To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list planned expenditure on hospitality for April and May, indicating the date, location and purpose of each event. [35121]

Hospitality expenditure in April and May 1998 by this Department will be as follows:

Date	Location	Purpose	Estimated cost(£)
3–5 April	Leeds Castle	Informal meeting of G8 Environment Ministers	8,800
24–26 April	Chester	Informal meeting of the EU Transport and Environment Ministers	71,000

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the rail companies which ban the conveyance of bicycles at any time on their trains. [35968]

Anglia Railways, Gatwick Express, Great North Eastern Railways, Great Western Trains, Island Line, Midland Main Line and North Western Trains allow bicycles on all of their services. Passengers may need to book in advance. The other operators ban bicycles on some of their services, typically during peak hours. The Government are keen to promote the use of bicycles, and to ensure that as far as possible the railway provides suitable facilities for cyclists.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for North Tayside (Mr. Swinney) of 18 March 1998, Official Report, column 608, what percentage of staff in the headquarters element of his Department is based in (a) London, (b) the South East and (c) Scotland; and what percentage of salary and running costs relate to buildings in (i) London, (ii) the South East and (iii) Scotland. [37014]

At 1 January 1998, the percentage of staff in the headquarters element of my Department based in (a) London, (b) the South East and (c) Scotland was 80 per cent., 10 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively. The percentage of salary and running costs for these locations could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations have been received by his Department in respect of the train services operated by Connex South Central between London and Brighton since that company was awarded its franchise; and if he will summarise their content. [36759]

Correspondence was not recorded by Train Operating Company until February 1997 (the Connex South Central franchise commenced in May 1996) and correspondence now identified by Train Operating Company is not recorded by route. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The number of letters about Connex South Central in general that have been received since February 1997 is 306.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the cost to London Underground in each quarter of the last five years of compensation payments triggered by delays caused by defective trains on the Jubilee Line. [37200]

London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the total value of all Customer Charter claims on the Jubilee Line in each four week period for each of the last four financial years. Information for the year 1993/94 is not readily available.

Period	1994/95	1995/96	1996/97	1997/98
1	106.8	52.8	999.2	375.2
2	280.1	493.9	110.6	44.4
3	74.7	196.5	124.0	253.0
4	146.9	185.9	138.1	355.0
5	5,874.1	152.6	18.8	398.0
6	1,299.8	257.3	50.4	63.0
7	579.9	10	134.9	49.10
8	105.4	10	388.5	146.8
9	834.1	10	763.7	68.5
10	297.0	37.7	41.2	54
11	33.7	127.7	40.8	1,348.6
12	88.2	444.3	102.5	1,072.8
13	204.4	1,817.6	1,839.8	2—
Total	9,628.1	3,766.3	4,634.0	24,228.7
1No claims were processed P7 to P9 in 1995/96 due to computer problems
2Figures for P13, 1997/98 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays of over two minutes there were to Jubilee Line underground trains in each month of the last five years caused by defective trains on the Jubilee Line. [37203]

London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the number of delays of over two minutes which have been caused by defective rolling stock in each four week period for the last five years.

Period	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98
1	80	96	79	72	66
2	108	100	68	83	66
3	102	68	83	92	63
4	91	83	103	71	58
5	90	96	127	72	81
6	109	86	118	78	70
7	101	66	86	53	71
8	74	52	79	54	73
9	68	59	91	82	80
10	54	53	67	41	63
11	65	73	86	86	129
12	71	82	95	57	180
13	68	72	88	78	1143
Total	1,081	986	1,170	919	11,143
1Period 13 ended on 31 March and the final figure was not available for this answer. This figure is therefore provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays of over two minutes to Jubilee Line underground trains have been caused by defective new trains on the Jubilee Line in each week since their introduction. [37202]

New rolling stock has been phased into service since December 1997. This stock has suffered from a number of teething problems, but London Underground are working hard to overcome them. The need to maintain safety standards means that faults are rectified as they occur, which can result in delays.London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table sets out the number of delays of over two minutes which have been caused by defective rolling stock in each four week period since the start of the 1997–98 financial year.

Period	Number of delays
1	66
2	66
3	63
4	58
5	81
6	70
7	71
8	73
9	80
10	63
11	129
12	180
13	1143
1 Period 13 ended on 31 March and the final figure was not available for this answer. This figure is therefore provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many compensation payment claims have been triggered in the last five years because of delays to the Jubilee Line underground journeys caused by defective Jubilee Line trains. [37201]

London Underground do not have the information readily available in the exact form requested. The table shows the total number of customer charter claims of all types on the Jubilee Line in each four week period for each of the last four financial years. Information for the year 1993–94 is not readily available.

Period	1994/95	1995/96	1996/97	1997/98
1	43	29	367	128
2	115	207	50	19
3	45	82	56	107
4	97	88	55	139
5	2,087	69	6	149
6	442	114	23	26
7	252	10	52	20
8	52	10	150	58
9	346	10	243	32
10	115	20	17	22
11	22	56	15	481
12	38	151	43	420
13	180	457	614	2—
Total	3,719	1,273	1,541	21,601
1 No claims were processed P7 to P9 in 1995–96 due to computer problems.
2Figures for P13, 1997–98 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998, Official Report, column 222, to what depth (a) the area surrounding the site of the Millennium Dome and (b) the remainder of the Greenwich peninsula have been cleared of contaminants. [37079]

The whole of the Greenwich peninsula site has been remedied to render it safe for the known end uses. The remediation includes the removal or treatment on-site of contaminated soils, to depths of up to 14 metres in selected areas. Some of the treated material is re-used on the site and the remainder has been removed for disposal to suitable licensed landfill sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998, Official Report, column 222, what steps have been taken (a) to prevent contaminants from leaking to the surface and (b) to draw attention to the presence of contaminants below the surface on the Greenwich peninsula. [37076]

Contamination that remains in the soil and groundwater is prevented from rising to the surface by a layer of coarse crushed concrete, which has been recycled from old building foundations. Free from fine material, this prevents the natural capillary rise of the groundwater into the overlying clean clay capping. This clay capping, in turn, prevents contact between the site users and any residual contamination in the ground. Full records of all investigations undertaken, and site remediation works carried out, are kept by English Partnerships, the current site owners, as part of the Health and Safety file, as required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. In accordance with the regulations, this documentation will be made available to any future site owner, or occupant, including contractors and will inform them of any potential hazards on the site.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998, Official Report, column 222, what certification has been provided by (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) the Environment Agency concerning the removal of contaminants from the Greenwich peninsula. [37078]

No certification process is operated by the Health and Safety Executive with regard to contaminated land. They work with contractors to ensure that contractors' site activity is conducted in a safe manner and in accordance with the current regulations.The Environment Agency have been consulted at all stages of the investigation, design and construction of the remediation works and have confirmed their satisfaction with the remediation strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 February 1998, Official Report, column 222, if (a) cyanide and (b) arsenic were among the contaminants removed from the site of the Millennium Dome or any other area on the Greenwich peninsula. [37077]

The contaminated soils removed from the site have, on occasions, included arsenic and cyanide in various forms. All such soil has been disposed of, under strictly controlled procedures, to licensed landfill sites suitable to received it. These operations are part of the overall remediation strategy as agreed with the Environment Agency and London Borough of Greenwich.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 27 October 1997, Official Report, column 726, on rented housing, what would be the gross cost to the public sector if all local authority rents were to be cut by (a) 20 per cent., (b) 30 per cent., (c) 40 per cent., and (d) 50 per cent.; and in each case what would be the cost net of savings in housing benefits. [37197]

A reduction in Guideline Rent in 1998–99 for Housing Revenue Account local authorities in England would have the following estimated effects:

Present value (discounting to 1996–97) of effects from 1998–99 to 2027–28.1996–97 prices discounting to 1996–97
£ million
Guideline Rent reduction in 1998–99	Loss of gross rental income	Saving in rent rebates	Saving in public expenditure linked to the RPI	Net public expenditure cost
20%	11,639	8,643	2,722	274
30%	17,459	12,785	4,083	590
40%	23,278	16,816	5,444	1,018
50%	29,098	20,726	6,805	1,567

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what forecast his Department has made of how the number and extent of delays on London Underground will be reduced following the start of the new investment programme in 1998 and for each year over the next five years. [37269]

No such forecast has been made by my Department. We recently announced additional funding of £365 million for London Transport over the next two years. This will boost total investment in the existing network to £1 billion over two years. It is now for London Underground to assess how best to tailor its investment programme. The need to improve the service to passengers by reducing delays will be a key factor in this assessment. In the longer term, our plans for a public-private partnership will result in the elimination of the Underground's investment backlog, address the root cause of delays, and result in an improved service for all passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many delays to London Underground services have been caused by (a) broken rails, (b) signal failures, (c) obstructions on the track and (d) all causes in total, for each of the last five years. [37271]

I understand from London Underground that the information requested is as shown in the table.

Cause of delay	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98
Broken/cracked rails	31	8	30	22	147
Signalling	1,783	1,718	1,862	1,891	9,435
Objects on track	217	208	248	327	314
All causes	35,952	34,150	34,463	34,767	38,840

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives he has taken to assist (a) women with young children and (b) pregnant women who must find alternative modes of transportation due to the travelling conditions on the London Underground. [37501]

It is the Government's aim to make the Underground available to all, and our plans for a public-private partnership will help achieve that aim. But we do recognise that the Underground can currently be difficult for some groups of passengers to use. London Underground staff make every effort to assist passengers to use the system, but some still prefer to use other modes of transport. These passengers benefit from the substantial improvements to the capital's bus network which London Transport is making. Over 400 new single-deck, low-floor vehicles are already in service. These buses have no steps at the doorways and "kneeling" suspension which means that passengers can get on and off more easily. Low-floor double-deck buses are scheduled to enter service for the first time later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the conditions for (a) women with young children and (b) pregnant women travelling on the London Underground. [37502]

London Underground is the oldest, and one of the deepest, underground systems in the world. Virtually the entire network was designed at a time when little or no thought was given to personal mobility. The Government recognise that, combined with the backlog of essential maintenance which has built up and the very crowded conditions on some parts of the network at peak times, this means some passengers find the Underground less easy to use than they would wish.The Government wish to see a modern, high quality Underground which is available to everyone. That means tackling the investment backlog and improving accessibility. The Jubilee Line Extension will feature step-free access at all the new stations. London Underground also has plans for developing a network of 60 fully accessible stations and my right hon. Friend, the Deputy Prime Minister has asked them to look at how these plans can be accelerated. But to achieve a radical improvement will require a massive long-term investment programme. This will be delivered by our plans for a public-private partnership, under which the private sector will raise the funds needed to modernise the network and provide improved conditions for all.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what system of monitoring is in place to secure the most rapid possible completion of authorised roadworks in order to minimise disruption to traffic. [37276]

On trunk roads, major highway works are normally subject to the lane rental form of contract, which gives the contractor a direct financial incentive to complete the works as quickly as practicable, usually by combining a bonus for early completion with a daily charge for late completion. The equivalent works on local highway authority roads are the responsibility of the authority concerned and information about them is not held centrally.Works by statutory undertakers and licensees are governed by the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. Street authorities are empowered by Section 66 of that Act to take action where the works are taking longer than reasonably necessary, but information about the use of the power is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what sanctions have been applied against those found in breach of the 12 month rule for the co-ordination of roadworks; [37275](2) how often over the last 12 months a breach of the 12 month rule for roadworks has been reported; and what follow-up action was then taken. [37277]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what procedures apply in respect of the co-ordination of road work activity between repair, construction, cable and utility providers. [37278]

Under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 the street authority (usually the local highway authority) is responsible for co-ordination of its own works and undertakers' street works in its area. The co-ordination machinery is set out in the Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters, published under the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to change the rate relief available to charity shops. [37500]

The Government are currently reviewing all aspects of charity taxation including business rates. We will consider all representations that we have received on the subject before reaching any conclusions and will consult on any proposals before implementing them.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government will extend to rural pubs the new village shop rate relief. [37344]

Under the village shop rate relief scheme, billing authorities already have the discretion to grant rate relief to public houses providing that certain conditions are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the members of the Countryside Commission, indicating the date and terms of their appointment. [37295]

[holding answer 2 April 1998]: The information requested on current members of the Countryside Commission is provided. Further appointments will be made from time to time as vacancies arise.

Countryside Commission members
Name	Date first appointed	Date current term of appointment expires
Richard Simmonds CBE (Chairman)	11.10.95	30.09.98
Rodney Swarbrick CBE	1.08.93	30.06.99
Lord Denham KBE	1.08.93	30.06.99
Rt. Rev Alan Chesters	1.10.95	30.09.98
David Barker MBE	1.10.95	30.09.98
Dr. Susan Owens	1.07.96	30.06.99
David Woodhall CBE	1.07.96	30.06.99
Wyndham Rogers-Coltman OBE	1.07.96	30.06.99
Dr. Victoria Edwards	1.04.98	31.03.01
Prof. Allan Patmore CBE	22.9.92	30.06.98
1As Chair

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to ensure that railway station platforms are made accessible to wheelchair bound passengers. [37786]

Access to railway stations and other transport infrastructure will be covered by the access to goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. The Government intend to implement the remaining provision of that Part of the Act and a further announcement will be made about implementation dates in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 12 December 1997, Official Report, column 727, when the Environment Agency expects to be able to determine whether to pursue the prosecution of Pointon and Sons over the spreading of waste from their abattoir in Cheddleton, Staffordshire. [37940]

I understand that the Environment Agency wrote to my hon. Friend on 25 March to explain where matters stand. I also understand that she has been invited to meet the Agency very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what incentives exist to encourage the location of new landfill sites for (a) inert waste and (b) other wastes on rural brownfield sites. [37521]

There are no specific incentives for this purpose. However, my Department encourages planning authorities to make appropriate use of previously developed land for all forms of development, including waste management.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the finances of local government of the increase in landfill tax; and if he will make a statement. [37523]

My Department will consider the implications of the increase in the rate of landfill tax from April 1999 as part of its discussions with the Local Government Association on the local government finance settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the money raised as a result of the increase in landfill tax will be used to assist the work of environmental groups in the same way that funds currently raised from the tax are. [37552]

The same proportion—20%—of the increased revenue generated by the increase in the higher rate of tax as of April 1999 will be available for distribution to environmental bodies as is available under the current scheme. The Government will also be considering whether the environmental bodies scheme could be enhanced, and in particular examining how it could be used to encourage more recycling.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the recent landfill tax increase on the incidence of fly-tipping within the countryside; what steps he is taking to help councils minimise this; and if he will make a statement. [37522]

There is as yet little firm evidence either way of the impact of the landfill tax on fly-tipping. Responses to a recent survey of local government officials from the Tidy Britain Group seem to suggest that the incidence of fly-tipping has been lower than local authorities feared when the tax was introduced. We will continue to work with the Environment Agency, local authorities and the police, to monitor and tackle fly-tipping.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to apply the precautionary principle to the release of GMO into the environment. [37518]

Yes. A thorough assessment of the risks to human health and the environment must be carried out before a consent is granted to release a genetically modified organism into the environment. If the assessment reveals areas of uncertainty and if these are associated with significant potential damage, a precautionary approach would be adopted.This policy is discussed in more detail in "A Guide to Risk Assessment and Risk Management for Environmental Protection" published by the Department in 1995. A copy is in the library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the Rail Regulator and (b) Railtrack take into account the potential growth in rail freight traffic when considering the allocation of access paths. [37986]

The Rail Regulator is under a statutory duty to promote both passenger and freight traffic. He must therefore take this into account when considering proposed access agreements. Railtrack have set out their latest plans for rail freight in the Network Management Statement, published on 25 March. Encouraging more freight by rail will be an important element of our integrated transport policy on which we will be publishing a White Paper shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report of the work he has commissioned into the environmental costs of the quarrying of aggregates. [37553]

We expect to publish the report on the research into the environmental costs and benefits of aggregates supply later this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his proposals for a new ethical framework for local government. [38310]

I intend to publish tomorrow the Government' s proposals for a new ethical framework for local government in England. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.This paper is the last in the series inviting discussion on the Government's agenda for modernising local government in England. It sets out our proposals for a new framework of conduct for councillors and council staff. These proposals are built on the Third Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, presented to Parliament in July 1997 (Cm 3702).Through our modernising agenda we are seeking to build and maintain a culture in which councils are open and readily accountable to their local communities. We believe our proposals for the new conduct regime will play a vital part in building up that culture, and restoring that essential bond of trust between local people and those who serve them in their local councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if Kingston Borough Council was permitted to amend its UDP to enable the construction of flats in Canbury Gardens; and if he will make a statement. [38124]

No. I understand that the flats are constructed on the site of the former Kingston Power Station.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the removal of tree preservation orders on poplar and chestnut trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston; and if he will make a statement. [37852]

None. I am not aware of the removal of any tree preservations orders on trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the cost of the planning inquiry, appeals and removal of trees in Canbury Gardens, Kingston. [37853]

The planning application for the development of housing on the site of the former Kingston power station has not been subject to an appeal to the Secretary of State or to a public local inquiry. 14 representations have been received objecting to the removal of trees at Canbury Gardens.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in the number of shadow road toll schemes to be made under the private finance initiative arrangements. [37862]

The only road scheme approved and being taken forward in England under private finance since May 1997 is the A13 Thames Gateway DBFO project. The payment mechanism for this project is being developed so that there will be no incentive to the operator to encourage commuting by car. The emphasis of the payment mechanism will be on efficient management of the road, to provide a good service for buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles, with scope for additional payments to reward a good safety record. We will consider whether it would be appropriate to take forward further DBFO projects in the context of the review of trunk roads in England which is currently underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to offer greater protection to sites of special scientific interest. [37860]

The Government are currently considering how best to improve the protection and management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Officials are preparing a consultation paper seeking views.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps have been taken by his Department in respect of the initiative proposed by Coventry City Council for the development of a local housing company under the stock transfer programme. [37866]

Coventry City Council submitted an application for the 1998–99 housing stock disposals programme for the transfer of all 20,500 of their dwellings to a new local housing company. This scheme was not accepted because it presented us with a number of difficulties that could not be resolved in the short term—not least that the number of properties affected substantially exceeded the 12,000 threshold which the Government have set for transfers to a single new landlord. My officials do, however, intend to work closely with Coventry over the coming months to try and resolve these issues so as to make the scheme workable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 3 March 1998, Official Report, column 543, what was the outcome of the discussions between the dangerous substances industry, environmental agencies and his Department on accidents involving storage facilities and dangerous substances to which the Seveso II Directive applies; and if he will make a statement. [36621]

My Department and the Health and Safety Executive, together with the Environment Agency and Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, have undertaken wide informal consultation with industry associations, trades union representatives and local authorities likely to have duties under legislation implementing the Seveso II Directive. Their comments have been taken into account as proposals for legislation have been developed.I will shortly consider publication of a public consultation document describing the proposed legislation and guidance. A period of four months will be allowed for comment before the legislation is finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the damage caused by acidifying pollutants in the United Kingdom. [37868]

My Department has sponsored research into the effects of acidifying pollutants over the last ten years. Research expenditure, in this area, is currently about £2.7 million per year. This has contributed to reviews by two expert UK groups, the United Kingdom Review Group on Acid Rain (RGAR) and the Critical Loads Advisory Group (CLAG). Copies of the most recent produced by RGAR and CLAG, which include information on critical loads and critical levels, acid deposition and the acidification of lakes and rivers, have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to reduce levels of lead in drinking water. [37687]

The present national standard for lead in drinking water is 50 g/1; this is a more stringent standard than required by the 1980 EC Drinking Water Directive. New standards for lead will be introduced when the new EC Drinking Water Directive is adopted later this year. Member States will be required to achieve lead standards of 25 g/l within 5 years of adoption and 10 g/l within 15 years. The water in many properties already meets the new long term lead standard. At other properties, usually where there are lead pipes, lead concentrations in drinking water have been reduced significantly in recent years. Where appropriate, water companies are required to treat water to reduce its ability to dissolve lead and in many cases this will reduce lead concentrations to about 25g/l. A leaflet is available from the Drinking Water Inspectorate to help people determine if they have lead pipes and giving advice on measures that they can take to reduce their exposure to lead in drinking water.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement framework directive 89/391/EEC concerned with health and safety of the workforce. [37591]

The health and safety framework directive 89/391/EEC has been implemented in the UK primarily by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992 and by existing health and safety law, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.Discussions are continuing between my officials and the European Commission about our implementation of this directive, following which the Health and Safety Commission may consult later this year on some minor modifications to UK health and safety regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sanctions are available to local authorities to deal with organisations which fly post on (a) walls, (b) windows, (c) telephone equipment and (d) bus shelters, where the materials carry no imprint but identify the organisation and provide publicity for goods and services. [38074]

It is an offence, under section 224 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and Regulation 27 of the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992, to display an advertisement without the prior consent of the owner of the land, or premises, on which it is displayed. It is then immediately open to the planning authority to bring a prosecution in the Magistrates' Court. The present maximum fine on summary conviction of this offence is £1,000, with a daily penalty of £100 on conviction of a continuing offence. The level of fines is kept under review by the Home Office and updated periodically.Section 224 also provides that people whose goods, trade, business or other concerns are given publicity by an unlawful advertisement may be prosecuted unless they can prove that it was displayed without their knowledge or consent.District Councils and London Boroughs also have powers under Section 225, of the Act, to remove or obliterate any illegally displayed placard or poster after giving two days' notice of their intention to do so.In addition, local highway authorities have powers, under section 132 of the Highways Act 1980, to remove unlawful advertisements attached to any trees, structures or works in the highway.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets he has set for the Highways Agency. [38205]

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is currently conducting a number of major policy reviews. In the light of the conclusions, particularly of the Integrated Transport White Paper and the Roads Review we will be setting the Highways Agency new objectives. In the interim, the Secretary of State has set the Highways Agency the following key targets; they are to:

Provide a service achieving five out of six (and missing the sixth by no more than 10 per cent.) of the targets set in accordance with the Whitehall Standards (as set out in Annexe E of the Plan);

Submit to the Secretary of State a proposal for a revised Road User's Charter, in line with the Government's published Integrated Transport Policy by the end of the third quarter;

In the interim, improve performance against the Road Users Charter Targets, set out in Annexe E of the Plan, where achievement levels were below target in 1997–98;

Complete 2100 lane kilometres of surface renewal, including reconstruction, overlays, resurfacing, inlays and surface dressing;

Comply with the EU directive which requires that the trunk road network is available for use by 40 tonne vehicles on 1 January 1999;

Achieve 80 per cent. of National Scheme milestones set out in Annexe F of the Plan;

Complete 20 projects, each costing less than £3 million, aimed at improving journey time reliability and/or reducing the impact of roads on the environment;

Complete 25 Network Control Projects;

Contribute to the Government's target of reducing road casualties by one third by the year 2000 (compared to the annual average for 1981–85) by ensuring that accident rates between 1996 and 1998 on the motorway and all-purpose trunk road network do not exceed 21 accidents involving personal injury for every 100 million vehicle kilometres of travel and by completing 200 projects, each costing less than £3 million, aimed at improving road safety;

Publish congestion monitoring information, including National Road Network Assessment system (NARNAS) maps and TrafficMaster data;

Review the Agency's environmental reporting requirements, to agree changes as necessary with DETR and submit the results to the Secretary of State by the end of the third Quarter;

Agree a revised Environmental Strategy for the Agency in line with the Government's published Integrated Transport Policy and in consultation with DETR, and submit the results to the Secretary of State by the end of the third Quarter;

Manage its Programme and Running Costs within the agreed financial allocation;

Deliver better efficiency and effectiveness throughout its business activities and achieve the two aggregate indicators and 80 per cent. of the Programme performance measure targets listed in Annexe C 4.2 of the Business Plan;

Apply Value Management and Value Engineering guidelines to all National Schemes at prescribed stages of preparation.

These targets are included in an interim Business Plan for 1998–99, which will be published shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take to deal with incompetent builders. [38368]

I am today launching a consultation paper 'Combating Cowboy Builders', which sets out a range of measures aimed at protecting householders from incompetent or dishonest builders. I am placing copies in the Library.The Government's aim is to protect consumers who want to find a competent builder but, through no fault of their own, suffer as a result of a "cowboy" builder. The first object is to help householders distinguish between the good and the bad builders. Then it is necessary to ensure that the householder, having selected a reputable builder, gets an assurance of good quality work underpinned by a means of redress if things still go wrong.The Government have always made it clear that tackling the cowboys was one of their priorities for the construction industry. There is no simple, single solution to the problem. However, the Government believe that the package of measures proposed in this consultation paper will bring real benefit to householders and make life much harder for the cowboys.The proposals contained in the document include:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a national scheme to provide accreditation for private landlords. [37843]

We support the initiative taken by local authorities and others to develop voluntary accreditation schemes for landlords. We have no plans to establish a national scheme. Establishing, monitoring and enforcing such a scheme would be bureaucratic and costly. However, we are concerned about the problems of poor stock condition and management in the sector. Our Manifesto proposals for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation will tackle those properties where the risks to health and safety tend to be the greatest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many rescue vehicles belonging to Her Majesty's Coastguard have had their bonnets overpainted yellow and had the words 'HM Coastguard' written on them in the last 12 months; and at what cost; [36886](2) when he expects to receive a report from the Coastguard Agency on the response to the consultation document regarding the future strategy of Her Majesty's Coastguard; and if he will make a statement. [36887]

In the last 12 months (1 April 1997–31 March 1998), 169 HM Coastguard vehicles had their livery changed at a total cost of £45,000; an average cost of some £266 each. The new livery includes a change to yellow bonnets with reverse lettered "HM COASTGUARD" and yellow/blue chequered stripes on either side of the vehicles more appropriate to their emergency service status. In addition to this, the new livery much improves the visibility of the vehicles to other road users and, therefore, improves the safety of drivers when proceeding to an emergency. The change promotes a more corporate image and a higher profile for HM Coastguard.I have received a report on the 5 year Strategy consultation and am currently considering it. A decision on the strategy will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement regarding his future policy concerning BAA plc's exemption as an entity under the Building Regulations under section 4 of the Building Act 1984. [37554]

Proposals for amendments to Section 4 of the Buildings Act 1984 in relation to the buildings of statutory undertakers were the subject of a public consultation document issued by the previous Government. I intend seeking the views of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee on how to take this matter forward. However, since primary legislation would be required to repeal or amend Section 4, it is unlikely that any change can be implemented quickly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role her Department is undertaking in the promotion of education for children in developing countries. [38134]

As our White Paper makes clear, we are strongly committed to the key international targets of Universal Primary Education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary education by 2005. We are currently spending over £100 million a year on education projects and expect this to rise as new programmes are agreed with our partner countries. For example we have begun implementation of major new basic education projects in India, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan and South Africa costing in excess of £100 million and new substantial projects are being developed in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda.A new Department for International Development education policy paper will be issued later this year which will further elaborate our policies and endorse our commitment to the promotion of education for children in developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's budget was spent on youth training and education in developing countries in each of the five years up to 1997. [38135]

The percentage of identifiable expenditure under my Department's bilateral programme spent on training and education (including scholarships) for developing countries in each of the five years up to 1997 is 11 per cent. in each year. It is not possible to:

i. disaggregate figures between youth and adult training; and

ii. identify the percentage of expenditure spent on youth training and education under our contributions to multilateral programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's policy on aid to the tobacco sector. [37977]

My Department does not use development assistance for any purpose which supports the tobacco sector. We support initiatives to help reduce tobacco consumption and to assist farmers who are dependent on tobacco production to diversify into alternative activities. We also seek to ensure that multilateral institutions pursue similar policies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has in respect of future levels of aid via the Bhutanese Refugee Assistance Programme. [37715]

My Department is a major contributor to the work of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which is supporting 93,000 refugees from Bhutan in Nepal. We have also contributed over £250,000 to the work of Save the Children Fund (SCF) with Bhutanese refugees in Nepal.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Bhutan, in relation to aid to Bhutan, concerning the human rights of Bhutanese citizens, with particular reference to those in refugee camps in Nepal. [37714]

My Department has had no recent discussion on development assistance with the Government of Bhutan. We shall continue to use every opportunity to encourage the government of Nepal and Bhutan in their dialogue to resolve the refugee issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what initiatives are being pursued to assist the street children of Colombia. [37456]

The Government recognise the severe problems faced by street children in Colombia who are often victims of sexual abuse or involved with drug problems. Over the last few years we have supported a number of Colombian NGOs working with street children and child prostitutes through our Department for International Development (DFID) Small Grants Scheme. In addition last year DFID voted in support of a 6.4 million ECU programme to help street children and young people in Colombia being financed under the European Commission's development programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the findings of the study he commissioned into section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 in respect of the payment of grants to support members of ethnic minorities. [37257]

The findings of this study will inform our further consideration of the matter. We expect to be in a position to make an announcement in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were prosecuted for driving a vehicle while uninsured for the last three years for which figures are available. [37283]

Information on the number of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks, for the last three years for which figures are available, are given in the table.

Number of proceedings at magistrates' courts for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks—England and Wales
Year	Number of offences
1994	446,559
1995	441,241
1996 (provisional)	415,015

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many previously licensed handguns have not yet been handed in following the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [37274]

Under the terms of the commencement of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, certificate holders were required to dispose of their handguns lawfully by 1 October 1997 unless they were covered by the specific exemptions set out in Part 1 of the Act. The majority of certificate holders chose to hand in their weapons to designated police stations, thereby becoming eligible to receive compensation from the Government. However, other certificate holders chose instead to export their weapons and store them abroad permanently, some to sell them and some to have them deactivated to the required national standard and so retain them at home. There is no central record of those weapons not surrendered to police forces.From 1 October 1997, all chief officers were advised by the Association of Chief Police Officers to follow up their records of certificate holders and make checks on those certificate holders who had chosen not to surrender their weapons to the police. The subsequent prosecution of anyone found in possession of a prohibited weapon without lawful reason would be a matter for the police force and prosecution authorities concerned.My officials have conducted a sample of a small number of forces and all have confirmed that they duly followed up their records of certificate holders and established that all guns recorded were accounted for.In addition, we have asked all forces in England and Wales for a report on their success with the hand-in of 22 handguns which ended on 28 February. I will make the results available to the House once this information has been collated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the timeframe for settlement of outstanding claims for compensation made under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997; [37289](2) if he will make a statement on the number of claims and payments relating to compensation paid to former owners of handguns obliged to hand in their weapons under the terms of the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997. [37288]

Current estimates are that all remaining payments under Options A and B of the large-calibre handgun compensation scheme should be completed by about the end of May. The aim is to complete most, if not all, payments under Option C of the scheme by the end of the year. At 31 March, 38,592 claims under the large-calibre handgun scheme had been registered on the Firearms Compensation Section (FCS) computer system and 29,236 payments made. Around 2,000 claims are still to be registered, the majority of which will be under the large-calibre scheme.The figures for claims and payments in this answer are lower than those normally quoted, as they exclude those made under the ex-gratia scheme for small-calibre pistols.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff have been allocated to process claims in categories A and B under the Firearms Compensation Scheme. [37459]

The Firearms Compensation Section at present employs 62 staff, 53 of whom are working directly on the examination and authorisation of compensation claims. Currently the bulk of the effort is concentrated on processing claims under Options A and B of the compensation scheme, although a number of claims under Option C are being processed in parallel.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time currently taken to process claims under categories A and B of the Firearms Compensation Scheme. [37458]

The Firearms Compensation Section is currently dealing with claims received from the police on 25 September 1997, giving a current turn-round time of 27 weeks. The average processing time for claims dealt with since the start of the compensation scheme in July 1997 is just over 15 weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people under categories A, B and C of the Firearms Compensation Scheme have received full compensation for their claims. [37460]

The information at 2 April 1998 is as follows:

• Claimants under Option A paid in full: 28,085
• Claimants under Option B paid in full: 27,168
• Claimants under Option C paid in full: 261.

Since an individual may claim under more than one option, the total number of payments under all the options is greater than the total number of claimants participating in the scheme. The figures include applications under the ex gratia surrender scheme for small-calibre pistols.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken in respect of procedures relating to the revocation of gun licences following the Dunblane tragedy. [37463]

Under section 30 of the Firearms Act 1968, the chief officer of police may revoke a firearm certificate at any time if he is satisfied that the holder is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, or is of intemperate habits or unsound mind, or is otherwise unfitted to be entrusted with a firearm. Following the Dunblane tragedy, the Government considered Lord Cullen's report carefully, to see how any weaknesses in the firearms licensing system might be remedied.Lord Cullen's Report suggested that the power to revoke a certificate should be extended to allow the police to revoke partially a certificate in relation to any firearms which the owner no longer has a good reason for possessing. This recommendation was carried forward through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 and was brought into force on 1 July 1997.The Government have also taken steps to ensure that the police receive a proper flow of information on which to base their decisions. Under the 1997 Act, those who hold firearms principally for target shooting must be a member of a shooting club approved by the Home Departments. Each club must appoint a liaison officer to keep the police informed of members' activities, and the club is obliged to inform the police if any member has not shot with the club for over a year.Lord Cullen also recommended that the arrangements under which an individual could appeal to the courts against the revocation of his certificate should be revised and clarified. The 1997 Act now makes it clear that an appeal is to be determined on its merits (that is, as a full re-hearing rather than as a review).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many incidents of domestic violence were reported to the police in the West Midlands Region in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [37245]

The latest available information on domestic violence incidents recorded by the police, obtained from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary 1996–1997 Annual Statistics Return, is shown in the following table.

Domestic violence incidents
Police force	1996–1997
Staffordshire	1,744
Warwickshire	493
West Mercia	1,867
West Midlands	14,011

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he was first notified of the Iraqi threat to infiltrate British ports with the anthrax virus. [37255]

As I indicated in my reply to the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 24 March 1998, Official Report, column 180, initial information about possible anthrax smuggling was received in the Home Office on 5 March. That information was assessed thoroughly alongside all other relevant information and an assessment of Iraqi intentions. I was notified on 21 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many (a) boys and (b) girls aged (1) less than 15, (2) 15 to 16, (3) 17 to 18 and (4) 18 to 21 years were held as convicted prisoners in (i) local authority secure accommodation, (ii) young offenders' institutions and (iii) adult prisons at the latest date for which figures are available and at the same date in each of the previous four years; [37539](2) how many

The available information on the number of young persons remanded to local authority accommodation in England is published in a Department of Health publication entitled "Children accommodated in secure units" (reference A/F 97/21). This information is presented on a financial year basis with the last report covering the year ending 31 March 1997.Information on the number of young persons held in Young Offender Institutions and adult prisons is given in the table. Many "adult" establishments contain separate units or designated accommodation of young offenders and such persons are normally accommodated separately from adult prisoners. In the tables such establishments have been classed as "adult" establishments.Information on the population of young offenders by age and type of custody is also published in successive volumes of "Prison statistics, England and Wales" (Table 3.2 of 1996 edition, Cm 3732), copies of which are in the Library.

Population of young offenders in Prison Service establishments by age, type of custody, type of establishment and sex, 1994–1998
	Age
Establishment type	Under 15	15–16	17–18	19–21
Males
28 February 1998
Remand:
YOI	-	233	1,242	1,216
Adult prison	-	3	54	67
Sentenced:
YOI	-	709	2,570	4,721
Adult prison	-	2	22	75
28 February 1997
Remand:
YOI	-	262	1,169	1,303
Adult prison	-	12	100	134
Sentenced:
YOI	-	649	2,260	4,216
Adult prison	-	3	42	93
29 February 1996
Remand:
YOI	-	185	955	1,110
Adult prison	-	38	248	280
Sentenced:
YOI	-	531	1,678	3,622
Adult prison	-	4	55	176
28 February 1995
Remand:
YOI	-	134	949	1,165
Adult prison	-	49	247	280
Sentenced:
YOI	-	441	1,401	3,380
Adult prison	-	3	60	119

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what obligations are placed on the Government in relation to the use of adult prisons for young offenders by (a) the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and (b) the Children Acts; and if he will make a statement. [37538]

Article 37(c) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child requires that every child deprived of his or her liberty shall be separated from adults unless it is considered in the child's best interests not to do so. The United Kingdom has entered a reservation to the Convention to the effect that the mixing of children and adults is permitted where there is at any time a lack of suitable accommodation or adequate facilities for a particular individual in any institution, or where the mixing of adults and children is deemed to be mutually beneficial.The Children Act 1989 does not apply to those in prison custody but the Prison Service is planning to reflect the principles and guidance of that Act in the new regime standards it is drawing up for juveniles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the circumstances under which a young person under the age of 18 years should be held in an adult prison rather than in a young offenders' institution or local authority secure accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [37540]

All young offenders sentenced to detention in a young offender institution (YOI) must be and are held in accommodation designated as a YOI. An unsentenced young person aged under 18 cannot be held in a YOI but must be held in a prison under Prison Rules although almost all unsentenced young people are held in accommodation with other young people. The Government's policy is to move towards a situation where it is no longer necessary to hold juveniles on remand in adult prisons. The Crime and Disorder Bill will enable the courts to remand vulnerable juveniles to local authority secure accommodation. The Prison Service is drawing up plans to hold all juveniles separately and to establish new regime standards for juveniles. We believe these measures will help protect the public and the welfare of these young people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government are taking to encourage courts to make greater use of alternatives to custody when sentencing young offenders. [37537]

In reforming the Youth Justice System, the Government's key focus, and the statutory aim it will impose on youth justice agencies, is to prevent offending. By acting to intervene with young offenders earlier and more effectively we will stop them offending before they get to the stage where the courts have to consider custody. We are strengthening the range of community penalties available to the courts when sentencing. By putting in place local Youth Offending Teams to supervise offenders serving these sentences and the Youth Justice Board to set standards for supervision and inspect performance, we are acting to improve the quality of community sentences. All this will give sentencers more options in imposing community sentences and greater confidence to use them as alternatives to custody.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to establish continuity in the proposed youth offending teams. [37364]

Youth offending teams will build on existing good practice in the work of youth justice teams and will ensure that work with young offenders is undertaken effectively and consistently across England and Wales.The Government will publish guidance on the establishment and operation of youth offending teams. The guidance will address the staffing and functions of the teams. The Youth Justice Board, which is to be established under clause 35 of the Crime and Disorder Bill, will monitor the operation of the youth justice system and the provision of youth justice services which will be co-ordinated locally by youth offending teams.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards the establishment of (a) maximum and (b) minimum sentences for repeat convicted drug dealers. [37256]

We believe that severe punishment is appropriate for drug dealers. The maximum penalty for trafficking in Class A drugs is life imprisonment, and for Class B drugs 14 years' imprisonment. The Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 provides for a minimum sentence of 7 years' imprisonment for third and subsequent convictions for trafficking in Class A drugs. This provision was implemented on 1 October 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy towards the publication in the press of disclosures by former MI5 officers. [37669]

I deplore any publication of unauthorised disclosures of information on security or intelligence matters.Former Security Service officers are bound by a duty of lifelong confidentiality arising out of their employment by the Security Service. They are also liable to prosecution under section 1 (1)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the funding of MI5. [37670]

The budget of the Security Service is carried on the Single Intelligence Vote (Class XVIII Vote 2).Provision for the security and intelligence agencies is agreed collectively by Ministers when setting public expenditure plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to allow individuals on whom files are held by MI5 to see those files in cases where it is intended that such files be destroyed. [37874]

No. In order to safeguard the operational effectiveness of the Security Service, it has been the policy of successive Governments not to disclose information about the operations of the Security Service, including whether the Service holds or has held files on any individual.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the levels of drug-related crime in Gwynedd in (a) 1990 and (b) 1997. [37599]

No estimates of the total amount of drug-related crime in particular counties have been made, although statistics on offences against the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in each police area are published annually by the Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wild-caught primates, broken down by species, are currently held in the United Kingdom for the purpose of animal research; and if he will indicate in each case the purpose of the procedures for which they are being used. [37879]

Rules banning the use of wild-caught primates (unless exceptional and specific justification can be established) were introduced in 1996. Before then, records relating to the acquisition of wild-caught primates for use under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 were not kept centrally.We do know, however, that three wild-caught Rhesus macaques, imported before 1996, are still undergoing regulated procedures in neuroscience studies.The only wild-caught primates imported since 1996 and currently held in the United Kingdom for use under the terms of the 1986 Act are two baboons. These are for use in heart xenotransplantation research. One of these two baboons has already been used in a regulated procedure. The other has not yet been used.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to replace the health care centre at HM Prison Lewes. [37873]

The Governor of Lewes prison and senior representatives from the Prison Service will be meeting in May to discuss how to improve the facilities in the health care centre and the provision of health care services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the expenditure by the Metropolitan Police in the operation to remove protesters from Canbury Gardens, Kingston, to enable the local authority to cut down trees; and of this, how much was borne by (a) the Metropolitan Police, (b) the Sheriff and (c) the local authority. [37854]

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner tells me that it is not possible in the time available to make a full and accurate calculation of the costs.The cost of the police operation was wholly borne by the Metropolitan Police. The four day operation required 855 officer days, at a cost of £168,073. In addition, £51,058 was incurred in overtime. No account has been taken of additional support services costs involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Criminal Cases Review Commission will conclude its consideration of the case of Mark Darren Day, convicted of murder on 26 March 1993 at the Central Criminal Court. [37508]

I understand that the Criminal Cases Review Commission has completed its initial assessment of Mr. Day's application, which is now awaiting the availability of staff time for a detailed review. Applications at this stage are regularly reviewed for the priority that can be given within available resources and Mr. Day was last informed of the position on 23 March. The Commission cannot say when it will conclude its consideration of his case; this will depend on the issues raised in the case and the work identified to be done, both initially and as the case progresses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of children aged under 16 years who have run away from home. [37686]

The available information is from the National Missing Persons Bureau, which was set up by the Home Office in 1994 as a national resource for information on vulnerable people who go missing. The Bureau maintains information on people who have been missing for over 28 days. Cases of persons missing for shorter periods may also be referred to the Bureau if the referring police force has particular cause for concern. At present, the National Missing Persons Bureau has records of 125 children under 16 who have been missing for more than 28 days and 36 children who have been missing for shorter periods. It is not known whether they are runaways or if there are other causes for their disappearance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if slot machines in pubs fall under his Department's definition of hard gambling; what recent research on this subject his Department has evaluated; and if he will make a statement. [38063]

How hard or soft a particular form of gambling is depends on its intrinsic features and the statutory controls which are applied.

Project Title	Status	Publication
Age limits for Mother and Baby Units	completed	Not yet published. Research findings planned
Assessment and management of work related stress among Prison Service staff	Completed	Not yet published—article to go in prison service journal
Attitudes of ethnic minorities to crime and criminal justice	ongoing	Findings to be incorporated on "Young People in multi-ethnic Britain"
Attrition of racial incidents cases	deferred because of the introduction of new legislation	—
Classification systems for sex offenders (Part I)	ongoing	Final report received —Home Office will publish a research findings shortly
Community Sentence Demonstration Projects	ongoing
Comparative costs and performance of private and public prisons	completed	Review of Comparative Costs and Performance of Privately and Publicly Operated Prisons 1996–97, Prison Service Research Report December 1997
Conceptual Framework for Crime prevention	ongoing	—

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the UK Periodic report to the UN Committee Against Torture to be completed; and if he will place the report in the Library. [37222]

The United Kingdom's Third Periodic Report under Article 19 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture has been submitted to the United Nations by the United Kingdom Mission in Geneva. Copies have been placed in the Library and have been sent to organisations with a known interest in the subject area. The report is also available on the Internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the titles of projects (a) undertaken and (b) completed by the Home Affairs Research and Statistics Directorate in the past six months, indicating which of these have been published and how their findings have been made available. [37221]

The following projects were either ongoing or completed during the period October 1997 to March 1998. Where a project has been completed, the publication reference is given: