To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter dated 22 February 1941 from the Experimental Station, Porton near Salisbury reference numbers S.B. 3288/R.D. Arm 6 and Ptn/1552 (R.2840) SS/PB. [43928]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the outcome of the major incident co-ordinating group meeting held at the chemical and biological defence division of DERA at Porton Down on 1 May, in relation to unidentified buried ordnance at the defence nuclear, biological and chemical centre at Winterbourne Gunner; who attended that meeting; and when the next meeting will be held. [43924]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when (a) Wiltshire Constabulary, (b) Wiltshire Fire Brigade and (c) the County Emergency Planning Officer for Wiltshire were consulted as part of Operation Abbott concerning expended and unexpended mortar bombs and shells; and what assessment he has made of how many contained mustard gas and phosgene. [43926]

The Wiltshire Constabulary and the County Emergency Planning Officer (CEPO) for Wiltshire County Council, also acting on behalf of Wiltshire Fire Service, were advised in July last year of the possible need for an Army clearance operation in Winterbourne Gunner, to be called Operation Abbott. However, further consultation was postponed pending a detailed survey of the land in question, and subsequent discussion in my Department of the need for a clearance operation. The Wiltshire Fire Service and the CEPO, also acting on behalf of Wiltshire Constabulary, were then invited to a meeting on 18 May this year, to discuss my Department's current position regarding the clearance.My Department has made no assessment of how much ordnance expended at Winterbourne Gunner contained phosgene; however, on the evidence of ordnance that has emerged at Winterbourne Gunner in the past, we estimate that some 15% of ordnance fired there might have contained either chemical agents or harmless chemical simulants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what abandoned ordnance was found at Home Farm, West Cottingworth, York, at RAF Escrick, at RAF Clifton, York and at Clifton Moor and Royde Mills, Huddersfield; if the ground has now been cleared; and at what cost. [43927]

RAF Escrick, situated on Home Farm land at West Cottingworth, was cleared in 1995 in an exercise known as Operation Capsicum Jar. This clearance operation removed six live 61b ground bombs, 2 inert 61b ground bombs and some 4,600 flame floats. Costs of the clearance are not held centrally, and could now be obtained only at disproportionate cost, but we know 728 man-days were spent on the task. Assuming average pay rates this would equate to a rough order of manpower costs of some £30,000. There would have been further costs for plant hired during the clearance operation, but these are not available.We are unable to find any reference to clearance exercises at RAF Clifton.We believe that Royde Mills was an ICI establishment, which was sold to the local authority in 1991.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the chemical and biological defence division of DERA was first asked to prepare a plan for the clearance of ordnance and other metal objects from fields adjacent to the Defence Nuclear Biological and Chemical Centre at Winterbourne Gunner; what was their estimate of the cost; and what were the reasons he decided not to proceed. [43925]

The Chemical and Biological Defence, CBD, sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA, has not been asked to prepare a plan for such a clearance. It has provided expert advice to Headquarters Land Command, which has the responsibility for preparing such a plan in this instance, and we would also expect CBD/DERA to provide technical advice and support in the disposal of any chemical weapons materials were a clearance operation to be mounted. No decision has been taken to mount or not to mount a clearance operation at this site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to issue licences for cub hunting on his Department's land; and what restrictions will be placed on these licences. [43862]

Foxhunting with hounds takes place on the Defence Estate under licence and is conducted in accordance with the rules of the Master of Foxhounds Association and the additional restriction that the practices of digging out and holding up are not permitted.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the projected costs to the public purse of works associated with the construction of the Birmingham Northern Relief Road. [43285]

Under the concession agreement with Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) the costs and risks of constructing the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (BNRR) and its link roads are for MEL. There are, of course, certain non-works costs involved in promoting a private finance scheme that fall to the Government.Works associated with the BNRR include reconstruction of the existing M42 near Water Orton to enable its use by BNRR traffic. Under the agreement the major part of the costs of this work is to be met by MEL, but the Department is to contribute a share currently estimated at £20m. This provision reflects the fact that not all traffic on that section will use the BNRR.Further costs to the public purse could result from any changes imposed by the Department to the specifications included in the Concession Agreement, for example changes reflecting revised engineering standards. Where imposed changes involve extra costs to the Concessionaire the Department must meet the costs involved. At present the costs of identified changes seem unlikely to exceed £1.5m.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many motorists there were on British roads in (i) 1994, (ii) 1995, (iii) 1996 and (iv) 1997. [43482]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: Information on the number of 'active' driving licence holders (the nearest equivalent available data) is normally derived from the National Travel Survey; however, annual estimates cannot be made from this source. It is estimated that there were an average of 30.1 million full car licence holders for the years 1994–96.Yearly estimates of licensed vehicle stock in Great Britain are available on an annual basis and are detailed.

At end of year	All vehicles	Of which motorcars
1994	25,231.3	21,199.2
1995	25,369.4	21,394.2
1996	26,301.9	22,237.5
1997	26,973.8	22,831.7

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what steps he is taking to enlist the support of (a) the United Nations and (b) the European Union for measures to protect British seafarers against piracy; and if he will make a statement; [44028](2) when he expects to complete the revision of and re-issue the Piracy and Armed Robbery Merchant Shipping Notice (No. 1517); and if he will make a statement. [44027]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 8 April 1998, Official Report, column 285, and reiterate that the best and most sensible way to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea is through concerted international action through the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The IMO is the United Nations special agency for dealing with maritime issues. We coordinate with EU partners on issues at IMO, including piracy; the European Union has observer status at IMO which enables it to keep abreast of discussions on the subject.In addition to playing an active role at the IMO as one UN Forum, the UK intends to raise its concerns about piracy and armed robbery at sea at the UN General Assembly this Autumn. At UNGA we coordinate with EU partners on maritime subjects. We expect therefore to raise piracy in a coordinated manner, through an EU joint statement.The UK voiced its support for action at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee meeting in London last month supporting, in particular, the planned missions and seminars for key piracy areas. The UK has already made a financial contribution to help fund these initiatives and hopes that they are successful.The revised piracy and armed robbery advice is now contained in a Marine Guidance Note (MGN 75) which will be distributed towards the end of June. Copies are being made available to the Chamber of Shipping and NUMAST, the mariner's union, for onward transmission to their members and it will, for the first time, be available on the internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the basis of Mr. Mike Craven's involvement in the drafting of the Transport White Paper. [43692]

I have taken advice on the content and drafting of the Transport White Paper from a variety of sources including officials here and in other Government Departments, my Panel of Advisers on the White Paper, environmental and transport user groups, academics, the public consultants, advisory groups and special and other advisers. Mr. Craven is one such source of advice. The White Paper is being drafted in the normal way by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress his Department has made in implementing its long-term strategy for the reduction of fossil fuel emissions in terms of (a) encouraging greater energy efficiency, (b) encouraging the use of renewable energy and (c) introducing an integrated transport policy. [43301]

We are aiming to consult this summer on the policy options for delivering our climate change targets. This will largely focus on delivering our legally binding commitment from Kyoto, but will also consider how we might move towards our separate 20 per cent. domestic aim. The consultation paper will build on the outcomes of other reviews, including those on Integrated Transport Policy, Energy Policy, and Utility Regulation. We will then develop a balanced climate change programme under which all sectors of the economy will play their part.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the main contributors, in percentage terms, to total carbon monoxide emissions in the United Kingdom. [43302]

The latest figures available for United Kingdom carbon monoxide emissions are for 1996. Road transport account for 71 per cent. of such emissions, other transport for 17 per cent., industry for 7 per cent., power stations for 4 per cent., and 1 per cent. from waste treatment and disposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the role of the reduction of speed limits as a method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. [43304]

We intend to publish this month our Integrated Transport White Paper which will address the whole issue of traffic management and set out our transport policy to help deliver many environmental, economic and social objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to conclude the periodic electoral review of South Gloucestershire; and if the 1999 unitary election will be conducted on the basis of the new boundaries. [43748]

We are currently considering the representations which we have received on the Commission's recommendations, and intend to announce our preliminary response to the recommendations shortly. Our present intention is for the new arrangements to be established in time for the 1999 elections.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those urban communities of greater than 30,000 population which are more than 60 minutes travel by public transport from the nearest magistrates' court administered by the magistrates' court committee of that county. [43025]

The information requested is not collected centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.In accordance with section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997, decisions on the provision of magistrates' courts are for the relevant magistrates' courts committee to determine, after consultation with its local paying authority.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what will be the annual running cost of adopting the PFI proposal of Derbyshire Magistrates' Court Committee relative to maintaining the status quo; and how this cost is to be funded. [43027]

Current property related running costs amount to c£637,000. No firm figures are currently available for the future cost of the PFI scheme as bids have not yet been invited but, based upon a Public Sector Comparator, the maximum estimate of the running cost element of the annual PFI charge will be c£720,000. Running costs will be paid from the Magistrates' Court Committee's revenue budget which is funded by 80 per cent. direct grant from the Lord Chancellor's Department and a 20 per cent. contribution from the local authority. The capital element of the annual PFI charge will be supported by PFI Credits which will entitle the paying authorities to additional revenue support grant.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what factors may be taken into account by sponsoring authorities when they consider proposals from county magistrates' court committees for reorganisation of courts. [43026]

Section 56 of the Justices of the Peace Act 1997 provides that magistrates' courts committees must consult their paying authority and gives the paying authority sole right of appeal against a magistrates' courts committee's proposals.There are no restrictions on the factors taken into account by a paying authority when considering whether to appeal against a magistrates' courts committee's determination.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 1998, Official Report, columns 69–70, on deaf jurors, for what reasons palantypists are not available for deaf jury members; and if his Department will permit deaf people carrying out jury service to be allowed a palantypist where this is their preferred means of communication support. [42909]

The Crown Court must comply with the Court of Appeal decision that no one, other than a member of the jury, can sit with the jury when they are considering a case. This would make it impossible for a palantypist, or any other person supporting a deaf jury member, to assist during this part of the proceedings.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what information was provided to Foreign Office officials by civil servants as to the nature and occasions on which representatives or organisations funded by Government met Mr. Stephen Kock; [38546](2) what sums of money were paid

I refer my hon. Friend to paragraphs F3.19 and F3.27 in Volume III of the Report of Sir Richard Scott's Inquiry into the Export of Defence Equipment and Dual-Use Goods to Iraq.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Social Exclusion Unit on rates of homelessness in Coventry; [41212](2) what plans the Social Exclusion Unit has to reduce homelessness in the West Midlands Region. [43015]

[holding answers 11 May and 1 June 1998]: The Social Exclusion Unit have been looking into the problem of rough sleeping as one of its first three priorities. I will announce the Government's decisions shortly. Any policy changes proposed will have clear targets and evaluation plans. Policy on wider homelessness issues remain with my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.

To ask the Prime Minister what research the Government have (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on links between poor housing and (i) educational under-achievement, (ii) ill-health and (iii) crime; and what priority will be given in future spending programmes to tackling housing disrepair and housing shortages. [43198]

The Government are examining links between poor housing and a wide range of issues, including health, crime and education.Current research for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) by Bristol University is looking at the effects of poor housing in early life on factors such as poor health and educational attainment later on; Imperial College, London is undertaking a project sponsored by DETR and the Department of Health (DH) examining the links between winter mortality levels and poor housing; a joint DETR/DH research programme is studying the effects of air pollution and damp in the home.Research is also evaluating area based programmes designed to tackle high unemployment, high levels of crime and fear of crime, poor housing, poor environmental quality, poor educational achievement and poor health.The Comprehensive Spending Review was set up to ensure that Government spending is in line with current priorities. It is considering the need to spend on maintaining the existing housing stock and on the provision of new homes.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what cross-department fora have been established since 1 May 1997 concerning older people; what are their terms of reference; which departments are represented; and to whom they report; [43696](2) what plans he has to establish Cabinet level co-ordination of Government policy for older people. [43697]

[holding answers 1 June 1998]: Many Government departments are involved in work which affects older people. This work is being taken forward within existing Government machinery, including ad-hoc inter-departmental groups of officials.Ministerial colleagues and I are taking a close interest in these issues. We recognise that it is important that central Government work together in a co-ordinated way to improve the quality of life for all older people and are considering the best way to achieve this.We recognise that this co-ordination also needs to happen at a local level. On 5 June, we will be formally launching the Better Government for Older People programme. The programme will establish 28 pilots centred on local authorities but involving scores of other local partners to improve public services for older people by better meeting their needs, listening to their views, and encouraging and recognising their contribution.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 20 May 1998, Official Report, column 315, relating to the abolition of duty free, on what factors he based his statement that there was evidence that other countries were prepared to support reversing the position on duty free trade. [43591]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: In my oral answer of 20 May I said that there is no evidence that other countries are prepared to support reversing the position on the abolition of infra-EU duty free sales. I made this statement on the basis of the previous day's discussions at the ECOFIN Council meeting.

To ask the Prime Minister if the Government consulted non-Governmental organisations representing visually-impaired people prior to the design of the No. 10 Downing Street Website. [43553]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: Since the launch of the No. 10 website on 16 April, we have been in contact with non-governmental experts in the field of site design for people with disabilities, including the visually impaired. We are currently considering options for making the site more accessible for these people.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will ensure that under his presidency the EU adopts the anti-poverty strategy targets set for 2005 and 2015 by the Development Assistance Committee. [43576]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: Yes. One of our top development priorities during the UK Presidency is to increase the EU's commitment to implementing the International Poverty Eradication Strategy, of which targets form an important part, and ensuring poverty eradication is at the heart of European development programmes.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development organised a high level seminar on 17 March for the Development Ministers from Member States, and representatives from the Commission and the European Parliament to discuss how to put the International Poverty Eradication Strategy into practice.

To ask the Prime Minister how many of the G8 representatives have adopted the five provisions of the Mauritius Mandate. [43841]

Agreement was reached at both the G8 foreign and finance ministers meeting on 9 May and at the Birmingham Summit itself on issues raised in the Mauritius Mandate. Both meetings agreed to the speedy and determined implementation of debt relief to more countries under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and encouraged all eligible countries to have begun the process of securing debt relief by the year 2000. The meetings also urged all countries that had not already done so to forgive aid-related bilateral debt or to take comparable action for reforming poor countries, and to use export credits to countries eligible for debt relief under the HIPC initiative only for productive expenditure. These agreements follow directly from proposals originally made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Mauritius Mandate.

To ask the Prime Minister what steps have been taken by his Ministers since 1 May 1997 to relieve the debt burden of the poorer Third World countries. [44015]

Since this Government came to office, they have taken an international lead in tackling the problem of debt relief for the world's most heavily indebted countries. In September my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer launched his Mauritius Mandate, which set out many proposals aimed at the speedy and determined implementation of debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. Many of my right hon. Friend's proposals were endorsed by the G8 at the recent Summit in Birmingham, at which debt was a major issue.Following another British initiative, launched by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the G8 foreign and finance ministers meeting on 9 May, agreement was also reached in Birmingham on the need to consider ways for debt relief mechanisms to be used to release more resources for essential rehabilitation in poor countries that have recently emerged from conflict, particularly where those countries have arrears to the International Financial Institutions.Amongst other actions that the British Government have undertaken on debt relief, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer held a seminar on the issue which church leaders and charity directors at Downing Street; the Government took an international lead in helping to solve the problems of financing debt relief for Mozambique by announcing that they would donate a further $10 million to Mozambique above the debt relief already provided through the Paris Club and other mechanisms; and the Department for International Development announced that they will cancel up to a further £132 million of old aid loans to poor Commonwealth countries committed to structural reform.The Government remain committed to the HIPC initiative, and will continue to strive to meet the targets for debt relief set out in the Mauritius Mandate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to establish a commission to examine the future structure of and operational matters pertaining to the RUC; and if she will make a statement. [37381]

The Government have appointed a Chairman and seven Members to the independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland, which is one of the elements in the Belfast Agreement (Command 3883).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list (a) the average number of school children in Northern Ireland travelling by school transport each day and (b) the number of (i) fatalities and (ii) injuries of school children involved in road accidents associated with school transport in each of the last five years. [42420]

[holding answer 21 May 1998]: The average number of children in schools in Northern Ireland in receipt of assistance with home to school transport over the period 1992–93 to 1996–97 was 103,414.The number of road accident casualties in Northern Ireland who were school pupils going to or from school by bus or coach for each of the last five years is shown.

School child casualties (aged 4–16) travelling to or from school by bus or coach in Northern Ireland
School year (September—June)	Fatalities	Injured
1992–93	1	32
1993–94	0	10
1994–95	0	62
1995–96	0	67
1996–97	0	158

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding his Department has provided to Sportsmatch in each year of its operation. [43575]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: The Sportsmatch scheme in England, which has been successful in attracting over £16.6 million in commercial sponsorship to grass roots sport since its inception, has received the following funding from my Department:

	£ million1
1992–93	0.9
1993–94	3.0
1994–95	3.3
1995–96	3.7
1996–97	3.2
1997–98	3.2
1998–99	3.2
1 Sportsmatch was launched in November 1992

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans there are for an additional bank holiday to mark the Millennium. [44557]

I am pleased to announce that the year 2000 will be heralded by a one-off additional Bank Holiday throughout the United Kingdom on Friday, 31 December 1999. A recent consultation exercise conducted by the Government has confirmed that this decision commands overwhelming support among the many organisations which responded, and I know that large numbers of people will welcome this opportunity to prepare for the festivities on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government have identified areas to pilot the new youth justice measures and the procedural changes to reduce delays in youth and adult cases contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords]. [44417]

We have identified nine areas in which, in principle, we would like to pilot the new youth justice measures contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill. These measures are the final warning scheme; the reparation order; action plan order; child safety order and parenting order; and youth offending teams.Four areas have been identified to pilot all of these measures. This will demonstrate how the new powers operate together and how the youth offending team structure can best deliver the associated intervention work. The four areas are the London Boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster (jointly); Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight (jointly); Wolverhampton; and Sheffield.Five areas have been identified to pilot the child safety order and parenting order, together with youth offending teams. This will ensure that we have sufficient information to evaluate the operation of these two orders. The five areas are the London Borough of Lewisham; Luton and Bedfordshire (jointly); Devon; St. Helens; and Sunderland.We will be undertaking further detailed work in these nine areas with a view to establishing the pilot projects from October 1998. The pilots will operate for a period of 18 months. They will help develop good practice and allow us to assess the costs and savings which nation-wide implementation will involve. The pilots will inform decisions over the timing of full implementation of these measures.We are also considering how we might best support other areas, including those others which expressed interest in taking part in the pilots, in planning and developing their arrangements for youth offending teams and the other youth justice measures.In addition, six areas have been identified to pilot procedural changes recommended by the Review of Delay in the Criminal Justice System, some of which are contained in the Crime and Disorder Bill. These are expected to reduce delays in youth and adult cases. The pilots are being organised under the auspices of the Trials Issues Group and they will also be used to inform the setting of statutory time limits in due course for both youth and adult cases. The six areas are Tyneside; Croydon; Blackburn and Burnley; Northamptonshire; North Staffordshire; and North Wales. Two of these areas—Blackburn and Northamptonshire—will also operate the final warning scheme and youth offending teams, since these arrangements will have an effect on speed through the system and procedures in young offender cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date his Department held consultative meetings on the Review of the Firearms Forms and Rules with (i) the British Medical Association and other professional medical representative bodies, (ii) the National Farmers Union (England and Wales), (iii) the National Farmers Union (Scotland), (iv) the Country Landowners Association (England and Wales), (v) the Country Landowners Association (Scotland), (vi) firearms clubs and associations, (vii) the British Deer Society, and the Deer Commission for Scotland, and (viii) the British Sports Association for the Disabled; when he plans to conclude the review of Firearms Forms and Rules; when he plans to implement the proposed new Forms and Rules; for what reasons the Home Office Note of the main issues raised at the meeting on 19 February to discuss the forms, was not sent to all consultees when requesting further written submissions; and when he intends to meet consultees to discuss these matters. [44101]

The arrangements made for meeting representatives of shooting organisations to discuss the proposed new Firearms Rules and forms are as set out in my answer to the hon. Member of 18 May 1998, Official Report, column 241. The new Rules and forms are planned to come into effect on 1 September 1998. The minutes of the working group meeting held on 19 February 1998 were intended solely as a record for those attending but were reflected in the draft forms subsequently sent out for comment. No further meetings are planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the law relating to killings described as joint enterprise killings in non-UK jurisdictions. [44055]

When the Law Commission drew up their proposals contained in their consultation paper (No. 131) entitled "Assisting and Encouraging Crime" in September 1993, they looked at how the law in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America deals with those who participate in a common criminal enterprise. An account of the law in each of these jurisdictions is set out in an Appendix to their consultation paper.The Law Commission expect to produce a report in due course and I understand that they will bear in mind the experience of these other jurisdictions. Once the report is received, the Government will consider whether the law in this area needs to be changed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to revise the law relating to killings described as joint enterprise killings. [44057]

The doctrine of joint enterprise is under consideration by the Law Commission who discussed the issues as part of their consultation paper (No. 131) entitled "Assisting and Encouraging Crime", issued in September 1993. Although completion of the project has been delayed to take into account the implications of the House of Lords decision in R v. Powell and another and R v. English, I understand that a report will be available in due course and that it will reflect the responses to the consultation paper and the development of the law, including any subsequent decisions and problems that have emerged. The Government will then consider whether the law in this area should be revised.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the law relating to killings described as joint enterprise killings. [44056]

Some 41 letters were received about the death of Sarah Adams, whose parents were convicted of cruelty, together with one other representation about joint enterprise, in the past six months. The Department does not keep records which would enable use to identify this topic with certainty: it may arise in the context of crimes other than murder, or on an appeal; such representations may be recorded in a way that does not identify a link to the doctrine of joint enterprise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were being detained on 28 February who had sought asylum at some stage, broken down by (a) length of detention and (b) immigration status. [44039]

The available information, relating to 27 February 1998, is given in the table:

Number of people recorded as being detained1,2 on 27 February 1998 who had sought asylum at some stage, by length of detention3 and immigration status
Length	Port	Illegal entrants	Subject to deportation action	Total
0–1 Month1	69	169	4	242
1–2 Months	46	86	1	133
2–6 Months	148	127	11	286
6–12 Months	21	34	15	70
12 Months+	8	6	7	21
Total	292	422	38	752
1 Persons detained solely under the powers contained in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Immigration Act 1971
2 These figures include people who have been in detention for less than a month. Because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large number of persons detained for a short period, the figures should be used with caution
3 In some cases the date a person enters detention may be understated due to the method of recording.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 March 1998, Official Report, column 232, if he will list the criteria on the basis of which asylum seekers detained under the Immigration Acts are classified as Category A status. [44041]

Under an agreement with the Prison Service, a number of places are made available for immigration detainees in Prison Service establishments other than Haslar and Rochester. These prisons may also contain Category A accommodation as well as accommodation of other categories.Prison staff are required to identify those prisoners charged with certain serious offences which are listed in section 36 of Part C of the Prison Service Manual on Security. A copy of the Manual is available in the Library. The cases of those prisoners charged with such offences which meet any one or more of a list of specified criteria, also set out in the Security Manual, are reported to Prison Service Headquarters where it is decided whether the inmate should be placed in Category A.In the interests of public protection, the guidance and criteria set out in the Security Manual are also applied to administrative detainees, which includes persons detained under the Immigration Act 1971, who are believed to have been involved in the commission of serious offences abroad. The overriding consideration must be the safety of the public and the lack of potential dangerousness presented by the individual prisoner.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases involving the death of a child there have been since 1993 where neither parent or carer has been charged with either murder or manslaughter because both parents or carers have denied responsibility, but no third party involvement is suspected. [44058]

The information requested is not available.The police are not required to specify the reason why any person suspected of homicide is not charged for statistical purposes. Moreover, they have to supply details of a person initially suspected of a homicide only when that person is arrested or charged with the offence or if a suspect subsequently commits suicide.The table shows all currently recorded homicides of children (aged under 16) where no conviction had been recorded as at 1 August 1997. All suspects who committed suicide were parents.

All offences currently recorded as homicide where the victim was aged under 16 and no conviction had been recorded as at 1 August 1997
	Number of offences	Of which, suspect committed suicide
1993	9	4
1994	23	13
1995	26	15
1996	33	14

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total prison population expressed as a percentage of total prison capacity. [44010]

The total prison population of England and Wales expressed as a percentage of the total prison capacity (operational capacity) was 95.8 per cent. for Friday, 29 May 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was total spending on road policing by (a) police forces in England and Wales and (b) each individual police force in the latest year for which figures are available; what such spending was as a proportion of the total spending on policing in each case; and what guidance his Department gives to police authorities on the proportion of overall spending which should be allocated to road policing. [43995]

The information requested is not collected centrally. The allocation of resources to particular functions and the deployment of officers are operational matters for individual chief constables. We have issued no guidance to police authorities on the allocation of resources to road policing.Road traffic offences and other crimes do not necessarily occur separately. A large part of traffic officers' time is spent dealing with ordinary crime or carrying out ordinary police duties. Conversely, officers on general beat duties are able to take prompt action against breaches of road traffic law.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to ensure the enforcement of the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997. [44038]

Responsibility for the enforcement of the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 is an operational matter for chief officers of police. Guidance on the Act, which came into force on 1 August last year, has been issued to all chief officers. The Act is intended to allow the police to deal with situations where drinking by young people causes a nuisance to others or may lead to other bad behaviour. The guidance makes it clear that it was not Parliament's intention that the new powers should be used where young peoples' drinking is not perceived to be a problem. A copy of the guidance (Home Office Circular 38/1997) is in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list by Department the capital expenditure under the private finance initiative in (a) 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98, and estimates for 1998–99 (i) in real terms and (ii) in cash. [43920]

The information required in cash terms for 1996–97 was given in an answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 10 December 1997, Official Report, columns 572–73. The information for subsequent years is contained in Table B15 at Annex B to the Financial Statement and Budget Report (HM Treasury, March 1998). The information required for the calculation of real terms figures is contained in Table B1.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 1998, Official Report, columns 331–34, if he will make it his policy to continue to publish the updated series for the tax burden until a new methodolgy for updating the tax burden can be introduced; by what date he expects to introduce improved statistics for the tax burden; and if he will make a statement. [42148]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what action officials in his Department are taking to make information on the burden of indirect taxes on household types more meaningful and reliable; [43986](2) when he expects to publish more meaningful and reliable information on the burden of indirect taxes on household types; [43979](3) on what date he first instructed officials in his Department to consider ways in which information on the burden of indirect tax on household types could be made more meaningful and reliable. [43984]

[holding answers 18 May and 1 June 1998]: I have nothing to add to my answer of 5 May 1998, Official Report, columns 331–34, to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what way he proposes to amend the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 following the out-of-court settlement with Alan Veale; and if he will review the Act to consider whether other amendments should be made to enable transsexuals to have their birth certificates amended. [44299]

In order to correct an error or fact or substance in a birth or death register the Birth and Deaths Registration Act 1953 requires two statutory declarations to be made. The declarations must set out the nature of the error and the true facts of the case. I propose to amend the legislation to allow a Court Order to be accepted in place of one of the statutory declarations. The same provisions apply to the correction of the sex of an individual where it was wrongly recorded at birth.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has for the total level of the local government financial settlement for 1999–2000. [43353]

Future plans for public spending, including provisions for local authorities, will be set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review, to be completed in the summer.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to write off the remaining debts owed by heavily indebted poor countries to the United Kingdom Government. [43469]

The Government remain fully committed to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and continue to press for full debt relief to all eligible countries that are committed to economic and structural reforms, for example through the Chancellor's Mauritius Mandate and at the recent G8 Summit in Birmingham.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total number of deaths in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland from methadone in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement. [44011]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union held on 19 May. [43749]

I chaired the Economic and Finance Council—ECOFIN—of the European Union in Brussels on 19 May. The Economic Secretary represented the UK.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if commissions were paid by BMARC to companies owned by or connected to Her Majesty's Government. [38898]

Not to my knowledge. Any legitimate commissions for services rendered paid by BMARC to companies owned by or connected to Her Majesty's Government would have been a matter solely for BMARC or its parent company and the provider of the service. Evidence of any improper commissions paid to companies owned by or connected to Her Majesty's Government should be passed to the relevant authorities.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many applications for licences for the export of (a) paramilitary, (b) security and (c) police equipment to Indonesia have been (i) granted, (ii) refused and (iii) revoked since 20 March; and what was the export licence category in each case. [42626]

[holding answer 19 May 1998]: The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated and the results are as follows. Between 7 March and 10 May 1998 inclusive, 8 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and 7 Open Individual Export Licences (OIELs) were issued to export to endusers or consignees in Indonesia goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order (the so-called "Military List"). In the same period no individual licences for such exports were revoked, and no applications for such licences were refused. This does not include Media OIELs, which are Open Individual Export Licences authorising the export to any destination of protective clothing, mainly for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists when working in areas of conflict.

Individual licences issued between 7 March and 10 May 1998 covering the export to Indonesia of goods on the Military List
Rating	Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating	Number of OIELs issued covering goods with this rating
ML2	2	0
ML3	1	0
ML6	1	0
ML9	0	1
ML10	0	3
ML11	1	3
ML15	1	0
PL5006	2	0

This information should be considered in light of my answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 30 October 1997,

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what representations she has received concerning the award of the contract to replace the Bulldog trainer aircraft; [43023]

The President has received a variety of representations, mainly pressing for the selection of the Slingsby Firefly as the replacement for the Bulldog trainer aircraft. These have contributed to the continuing assessment being made by the Department of the potential impact on the UK aerospace industry of this procurement, which is being discussed with the Ministry of Defence.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to subject auxiliary engines for refrigeration systems on trucks to noise limits; what assessment she has made of emissions from these units; and if she will make a statement. [43488]

I have no plans to subject such units to noise limits. However, the European Commission has recently proposed a directive on noise emissions by equipment used outdoors [COM(1998)46 final] which includes the proposal to subject this type of equipment to noise labelling only. The directive has yet to be agreed by the Member States. An Explanatory Memorandum (6363/98) was submitted to both Houses on 26 March 1998.The Department has not undertaken an assessment of noise emissions from these units.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will exempt renewables generated within the NFFO arrangement from the fossil fuel levy. [43736]

I have no plans to do so. Generators who generate electricity from renewable sources of energy under the non-fossil fuel obligation (NFFO) arrangements receive financial support through the scheme which makes the electricity they generate competitive with other leviable forms of generation. I see no need to give such generators further special treatment.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to provide incentives for (a) suppliers and (b) consumers to develop the renewable energy industry in the United Kingdom. [43668]

I expect to provide a further incentive to the development of the renewable energy industry in the United Kingdom when I make the fifth Order under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) later this year. The NFFO places an obligation on the Public Electricity Suppliers in England and Wales to obtain a specified amount of electricity from renewable sources, providing a protected market in which the industry can grow. Similar arrangements operate in Scotland and Norther Ireland.More widely, this Government propose to undertake a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources in line with its manifesto commitment. To this end, DTI Ministers are reviewing policy, including considerations of what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK electricity needs from renewable sources by the year 2010 and how renewables can make an effective contribution to meeting requirements for future greenhouse gas reduction commitments. The outcome of that review will be announced later this year.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many money-lenders lost their licences in the last full year for which figures are available. [44037]

During 1997 the Director-General of Fair Trading revoked 35 consumer credit licences.Information on individual cases is published each year in the Annual Report of the Director-General of Fair Trading, issues of which up to 1996 are in the Library. The Report for 1997 will be published shortly. Information is also published periodically in the OFT Journal "Fair Trading".

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what penalties are applied to unlicensed money-lenders. [44051]

A trader who offers credit facilities to consumers must be licensed under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. A trader who engages in a consumer credit business without obtaining the necessary licence from the Office of Fair Trading commits an offence punishable by a fine of up to £5,000, if he is prosecuted in a magistrates court, or by an unlimited fine or 2 years' imprisonment or both, if he is prosecuted in the Crown Court.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much of the estimated £25 million allocated to the NHS in Wales is to be spent on reducing waiting lists; and on what projects the balance will be spent. [43665]

£20 million will be spent on reducing waiting lists, £18 million of which has already been allocated to the NHS. £2 million has been held back for issues arising in-year.The balances is expected to be used mainly to fund costs arising from new variant CJD in blood products and to contribute to Welsh costs associated with the trust reconfiguration exercise and the production of a corporate strategy for NHS Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average funding per student in further education in Wales; and what assessment he has made of this level relative to that applying in (a) England and (b) Scotland. [42684]

The average funding per student in further education in Wales in the financial year ending 31 March 1998 was £2,993, compared to £2,842 in England for the same period. No assessment of the level applying in Scotland has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the steps to be taken in reducing the debt of poor countries, following the G8 meeting. [42496]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress she expects to be made in the reduction of debt among the poorest countries in the next 18 months. [42506]

At the G8 Summit in Birmingham on 15–17 May, we made useful progress in speeding up the implementation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC). The Communiqué set out the objective of getting all eligible countries, likely to be about 20 in number, into the process by 2000. This constitutes a significant step towards meeting the Government's Mauritius Mandate which aims for at least three quarters of eligible countries to have received debt relief within the next few years. And following a British initiative, the Summit also agreed on the need to look at ways of providing more and earlier debt relief, to help heavily indebted post-conflict countries. We will be pressing in all appropriate fora for the implementation of these targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the International Monetary Fund in respect of third world countries' indebtedness; and if she will make a statement. [42508]

Together with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, I most recently discussed developing country debt with the Managing Director of the IMF in Washington in mid-April. Despite the progress that has been made in implementing the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, we agreed that more must be done, and that we should look at ways for speeding the process up.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made on expanding the scope of international debt reduction programmes. [42521]

At last month's G8 Summit in Birmingham, leaders agreed to support the speedy and determined extension of debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries' (HIPC) debt Initiative. Following a British proposal, leaders also agreed on the need to look at ways for providing more and earlier debt relief to help post-conflict countries. We shall be pressing for this work to be taken forward urgently. As a first step, at the donors' meeting in Stockholm earlier this week, we announced a significant contribution to the multi-donor Debt Trust Fund for Rwanda.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what further actions her Department intends to take to reduce the debt burden of the world's poorest and most indebted countries. [42522]

We shall continue to press for the speedy and determined implementation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries debt Initiative, and for the urgent consideration of ways to provide earlier and more debt relief for post conflict countries. As a first step, at the donors' meeting in Stockholm earlier this week, we announced a significant contribution to the multi-donor Debt Trust Fund for Rwanda.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to assist the Government of Niger in combating disease among children. [42504]

Although Niger does not have close links with Britain, we provide support through our commitments to multilateral institutions, particularly the EC, the UN and the World Bank which provide significant levels of assistance to Niger. The EC, the World Health Organisation and UNICEF all have health programmes in Niger.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of British aid to Iraq since 1991 has been spent on administration costs; and if she has any conveniently available figures. [42509]

Published figures for UK humanitarian aid to Iraq do not include DFID administration costs, which come from a separate departmental budget and represent some 0.7 per cent. of this year's programme. NGOs and other agencies which we fund typically spend three to seven per cent. of project costs on headquarters administration.I am pleased to announce that my department has just approved a much needed £2 million project to improve water and sanitation in Baghdad-controlled Iraq. This is part of the £7 million aid package for the region which I announced on 12 March 1998,

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to support the use of microfinance in developing countries. [42510]

We believe that microfinance—savings and credit—can be a powerful tool to support the livelihoods of large numbers of poor people in developing countries. For the past ten years, the UK has provided increasing support to projects and institutions engaged in microfinance. Our current commitments to date and projects in the pipeline amount to about £60 million and we anticipate increasing resources in this field.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of the United Kingdom aid programme was devoted to emergency relief operations, and disaster preparedness and prevention programmes in 1997–98; and what provision she has made for 1998–99. [42511]

The Department for International Development (DFID) expenditure figures for the financial year 1997/98 are not finalised. However, we estimate that the proportion of the bilateral aid programme provided to disaster relief, emergency food aid, short-term refugee relief and disaster preparedness will be around 8 per cent. of total bilateral expenditure.Full statistical information for 1997/98 will be published later in the year as the British Aid Statistics and I will place copies in both Houses. Adequate provision has been built into 1998/99 planning for both foreseeable relief needs and unforeseeable emergencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the top five recipients of United Kingdom bilateral aid, and the amounts paid to them in the year 1997–98. [42512]

The Department for International Development expenditure figures for the financial year 1997/98 are not finalised but the top five recipients will be India, Bangladesh, Uganda, Tanzania and Montserrat.Full statistical information for 1997/98 will be published later in the year as the British Aid Statistics and copies will be placed in the library of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to support conflict prevention and peacebuilding in Rwanda. [42513]

The focus of the UK support programme for Rwanda has moved away from emergency interventions towards longer term rehabilitation efforts. In close collaboration with the Government, we are implementing a £25 million rehabilitation package targeted on key Government priorities. But we need to do more.Donors and Government of Rwanda are meeting in Stockholm on 3 June under the chairmanship of the World Bank, to discuss Rwanda's long-term external financing needs and initiatives to address debt. My Department is attending the meeting and will be advocating the need for flexible long-term support underpinned by a deeper, more transparent policy dialogue with Government on issues related to Governance and human rights. We will announce a new 3 year financial commitment for Rwanda at the Stockholm meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what actions her Department is taking to support security sector reform in developing countries. [42514]

Security sector reform is an important part of the work of my new Department. A security sector that is well tasked and managed can better serve the interests of all. But a military sector that is inappropriately tasked, badly managed and indisciplined can hinder development. We know from our surveys that for very poor people, decent law and order, and a safe and secure environment, are a top priority.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with heads of state of developing countries regarding the use of development assistance to support religious freedoms. [42515]

I frequently meet senior members of the governments of developing countries; my discussions with them cover issues related to the establishment of practical partnerships to work for the elimination of poverty.All our work places a strong emphasis on human rights. Freedom of worship is a fundamental freedom. Persecution of people for their religious belief is a breach of international human rights conventions. Our human rights work for crises focuses on the human rights of poor and disadvantaged people this includes those who may be discriminated against because of their religion.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan; and if she will make a statement. [42516]

In February, we pledged £4 million to the United Nations 1998 Consolidated Appeal for Sudan. On 6 May this was increased to £5.23 million. This has been given to UN agencies and international NGOs in Sudan with the current crisis in Bahr El Ghazal region a key focus. I approved a further £5 million on 15 May which will be used over the coming months to meet urgent humanitarian needs in this region and wherever else they arise in Sudan.The war is the direct cause of the current crises. The problem in providing humanitarian relief is not a lack of resources but lack of access. The Government of Sudan have approved increased flights and is willing to offer a ceasefire—which is the best solution to the problem of access. The SPLA has refused to consider a ceasefire. Without peace, humanitarian crises will recur.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress on the multilateral agreement on investment and its impact on developing countries. [42517]

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministers, meeting at the end of April, reaffirmed their commitment to a successful and timely conclusion of the negotiations on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), and to seeking broad participation in it. The next meeting of the negotiating group will be in October 1998. Ministers also affirmed their commitment to pursuing an active dialogue with non-member countries, including on their development interests. The independent study on the development implications of the MAI commissioned by my Department earlier this year concluded that the MAI could have a positive developmental impact, if appropriate arrangements are made for developing countries to accede to the Agreement. The OECD Secretariat is now carrying out further analytical work on the MAI and development. Officials from my Department are in close touch with the OECD Secretariat, and will continue to contribute actively as this analytical work moves forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of the ILO Conference on the international convention on child labour. [42518]

The committee on Child Labour will be meeting between 3 and 16 June. The Conference is likely to adopt the report of the committee on 18 June. I will place a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress made in relation to the Jubilee 2000 initiative. [42519]

Jubilee 2000 seeks the cancellation of the unpayable debt of developing countries by the year 2000. The campaign has been tremendously successful in raising public awareness of debt issues, helping to keep the international debate on debt alive. I was pleased to address some of their supporters who gathered in Birmingham at the time of the G8 Summit last month.The UK Government are pressing for speedy and flexible implementation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, which also seeks the early remission of such countries' unpayable debt. One element of the Mauritius Mandate, launched last year by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, aims to ensure that by the year 2000 all eligible countries have embarked on the process which will lead to debt relief under the Initiative. I therefore welcome the agreement by leaders at the G8 Summit to encourage all eligible countries to take the policy measures needed to bring them into the HIPC process by then. But it is important to bear in mind that debt relief is not provided for its own sake, it must be linked to poverty reduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her Department's policy on the use of development assistance for the preservation of the rain forests; and if she will make a statement. [42520]

My Department's aim is the elimination of poverty through the promotion of sustainable development, which requires conservation of the environment. Our approach towards the conservation of rain forests and the problem of deforestation is to support work to improve management of forest resources in ways that lead to a range of benefits to poor communities as well as helping to secure the global environmental benefits that forests offer.In the past year, DFID has also supported a number of important new initiatives, for example:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on what aid is being given to Indonesia (a) by her Department and (b) by non-governmental organisations to alleviate the current economic crisis. [42523]

The most important step is implementation of political and economic reforms in Indonesia. This is critical if the reduction of poverty in recent years is not to be reversed and if benefits are to be more widely shared. The UK supports the IMF economic reform programme and is also contributing £5 million to the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Trust Fund which will underpin the efforts of Asian Governments, including Indonesia, to combat the social effects of the crisis and reform their financial sectors. We have provided £375,000 of assistance to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help with nutrition, hygiene and medical needs for the people of Irian Jaya; and continue to monitor the food situation more widely.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current level of aid being provided to Sierra Leone by (a) the United Kingdom and (b) the EU. [42524]

Since the return of President Kabbah's democratically elected government, we have provided £1 million to re-establish core functions and services, £1 million for NGOs delivering humanitarian and development assistance, and £1 million to the ICRC to continue its humanitarian aid and protection work. The EC is providing 2 million ecu for seeds and tools and 200,000 ecu to help refugees in Guinea to return home.We are looking at what more we can do to strengthen governance and bring immediate relief to the people. We hope in the future to be able to assist in demobilising and re-integrating ex-combatants.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Development Council meeting on 18 May. [44496]

The Council discussed the development co-operation aspects of the EU's draft negotiating mandate for the renegotiation of the Lomé Convention, which covers EC aid, trade and development relations with 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and expires in the year 2000. The Council held a useful discussion, resolving most of the outstanding issues on the development aspects of the mandate. Trade aspects are still to be agreed but we are aiming to have the mandate adopted at the General Affairs Council in June.The Council agreed Conclusions on follow up to the 1993 Poverty Resolution and on follow up to the 1995 Gender Resolution. The Conclusions refer to experience in implementing the Resolutions and set out what more needs to be done to improve effectiveness in these key areas. Procedural Conclusions were also agreed on Microfinance, Indigenous Peoples, Evaluation, and Humanitarian Aid.Ministers also discussed Rwanda, Nigeria, the nuclear test in India, Cuba's request to become an observer in the negotiations on the future of ACP-EU relations, aid untying, the DAC Chairmanship, the successor to the current administrator of UNDP, and a proposal to set up an expert group on migration. They also agreed conclusions on the situation in Southern Sudan, noting with extreme concern the grave situation there and the plight of more than 350,000 people in Bahr el Ghazal. The Conclusions reflect the fact that the Council feels that the root of the problem there is the long-term conflict and commit the EU to continuing to provide flexible assistance, urging other donors to do the same.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to include women of 64 years of age in the breast screening programme; and if he will make a statement. [43116]

The National Health Service breast screening programme invites all women aged 50–64 to be screened by mammography every three years. Breast screening for women aged 65 and over is available three-yearly on request, and this is widely publicised by the NHS breast screening programme and Age Concern.We are funding three pilot studies to evaluate the effectiveness of extending the breast screening programme to invite routinely women aged 65–69. These are due to end in 1999/2000. In view of the importance of this issue, we are now planning to ask the National Screening Committee, which advises Ministers on extensions to or modifications of existing screening programmes, to consider this matter in July. The Committee will assess the case for routinely inviting older women in the light of the evidence emerging from the pilot studies, and the workforce and other implications of extending the programme nationally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage health authorities and trusts to implement the National Health Service Executive recommendation of a minimum F grade for midwives on the clinical grading scale. [43153]

The National Health Service Executive recommended in 1995 (Executive Letter (95)77) that an "F' or "G" grade, or equivalent, would normally be appropriate for posts in which a midwife, regardless of the route to registration, has a defined caseload of women to whom she/he gives the full range of midwifery care. The Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine recommended in January 1998 (paragraph 77) that

"where midwives' roles have changed in line with the criteria given in EL(95)77, their pay and grading should reflect the fact. We therefore recommend that the Health Departments ensure implementation of the agreement EL(95)77 at Trust level."

The Advance Letter promulgating the nurses' pay increase this year, to be distributed on 4 June, will draw this recommendation to the attention of employing authorities and ask them to act upon it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if National Health Service commissioners are required to stipulate health and safety performance standards in their contracts with NHS trusts. [43737]

National Health Service commissioners are not required specifically to stipulate health and safety performance standards in their contracts with NHS trusts. Guidance issued by the NHS Executive (Health Service Guidelines (97)6) commends the inclusion of health and safety performance in the contracting process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to monitor (a) links between human TB and bovine TB and (b) the incidence of TB; and if he will make a statement. [43683]

There are established procedures for reporting, investigating and treating cases of tuberculosis, including the screening of contacts. Guidance on these matters is contained in the reports of the Interdepartmental Working Group on Tuberculosis, which were published in July 1996, copies of which are available in the Library, and in the publications of the British Thoracic Society and other specialist groups. Additionally, Veterinary Officers notify local authority environmental health officers when a restriction of movement order is imposed on a herd of cattle which has shown positive reactors, so that contact tracing can ensue.Cases due to

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1998, Official Report, column 265, what factors underlay the delays in considering proposals put forward by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority. [43366]

The proposals put forward by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority remain under consideration by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. The decision will reflect the best interests of the people of Cornwall and will be announced when all the relevant factors and information have been properly scrutinised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that women at risk of unwanted pregnancy use emergency contraception. [43453]

The Health Education Authority ran a major public awareness campaign on emergency contraception in 1995 and 1996. The campaign was coordinated by the Contraceptive Education Service (CES), which is funded by the Department. CES continues to promote awareness of emergency contraception and made this its focus during Contraceptive Awareness Week in February. Earlier this year CES launched a new pack containing leaflets, posters and "credit cards" giving key information, plus guidance for professionals providing an emergency contraceptive service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines the NHS Executive has issued concerning procedures for health authority and NHS trust consultations with user groups. [43817]

Health authorities are required to consult on proposals for substantial variations in service. Guidance on these consultations was set out in Executive Letter (90)185 and EL(96)17, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance the NHS Executive has issued on procedures for users to chair health authority and NHS trust user groups. [43818]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has held with dentists to encourage them to undertake work on the NHS. [43487]

We are in regular contact with dentists and their representatives on a wide range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the current state of voter identification being undertaken by the United Nations Mission for a Referendum in Western Sahara; and what plans he has to provide a UK military contingent or other logistical support to MINURSO. [41773]

We are satisfied with progress made by MINURSO since the resumption of the Voter Identification Process in December 1997. The UN Secretary General reported on 13 April that 101,772 applicants have been identified, that fewer than 60,000 remain to be convoked, but the issue of the disputed tribes remains unresolved. We agree with the assessment of the UN Special Representative, Mr. Charles Dunbar, that delays mean it is possible that the Referendum will take place in 1999 rather than as originally scheduled on 7 December 1998.We have no current plans to contribute personnel or logistical support to MINURSO at the current time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what mechanisms are in place to monitor the end use of British-made military equipment in Indonesia, separately identifying those relating to water cannon. [41545]

[holding answer 11 May 1998]: No formal mechanisms exist at present for systematically monitoring the use that has been made of British defence equipment once it has been exported. Our Embassy in Jakarta does however report on the use of British-supplied defence equipment in the light of any information that they obtain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to review his policy on arms sales to Indonesia. [43485]

All applications for defence sales to Indonesia, and to other countries, are considered case by case against the new criteria we introduced last year. In accordance with the criteria, we keep the situation in recipient countries under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the letters which his Department has received from Sandline's solicitors indicating in each case (i) the date, (ii) the date of the response, (iii) to whom it was sent and (iv) who replied to it. [41726]

[holding answer 12 May 1998]: S. J. Berwin & Co, acting for Sandline International, wrote to me on 24 April. The Permanent Under-Secretary replied on 1 May. S. J. Berwin & Co also wrote to me on 8 May clarifying a reference in their letter of 24 April.S. J. Berwin & Co wrote to the Permanent Under-Secretary on 8 May to say that they were releasing their letter of 24 April to the press.I have also been sent a copy of a letter from S. J. Berwin & Co to the Chairman of Customs and Excise, and the Permanent Under-Secretary has been sent copies of letters to the editors of

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made towards an agreed EU Code of Conduct on arms sales; and if he will make a statement. [43865]

On 25 May, the General Affairs Council reached agreement on the text of an EU Code of Conduct for Arms Exports, which will be formally adopted at a future meeting of the Council. The text is annexed to the Council Conclusions, a copy of which will be placed in the House Library.Agreement on the Code of Conduct is an important achievement, and fulfils the commitment given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to my. hon. Friend the Member for East Ham (Mr. Timms) on 28 July 1997,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the recent trends in human rights violations in Colombia; and what representations he has made to the Colombian Government on this issue. [43948]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: The recent upwards trend in violence in Colombia is of serious concern, as is the increasing number of attacks on human rights workers. We take every opportunity to express our concerns to the Colombian Government. Most recently, as EU Presidency, we made a demarche to the Colombian Government following the murders of two more human rights workers at the end of April. The new British Ambassador will take advantage of his introductory calls to raise again our human rights concerns with the Colombian Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on action being taken to implement the arrest warrants against Fidel and Carlos Castano Gil, in respect of the assassinations of two CINEP human rights workers on 19 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [43973]

We have received no representations with regard to the arrest warrants issued against Fidel and Carlos Castano Gil for their part in the murders of the CINEP human rights researchers. Britain, both as EU Presidency and bilaterally, has strongly urged the Colombian Government to pursue the arrest of these people with the utmost vigour.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the search of the Justice and Peace Office in Bogota on 13 May by the Colombian Army's Special Anti-Guerrilla Forces. [43946]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: We understand that the search of the offices of the human rights NGO, Justicia y Paz, was carried out under the supervision of the Colombian Fiscalia, the Prosecution Service. A local NGO has confirmed that the paperwork for the search was in order and that the Fiscalia, a civilian body, stopped the search from progressing to eight other organisations named on the warrant. Officials at the British Embassy in Bogota are in close touch with a number of local NGOs about this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures have been taken by the Colombian Government to implement the recommendations made in the report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the 54 Session of the UNCHR. [43947]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: The Colombian Government have taken a number of steps in pursuit of objectives outlined in the recommendations of the UNCHR 54th Session. These include measures to further the peace process, such as authorising a number of Departmental Governors to negotiate regional peace agreements with guerrillas. The armed forces Commander has sent written and verbal instructions to regional commanders to desist from any form of cooperation with paramilitary groups—another recommendation by the UNCHR. The 20th Intelligence Brigade, subject of numerous allegations of human rights violations, has also been disbanded. However, a number of other recommendations made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights are unlikely to be addressed until the new Colombian Government are installed in August. In the meantime, we shall continue to monitor the situation through our Embassy in Bogota and by other means.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on actions taken to reduce nuclear testing in South Asia following the Indian nuclear test. [43945]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement to the House on 1 June 1998, Official Report, columns 21–22, the UK nationally and through the G8, EU and UN Security Council has exerted and continues to exert strong diplomatic pressure on India to adhere to the CTBT and NPT without conditions, and enter into negotiations on a global treaty to end the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. We have called upon Pakistan to do the same and made it clear that the best way to reduce tension in the region is to cease nuclear testing.In addition to issuing EU Presidency statements immediately following the first Indian and Pakistani tests, we recalled our High Commissioners in New Delhi and Islamabad for consultations, and summoned the Indian and Pakistani High Commissioners here. Heads of EU Troika missions made demarches in New Delhi and Islamabad on 12 and 13 May respectively. The UN Security Council issued Presidential statements on 14 and 29 May, strongly deploring the Indian and Pakistani actions. The G8 Heads of Government issued a statement on 18 May condemning the Indian tests. In the wake of the subsequent Pakistani tests we have invited G8 Foreign Ministers to meet in London on 12 June.The GAC issued a declaration on 25 May calling on India to take a number of arms control and non-proliferation measures. In addition, Member States of the EU have agreed to work for deferral of consideration of International Financial Institution loans to India and to consider further measures should India not accede to the relevant non-proliferation agreements. The UK has additionally suspended certain high-level military visits and is reviewing contacts in the defence field.We expect comparable measures to be agreed for Pakistan, following their tests.