To ask the President of the Council what is the budget under the direct control of the United Kingdom Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator. [40262]

The UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Keith Hellawell, is a special adviser to the Government, and as such has no budget to spend. As part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, he has overseen a review of existing drug resources. This has informed the Government's new anti-drugs strategy, 'Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain', launched last month. This estimated that the Government currently spend about £1.4 billion a year on anti-drugs activity within departmental programmes. An announcement on funding from 1999–2000 will be made later in the year, following the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which SSNs are presently undergoing refit; when the work commenced; and when they are expected to be rededicated. [40868]

The following submarines are currently in refit with the dates of commencement and rededication as shown:

Submarine	Date of commencement	Rededication
HMS Tireless	June 1996	January 1999
HMS Torbay	January 1998	Estimated February 2001
HMS Superb	August 1994	April 1998
HMS Sceptre	May 1997	June 2000

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Weapon Diagnostic Division at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston, was set up; what is the purpose of this division; how many series of technical papers or reports are currently being produced by this division; and what are the names of each series. [40754]

The Weapon Diagnostic Division of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston was created in 1979 and disbanded in 1994. Its function was to diagnose underground test programme results. As it no longer exists, there are no documents currently being produced by the Weapon Diagnostic Division.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1998, Official Report, columns 552–53, on the Atomic Weapons Establishment, how many audit reports have been produced by the Directorate of Quality Assurance since 1 January 1995; and how many of these reports are unclassified. [40768]

The Directorate of Quality Assurance has produced over 1,200 audit reports since 1 January 1995. Of these, only one was classified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 April 1998, Official Report, column 553, on the Atomic Weapons Establishment, if he will list the unclassified reports in the untitled series of papers produced by the Warhead Engineering Division, indicating the title of each paper and the date on which each paper was produced. [40753]

I am today placing a list in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring his Department conducts on the extent to which outside individuals have attempted to hack into his Department's computer system; how often reports are made on this matter; and what is the current security classification of such reports. [40755]

Ministry of Defence policy on the connection of computer systems to external data networks, such as the Internet, is that the computer system should be dedicated to the purpose and, unless the system processes only unclassified data, be protected by a security architecture which includes firewall technology that monitors attempts at hacking. There is no evidence of a successful intrusion from an external source to any MOD computer system.The MOD is a contributing Department to the Government-wide Unified Incident Reporting and Alert Scheme, UNIRAS, run by the Security Service. Security incidents, including attempts at hacking, are reported to UNIRAS and an annual report, classified RESTRICTED, is produced by the Security Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many authors of submissions by outside organisations and individuals to the Strategic Defence Review have consented to their submissions being made public; and by what means members of the public may view these submissions. [40668]

486 authors of submissions by outside organisations and individuals to the Strategic Defence Review have consented to their submissions being made public. We are offering to supply copies of the submissions on microfiche to libraries in London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Cambridge, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Birmingham, Bath, Exeter and Oxford. These copies are currently in production.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additional opportunities for training tank regiments are likely to occur with the proposed expansion of NATO to include Poland and Hungary. [41224]

Extensive facilities for brigade-level armoured training in Poland are already available for use by other nations, and the United Kingdom makes regular use of them. The enlargement of NATO is unlikely in itself to result in additional opportunities for armoured training in Poland, Hungary or the Czech Republic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the NATO study on the costs of enlargement. [41543]

The NATO study on the costs of enlargement is a classified document, and I am therefore withholding it under exemption 1 (defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and do not propose to publish it. I have however provided a copy of the study to the Defence Select Committee, whose Third Report of Session 1997–98 (HC 469) reproduces the unclassified information provided to it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how he will ensure that the needs of three year old children are appropriately met in pre-school care. [41660]

The pre-school needs of children up to the age of eight are safeguarded by statute under the Children Act 1989. This requires every local authority to keep a register of persons who act as childminders on domestic premises and also of persons who provide day care in non-domestic premises. The local authority has to be satisfied that those registered are suitable to be looking after children up to this age and have adequate regard to the needs of all children. The Department published, on 27 March 1998, a Consultation Paper on the Regulation of Early Education and Day Care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much public money each New Deal Pathfinder area received from the Government between 1 January and 6 April; and if he will make a statement. [40825]

Although approximately £3.2 million was earmarked to meet the cost of operating the New Deal Pathfinders in 1997–98, with £5m programme expenditure held centrally, it is not possible to give actual expenditure figures at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage change has taken place in the numbers of (a) mature students entering higher education and (b) lone parents entering higher education as mature students in the last year over the previous year. [40823]

The number of mature students entering higher education courses in higher education institutions in the UK rose by 1 per cent. between 1996–97 and 1997–98, from 339,100 to 342,900. Mature students are defined as postgraduates aged 25 and over, and undergraduates aged 21 and over. Information on the numbers of lone parents entering higher education as mature students is not held centrally. However, data from the Labour Force Survey show that the number of lone parents aged 21 or over in full-time higher or further education rose from 207,000 in 1996–97 to 222,000 in 1997–98, representing an increase of 7 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many and what proportion of his Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40742]

The number of appointees to Non-Departmental Public Bodies sponsored by this Department, within the specified age ranges, is as follows:

(i) aged under 25—nil;

(ii) aged 24 to 30—nil;

(iii) aged 31 to 35—one.

This one appointee under 35 years of age, represents 0.6% of the 160 current appointees.The Government are committed to encouraging a wide range of candidates to apply for positions on the boards of public bodies, reflecting the diverse society in which we live. This includes encouraging more young people to put themselves forward as potential candidates for public appointments. All appointments are made on merit, and candidates must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills and experience to match the needs of the public body on which they wish to serve.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when his Department will publish the design of the new deal for the long-term unemployed; when he expects the new deal to begin; and if he will make a statement. [40665]

I will publish this month the design document for the New Deal for people aged 25 and over. The New Deal for people aged 25 and over will begin on 29 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of the Department's energy usage was from (a) renewable energy and (b) combined heating in each year since 1989–90. [40410]

The Department does not, at present, utilise any renewable energy. Since 1995–96, some of the Department's energy has been supplied by combined heat and power. The proportions in each year since 1995–96 are as follows:

Year	Percentage
1995–96	7.53
1996–97	8.14
1997–98	18.76
1 End of year figures for 1997–98 are not yet available. Therefore, the figure has been estimated against the projected outturn

Oil, gas and electricity consumption in accommodation occupied by DfEE
Year	Gas consumption (kWh)	Actual cost £	Gas oil (kWh)	Actual cost £	Electricity (kWh)	Actual cost £	Total consumption (kWh)	Actual cost £
1990–91	16,362,479	194,586	4,155,560	63,202	19,359,731	1,205,638	39,877,770	1,463,426
1991–92	16,543,141	215,385	4,290,339	47,135	21,365,033	1,513,544	42,189,514	1,776,064
1992–93	17,388,136	215,174	74,401	900	21,020,158	1,444,586	38,482,695	1,660,660
1993–94	19,236,941	228,908	42,400	600	20,753,014	1,468,543	40,032,355	1,698,051
1994–95	17,229,941	186,135	—	—	22,012,900	1,407,250	39,242,841	1,593,386
1995–96	14,074,182	113,704	—	—	21,223,204	1,350,526	34,297,386	1,464,230
1996–97	13,588,165	132,708	—	—	22,342,299	1,205,667	35,930,464	1,337,963
1997–981	7,110,025	29,116	—	—	14,565,570	295,481	21,675,595	324,597
1 Only the first three quarters' figures are available

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the establishment of a statutory base for local authority youth services. [40136]

Local authorities have an existing duty under the Education Act 1996 to secure provision of adequate facilities for further education, of which the youth service forms a part. The Green Paper The Learning Age reaffirmed the Government's commitment to placing the youth service on a stronger footing. A consultation paper on the future of the youth service will be issued later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average cost to public funds of training an NHS dentist in the last year for which figures are available. [40104]

The average cost to public funds of training a dentist over five years on the basis of 1996/97 figures was some £120,000 per student, including the costs to the NHS of providing clinical placements but excluding the cost of student support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will ensure that higher education funding is not reduced following the introduction of tuition fees. [41228]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what quantity of (a) oil, (b) gas and (c) electricity, was purchased for the heating, lighting and powering of all accommodation occupied by his Department in each year since 1989–90; and what was the total cost in real terms for (a) to (c) in each year. [40413]

The following table details the information which is available on DfEE consumption and costs for each financial year from 1990–91 to 1997–98. Central records were not held prior to 1990–91; therefore, information for 1989–90 is not included.

As my right hon. Friend said in the House on 23 July 1997, Official Report, column 951, the Government will ensure that savings promised from the new funding arrangements for higher education are used to improve quality, standards and opportunities for all in further and higher education. As evidence of our intention, the funding package announced by my right hon. Friend on 23 September 1997 will allow an extra £165 million to be spent on higher education in 1998–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the earnings of graduates relative to those of non-graduates; and what assessment he has made of the impact of gender on the earnings of graduates. [41593]

Compared with those who obtain the qualifications to go to university but choose not to do so, graduates on average see their earnings rise by broadly a fifth by their early 30s as a direct result of their higher qualifications.Comparing the gross weekly earnings of people whose highest qualification is a degree with the gross weekly earnings of people whose highest qualification is 2 or more A levels shows that both male and female graduates earn more than male and female non-graduates throughout their working life.The pattern of earnings for young women graduates is broadly similar to men, but diverges after the age of 30. Women's earnings are lower than men's on average, reflecting a greater likelihood of part-time work or time out of the labour force. However, after allowing for this, the earnings of graduates compared with non-graduates remains greater for women than men.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in favour of making the care and repair of existing sports facilities eligible for lottery funding; and if he will make a statement. [41134]

I have received several representations calling for Lottery funding to be made available for the care and repair of existing sporting facilities.The English Sports Council, who are responsible for the distribution in England of the Lottery Sports Fund, are in constant dialogue with the Local Government Association, Chief Leisure Officers and Governing Bodies of Sport about the need for the funding of existing sports facilities.The Bill to reform the National Lottery will widen access to the benefits of the Lottery and allow a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to distribution to reflect identified needs. As part of this new approach, I hope the English Sports Council will plan to introduce in future a suitable programme under which existing sporting facilities can apply for funding from the Lottery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take action to reduce the average number of minutes of advertising per hour on commercial television. [41461]

Under the Broadcasting Act 1990 it is for the Independent Television Commission to determine the maximum amount of time to be given to advertisements on licensed television services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has held concerning the early release of files containing information on the historic dumping of radioactive materials at sea. [40871]

Representatives of the Committee of Nuclear Free Local Authorities raised questions about the availability of information on historic dumping of radioactive material at sea when they met the Minister for the Environment on 8 April. The Minister is writing to the Committee in response to the points raised.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of all journeys made in Britain are (a) under one mile and (b) under four miles in length. [41131]

29 per cent. of journeys made by residents of Great Britain are under 1 mile in length, and 63 per cent. are under four miles. (Data from the National Travel Survey, averaged over the years 1994–96.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times the merchant vessel Rema was inspected under port state control arrangements in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the loss of the vessel. [40350]

Four port state inspections were carried out on the merchant vessel REMA in the UK in the past five years. An additional five inspections were carried out in other countries within the region of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding in the period since 20 August 1996. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch will be investigating the loss of the REMA on behalf of the Belize Authorities. A report detailing their findings will be published in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the minimum certificate of competency requirements for the seafarers on the vessel Rema; what was the issuing authority of those certificates of competency; and if the vessel complied with these on the day of her loss. [40349]

The minimum certificate of competency requirements for the seafarers on the vessel REMA being registered in Belize are stipulated by the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize in accordance with Regulation V/13(b) of SOLAS. The vessel's Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, issued 10 February 1998, specifies One Master, One First Mate and One Engineer Officer. These were the only personnel required to hold certificates of competency. When the vessel was inspected in February 1998, the certificates of competency were issued by the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize. It is not possible to say if the vessel complied with the requirements of the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate on the day of her loss.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide details of the last port state control inspection of the vessel Rema, listing the areas of deficiency; and what actions were taken by the vessel's owners to remedy the deficiencies. [40354]

The last port State inspection of the vessel REMA in Montrose, UK, on 9 February 1998 resulted in detention of the vessel. It was released on 13 February 1998, after all detainable deficiencies had been rectified.

Deficiencies	Action taken by owners
Detainable deficiencies
Captain unable to produce certificate of competency	Rectified
No personnel on board able to produce radio certificate	Rectified
Various navigation charts out of date	Rectified
Various nautical publications out of date	Rectified
No fire fighting system in paint locker	Rectified
Fire hose leaking	Rectified
No lifeboats or equivalent on board as required by SOLAS 60	Rectified
Radio batteries found dry and in need of replacement	Rectified

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the minimum manning requirements were for the vessel Rema; and if the ship complied with these on the date of her loss. [40352]

The minimum manning requirement for the vessel REMA, being registered in Belize, is as stipulated by the International Merchant Marine Register of Belize in the vessel's Minimum Safe Manning Certificate. When the vessel was inspected in Montrose in February 1998, the minimum safe manning required by Belize was four and it was noted that there was no Engineer Officer aboard. When this was queried, Belize responded by producing a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate for seven, including an Engineer officer, but the ship had life-saving appliances and accommodation for only five. As this was approximately the manning that could be reasonably expected on a vessel of this size and type, the REMA was released from detention with a crew of five, including an Engineer Officer, on the condition that the discrepancy between the Safe Manning Document and life saving appliance was rectified, by Belize, before departure from the next port after release from detention. Once again we cannot say whether there were five aboard the vessel at the time of her loss.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions the vessel Rema was detained following port state control inspections in the past five years; and if he will list the dates of and reasons for the detentions. [40351]

Belize flag vessels detained by United Kingdom: 1993–31 March 1998
Name of vessel	Ship type	GT	Date detained	Date released	Date Place of detention	Reasons for detention
Rose	General cargo	299	14/7/93	5/8/93	Topsham	Manning, fire-fighting and life-saving appliance deficiencies.
Eagle	Bulk carrier	499	5/1/94	28/1/94	Montrose	No certificated master or deck officer on board. Certificates issued by non-recognised authority.
Eastwind	Supply vessel	110	1/9/94	8/9/94	Grangemouth	No loadline certificate. No liferafts, no lifejackets, no certificated mate, inadequate navigation lights, inadequate charts and tide tables.

The vessel REMA was detained once following port state inspections in the UK in the past five years, and once by another member of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding in the period since 20 August 1996.

Date	Reasons for detention
9 February 1998 UK	Captain unable to produce certificate of competency
	No personnel on board able to produce a radio certificate
	Various navigation charts out of date
	Various nautical publications out of date
	No fire fighting system in paint locker
	Fire hose leaking
	No lifeboats or equivalent on board as required by SOLAS 60
	Radio batteries found dry and in need of replacement

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if she will publish the report of the investigation into the loss of the 'Rema' vessel by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. [41000]

The MAIB will be investigating the loss of the REMA on behalf of the Belize authorities. A report detailing their findings will be published in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the reasons for the detention of all Belize-registered vessels under Port State Control arrangements in the past five years. [40998]

The table gives details on the 23 Belize-flag vessels detained by the UK from April 1993 to March 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (a) how many and (b) what percentage of vessels passing through British ports have been inspected under Port State Control arrangements (i) in the past year, (ii) in the past two years and (iii) in the past five years. [40999]

The number inspected during the periods requested is as follows:

PSC inspections by UK
	Number inspected	% inspected
April 1997–March 1998	1,890	27.6
April 1996–March 1998	3,770	27.5
April 1993–March 1998	10,239	30.4

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (a) how many and (b) what percentage of vessels that have been inspected by Port State Control arrangements have subsequently been detained (i) in the past year, (ii) in the past two years and (iii) in the past five years. [41007]

The number inspected and detained during the periods requested is as follows:

	Number detained	% detained
April 1997–March 1998	179	9.4
April 1996–March 1998	336	8.9
April 1993–March 1998	963	9.4

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (a) how many and (b) what percentage of vessels that have been detained following an inspection by the Port State Control (i) in the past year, (ii) in the past two years and (iii) in the past five years had (a) a British port of registry and (b) a Belize port of registry. [41009]

The number detained as figures and percentages of total detentions during the periods requested is given in the table. These figures are based on inspections conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. The British-flag vessels include those registered in overseas Territories.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 April 1998, Official Report, column 294, if he will list (a) the names and locations of licensed landfill sites used in the disposal of contaminated soil from the area of the Greenwich Peninsula which is to be leased to the New Millennium Experience Company, (b) the names of contractors used for the disposal, (c) the statutory provisions under which consultations were carried out with local residents at selected licensed landfill sites, (d) the total cost of removal and (e) the cost to Government funds of the disposal. [40599]

The information requested is:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what agreements have been reached in respect of the importation of toxic waste from South Africa for disposal by Rechem in South Wales; what quantities are involved; and if he will make a statement. [41196]

[holding answer 8 May 1998]: No agreements have been reached in respect of the import of toxic waste from South Africa. In March 1998, the Environment Agency received a request from the Government of the Republic of South Africa to export 5,550 tonnes of wastes into the United Kingdom over a three year period. The wastes in question were a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides and hexachlorobenzene, destined for disposal by high temperature incineration. This request was technically deficient and contained unacceptable caveats. It was therefore refused.On 24 April 1998, a revised request was received from the Republic of South Africa for an increased total of 5,850 tonnes of wastes. The Agency is currently considering this request.The Agency is obliged to consider each such "duly motivated request" on its own merits, within the terms of the policies set out in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste. It is Agency policy to determine a completed request within two months of receipt.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement in respect of the importation of toxic waste for incineration. [41195]

[holding answer 8 May 1998]: The importation of waste into the UK is governed by Council Regulation EEC 259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the European Community (the Waste Shipment Regulation). The UK's policy is set out in the United Kingdom Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, which came into effect on 1 June 1996. The Plan:

generally prohibits imports of waste from EC Member States for high temperature incineration in the UK after 1 June 1999. At present, imports are permitted on a reducing basis, to assist other Member States, pending completion of their own high temperature incineration facilities;

excepts Ireland and Portugal from this ban, as the Government accept that neither country produces sufficient hazardous wastes per year to make the provision of their own high temperature incinerators economically viable;

generally prohibits imports for high temperature incineration from OECD countries outside the EC, except in cases of emergency;

allows imports from developing (non-OECD) countries, where the UK Government or its Environment Agency are satisfied that the exporting country does not have and cannot reasonably acquire the technical capacity and necessary facilities to deal with the waste in an environmentally sound manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will review the decision to close the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool; [41573](2) for what reason no operational reasons were given for the closure of the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool; [41570](3) what estimate he has made of the saving resulting from the closure of the Maritime Rescue Subcentre in Liverpool. [41574]

The Coastguard Agency (now part of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency) issued a consultation document on 19 January which set out a 5-year strategy for Her Majesty's Coastguard. The document included, among other things, operational aspects of the proposed closure of four Coastguard stations and the co-location of two others. Analysis of the consultation, including the proposed closure of the Liverpool Maritime Rescue Subcentre, is currently being considered and an announcement will be made shortly. During the life of the strategy, we expect there to be a major contribution to the cost of investment in the Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 30 March concerning a constituent, Ref PT/AG/PSO 7452/98. [41462]

I replied to my hon. Friend's letter on Friday 1 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on plans to decommission the nuclear power station at Trawsfyndd. [40872]

I have been asked to reply.Subject to meeting the requirements of the Regulators, decommissioning of the Trawsfyndd nuclear power station is a matter for its operator, Magnox Electric plc, and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the work of the Social Exclusion Unit on school exclusions and truancy. [41752]

I launched the Social Exclusion Unit last December, with a remit to co-ordinate and improve Government action to reduce social exclusion. As one of its first priorities, I asked it to report by Easter on how to make a step change in the scale of truancy and exclusions from school, and to find better solutions for those who have to be excluded. The Unit has worked closely on this task with other Government Departments, drawing on outside expertise and research, as well as a wide programme of visits and meetings and a written consultation exercise.The Government have now reached their conclusions. These decisions, and the underlying analysis, are set out in the Unit's report

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the consultation papers published since 1 May 1997, giving date of publication, closing date for submissions and, where relevant, the number of respondents. [39907]

The details requested by my hon. Friend are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the relevance of the evidence of Mr. James T. Thurman to the investigation into the Lockerbie bombing; and if he will discuss that evidence with the relatives of the victims. [41577]

My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate gave his assurance in another place on 25 June 1997, Official Report, House of Lords, column 1572, that he was satisfied on the information available to him that there was no reason not to proceed with the petition warrants issued in respect of the two Libyan accused. On 6 October 1995, the then Lord Advocate wrote to my hon. Friend confirming that proof of the case against the two Libyan accused does not depend on evidence which Mr. Thurman might give. That remains the position. The evidence available to the prosecuting and investigation authorities cannot be discussed while criminal proceedings are pending for fear of prejudicing the prospects of a criminal trial.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has made to the Governments of Caribbean and other countries where Montserrat citizens rendered homeless by volcanic activity are resident about their eligibility for social security and other benefits; and if she will make a statement. [40921]

Department for International Development (DFID) officials have raised this matter in discussions with the Governments in the region and in North America who have received the largest number of evacuees. These have indicated their willingness to allow Montserratian evacuees who are legally resident to have equal access to their education, health and social services as afforded to their own citizens. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) survey will provide information on whether evacuees are experiencing any difficulties in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) when she will establish a charitable fund for Montserratian refugees in the Caribbean who are unable to become independent because of age or disability; what will be its size and scope; and if she will take a statement; [41026](2) what will be the cost to her Department of the Hardship Fund for Montserratian refugees in the Caribbean region; how many people will benefit; and if she will make a statement. [41031]

A Special Needs Fund (previously called the Hardship and Charitable Fund) is being established to support Non-Governmental Organisations assisting these groups. We have advertised, seeking expressions of interest from NGOs in the region. The size of the Fund will depend upon the initial response.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will publish the six month scientific re-assessment of volcanic risks in Montserrat. [41035]

A summary of the latest scientific reassessment of volcanic risks was published by a joint committee of scientists from the British Geological Survey and the University of the West Indies on Montserrat on Tuesday 5 May. Copies are being made available to Montserratian community groups in the UK and in the region. I have today laid a copy in the Library of the House.The full report will be available shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her officials have conducted with officers of the Montserrat Building Society; and if she will make a statement. [40916]

Discussions have been limited to a brief presentation by Montserrat Building Society officers to Department for International Development (DFID) officials in January 1998. My officials passed on their comments to officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which is responsible for co-ordinating HMG's policy towards Montserrat, at the subsequent Montserrat Action group.HMG has decided that we cannot support the Montserrat Building Society, a private institution, which is insolvent, only partially liquid and not commercially viable. This decision has been conveyed to the Government of Montserrat.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the (a) Red Cross and (b) other agencies about the future of food vouchers for citizens of Montserrat rendered homeless by volcanic activity; and if she will make a statement. [40920]

The Department for International Development (DFID) officials have regular contact with the Red Cross and other agencies about a range of matters concerning Montserratian citizens. We will shortly appoint Consultants to review the social welfare system on the island.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will introduce a soft mortgage scheme for citizens of Montserrat. [41033]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has previously said that she is prepared to provide funding for a soft mortgage facility. We have engaged consultants to identify regional financial institutions which might be interested in co-financing the project. We hope that it will be possible to reach agreement with such an institution by June.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she will publish the report by UNICEF into the needs of Montserratian evacuees in the Caribbean region. [41028]

We expect to receive UNICEF's report by the end of July and will discuss with them how the report's findings can be made publicly available.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she will publish the results of the feasibility study for an airstrip in Montserrat. [41034]

A draft airstrip feasibility study is currently under discussion between the consultants, HMG and the Government of Montserrat. We expect to receive a final report in June. The results of the study will be made known shortly thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people in Montserrat are currently living in shelters; and when they will be rehoused. [41036]

There are currently some 512 people living in shelters. The vast majority of individuals with special needs and families currently in shelters will be re-housed by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what requests for assistance she has received from Governments other than Antigua who have received Montserratian refugees; and what has been her response. [41032]

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has requested assistance to cover additional costs related to providing Montserratian evacuees access to health, education and social services. We have told them we are not prepared to reimburse them directly for such costs, but would consider assistance for specific additional education or health facilities if there is an established need. No requests for assistance have been received from other Governments. Antigua has received a much larger number of Montserratian evacuees than any other country in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she will publish the sustainable development plan for Montserrat. [40931]

We are currently considering a draft sustainable development plan with the Government of Montserrat. Assuming that agreement can be reached on the outstanding points this month, a draft will be made available to the public in June.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to assist the improvement of police accommodation in Montserrat. [41027]

We have just received outline proposals from the Government of Montserrat for the improvement of police accommodation on the island. These are under consideration and an announcement will be made in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has for future financial support for Montserrat citizens rendered homeless by volcanic activity; and if she will make a statement. [40929]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development has previously said that she is prepared to fund the servicing of additional land required to meet the needs of those remaining on Montserrat. The Department for International Development (DFID) and Government of Montserrat officials are discussing the amount of land required and the location. The Secretary of State has also indicated her willingness to provide funding for a soft mortgage facility. When added to the housing we, and other donors, are already providing, these projects should meet the housing needs of the current population in shelters.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the employment prospects of Montserratians rendered homeless by volcanic activity who are resident in (a) Montserrat, (b) Antigua and (c) elsewhere; and if she will make a statement. [40915]

An assessment of Montserratians' employment projects was undertaken for the development of the small enterprise initiatives for Montserrat and Antigua. The conclusion was that assistance was required to improve employment and income earning potential: arrangements are now in place on Montserrat and planned to be later this month, on Antigua. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) survey currently underway will provide the information on the employment prospects of those evacuees located elsewhere in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will provide a breakdown of how the funds so far spent on helping Montserrat deal with the volcanic crisis have been applied; and how the further £14 million committed will be applied. [41025]

Since the start of the crisis, the Department for International Development (DFID) has committed £62 million in assistance to Montserrat of which about £50 million has been spent: £16 million of budgetary aid and £34 million of emergency and development aid. Of the remaining £12 million, £7 million is additional budgetary support for 1998 with the balance being primarily allocated for housing.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many businesses have been started in Antigua by Montserratian evacuees with support from her Department; and at what cost. [41029]

A project to assist those Montserratian evacuees in Antigua wishing to start their own business is currently being developed with the assistance of regional consultants. We hope that the project will start by the end of May.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what will be the cost of the Community Empowerment Project for Montserratian evacuees in the Caribbean region; how many will benefit; and if she will make a statement. [41030]

Up to £250,000 has been allocated for the Community Empowerment Project. It is intended that the project will help Montserratian evacuees to become financially independent. All Montserratian evacuees in the region will be able to seek advice from the organisations supported by the project and to improve their access to host Government social services.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the findings of the Environmental Resources Management report of March 1997, Evaluation of Environmental Performance of EC Programmes in Developing Countries. [41108]

The report, entitled Evaluation of the Environmental Performance of EC Programmes in Developing Countries, was recently published and distributed by the European Commission. The evaluation is acknowledged within and outside the Commission to have been a very useful exercise, which presents detailed findings and recommendations on aspects of policy and practice.We are waiting for the Commission's response to the report. We then intend to monitor follow-up work and examine ways in which we can assist the Commission in their efforts. However, the Commission is reorganising its foreign policy services in order to rationalise and streamline policy formulation and implementation. This reorganisation can be expected to address many issues raised by the report. In particular, the Commission's capacity to implement recommendations should be strengthened as manpower and technical resource deficiencies are addressed. The Commission is also in the process of substantially revising its

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to ensure that European Commission development assistance is spent in an effective and efficient way and that environmental and social procedures are improved and implemented. [41109]

We continue to seek to ensure resources are spent effectively and efficiently through dialogue with Commission officials in Brussels and in delegations, and through our active participation in the Commission's management committees. We have also seconded 13 staff to work in the external development Directorates-General to use their expertise to assist the Commission. Amongst those seconded are a social development adviser and a forestry specialist.Although the European Commission's own internal project cycle management guidance stresses the importance of cross cutting issues such as environmental and social issues in the project cycle, continuing efforts are required to ensure this is always fully reflected in the design and implementation of projects and programmes.This is why one of DFID's priorities during the UK Presidency has been to try and improve the poverty focus and effectiveness of the Community's aid programmes. This has involved reviewing the implementation of important previous policy resolutions, on poverty and gender, to see how effective we have been and consider what more needs to be done to improve performance and impact in these key areas. We expect conclusions on this work to be adopted at the Development Council on 18 May.In addition, we are seeking to promote the integration of environmental and social issues into the programme and project cycle through: our participation on the Commission's Scientific Environmental Monitoring Group and the forestry and water expert groups; providing a project leader to prepare an EC/Member States strategy for bio-diversity conservation; working closely with the European Commission to develop procedural guidelines on the integration of social and environmental issues into development projects.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the inward investment projects located in intermediate status areas for which his Department permitted the higher development areas job subsidy limit to apply in each of the years from 1987 to 1992. [39723]

From 1987 to 1992, the Treasury approved two offers of Regional Selective Assistance for inward investment into an intermediate status area where the cost per job ceiling for intermediate status areas was exceeded. Approval was granted in 1991 for Heller Machine Tools (UK) Ltd for a project in the West Midlands, and in 1989 for Koya Bearings (Europe) Ltd for a project in Yorkshire and Humberside.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the National Audit Office retains the necessary powers to audit the Scottish block, following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament. [40930]

The National Audit Office will retain the powers to audit the expenditure of the Secretary of State for Scotland, including the payment of grant into the Scottish Consolidated Fund. Expenditure out of the Scottish Consolidated Fund will be audited by an independent auditor or auditors reporting to the Scottish Parliament as provided for in clause 66(1)(c) of the Scotland Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what proportion of his Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40739]

The information is as follows: (i) 32, 1.0%; (ii) 123, 3.7%; (iii) 212, 6.4%.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the criteria used by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency in drawing up their list of ports proposed for designation. [41353]

Proposals to introduce designated ports for vessels of 20 metres overall length or above landing non-pelagic fish into the UK were announced by the Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) on 3 March 1998, Official Report, column 593. The proposed designated landing ports in Scotland are essentially those where the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency currently has a Sea Fisheries Inspectorate office and where there is a recognised auction market. There are, however, two exceptions. Excluded from the list is the port of Arbroath where the local office will be closed on 1 July 1998 following a decrease of whitefish landings into the port. Scalloway has no SFI office, but has been included in recognition of the scale of landings made there. Additionally, the Scottish ports listed in the consultation paper account for approximately 90% of all non-pelagic landings in terms of tonnage and value made by the vessels to be included in the proposed scheme.The proposed arrangements are currently the subject of a consultation exercise with the industry and harbour authorities. Careful consideration will be given to all comments received, including those relating to the list of ports which are to be designated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if exports of beef to the European Union have recommenced; what support she is giving to the Northern Ireland beef industry to regain their markets in Europe; and if she will make a statement about the prospects of the Northern Ireland beef industry. [40861]

While the Export Certified Herds Scheme has been approved, exports of Northern Ireland beef cannot resume until the European Commission sets a date for the lifting of the ban. That will depend on the outcome of the recent visit to Northern Ireland by European Commission Inspectors.The industry has submitted a case for Government assistance towards regaining export markets as part of an overall redmeat development strategy agreed by the relevant industry interest. The case for Government support is being considered.The Government recognise the importance of the beef sector to the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and is aware of the serious difficulties which it has faced since March 1996. Within the context of the declining long-term trend in consumption of beef and the direction of reform of the beef regime set out by the European Commission in Agenda 2000, the Government would wish to see the Northern Ireland beef industry re-establish itself as a significant force in export markets.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to (a) support Ivory Coast cocoa producers in efforts to deal with black pod disease and (b) support Brazilian cocoa producers in efforts to suppress the witches broom fungus and to preserve rainforests in which cacao trees grow; and if he will make a statement on the threatened world shortage of chocolate. [41370]

Despite the recent reports in the press, there is no evidence that black pod disease is adversely affecting cocoa production in the Ivory Coast. Nevertheless, a wide range of cocoa diseases are being tackled by the world-wide research programmes. The International Cocoa Organisation, of which the UK Government are an active member, is co-ordinating various projects aimed at combating cocoa diseases and addressing other difficulties affecting cocoa production. There is a specific project to fight witches broom disease in Brazil.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for consultation over any proposed changes to the quarantine laws. [41001]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Sir R. Powell) on 20 April 1998, Official Report, column 488.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what percentage of applications, in relation to his Department's research budget, were from women, for (a) project grants, (b) programme grants, (c) special grants intended for new investigators, (d) studentships and (e) fellowships, in 1997 and each of the two previous years; [40885](2) what percentage of applications from women, in relation to his Department's research budget, were successful for

The Ministry places its R and D work, through contracts and commissions, with research establishments and universities rather than individuals. I regret, therefore, that the information sought in these questions is not available to us.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will ensure that the Child Support Agency updates the common inquiry system when there are changes in the level of child maintenance owing to a lone parent receiving income support; and if she will make a statement; [40207](2) what is the average time taken between an application by the Benefits Agency to the Child Support Agency for child maintenance to be paid direct to a lone parent following a move off income support and implementation of that request; and if she will make a statement. [40211]

Regular payments of maintenance can transform the lives of lone mothers and their children, providing a stable income that can help them off Income Support and into work. We expect the Child Support Agency to provide a consistent, fair and efficient service to all its clients.The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb), of 21 April 1998, Official Report, columns 607–08, on focus group research, if she will list for each research project (a) the expected completion date and (b) the means by which the findings from the completed research projects will be made public. [40836]

The expected completion dates of those projects which were commissioned as part of the Department's Research Programme, and which relate to the development and evaluation of policy, are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of her Department's appointees to non-departmental public bodies are (i) aged under 25, (ii) aged 25 to 30 and (iii) aged 31 to 35 years. [40735]

The information is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what dates each of the monthly statistics for the Benefit Integrity Project for each month since November 1997 were placed in the Library; and when the next monthly statistics will be available. [41504]

A full set of Benefit Integrity Project statistics up to the end of March 1998 was placed in the Library on 8 May 1998. Owing to an error, statistics relating to earlier months were not previously placed in the Library.The release of statistics for February and March was delayed as work was undertaken to improve presentation of the data. The Disability Benefits Consortium have been invited to comment on the revised format. Their comments and suggestions will be reflected in the presentation of statistics relating to May 1998 and beyond.Any comments Members may have on the new format would also be welcome.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will adopt a plutonium dispersal strategy. [40329]

[holding answer 7 May 1998]: All civil plutonium in the United Kingdom, whether separated or in spent fuel, is stored safely and securely under relevant national and international regulations. It is for the owners of spent nuclear fuel and plutonium to choose their preferred management options subject to meeting the necessary environmental and regulatory requirements.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to review current policy on the reprocessing of nuclear waste. [41167]

Almost all spent nuclear fuel can be recycled to provide further energy supplies, and accordingly is not classified as waste. The Government have no plans to review their current policy on the management of spent nuclear fuel, which was set out most recently in the policy document entitled "United Kingdom Civil Nuclear Policy including Plutonium", a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House on 30 January.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of (a) the economic benefits and (b) the safety implications of (i) dry storage and (ii) reprocessing of nuclear waste. [41168]

Almost all spent nuclear fuel can be recycled to provide further energy supplies and accordingly is not classified as waste. Government policy is that it is for the owner of spent nuclear fuel to determine the economic aspects of the various options for its management. The Health and Safety Executive will ensure that no option is carried out unless it meets adequate standards of safety.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of spent fuel have been reprocessed to date through the Thorp Plant at Sellafield; and if she will list the throughput targets provided to her Department by BNFL before active commissioning of the plant in March 1994. [40637]

I understand from BNFL that, as at the end of March 1998, the Thorp plant had sheared some 1,450 tonnes of spent fuel since the plant was actively commissioned in March 1994.In July 1993 BNFL published a document entitled 'The Economic & Commercial Justification for Thorp'. That document stated that the expected throughput for the first ten years of Thorp's operation would be 7,000 tonnes.I understand that there are currently no plans to change this target.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current estimated cost of refurbishment of the reprocessing facility at Dounreay to be used to process the uranium fuel recently received from Georgia; when the plant is expected to be ready; and what further foreign customers she expects to use the plant. [40670]

The unirradiated fuel, which amounts to eighty per cent of the uranium fuel received from Georgia, will be processed in existing equipment at Dounreay which does not require refurbishment. It is likely to be two years before the remaining twenty per cent., which has been irradiated, will be reprocessed. This could be done in one of a number of different plants and a decision has yet to be made about which one to use. As the plant used will also be used to reprocess other material, it is not possible to say at this stage what share of the refurbishment cost will fall to the irradiated Georgian fuel.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements currently govern the period over which radioactive waste arising from reprocessing foreign fuel at Dounreay may be stored at the site before it is repatriated to the country of origin; and if he will place in the Library a specimen contract covering such arrangements. [40641]

All waste arising from reprocessing activities at Dounreay will continue to be stored in accordance with the regulatory requirements in force at the time. UKAEA contracts for reprocessing foreign nuclear materials are commercially confidential but they all comply with Government policy on nuclear waste repatriation (in force since 1976) by including a clause stipulating that waste will be returned. In all such cases this return of waste condition is backed by a Government to Government agreement. The Georgian highly enriched uranium (HEU) was recently transferred to Dounreay to improve international security. In this case, an exception to the general policy on return of waste was agreed because the Georgians do not have the capability to deal with the small quantity of waste involved.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what initiatives the Government are taking to promote United Kingdom engineering design during their Presidency of the EU. [41104]