy of the current list of Cabinet Committees in the Library of the House. I have also arranged for a copy to be placed on the Cabinet Office web-site which will be updated as and when Parliament is informed of any changes or additions.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his (a) paid and (b) unpaid economic advisers; and if he will make a statement. [30764]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: There is an economic adviser in my Policy Unit. He is paid as a special adviser.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list each major new computer system that (a) his Department, (b) non-departmental bodies and (c) agencies under his responsibility have purchased in the last five years; what was the initial purchase cost and what was the final cost; what was each system's (i) planned and (ii) actual date of commissioning; what major computer systems will be purchased by bodies in categories (a), (b) and (c) in the next financial year; and what is their estimated cost. [27841]

My office has not undertaken any major computer procurement projects in the last five years.

To ask the Prime Minister by what date he plans to complete his consultation on the advice he will offer on the names of the new (a) Bishop of Liverpool and (b) Bishop of Southwark. [30411]

[holding answer 24 February 1998]: The selection process is currently underway in each case and will be completed as quickly as possible. By its nature, it must remain confidential. I will announce the names of the new Bishops as soon as the appointments process is complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Iraqi Government concerning the abuse and torture of prisoners of war from Kuwait. [30981]

We play an active role in the Tripartite Commission which discusses issues relating to Gulf war detainees. Iraq is also a member of the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who is the United Kingdom representative on the UN Security Council Ad Hoc Committee Security Council Resolution 661 Committee-Iraq; and how often the committee meets. [31250]

[holding answer 24 February 1998]: The UK representative on the Security Council Committee Established by Resolution 661 (1990) Concerning the Situation Between Iraq and Kuwait is the Political Counsellor of the UK Mission to the United Nations.The Committee meets formally once every six weeks. There are also frequent informal meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the (a) requests to supply materials and supplies for essential civilian needs, (b) applications and contracts for humanitarian supplies and (c) hospital equipment which the Ad Hoc Committee on Security Council 661 Committee-Iraq has vetoed; and if he will make a statement. [31251]

[holding answer 24 February 1998]: In 1997, over 12,000 applications were submitted to the Security Council Committee Established by Resolution 661 (1990) Concerning the Situation Between Iraq and Kuwait. It would therefore be a disproportionate use of resources to attempt to determine the total number of applications which have been blocked since the Committee was established in 1990.Regarding the status of applications submitted to the Committee under the "oil for food" scheme, the UN produces a document detailing the status of each application and the goods involved. I have arranged for a copy of the latest available version of this document to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 23 February. [31936]

The Council adopted the 20 A Points in document 6146/98 and noted the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament in documents 5191/98 and 5188/98. Copies of both documents will be placed in the Libraries of the House as soon as they are available.There was a brief report from the Commission on negotiations with South Africa on the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. This followed the recent talks with the South African Trade Minister. Further negotiations are scheduled for March.The Council discussed progress on the negotiations between the EU and Switzerland aimed at reaching agreement on a package covering six sectors including free movement of people, agriculture and transport issues. Ministers noted that progress was being made and expressed the hope that the Transport Council on 17 March could resolve outstanding issues on transport.The Council welcomed the plan for a high-level EU-China meeting in the margins of ASEM 2. It agreed to continue and expand its human rights dialogue with China by holding at least one meeting per Presidency. Within that dialogue it agreed to continue to raise the cases of individuals, encourage Chinese engagement with the UN's human rights instruments and develop and expand the EU-China cooperation programme. It looked forward to an early and fruitful visit to China by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In view of the first encouraging results of the EU/China human rights dialogue, the Council decided that neither the Presidency nor Member States should table or co-sponsor a draft Resolution at the next UN Commission on Human Rights (CHR). The EU's opening statement at CHR will refer to the human rights situation in China. If the situation arose, the Council agreed that EU delegations should vote against a no-action motion. The Council agreed to continue to make public its concerns regarding the human rights situation in China, and, to raise these matters as part of its wider dialogue with China. The EU will keep this policy under regular review.As agreed at the General Affairs Council in January, Ministers reviewed EU policy towards Iran. The Council agreed that a number of recent developments in Iran were encouraging and that the EU should respond by increasing the level of political contact with Iran including by lifting the ban on official bilateral Ministerial visits. The Council invited the Political Committee to submit further recommendations on how political contacts between the EU and Iran—covering both areas of EU concern and issues of mutual interest—might develop. The Council also reviewed progress in the areas of concern to the EU, namely weapons of mass-destruction, terrorism, Iran's attitude to the Middle East Peace Process and human rights including the fatwa against Salman Rushdie. The Council reaffirmed the importance of fully implementing its existing security measures and of its continued vigilance in these matters. Ministers agreed that Iran's willingness to address EU concerns would greatly enhance the success of the EU's political contacts with Iran.My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary updated colleagues on the Presidency's plans for handling enlargement during the UK Presidency and on thinking concerning the substance of the European Conference.The Council welcomed the announcement of an agreement between the UNSG and Iraq and stressed that the EU wanted a diplomatic solution. The Council also expressed thanks to the Secretary-General for his efforts, but noted that agreement was secured only because of the firm resolve shown by the United Nations and the international community. The Council insisted that UNSCOM must be able to resume effective inspections. It also recorded concern at the humanitarian situation in Baghdad and therefore welcomed the recent UN resolution (1153) doubling the oil-for-food programme.There was a brief discussion about Ukraine. The Commission noted that the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was due to come into force on 1 March and that there would be Parliamentary elections at the end of March.The Council discussed the EU's role in the Middle East Peace Process and its future economic assistance on the basis of a communication from the Commission and a report by President Santer on his recent visit to the region. The Council expressed its grave concern at the serious decline in the Palestinian economy, despite the efforts of international donors. It reiterated its view that economic development is a prerequisite for political stability and that the removal of obstacles to Palestinian economic development, including closures, is in the long term security interests of Israel.The Council agreed that the EU should demonstrate its continued commitment to the peace process through a renewal of its financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority, and requested the Commission to submit proposals to provide a basis for continued assistance after the expiry of the current Regulation at the end of 1998. It also agreed on a wide-ranging strategy aimed at improving the effectiveness of EU assistance to the Palestinians, including:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many visa applications have been (a) made, (b) refused and (c) granted on appeal at the British Consulate in Colombo, Sri Lanka in each of the last three years. [31469]

Since 1995, in the British High Commission in Colombo, the following visa applications have been (a) received, (b) refused and (c) granted on appeal:

Visa Applications
	(a)	(b)	(c)
Year	received	refused	granted on appeal
1995	10,690	742	14
1996	11,917	946	22
1997	12,422	608	25

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for entry clearance by Khaliq Zubair, Islamabad reference C0681. [31532]

We have asked our High Commission in Islamabad to provide a detailed account of the position. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Baroness Symons, will write to my hon. Friend within one week of receiving that account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for entry clearance by Shayad Arif, Islamabad reference E1921. [31533]

A decision to grant a visa to Shazad Arif was taken on 25 February. The High Commission at Islamabad will contact Mr. Arif so that the visa can be issued.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in respect of proposals by Codex, the World Health Organisation, to require bio-yoghurt to be renamed fermented milk product; and if he will make a statement. [30566]

Officials consulted interested parties on a definition of 'yoghurt' in a draft Codex text in 1996 and 1997. Responses were received from UK trade bodies and from individual manufacturers. All were opposed to the definition of 'yoghurt' which restricts the terms to fermented milk products containing cultures of Streptococcus Thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. subsp.bulgaricus only. They want the definition to be broadened to include all products currently sold legally in the UK as 'yoghurt'. The Government fully support this approach.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the European Union food surpluses in storage in the United Kingdom indicating the individual foods in storage. [30572]

Details of EU and UK stocks of agricultural produce in public intervention and assisted private storage are placed in the Library of the House each month. The latest table gave UK figures as at the end of January for all commodities except beef which were as at 19 December.As at 13 February, UK intervention stocks were:

Stock	Amount (tonnes)
Beef	98,144
Butter	1,964
Skimmed Milk Powder	46,340
Barley	114,972
Rye	259

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 373, concerning charges for veterinary inspections and controls, if he will make it his policy to collect the information necessary to allow comparisons of charges across the member states of the European Union. [30944]

No. Given the flexibility of the EC rules which apply to charges for veterinary inspections and controls, as well as likely differences in circumstances prevailing in other Member States, and differences in exchange rates, any such comparisons could be misleading, incomplete or inaccurate. As I explained in my previous reply on 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 373 it is the responsibility of the European Commission to ensure that individual Member States comply with their Community obligations.So far as Great Britain is concerned, I am satisfied that the charges levied by the Meat Hygiene Service in respect of its hygiene inspection are consistent with EC rules, and with the objective that it delivers value for money in the provision of efficient and high quality services.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the factors underlying the lack of correlation between retail prices and ex-farm prices of agricultural products over the last year. [30836]

Agricultural raw material costs represent a small proportion of the retail value of most food products. Costs of manufacturing, marketing and distribution are collectively of greater importance. As a consequence, changes in ex-farm prices of agricultural commodities have only a small influence on retail food prices. In the short term, this relationship can be further weakened by a variety of factors which may delay the transmission of price changes through the marketing chain.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he (a) has had and (b) plans to have with his EU counterparts on his proposal to ban the sale of unpasteurised milk. [31307]

None. If we proceed with the proposal to ban sales of raw cows drinking milk, we should need to make a formal notification of the proposed draft measure to the European Commission who will be responsible for informing other member states.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of medical evidence on the possible transmission of BSE to humans through the milk of infected cows. [31312]

The National CJD Surveillance Unit conducts an epidemiological analysis of CJD and nvCJD cases reported to it in the United Kingdom. This includes details of the diet and occupational history of patients and has shown no evidence of any link between any form of CJD and milk from cows with BSE.It is also of note that in kuru, which is a form of CJD believed to be transmitted through cannibalistic practices in Papua New Guinea, there is no evidence of transmission from mother to child after cannibalism ceased. This includes instances where mothers showing clinical signs of the disease were suckling infants. Cows' milk from cattle with clinical BSE has been tested for the presence of infectivity by injection into the brain of mice and by feeding to mice and has not transmitted disease. As a precaution in 1988 one of the first steps taken was a prohibition on use of milk from clinical BSE cases other than for feeding her own calf.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons the Food Research Director of the Central Science Laboratory (Norwich) has been transferred to the position of Head of Environment, Fisheries and the International Science Division; and how he was informed of the decision. [31385]

Civil Service postings are not a Ministerial responsibility. However, the Permanent Secretary informed me of this move in the course of normal business.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to prepare a forestry strategy for England. [31837]

Last year, I published an analysis of the responses to the discussion paper on Woodland Creation: Needs and Opportunities in the English Countryside. As I said then, we are committed to increasing the area of woodland in England, and many of the responses to the discussion paper agreed that a forestry strategy would help us implement this policy more effectively.I have therefore asked the Forestry Commission, in liaison with other relevant Government Departments and Agencies, to prepare a forestry strategy for England. This will set out the Government's priorities and programmes for the creation and management of woods and forests in England. It will help set the context for further work by the Forestry Commission and other organisations aimed at realising the diverse benefits that well planned and managed woodlands can deliver.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the expenditure of his (a) Department, (b) agencies and (c) non-departmental public bodies on external consultants in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996‒97, (iii) 1997–98 to date and (iv) 1997–98 full year; and if he will also estimate the cost savings resulting from the employment of such consultants for each of the above years. [26612]

[holding answer 5 February 1998]: The figures for my Department are as follows:

£000
Year	Amount
1995–96	1,212
1996–97	600
1997–98 to date	700
1997–98 full year	not yet available

CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments, the only Agency for which my Department has sole responsibility, has not incurred any expenditure in the employment of external consultants during this period.Details of expenditure on consultants by non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department are not held centrally; it is a matter for individual non-departmental public bodies to determine as part of the day-to-date management of their affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department and the Welsh Development Agency spent on (a) inward investment and (b) developing indigenous Welsh companies in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [30950]

It is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of Welsh Development Agency expenditure because much of it—land reclamation, urban regeneration, environmental improvements, supply chain programmes—benefits inward investors and indigenous companies. Of the £151 million spent by the Agency in 1997, £9.6 million was spent on the activities of the International Division and marketing designed to attract inward investment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate how much money was spent on health promotion in Wales in each of the last five years; and what is planned to be spent in the current year. [30954]

Expenditure by the NHS on health promotion in the last five years is shown in the table. Figures for 1997–98 are not yet available.

Year	£ million
1992–93	7.6
1993–94	7.8
1994–95	11.2
1995–96	11.6
1996–97	11.8

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are currently estimated to be homeless in each unitary authority. [30952]

Information is not recorded centrally on the number of individual people estimated to be homeless. Information on homeless households is shown in the following table:

Homeless households1 by unitary authority, July-September 1997
	Unintentionally homeless and in priority need	Intentionally homeless and in priority need	Homeless but not in priority need
Blaenau Gwent	40	7	11
Bridgend	56	17	137
Caerphilly	56	3	33
Cardiff	56	1	236
Carmarthenshire	34	2	32
Ceredigion	40	—	7
Conwy	33	13	42
Denbighshire	39	6	12
Flintshire	41	—	23
Gwynedd	28	2	6
Isle of Anglesey	9	2	13
Merthyr Tydfil	18	2	11
Monmouthshire	18	—	18
Neath Port Talbot	11	1	58
Newport	26	3	41

Homeless households1 by unitary authority, July-September 1997
	Unintentionally homeless and in priority need	Intentionally homeless and in priority need	Homeless but not in priority need
Pembrokeshire	35	8	33
Powys	49	8	29
Rhondda, Cynon, Taff	109	7	38
Swansea	175	2	191
Torfaen	37	—	19
Vale of Glamorgan	20	5	—
Wrexham	15	14	100
Wales	945	103	1,090
1 Excludes households not eligible for assistance under the Housing Act 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement regarding the future of the Mid-Wales Hospital, Talgarth, Powys, with particular reference to its planned date of closure in April 1999. [31040]

My officials are in close touch with Dyfed Powys Health Authority and the Trust about progress on the reprovision of services from Talgarth. There is, as yet, no agreement on a date for the closure of the hospital and we will want to see appropriate alternative provision in place before the closure takes place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many of his officials attended conferences (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas; and how many and what percentage made (i) oral and (ii) written contributions to the matters under discussion in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [31165]

The information requested is not available centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many meetings have been requested with his Department's Ministers by (a) Labour and (b) Conservative hon. Members; and how many meetings have been granted in each category. [31292]

The information requested is not held centrally in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. My Ministers and I frequently meet hon. Members from all the political parties represented in Welsh constituencies, as well as meeting others who have an interest in Welsh affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the development of ambulance NHS trusts in Wales. [31836]

There are currently five NHS trusts in Wales providing ambulance services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the governing bodies for sport indicating the number of places on each. [27160]

As at December 1997, there were 414 governing bodies of sport, recognised by the Sports Councils, operating in the UK.Information on the number of places on each body is not readily available, but I will ask the UK Sports Council to obtain it. I will write to my hon. Friend once this information is available and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the chairpersons or chief executives responsible for the governance of sport, indicating those who have represented their country. [27126]

This information is not held centrally, but I will ask the UK Sports Council to obtain it. I will write to my hon. Friend once it becomes available and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many sports his Department recognises for the purpose of funding. [27125]

The Government do not decide what is and what is not a sport. As independent corporate bodies established by Royal Charter, the Sports Councils decide which activities are eligible for support to enable the most efficient and effective use of the funding made available to them.Currently, 112 sporting activities are eligible to be considered for the full range of the Sports Council's services. There are 414 governing bodies of these sports. Along with the Ministers of Sport for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, I have asked the Chairmen of the Sports Councils to review the criteria for the recognition of sports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to discuss with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment the implications of the recent changes to the National Curriculum for the national policy on young people and sport. [30441]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State discussed the implications of the changes to the National Curriculum with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment before the recent announcement was made. The changes are fully consistent with our national policy on young people and sport. We are pleased that PE remains a curriculum subject and we will now concentrate on ensuring that the PE and sport opportunities children get are of the highest standard possible, whether they are delivered through the curriculum or by out-of-school activities. I will continue my discussions with Ministers in DfEE to encourage the development of sport in schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the advertising contracts his Department has awarded since 1 May 1997, indicating the value of contracts and the number of companies which tendered for them. [30711]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not awarded any advertising contracts since 1 May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each piece of research (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated by his Department into the correlation between diabetes and road accidents. [30035]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 28 November 1997, Official Report, column 694.The issue of research on this topic was raised at a recent meeting held by my noble Friend the Minister for Roads with the hon. Member for Torbay and others and representatives of the British Diabetic Association. Following that meeting we will be asking the Secretary of State's Honorary Advisory Panel on Diabetes and Driving to consider the research evidence submitted on that occasion by the BDA. We have also agreed to examine whether further information on diabetes and road accidents could be extracted from DVLA records.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his assessment of the voluntary agreement reached between industry and his Department in 1996 on the reduction of hydrofluorocarbon emissions; what estimate he has made of its contribution to reducing UK greenhouse gas emissions up to 2010; and if he will make a statement. [30531]

The voluntary agreements on the use and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons concluded in 1996 between the Government and the five principal user-sectors were drawn up to help meet our original commitment under the Framework Convention on Climate Change to return emissions of greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by the year 2000. The agreements have been welcomed by industry and reviews of the first year of the impact have been completed. Although it is yet too early to assess the quantitative impact of the voluntary agreements, overall GWP-weighted emissions of hydrofluorocarbons from the UK are expected to fall by around 65 per cent. between 1990 and 2000. HFCs have now been included in the basket of gases for which legally binding targets for the period 2008 to 2012 were agreed in Kyoto. The Government will be consulting on means to achieve their target later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of new houses he estimates have been built on brown-field land in each of the last five years. [30974]

There is no specific definition of "brownfield" land but it is usually taken to mean land previously developed for urban uses. These uses include residential, transport and utilities, industry and commerce, community services, previously developed vacant land and derelict land. The table gives estimates for England of the percentage of new dwellings (excluding conversions) built on land that was previously developed for urban uses. It also shows the percentage of land for new housing that was previously developed. The figures are for each year from 1989 to 1995 (the most recent available).This information is included in the policy document "Planning for the Communities of the Future", launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in his statement in the House on 23 February 1998,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when (a) he and (b) his Ministers last met with representatives of the Association of Train Operating Companies; and what plans he has to alter the area of responsibility of ATOC with particular reference to co-ordination of ticketing arrangements. [31211]

I have regular meetings with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) and last met them on 28 January 1998. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport last met ATOC on 23 July 1997. We are currently reviewing the existing railway regulatory framework, as part of our wider review of transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the current deficit of the Air Transport Operators Licence Fund; and what proposals he has to reduce this amount. [31190]

The deficit of the Air Travel Trust (ATTE) (which provides back-up to the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) system and to which I believe my hon. Friend refers, is currently £5.38 million. The Government are considering options for eliminating this deficit, including the possibility of legislation to empower the Trustees of the Fund to raise a levy on tour operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those airlines which have been subject to ramp checks by the Civil Aviation Authority while at a United Kingdom airport during the last 12 months, indicating those irregularities found.[31188]

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) checks aircraft operated by all UK airlines regularly as part of their continuing safety oversight duties. The responsibility for the safety oversight of foreign airlines and foreign-registered aircraft rests with the relevant national aviation authorities. Where evidence suggests that foreign-registered aircraft may not be operated fully in accordance with all ICAO safety standards and recommended practices, the Department instructs the CAA to inspect aircraft from the airline or country concerned.In the last 12 months, 56 ramp-checks have been carried out on aircraft operated by the following foreign airlines:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Civil Aviation Authority has made of the advantage of introducing child safety seats for children under two years of age travelling on aircraft.[31209]

The Civil Aviation Authority commissioned a four year research programme by the Cranfield Impact Centre. This study showed that forward facing child safety seats, secured by a static lap belt, could provide a higher level of protection for children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years than supplementary or lap belts. As a result, since August 1991 the CAA has allowed UK airlines to permit children within that age range to be carried in appropriate car type safety seats.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the percentage of each local authority budget currently spent on care of the elderly services and (b) the amount per capita of the population aged over 65 years for each local authority area. [31227]

The information has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the number of urban trams and trolley bus systems built in the United Kingdom in the last 20 years, (b) the number of passengers carried by each tram/trolley bus system operating in the United Kingdom in 1997–98, (c) those tram/trolley bus systems currently under construction and (d) the bids submitted to the Government for future construction of tram/trolley bus systems. [31213]

There are four principal light rail/tram systems in the United Kingdom which have been built in the last 20 years. Passenger data for 1997–98 are not yet available. The most recent figures available (for 1996–97) are as shown:

millions
	1996–97
Tyne and Wear Metro	35.4
Docklands Light Railway	17.0
Greater Manchester Metrolink	13.4
South Yorkshire Supertram	7.8

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 19 January 1998, Official Report, column 425, on historic battlefields, what steps he is taking to protect the battlefield site at Tewkesbury from housing development. [31074]

On 18 July 1997, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State called in a planning application by Bryant Homes Mercia Ltd. for the erection of 51 dwellings at Gastons Field, Tewkesbury. The site in question is thought to be part of the site of the Battle of Tewkesbury. The public local inquiry into the application is due to start on 10 March. The battlefield is included on the Register of Historic Battlefields compiled by English Heritage and this, together with all other relevant considerations, will be taken into account by my right hon. Friend in reaching his decision on the application.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to promote the re-introduction of passenger rail lines in semi-rural areas. [31009]

I expect local authorities, the railway industry and the Franchising Director to work together to develop whatever schemes deliver best value for money for communities. The revised Objectives, Instructions and Guidance (OIG) we issued in November require the Franchising Director to offer guidance and advice to local authorities on how they can develop and secure finance for new investment, and his interim Criteria for the Appraisal of Support for Passenger Rail Services set out the basis on which he would take decisions about proposals to support new projects. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport has recently met hon. Members and Councillors about proposals for schemes in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire and that that dialogue is now continuing at officer level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the unpublished Department of Energy Report into the electrical fire on the Piper Alpha oil platform in 1984; and if he will make a statement. [30532]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: I understand the report referred to was made publicly available during the course of the Piper Alpha inquiry in 1990. Various papers associated with that inquiry were passed to the Health and Safety Executive in 1991. I have therefore asked the HSE to place a copy of the report in the House of Commons Library. The HSE advise however that they do not hold the photographs referred to in the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of road traffic accidents in each of the last 10 years have been due (a) wholly and (b) partly to the consumption of medicinal drugs.[31058]

[holding answer 24 February 1998]: This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give details of the 1998–99 charging scheme for local air pollution control under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.[31460]

Charges to cover the costs of local enforcing authorities in regulating processes which are subject to Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 were introduced in April 1991.With the approval of the Treasury, and following consultation with local authority associations and industry, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and for Wales have made a revised scheme specifying the scale of fees and charges to take effect from 1 April 1998.The main changes are that the standard application fee is increased by £25 to £1,065; the substantial change fee is increased by £15 to £680; and the annual subsistence charge is increased by £20 to £660.In addition, an adjustment had been made to the scheme this year to introduce a reduced subsistence charge for processes involving the odorisation of natural gas.The scheme will be laid before both Houses and a copy placed in the Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of new units of social housing that will be built in each of the next four financial years as a result of the capital receipts initiative. [31471]

Where a local authority wishes to use the resources issued under the Capital Receipts Initiative to provide new social housing, we envisage that they will do so in partnership with registered social landlords. Early estimates indicate that authorities intend to use £98 million of their allocations in 1998/99 for payments of Local Authority Social Housing Grant to registered social landlords. This sum covers both provision of new units and renovation of existing units. Local authorities have recently reported on their proposed programmes and more detailed information will be available shortly.A decision about the role and the funding of our Capital Receipts Initiative after 1998/99 will be taken in the context of our Comprehensive Spending Review. The Review process is scheduled to come to a conclusion in the Spring, and the conclusions will be reflected in our future spending plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the policy of large-scale voluntary transfer of council housing stocks. [31468]

Voluntary transfer of council housing stocks is one of the options a local authority may consider in developing its housing strategy. We are, however, engaged in a comprehensive review of all housing programmes, which may lead to changes in the policy context and alter the way we handle transfers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what means are available to enable him to reverse his decision to allow building on green belt land near Stevenage; [31478](2) if he has the power to reverse his decision to allow the building of 10,000 houses in the green belt near Stevenage; [31479](3) what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds if he were to reverse his decision to allow the building of 10,000 homes near Stevenage in the least expensive manner; [31480](4) on the basis of what unique connection to which traffic corridor he decided to allow building in the green belt near Stevenage. [31481]

The decision to allocate land west of Stevenage for housing development was taken by Hertfordshire County Council and put forward as a proposed modification to their review of the Structure Plan. The Government Office for the Eastern Region wrote to Hertfordshire County Council on 16 January setting out the reasons why the Secretary of State did not wish to object to this proposal. A copy of that letter has been placed in the Library. Among other things, that letter explains why he agreed with the independent Panel that held the Examination in Public that the Stevenage proposal represented the most sustainable solution to meeting housing need in the County, including in relation to transport infrastructure. It is now for the County to consider the various representations it has received on its proposed modifications. The Secretary of State retains his powers to direct modification or to call-in the plan up until the time it is adopted.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the savings in public money if he were to withdraw from the legal action brought by the West Surrey County Council and agree to reconsider his decision on housing in the county. [31482]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last requested representatives of the British record industry to meet him; what was the purpose of the meeting; and who attended. [31618]

I met representatives of the British record industry on 12 February to discuss the deplorable behaviour by a member of Chumbawamba at this year's Brit Awards. This meeting was attended by Rob Dickins, Chairman of the British Phonographic Industry (BPI); John Deacon, Director General of the BPI; and Lisa Anderson, Executive Producer of the Brits Awards Show. I expressed my concerns about the incident—particularly that those who run the British music industry should not be seen to tolerate such aggressive behaviour at this kind of public event.I welcome the fact that the BPI have publicly condemned this incident as offensive and unacceptable and forcefully stated that such behaviour could not be condoned at what was intended to be a celebration of great British music.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take following representations made to him by the hon. Member for South-West Bedfordshire in relation to the policy of South Bedfordshire District Council concerning the future of the Queensway Hall Dunstable; and if he will make a statement. [31379]

South Bedfordshire District Council have decided to sell the Queensway Hall site and have invited bids. If the Council propose to accept a bid below the highest offer, as we understand they may do, they must apply to the Secretary of State for permission. We will consider any application on its merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the powers of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to levy charges on new unitary local authorities with particular reference to Southend-on-Sea. [31477]

The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority does not have the power to levy charges on new unitary local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish guidance to local planning authorities on the need for them to make adequate provision for prisons in their development plans. [31935]

My Department has today published a Circular entitled "Planning for Future Prison Development". This Circular provides advice to local planning authorities on the need to make adequate provision through the planning system for new prison developments. It considers the issues which need to be taken into account in selecting suitable locations for prisons and sets out the approach whereby the provision of sites can be taken forward through the development plans system. Given that the ongoing programme of prison development is a matter of national importance, this Circular constitutes guidance of the sort envisaged in paragraph 11 of the recently published Policy Statement "Modernising Planning".This Circular recognises that there will be a continuing need for new prison development in the foreseeable future and encourages local planning authorities to recognise that the provision of land for the secure accommodation of prisoners is an obligation the Prison Service shares with society at large. However, the Circular does not impose any new duties on local planning authorities or others: it simply sets out how the Prison Service and individual authorities may best work together for the common good.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman), 22 December 1997, Official Report, columns 439–40, when he will launch the consultation on radioactively contaminated land. [32077]

I am pleased to announce that I am today launching a consultation on radioactively contaminated land, jointly with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales.We are seeking views on the structure and principles that should underlie a regulatory regime for radioactively contaminated land. Copies of the consultation paper have been sent to the Chief Executives and Chief Environmental Health Officers of all local authorities, and to other interested parties, and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. Responses to the consultation are requested by 1 June 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 28 January 1998, Official Report, columns 461–74, what response he has had from London and Continental Railways in respect of revised financing proposals for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [32207]

I have held discussions with Bechtel, representing the shareholders of London & Continental Railways, and Railtrack, for whom the shareholders envisage a future role. These discussions have resulted in a framework proposal, but one which still needs to be further developed. London & Continental Railways have consequently asked for more time. In light of the complex nature of the framework proposals, and the amount of further work that needs to be done, I have decided that time should be allowed to establish whether there is an acceptable way forward; an extension to 31 March 1998 has therefore been authorised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the current security classifications of the newsletters produced for the staff of (a) the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency, (b) the Defence Estate Organisation and (c) the Disposal Sales Agency; how often each newsletter is produced; and when each newsletter was first produced. [30471]

This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Agencies concerned. I have asked them to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many receptions have been held in his Department since he took office; how many people have attended; and what was the total cost of these events. [25170]

[holding answer 23 January 1998]: Ministers in this Department have held nine receptions since taking office. Approximately 1,000 people attended, and the cost was about £14,300.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department possesses (a) water cannons or (b) equipment designed to be adapted into water cannons. [31267]

The Department does not possess any water cannons or any equipment designed to be adapted into water cannons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his officials attended conferences (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas; and how many and what percentage made (i) oral and (ii) written contributions to the matters under discussion in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [31180]

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the consolidation of the Army, Navy and Air Force discipline Acts. [31474]

Work is currently in hand to consolidate these Acts and it is the Government's intention to introduce the necessary Bills in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many female non-teaching primary school principals there are in (a) the South Eastern Education and Library Board area and (b) the Borough of Lisburn. [29945]

Since the introduction of the LMS funding arrangements, information in the form requested is not available. Under the Local Management of Schools arrangements, it is entirely a matter for the Board of Governors of each school how their annual delegated budget is spent on running the school. This includes the number of teachers to be employed and whether or not the school employs a non-teaching rather than a teaching principal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the cases considered in (a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997 and (d) 1998 by the Life Sentence Review Board; indicating the paramilitary affiliation of the offender; how long he or she had served; and what decision was taken. [30030]

[holding answer 25 February 1998]: The Life Sentence Review Board's advice to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is confidential. The paramilitary affiliation of prisoners is recorded for prison management purposes, not for classification.During 1995, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 41 cases (19 Loyalists, 10 Republicans and 12 non-terrorists). Of these, 23 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 18 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board.During 1996, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 47 cases (24 Loyalists, 11 Republicans and 12 non-terrorists). Of these, 23 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 24 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board.During 1997, the Life Sentence Review Board considered 51 cases (22 Loyalists, 18 Republicans and 11 non-terrorists). Of these, 25 prisoners were recommended for consultation with the judiciary. The remaining 26 cases were deferred for periods of between one and five years for future consideration by the Life Sentence Review Board. Since October 1997, the maximum deferral in any individual case has been three years.The first Review Board meeting of 1998 is taking place today, therefore comparable statistics for 1998 are no yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors determine whether or not a prisoner's sentence is reviewed by the Life Sentence Review Board; what is the statutory basis of the board; and what are the criteria for a life sentence review. [30031]

[holding answer 25 February 1998]: The cases of life sentence prisoners in Northern Ireland are normally reviewed by the Life Sentence Review Board at the ten year point of sentence but in some cases this review can take place earlier where the individual circumstances warrant such action. The cases of those sentenced to be detained during the pleasure of the Secretary of State are normally considered at the eight year stage of sentence. Again this may be earlier where the circumstances of an individual case suggest that it would be appropriate.There is no statutory basis for the Life Sentence Review Board.There are no set criteria for life sentence reviews. Each case is considered on its own individual merits. However, before the Review Board will recommend to the Secretary of State that a provisional release date should be set, it must be satisfied that the offender has served a period sufficient to reflect the gravity of the offence and that release would not present an unacceptable risk to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the cumulative total of individuals from loyalist and republican backgrounds who have (a) been subject to executive detention and (b) served prison sentences following conviction for scheduled offences. [30033]

[holding answer 25 February 1998]: Since 1981, when records were first computerised, a total of 6,395 prisoners have been received into prison following conviction for scheduled offences.Information on convictions prior to 1981 and on paramilitary affiliation are not available in the format requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.Across the years 1972–75 a total of 1,491 persons were detained or interned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the maximum weekly fee per participant payable to a lead partner acting as a provider in the New Deal Environmental Task Force Option; and for what reason it differs from the maximum payable in England and Wales. [31314]

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, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, North (Mr. McNamara), of 12 February 1998, Official Report, column 320, on what authority the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has provided advice on issues beyond those set out in their statutory remit. [31315]

The Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has provided advice on issues beyond those set out in their statutory remit on the authority of the Secretary of State.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the recently appointed new members of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights have been members of the SDLP; and which of the new appointees were self-nominated and which had not responded to the advertised request for nominees. [31316]

Two new members of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights have been members of the SDLP; this represents 25 per cent. All of the new appointees were self-nominated and responded to the advertisement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many offices of what square footage have been taken up by the Decommissioning Body; from which budget the expenses and salaries of the members and staff of that body are paid; how many of her Department's staff at what grades are employed on this issue; and at what annual cost in salaries. [31318]

The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning occupy a suite of offices covering 5,610 square feet. This suite comprises nine offices, a conference room, bathroom and cooking facilities.The Commission is funded jointly by the British and Irish governments.No UK or NI civil servants work for the Commission. Its members and staff are drawn entirely from the USA, Canada and Finland. Work on decommissioning impinges on various branches in the Northern Ireland Office and it would not be possible to give an exact figure on the cost of this work.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when her Department plans to publish its report on the Mirror Group. [24882]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: The inspectors appointed to investigate the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers plc have not yet submitted their report. When it is received, consideration will be given as to whether it should be published.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many of her officials attended conferences (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) overseas; and how many and what percentage made (i) oral and (ii) written contributions to the matters under discussion in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [31167]

Disaggregated information in the form requested, which is not held centrally within the Department, could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimates she has made of the value of contracts secured by British industry in Kuwait since the ending of the Gulf War. [30816]

The trade figures with Kuwait since the Gulf War are as follows:

Visible trade figures
£ million
Year	UK exports	UK imports	Balance	OECD Market share (percentage)
1990	182	109	+73	13.4
1991	178	30	+148	9.9
1992	262	127	+135	10.2
1993	311	236	+75	10.3
1994	312	239	+73	11.0
1995	551	151	+400	16.6
1996	579	180	+399	15.3
1997	504	201	+303	n/a

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the properties and land owned by her Department which she has identified as surplus to requirements, giving in each case their estimated value. [30314]

[holding answer 23 February 1998]: My Department is reviewing the use of all its assets, including identifying assets which are surplus to requirements, as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review which will be completed this summer. A number of properties have already been identified as surplus to requirements and have been disposed of; one more is expected to be sold shortly. For accounting purposes surplus assets will be valued in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Resource Accounting Manual.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is her estimate of the cost of (a) Ministerial cars and drivers and (b) the Department's bill for taxis, in (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97, (iii) 1997–98 to date and (iv) 1997–98 full year. [27776]

[holding answer 5 February 1998]: The cost of Ministerial cars and drivers from GCS in the years 1995–96 to date are as listed. The Department' bills for taxis are included within the overall spend for UK travel and cannot be identified separately.

• 1995–96:
• 318k 1996–97: 326k
• 1997–98 (to date): 254k
• 1997–98 (estimated expenditure): 308k.

All costs are net of VAT.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when she will be publishing her consultation paper on her proposals for the implementation of the Directive on Parental Leave. [31582]

The Government have until December 1999 to implement the Parental Leave Directive which has a number of flexibilities on which Ministers wish to form a view. Once we have done so, we shall consult on our proposals.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she has (a) sought and (b) achieved the inclusion of a national interest exemption for United Kingdom public bodies from the Multilateral Agreement on Investment currently under negotiation; and if she will make a statement.[28329]

The UK has submitted specific national exceptions as part of the MAI process to cover those areas where our policy towards investors may discriminate on the basis of nationality. Broader general exceptions, including on national security, are also under consideration.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is her estimate of the cost of making all systems, machines and computers in the public sector millennium compliant; [25927](2) what is the estimated total cost to the public sector of millennium compliance. [29528]

[holding answers 13 and 28 January 1998]: The Government have estimated the cost of millennium compliance for Government Departments and their Agencies to be £370 million. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster placed copies of all central Government plans for millennium compliance in the Libraries of the House on 27 November 1997.The information required to make a reliable estimate of the costs of millennium compliance for the wider public sector could be gathered only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement about her plans to promote fairness at work.[29876]

The Government will publish a White Paper on Fairness at Work in the next few months. This will set out our proposals for consultation.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations she has recently received relating to trade union recognition. [29905]

The Government have received a number of representations on this matter. We have given a commitment to publish our proposals in a White Paper for full consultation in the next few months.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will create an independent body to regulate the communications sector. [31066]

The Government are currently considering this issue and expects to initiate a consultation process shortly.