To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he proposes to take to require the courts to receive in evidence and apply the new edition of the Ogden Tables in personal injury and fatal accident cases. [45436]

The Lord Chancellor will take note of the result of the appeals to the House of Lords in Wells v Wells, Thomas v Brighton Area Health Authority and Page v Sheerness Steel, and consult interested parties, before exercising any powers which may affect the calculation of awards in personal injury claims. I understand that the appeals have now been heard. It is expected that the outcome will be known in the near future.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received from Cumbria on his proposed reforms to legal aid. [45654]

Since the announcement of these reforms in October last year we have received many hundreds of letters about the reforms and, more recently, some 238 responses to the consultation papers "Access to Justice with Conditional Fees". These letters and responses have not been recorded by the geographical location of the sender and this information could be obtained only disproportionate cost. However, it has been possible to establish that, since October last year, the hon. Gentleman has forwarded five letters about these reforms from organisations and individuals in his constituency to my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his estimate of the cost to legal services of asylum seekers whose application has not been resolved in the last year for which figures are available. [45540]

The information requested, in so far as it relates to costs to the legal aid fund, is not available, because this information is not recorded separately on the Legal Aid Board's computer database.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received requesting an increase in commercial operations at RAF Northolt. [45708]

The Ministry of Defence has frequent contracts with established casual and regular civil users of RAF Northolt. In addition, since 2 May 1997, MOD has received specific unsolicited representations from the following business aviation users about utilising spare capacity at RAF Northolt:

• Heathrow Executive Jet Operators' Association
• Operational Support Services
• Magna
• Granada Group
• Servant Transport Consultants
• Glasgow Prestwick International
• Luftair Aviation
• Virgin Executive Jets.

Most of these approaches were of a tentative nature. Only one explicitly mentions an increase in commercial operations at RAF Northolt over the limits currently in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to his Department of the production and distribution of the annual report on defence activity 1997–98 entitled "Shaping the Future Together". [46139]

Seventy-five thousand copies of the annual report on defence activity were produced at a cost of 21.53 pence per copy. Copies of the Report were distributed to all Members of Parliament and to Members of the House of Lords with a particular interest in defence issues. The report is available to members of the public on request from the MOD Directorate of Information Strategy and News and on the MOD Touring Exhibition which visits outdoor shows over the Summer. A number of copies have already been distributed to journalists and other members of the public at a cost of approximately £50 in postage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the extent of the deductions made from the pay of protected personnel in enemy prisons during the Second World War; and what is his policy on compensation for those affected; [46195](2) what representations he has received from Second World War protected personnel who had their pay deducted. [46193]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen, West and South Pembrokeshire (Mr. Ainger) on 24 July 1997, Official Report, column 720 and to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 9 March 1998, Official Report, column 41.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of the anti-personnel landmines in the possession of United Kingdom armed forces have been destroyed since 1 May 1997. [46135]

438,727 anti-personnel landmines have been destroyed since 1 May 1997. This represents 45.6 per cent. of the total number of such landmines held by the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to ensure that the landmines in the possession of the United Kingdom armed forces are destroyed before 2004 in accordance with the Ottawa Convention. [46136]

I refer the hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 8 June 1998, Official Report, columns 423–24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the financial relationship between the Ministry of Defence and National Air Traffic Services. [46444]

The Ministry of Defence and National Air Traffic Services Ltd. collaborate closely in the provision of air navigation services in United Kingdom airspace. Costs are shared, by agreement, broadly in proportion to the services supplied.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Private Finance Initiative Project to replace the Bulldog training aircraft. [46914]

	Current armed forces awards	Pre-October 1993	Current non-combatant awards
Level 1	Victoria Cross		George Cross
Level 2	Distinguished Service Order Gallantry Cross	Conspicuous Conduct Distinguished Conduct Medal(for Army) Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (Flying) (for RAF)	George Medal
Level 3	Distinguished Service Cross (for RN), Military Cross (for Army), Distinguished Flying Cross (for RAF)	Distinguished Service Medal (for RN) Military Medal (for Army) Distinguished Flying Medal (for RAF)	Queen's Gallantry Medal. Air Force Cross (for aircrew of RN, Army and RAF)
			[Air Force Medal—Pre October 1993] (for aircrew of RN, Army and RAF)

I am pleased to announce that Bombardier Services has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Royal Air Force's planned Light Aircraft flying task contract. The contractor will supply Grob 115D aircraft. The aircraft will be owned and maintained by the contractor who will provide flying hours and support services to the University Air Squadrons and the Air Cadet Air Experience Flights at 13 locations across the UK.The planned contract will provide the RAF with a modern aircraft that is ideally suited to the training role it is required to perform. The aircraft is quieter and significantly cheaper to run than the aging Bulldog aircraft it will replace.The choice of aircraft was narrowed down to the Grob 115D and the Firefly M260. The Grob 115D better meets our particular requirements for the University Air Squadron and Air Cadet tasks and in particular its cockpit size and ergonomics offer a better teaching environment. Moreover, the Grob is quieter and operating costs are significantly less than the Firefly. Taking all factors into account it offers better value for money on this occasion.Subject to final negotiations, the contract is expected to result in savings in excess on £30 million over its ten-year life, compared with the cost of running-on the Bulldog. It is also cheaper than our assessment of the cost of a conventional procurement of a new aircraft fleet.The service is to be procured in line with the Private Finance Initiative, demonstrating the Government's strong resolve to achieve value for money in Defence support. Appropriate risks will rest with the contractor and the contract will contain suitable incentives to ensure the RAF receives a high quality service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many gallantry medals were awarded to members of Her Majesty's Forces serving in (a) the Falklands war, (b) the Gulf war and (c) peacekeeping operations in former Yugoslavia; and if he will list the class of gallantry medals awarded. [45394]

Awards for gallantry are published in the London Gazette, copies of which are placed automatically in the Library of the House. The first three levels of gallantry awards are recognised by the granting of a medal, and are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the average manning levels as a percentage of peace-time establishment in (a) the regular Royal Armoured Corps as a whole and (b) the Second Royal Tank Regiment; and ho many (i) Territorials, including S type and (ii) regular reservists are included in those percentages. [45851]

Average manning levels as a percentage of peace time establishment are 96 per cent. for the Royal Armoured Corps as a whole and 94 per cent. for the Second Royal Tank Regiment. 43 Territorial Army soldiers are currently serving in the Royal Armoured Corps. No Territorial Army or Regular Reservists are currently serving with the Second Royal Tank Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reason she attended a question and answer session at the European Parliament on the Northern Ireland peace agreement. [45292]

I had the honour of addressing a special plenary session of the European Parliament which had been called to debate a resolution welcoming the Belfast Agreement. I took the opportunity to thank the Members for the positive contribution which the EU has made towards creating the climate necessary for the Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she intends to lay before Parliament the annual report of the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland. [46724]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she intends to lay before Parliament Mr. Jim McDonald's annual report as Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland. [46807]

I have today arranged for the Fifth Annual Report of the Independent Assessor of Military Complaints Procedures in Northern Ireland to be placed in the Library of the House. I note that, following Mr. McDonald's first year in office, he is of the firm view that the complaints procedures and their operation continue to be given proper attention by the Army and, although there has been an increase in non-criminal complaints compared with the previous year, I am heartened that the Assessor concludes that this is at least in part a reflection of increased public confidence in the effectiveness of the complaints system.The report provides welcome reassurance to the Government and to the public that the Army's complaints procedures stand scrutiny.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how she intends to monitor the effects of the decision not to waive fourth-year fees for eligible Northern Irish students at Scottish institutions. [46298]

We shall continue, as now, to monitor the number of applicants domiciled in Northern Ireland who apply for degree courses at Scottish institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy on the future of the four-year honours degree at Scottish universities. [46296]

It will continue to be for higher education providers to determine the length of course required for students to attain the standard of academic achievement appropriate to the award of an Honours degree. The Government support educationally worthwhile change and, in the context of lifeline learning and the proposed Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, would expect institutions to make decisions on course length, and suitable entry/exit points, which reflect both the learning needs and prior attainment level of students, the changing requirements of employers and the need to maintain rigorous academic standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he intends to monitor the effects of (a) the abolition of grants, (b) the introduction of tuition fees and (c) the decision not to waive fourth-year tuition fees for English, Welsh and Northern Irish students, on the (i) age, (ii) gender, (iii) domicile, (iv) ethnicity, (v) socio-economic background and (iv) total number of students at Scottish institutions. [46295]

The Scottish Office regularly receives and publishes information on Scottish student award holders and on all students studying in Scottish higher education, including information on age, gender, domicile and total number of students. The Government are currently considering what further information can be collected and made available on ethnicity and socio-economic background.In addition, in response to the Garrick Report, the Government have asked the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council to provide advice on issues arising for higher education in Scotland including the implementation of the reforms, in consultation with all those who have an interest in education. The Scottish Office has also asked SHEFC to undertake a survey of access by different socio-economic groups in Scotland and to work with partners in developing a national strategy to widen access.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what period of notice teacher training institutions in Scotland will be given before an inspection; and what reasons underlie the decision on the giving of notice. [46294]

HM Inspectorate will be developing the framework for inspection of teacher education in consultation with interested parties. Details such as period of notice have not yet been addressed, but HM Inspectors' normal procedures for inspection provide for giving reasonable notice—usually at least nine weeks. I would expect the position to be similar for inspection of teacher education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) female and (b) male appointments he has made; and if he will make a statement. [44600]

Since 1 May 1997, I have made 96 new appointments. Of these, 36 were women and 60 men. I have also approved the re-appointments of existing members (23 women and 79 men) where they met the criteria.The proportion of women in public appointments in Wales has risen from 26 per cent. in December 1997 to 29 per cent. in June 1998. We are making progress but I am not complacent. I have pledged to redouble our efforts to encourage more women to come forward so that I can balance, wherever possible, the numbers of men and women appointed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what areas of Wales remain contaminated by radioactivity as a result of the Chernobyl disaster; and how many sheep are affected. [45757]

The area of land under restriction in North Wales as a result of the Chernobyl accident is now approximately 530 square kilometres (131,000 acres) and about 180,000 sheep are affected. These restrictions cover areas within the Unitary Authorities of Gwynedd, Conwy and Powys.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the abolition of foreign earnings deduction announced in the Budget on (a) companies employing British subjects overseas and (b) the competitiveness of British consultants working overseas. [40484]

In reaching the decision to end the general foreign earnings deduction, full consideration was given to all likely practical consequences. It would, however, be wholly misleading to look at one aspect of tax in isolation. The Government believe the best way to support business is by generating a stable economic environment and through broadly based relief.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to UK aid agencies of the proposed changes to the foreign earnings deduction regulations announced in the Budget. [40918]

Based on information provided by the agencies, any such cost will be very low. There are a number of measures built into the tax system which are designed to provide support for charities. Foreign earnings deduction (FED) was not one of these. The majority of aid agency employees abroad will not be UK resident for tax purposes and so will be unaffected by the FED changes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the foreign earnings deduction regulations announced in the Budget on the UK staff of overseas aid agencies who are employed on contracts overseas. [40917]

Most aid agency employees working abroad will not be UK resident for tax purposes and so will be unaffected by the FED changes. The small number of aid agency employees affected by the FED changes will be left in a position similar to that of other UK resident charity employees, and new relief will be available to them for travel and accommodation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to adopt proposals by the European Commission for a minimum tax on income from savings and investments; and what other measures of tax harmonisation are being considered. [43746]

We support international co-operation in taking effective action against tax evasion in a way which does not damage EU financial markets. We shall be studying the draft directive carefully and consulting on its implications.A draft directive on cross-border payments of interest and royalties between associated companies is also under consideration.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will extend Table 1.3 in the 1998 Financial Statement and Budget report entitled, "The Budget Measures", to each of the tax years 2001–02 indexed and 2002–03 indexed. [43987]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: The effects of Budget tax and spending measures are reflected in the fiscal projections set out in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" (HC620). However, the cost of individual Budget measures on an indexed base shown in Tables 1.3 and C.1 are not routinely estimated beyond 2000–01 and any estimates would become increasingly speculative in later years. For measures where revenue effects are expected to be substantially different from those in Tables 1.3 and C.1, information is already published in FSBR appendix C.1; other estimates would be disproportionately costly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the (a) dates and (b) venues of future meetings of the European Union Code of Conduct Group. [43573]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: Given that paragraph 12 of the Council Conclusions of 9 March 1998 states that the Council

"agrees that the work of the Code of Conduct group shall be confidential",

the Government cannot give the dates and venues of meetings. However, paragraph 10 of the same conclusions provide that

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list and place in the Library copies of papers and reports prepared for forthcoming meetings of the European Union Code of Conduct Group; [43574](2) if he will list the subjects for discussion at the next meeting of the European Union Code of Conduct Group. [43571]

[holding answer 1 June 1998]: Paragraph 12 of the Council Conclusions of 9 March 1998 states that the Council

"agrees that the work of the Code of Conduct Group shall be confidential".

The Government are not, therefore, at liberty to place papers before the Group in the Library of the House, or to comment on the issues for discussion. However, the Government will place in the Library reports from the Group to the Council which are published, and inter-institutional Communications on harmful tax competition will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in the normal way.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total payments received by the Treasury from the Post Office (a) in corporation tax and (b) under the external finance limit, in each of the last 10 years; and what estimate he has made of the amounts the Treasury will receive in this and the following two financial years. [44677]

Payments received for corporation tax and contributions via the external financing limit (EFL) are shown in the table for each of the last 10 years. No Government estimates of future corporation tax revenue for individual bodies are made. The Post Office's EFL for 1998–99 is £-335 million, before any adjustment resulting from end-year flexibility. The Post Office's financial regime for the two following years is under discussion in the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Post Office review.

£ million
	Contribution via EFL	Contribution via corporation tax
1988–89	102	52
1989–90	102	42
1990–91	0	71
1991–92	74	69
1992–93	80	84
1993–94	182	81
1994–95	235	103
1995–96	245	150
1996–97	285	145
1997–98	1338	215
1Provisional outturn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Post Office operates under the same public sector borrowing requirement rules as its EU equivalents. [44678]

As long as the Post Office remains in the public sector the Government will need to ensure that there are adequate controls on its borrowing in order to protect the taxpayer's interests. Control is currently exercised via the external financing limit rather than public sector net borrowing. A variety of different arrangements apply in other EU countries.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions the Inland Revenue has sent out under the self-assessment initiative (a) more than one demand to the same person, (b) demands where no tax was due, (c) demands containing computational error and (d) penalty notices to taxpayers who filed in time. [44949]

Under self-assessment, the Inland Revenue issues taxpayers with Statements of Account (not demands) which are a statement of the individual's tax position and include a payslip to enable the taxpayer to make payment if one is due. It is therefore possible that a taxpayer would receive a statement of account showing no tax to pay.The Management Information System for Self Assessment, whilst recording the number of Statements of Account issued, does not record whether more than one had been issued to the same person or whether any have been issued containing computational errors. Nor does it record the number of penalty notices issued to taxpayers who filed on time but the Inland Revenue do know that some penalties were incorrectly issued where returns were not recorded as received. Incorrect penalty notices will of course be cancelled.The Inland Revenue will, in the second year of live service for self-assessment, be looking at improved guidance to staff and the development of quality monitoring processes to ensure continued improvement to a system that has performed well in its first year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax incentives exist to encourage the use of propane as a vehicle fuel; if he will extend tax incentives to encourage propane use; and if he will make a statement. [45128]

This year the duty on road fuel gases (liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and liquefied natural gas (methane)) has been frozen for the second Budget in succession. This has increased the differential in favour of road fuel gases in recognition of their environmental benefit and more than fulfilled the pledge to maintain the duty differential with more conventional fuels for the lifetime of this Parliament.Duty rates on the main road fuels are now as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenues which will be obtained by the Treasury under the new definition of ultra-low sulphur diesel in the Finance (No. 2) Bill; and how this compares with the revenues that would be received if no changes were made. [45300]

The decision to change the definition of ultra-low sulphur diesel was made solely for environmental reasons. No separate estimate was made of the revenue effect. It was assumed that the effect on ULSD clearances of the new definition would be broadly offset by the increased demand for ULSD created by simultaneously widening the duty differential with conventional diesel from 1 to 2 per litre.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what circumstances United Kingdom ferries will be able to sell duty free after 1999. [45661]

The European Commission has set out in a working document its view, based on interpretation of Community law, of the arrangements which should apply to sales on board ships following the abolition of intra-EU duty-free sales after 30 June 1999. They express the view that (i) duty-free sales of goods to be carried away will be allowed only on journeys which touch the territory of third countries; (ii) duty-free sales of goods to be carried away will not be allowed on voyages directly between Community ports—even if part of a ship's voyage is in international waters; and (iii) duty-free sales of goods for consumption on board will continue to be governed by the national provisions of member states until the Council adopts Community provisions on stores for boats and aircraft. Commission chaired discussions at official level are now underway in Brussels to work out the detail of these proposals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value and number of the vehicles confiscated from smugglers and bootleggers of tobacco and alcohol in each financial year since 1994; and how the vehicles have been disposed of. [45789]

I regret that figures on the value of these seized vehicles are not available.In the past four financial years, Customs seized the following numbers of vehicles used in the carriage of smuggled alcohol and tobacco:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what differences there have been in the types and characteristics of vehicles confiscated from smugglers and bootleggers of tobacco and alcohol during the last year compared with those confiscated in previous years; and if he will make a statement. [45788]

I regret that no central record on the types and characteristics of vehicles seized from excise smugglers is kept by Customs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on Treasury revenues of a reduction in beer duty of 10 per cent. [46047]

HM Customs and Excise estimate of the revenue lost to the Exchequer in a full year through a 10 per cent. reduction in the level of excise duty for beer is £335 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the effect on revenues of each 10 per cent. reduction of tax on wine, beers and spirits. [45958]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]: HM Customs and Excise estimate of the revenue lost to the Exchequer in a full year through a 10 per cent. reduction in the level of excise duty for each of the product types set out is as follows:

• Wine: £110 million
• Beers: £335 million
• Spirits: £80 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans has he made to equalise the tax on wines and spirits following the abolition of duty free. [45956]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]: The Chancellor keeps duty rates under regular review. The abolition of intra-EU duty free sales from 30 June 1999 is unlikely to raise any new policy considerations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the duty lost through smuggling of wines and spirits from the Continent to United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available. [45957]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]:HM Customs and Excise estimate of the revenue lost to the Exchequer through cross-channel smuggling of wines and spirits in 1997 is set out in the table.

£ million
Product type	Excise duty	VAT	Total
Wines	35	15	50
Spirits	20	5	25

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the annual cost of collecting income tax in each of the five tax years prior to the introduction of self-assessment; and what was the estimated cost in the first year of self-assessment. [45341]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The annual cost of collecting income tax in each of the years referred to in the question was as follows (all figures are rounded to the nearest £10 million):

Year	£ million
1997–98 (first year of SA)	1,030
1996–97	960
1995–96	1,000
1994–95	1,020
1993–94	1,030
1992–93	1,070

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff were employed in collecting income tax in each of the five tax years prior to the introduction of self-assessment; and what was the number in the first year of self-assessment. [45342]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The number of staff employed in collecting income tax in each of the years referred to in the question was as follows (all figures are rounded to the nearest 100):

	Man years
1997–98 (first year of SA)	37,200
1996–97	38,800
1995–96	41,000
1994–95	43,900
1993–94	44,700
1992–93	47,000

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's policy concerning applications for the release of Iraqi frozen assets to cover legal fees. [46915]

Since 29 October 1997, any application for Iraqi frozen assets to be released to cover legal fees has had to be considered by Ministers. In the taking of decisions, there is a presumption against the release of the assets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the upgrade of the West Coast Mainline from rail users in Northampton. [45317]

The West Coast Main Line remains a high profile rail infrastructure project which attracts a high level of public interest. On 7 April, I met a delegation from Northampton to discuss service issues for Northampton. As part of the consultation process I understand that the Rail Regulator consulted both local authorities (County and District) and the RUCCs on the WCML upgrade.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation there has been with rail users in Northampton over the proposed upgrade of the West Coast Mainline agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45318]

I understand that the Rail Regulator consulted both local authorities (county and district) and the Rail Users Consultative Committees on the West Coast Main Line upgrade.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on Northampton's train services of the West Coast Mainline upgrade agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45320]

The Franchising Director has considered the impact of the PUG2 scheme when completed for services between London and Northampton. He has satisfied himself that Railtrack will be able to maintain the existing journey times for peak services, and also maintain the current number of such services. The Regulator has taken this advice into account in approving the PUG2 agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what access trains serving Northampton will have to the fast lines on the West Coast Mainline following the upgrade agreed by the Rail Regulator. [45319]

Railtrack has indicated that it will be able to maintain the existing journey times for the fast peak Northampton services which currently use fast lines.In addition, the upgrade will provide for some spare capacity on the fast lines for operators other than Virgin, which could potentially include faster services via Northampton.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the projected public expenditure settlement for (a) the Rural Development Commission and (b) the Countryside Commission for each of the next two years. [45667]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 27 March 1998, Official Report, columns 289-91, that the Countryside Commission will merge on 1 April 1999 with that part of the Rural Development Commission which is not to be incorporated into the Regional Development Agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to limit the damage caused by the New Zealand flatworm. [45665]

The New Zealand flatworm was added to Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on 17 March 1992, making it an offence to release or allow it to escape into the wild. In 1996, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued a `Code of Practice to Prevent the Spread of Non-Indigenous Flatworms' and an identification guide. The status of this species continues to be monitored.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authorities have (a) promoted local air quality schemes and (b) published information on the implementation of local Agenda 21 schemes; and if he will make a statement. [45521]

Information about the number of local authorities which have promoted local air quality schemes is not held centrally.The new Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) system, however, came into effect at the end of December 1997. Under this system, district and unitary local authorities are currently reviewing the quality of the air within their area and assessing it against statutory objectives in the UK National Air Quality Strategy for seven key pollutants.Localities must be designated Air Quality Management Areas where the review and assessment shows that national measures will not ensure that an objective (or objectives) are likely to be achieved by the end of 2005. The relevant local authority must then prepare an action plan in pursuit of the objective(s).The LAQM guidance which the Government have published to assist local authorities is listed in Environment Circular 15/97 (Welsh Office Circular 63/97) and is available in the Library.The Local Government Management Board (LGMB) monitors progress by local authorities in adopting and implementing Local Agenda 21 strategies. "Local Agenda 21 in the UK-the first five years" published by the LGMB in July 1997 showed that 55 per cent. of UK authorities were in the process of putting a Local Agenda 21 strategy in place. In July this year, the LGMB will be publishing the results of a new survey of local authorities undertaken in April. This will indicate the number of authorities which have now published Local Agenda 21 strategies and how close we are towards meeting the Prime Minister's target that all local authorities should have a strategy in place by the year 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce a system of guarantees on deposits for rented accommodation. [45799]

The Government are concerned about the problem of tenants' rental deposits being withheld unreasonably by landlords at the end of tenancies. We are currently looking at legislation operating overseas to see whether there is an appropriate model for dealing with these problems. But we will need to be satisfied that any new requirements would not deter reputable small landlords, or potential landlords, and that they would achieve a fair balance between the interests of tenants and landlords.My Department's Housing Investment Programme guidance encourages local housing authorities to consent setting up rent and deposit guarantee schemes where tenants on low incomes have difficulty gaining access to private rented accommodation. These schemes provide a guarantee to the landlord to cover unpaid rent or the cost of damage to the property where the tenant cannot afford to pay a deposit. Over 100 local authorities now operate schemes and schemes are also run by voluntary bodies. The Department provides funding under section 180 of the Housing Act 1996 to voluntary organisations setting up such schemes and is also part funding a project by CRISIS called SmartMove, which aims to develop a network of voluntary schemes in partnership with local authorities in areas with significant levels of homelessness.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if regional development agencies will be required to consider housing demand and need as part of their regeneration strategies. [46013]

The main vehicle for considering regional housing demand, and for planning for its provision, will continue to be Regional Planning Guidance (RPG). Regional Development Agencies will need to have regard to RPG, and to development plans, in formulating their regional economic strategies and in carrying out their regeneration functions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the regional housing statement currently being drawn up by Government offices of the regions and regional offices of the Housing Corporation will be coordinated with the formulated strategy and activities of relevant RDAs. [45955]

The regional housing statements produced by some Government Offices for the first time in 1998, in association with the Housing Corporation and other regional partners, are intended to supplement national guidance to local authorities on Housing Investment Programmes, by highlighting issues specific to individual regions. We are assessing their value and considering whether to extend them to all regions. If they are produced for future years, they will need to take account of the work of RDAs, and where appropriate, of RDA's regional strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish the reports on the review of the Producers Responsibility Obligation (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997. [46106]

The recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Packaging following its review of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 are expected very shortly. As soon as they are submitted, a copy will be placed in the Library.Once Ministers have considered all the issues, a consultation paper setting out any proposals for amendments to the Regulations will be published as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 June 1998, Official Report, column 6, under what statutory authority the holder of a consent to conduct experimental trials concerning genetically modified seeds under the deliberate release regulations may delegate third parties to conduct releases on their behalf. [46207]

Under the Genetically Modified (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (as amended in 1995 and 1997), the consent holder is authorised by the Secretary of State to conduct trials in accordance with the conditions of the consent. Therefore, if the consent imposes conditions which permit or require that the trial be carried out by a third party, the consent holder is authorised by the Secretary of State to carry out the trial in this way. In all cases, the consent holder is legally responsible for ensuring that the trial is carried out in accordance with the conditions and limitations of their consent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1998, Official Report, column 418, if he will make a statement on the locations, references, holders and dates of, and the crops and the modified traits covered by, the release consents for (a) the site of 494 acres and (b) the commercial seed production site covering 17.5 acres. [46206]

(a) the consent holder for the release covering 494 acres is John K. Kings and Sons Ltd., reference number 98/R28/3. Consent for this release was granted on 17 March 1998, and is for oilseed rape modified for increased lauric acid production. The applicant has consent to release this material from 1 March 1998 to 1 November 2000. The total area covered by this release is not more than 200ha (494 acres), and is proposed to take place at 15 sites. This release is currently taking place at the following sites—

• Whitehouse, Newcastle, Monmouthshire, (18.14ha)
• Painslack Farm, Wetwang, East Yorkshire, (10.93ha)
• Littledean Farm, Ayton, Eyemouth, Berwickshire, (13.92ha)
• Awbridge Farm, Union Lane, Tryscull, Wolverhampton, (17.00ha)
• Tythope Park, Kingsey, Thame, Buckinghamshire, (13.94ha)
• Manor Farm, Crux Easton, Newbury, Hampshire, (12.12ha)

• Bussey Stool Farm, Tarrant, Gunville, Blandford, Dorset, (12.14ha)
• Hall Farm, Toftrees, Fakenham, Norfolk, (10.94ha)
• Fenton Barns, North Berwick, East Lothian, (17.40ha)
• Norcote Hall Farm, Northchurch, Berkampsted, Hertfordshire, (37.51 ha)
• Hunsley Hall, High Hunsley, Cottingham, East Yorkshire. (6.07ha)
• Dunkirk Park, Bridge of Earn, Perth, (10.88ha)
• Total area 181ha

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraph 2.19 of his Department's annual report, what was the nature of the four requests made to his Department under the Code of Practice on Open Government in the past year which were refused. [45872]

The four requests made under the Code of Practice on Open Government which were refused by my Department in 1997 were:

a. A request for details of submission made by the Commission for the New Towns to the Department to dispose of a site in Milton Keynes to a private developer.

b. A request for details of a Ministerial Direction relating to a scheme of redress for those who had experienced exceptional hardship from generalised blight as a result of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link before the final route was fixed.

c. A request for information on the A5036(T) road scheme identification study.

d. A request for a list of Ministerial Directions to accounting officers made since 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the regulations and law affecting learner motorcycle riders. [46189]

We will shortly be issuing a consultation paper to obtain views on the duration of provisional motorcycle licences. In addition, we will be considering, as part of the work on the new road safety strategy and targets, what further measures might be necessary to increase the safety of learner motorcyclists.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he has evaluated to maintain the current level of biodiversity. [46227]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The UK Biodiversity Action Plan and UK Biodiversity Steering Group Report contain the measures aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity within the UK. Principal among these measures is the development of costed action plans for priority species and habitats. Some 116 species and 14 habitat action plans were published as part of the Steering Group report and are now being implemented. A further 56 species action plans were published on 2 June and copies are available in the Library. It is expected that by the end of the year over 400 species and 38 habitat action plans will have been published.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is the Government's policy on the draft water industry specifications for plastic sewage pipes; and what representations they have made on this matter; [45194](2) what discussions have taken place between his Department and the water companies on the draft water industry specifications for plastic sewage pipes; [45195](3) what representations his Department has received on the draft water industry specifications for plastic sewage pipes; [45196]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: My Department has received 33 letters on the draft water industry specifications for plastic sewage pipes. Such specifications are matters for the sewerage undertakers, and my Department has not commented on them nor had any discussions with the undertakers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the British Standards Institute will be consulting on Part 1 for a European standard for plastic piping systems for structured wall non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage systems. [45197]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The European Standard is currently being considered by the European Committee for Standardisation. I understand that it will be distributed for comment later in the year at which point the British Standards Institution will consult relevant parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many water companies have been prosecuted for polluting groundwater with sewage for each year since 1990. [45198]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: Environment Agency records show that there have been no such prosecutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the Environment Agency has to prosecute water companies for polluting groundwater with sewage. [45199]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: It is an offence under section 85 of the Water Resources Act 1991 to cause or knowingly permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter or any solid waste matter to enter any controlled waters (including groundwater). The Environment Agency may bring a prosecution for this offence under section 85.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the Environment Agency monitors sewage leaking into groundwater. [45200]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: Most data on general groundwater quality are obtained from water companies' and private industrial and agricultural abstractions. The Environment Agency also monitors specific sites where it believes there is potential for pollution but does not monitor specifically for the effects of sewage leakage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action the Environment Agency is able to take against jetting contractors who damage sewage pipes with high-pressure water jetting. [45201]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: If pollution were to occur as a result of a contractor damaging sewage pipes, the sewerage undertaker would be liable. Any prosecution by the Environment Agency would be in line with section 85 of the Water Resources Act 1991. Enforcement action could be taken against the contractor or the sewerage undertaker depending upon the evidence available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how his Department measures leakage from small holes in underground sewer pipes. [45202]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The Department does not measure leakage from sewers. Under section 94 of the Water Industry Act 1991, sewerage undertakers are responsible for the effectual drainage of their area and for maintaining their pipework.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the current targets for reduction in leakage from sewer pipes; and how these are measured. [45203]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: No targets have been set in relation to leakage from sewer pipes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how his Department monitors the effectiveness of the code of practice for removing blockages in sewer pipes which limits the pressure of the cleaning jet. [45204]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: The code of practice for removing blockages in sewer pipes which limits the pressure of the cleaning jet was produced on a voluntary basis by the manufacturers. As such, the Department does not monitor its effectiveness. It would be for the sewerage undertaker to specify compliance with a code of practice in any contract with contractors.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has conducted into the damage done to thin-walled plastic sewer pipes from the use of high pressure water jets to remove blockages; and what account his Department has taken of the extent to which recent design changes in jets prevent damage to the pipes. [45205]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: My Department has not undertaken any research into this area, which is the responsibility of the sewerage undertakers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has evaluated into the infiltration of groundwater into sewer pipes and its impact upon the working of the sewer network. [45206]

[holding answer 16 June 1998]: My Department has not undertaken any research on this issue. I understand that UK Water Industry Research Limited (UKWIR) are carrying out research on behalf of Water UK into infiltration into and exfiltration from sewers, the results of which are expected by April 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to develop and promote research into and incentives for the recycling of plastics. [45987]

[holding answer 17 June 1998]: We are committed to an increased level of recycling, and are currently reviewing our national waste strategy. This is aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced and ensuring its environmentally sound management. The recycling of plastics will be covered by the new strategy.We have held discussions with a number of organisations involved in plastics recycling to ascertain what further measures can be taken by both industry and Government to increase recycling.Plastics constitutes a significant proportion of packaging waste. The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 aim to double the amount of packaging waste (including plastics) recovered to around 50 per cent. by 2001. The Regulations also impose a material-specific recycling target of 16 per cent. for each packaging material — including plastic packaging—to be achieved by 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the discussions he has had with the British Diabetics Association concerning driving licences for diabetics. [46281]

[holding answer 17 June 1998]: My noble Friend the Minister for Roads met representatives of the British Diabetic Association in February to learn at first hand their concerns about the legislation preventing insulin-treated diabetes sufferers from driving medium-sized lorries and minibuses. She undertook to consider the review of medical evidence which they presented. The Department's Advisory Panel on Diabetes and Driving examined this and other evidence, in the light of which they recommended a limited modification to the present restrictions. The Government are currently consulting on a proposal which would allow, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria and stringent annual medical checks, those who have driven medium-sized lorries to renew that entitlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to reduce liquid discharges from the Sellafield plant; [45866](2) what account the Environment Agency is taking of the levels of technetium 99 in

[holding answer 17 June 1998]: The Environment Agency is currently considering the responses received from a recent public consultation into the application by British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) for variations to the discharge authorisations for the Sellafield site. In determining these applications, all relevant factors will be taken into account. We have reiterated to the Environment Agency that we wish to see progressive reductions in discharges and discharge limits at Sellafield, and this includes technetium-99. The Agency has proposed substantial reductions in the discharge limits for technetium-99 and a legal requirement on BNFL to develop abatement technology for this radionuclide. A number of requests have been made for the Secretary of State to call the applications in for his own determination. These requests are under consideration.Community Food Intervention Levels are intended for use only in the event of a nuclear accident or emergency when the health impacts may be very uncertain.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will examine the aural safety of the Dolby stereo system, used in cinemas. [44988]

[holding answer 17 June 1998]: I am advised that the Health and Safety Executive is not aware of any aural safety implications of the Dolby stereo system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the fatal accident at the Moorside Drift Mine, Eckington, Derbyshire, on 4 June. [45056]

I am saddened to hear of the accident at Eckington and would like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to the families of the two men who were killed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reply to the letter of 5 March from the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire about the planning status of Throckmorton Airfield. [46465]

I signed a reply to the hon. Member's letter some time ago, but it has clearly gone astray. I can only apologise and I sent a further copy yesterday.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish the Coalfield Taskforce's report. [46104]

I warmly welcome the publication today of the Coalfields Taskforce's excellent report "Making the Difference: A New Start for England's Coalfield Communities". Copies of the report will be placed in the House Library.Last year, I gave a commitment to help regenerate communities devastated by pit closures. I wanted to ensure that every option open to us was explored so that those communities could get the help and support that they need and deserve. That is why I set up the Coalfields Taskforce last October, under the chairmanship of Paula Hay-Plumb. I want to thank Paula and her team for their hard work and dedication in producing their excellent report.The taskforce's report is comprehensive in its approach. It includes many promising practical proposals. I want to ensure that our response is equally comprehensive, and that careful consideration is given to the detail of all the recommendations. I will give our initial response at the conference to be held at Ollerton Miners Welfare, North Nottinghamshire on Monday 13 July. I will announce a detailed programme of action for the former coalfield communities in the Autumn.We all agree that we must redress the decline of our former coalfields communities. Government cannot do this alone. All partners—central and local government, the voluntary and private sectors, and the communities themselves—must make a firm long term commitment if we are to make the difference.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions his Department is taking to ensure protection of (a) existing sites of special scientific interest and (b) potential sites. [46696]

The Government are currently considering how best to improve the protection and management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This will involve examining the powers available to English Nature, who are responsible for notifying potential sites. Officials are preparing a consultation paper seeking views.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes he proposes to make to the water abstraction licensing system in England and Wales. [46985]

Together with the Welsh Office, my Department has prepared a consultation paper, setting out a wide range of proposals which will ensure that abstraction licensing and related arrangements in England and Wales provide full protection to the water environment while enabling fair and flexible measures for meeting properly managed demand for water resources. I shall place copies in the Library of the House tomorrow morning, coincident with the paper's publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the operation of the tour operators margin scheme in respect of private coach hire companies. [45456]

I have been asked to reply.HM Customs and Excise last reviewed the Tour Operators Margin Scheme in 1996 and undertook a comprehensive consultation exercise. Coach operators contributed to the review and full account was taken of their representations. Progress on implementing certain of the recommendations of the review has been constrained by EC law, but a case currently before the European Court of Justice may clarify further the legal interpretation. In the light of the outcome Customs will look again at the possibility of simplified treatment for businesses such as private coach hire companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what official development assistance was provided by the United Kingdom in 1997 as a percentage of gross national product; and how this compares with the performance of other members of OECD's Development Assistance Committee. [46808]

Precise figures are still to be calculated but the UK's expenditure on official development assistance in 1997 is estimated to have been £2,058 million, representing 0.26 per cent. of GNP. This is slightly lower than the 1996 figure of 0.27 per cent. The UK was the fifth largest bilateral aid donor in 1997 in volume terms. The average for all OECD DAC Member Countries in 1997 was 0.22 per cent. of GNP, its lowest ever level. The average for the European Union was 0.33 per cent. of GNP. These figures exclude financial flows to countries in transition in central and eastern Europe and more advanced developing countries as defined in the Development Assistance Committee list of aid recipients.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development to what extent the objectives laid down by the donors for IDA 11 have been realised by the World bank. [44929]

The IDA 11 deputies' report—laid in the Libraries of both Houses in February 1998—sets out over 20 areas of action on a range of policy issues, e.g. covering efforts to strengthen the performance-based allocation of the International Development Association (IDA); improving the World bank's country assistance strategy process; encouraging the participation of affected people and non-governmental organisations, and the completion of poverty assessments. Important progress has been made in a number of these policy areas including improvements to the quality and coverage of poverty and environmental assessments, and overall improvements to the quality and impact of the IDA portfolio of projects. A copy of a matrix report dated April 1998 detailing the action taken on the implementation of this framework of policy issues will be laid in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the findings of the recent inquiries into serious disorders at Her Majesty's prison Parc; what assessment he has made of safety, security and order at that establishment; and if he will make statement. [44713]

There have been three inquiries into recent events at Parc prison. Two were into acts of concerted indiscipline which took place on 6 May and 14 May, and the third was an investigation into a self-inflicted death which took place on 5 May. All these inquiries were conducted by senior managers in the Prison Service. In addition, I asked the director general of the Prison Service for a report on the current situation at Parc.It is not current Prison Service policy to publish the findings of internal inquiries of this nature because of security considerations and issues of personal confidentiality. The management of the establishment is kept under regular review and it is working towards an action plan agreed with the Prison Service to deliver improvements in the operation and security of the establishment. I am in receipt of monthly reports on the establishment's progress towards achievement of the action plan. The action plan will be reviewed to take account of the recommendations contained in the recent inquiries and will be monitored closely by the Prison Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to implement zero tolerance policing as a formal policy; [45641]

"Zero tolerance" is a term which has been interpreted in different ways by different people. Ministers have used it to indicate an approach which involves early intervention to discourage crime and disorder at an early stage rather than waiting until anti-social activities have reached a serious level. We are clear that "zero tolerance" does not mean intolerance or indiscriminate crackdowns by the police against the wishes of the community. It means action for, and with the consent of, the community to address the sort of anti-social behaviour which adversely affects people's quality of life.Many forces have adopted effective strategies to tackle those local crime and disorder problems which impact on the quality of life of their local communities. We have given our full support to such strategies, whether they operate under the term "zero tolerance" or not. The findings of Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary's thematic inspection report on police community and race relations, published in October 1997, showed that there is strong support for policing which involves effective targeted action on quality of life issues.The Home Secretary's key objectives for the police in 1998–99 include tackling local problems of crime and disorder in partnership with local authorities, other local agencies and the public. The Home Office Police Research Group is conducting an evaluation of the range of approaches to counter anti-social behaviour, with a view to developing key indicators on reducing anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary is carrying out a thematic inspection of the policing of disorder.

Performance against key performance indicators by prison, 1997–98
Prison name	Category A escapes (KPl 1)	Escapes (KPl 1)	Assault rate (KPl 2) Per cent.	Positive random drug testing rate (KPl 3)Per cent	Purposeful hours per prisoner (KPl 5)	Are standard/enhanced regime prisoners unlocked less than 10 hours on weekdays (KPl 6)	Offending behaviour programme completions (KPl 7)	Sex offender programme completions (KPl 7)	Cost per Place2(KPl 8)£	Average training days per staff member(KPl 9)
Acklington	0	1	0.9	29.0	25.5	Yes	50	29	13,376	6.5
Albany	0	0	1.4	7.5	24.0	Yes	143	51	19,625	7.5
Aldington	0	0	0.7	23.1	30.4	Yes	0	0	15,845	7.5
Altcourse	0	0	21.3	5—	24.5	Yes	0	0	1—	6—
Ashwell	0	1	1.1	39.9	32.6	Yes	0	0	14,646	10.2
Askham Grange	0	0	0.0	13.9	41.8	Yes	0	0	17,512	6.6
Aylesbury	0	0	45.4	12.7	22.6	No	44	0	23,592	6.9
Bedford	0	0	11.0	36.1	25.6	Yes	0	0	20,141	6.3
Belmarsh	0	1	14.3	8.1	11.8	No	0	0	29,864	7.2
Birmingham	0	0	6.3	32.8	10.9	No	0	0	20,792	5.1
Blakenhurst	0	0	14.2	46.0	20.1	Yes	0	0	17,247	6—
Blantyre House	0	0	0.0	5.6	34.2	Yes	36	0	17,709	8.3
Blundeston	0	0	6.5	25.9	23.2	Yes	0	0	19,948	5.8
Brinsford	0	0	28.2	17.9	15.3	No	0	0	18,256	7.2
Bristol	0	0	7.2	26.7	20.1	No	35	0	30,593	11.4
Brixton	0	1	8.9	14.9	17.1	Yes	81	23	21,603	4.7
Brockhill	0	0	16.3	30.5	30.7	Yes	0	0	27,394	4.6
Buckley Hall	0	1	4.5	38.4	32.8	Yes	0	0	16,957	6—
Bullingdon	0	1	6.8	34.6	20.9	Yes	7	0	16,358	10.8
Bullwood Hall	0	0	21.3	20.0	21.6	Yes	0	0	30,183	10.7
Camp Hill	0	0	5.6	31.9	20.9	Yes	0	0	17,843	3.8
Canterbury	0	0	6.0	18.5	17.5	Yes	0	0	34,433	6.0
Cardiff	0	0	7.6	27.0	22.0	Yes	0	0	20,940	6.1
Castington	0	0	21.2	10.9	23.4	No	11	11	18,577	6.6
Channings Wood	0	0	1.5	20.0	29.6	Yes	53	39	15,403	6.7
Chelmsford	0	0	12.0	24.0	16.0	No	0	0	19,256	5.4
Colchester	0	0	14.4	19.4	433.93	No	0	0	31,300	11.8

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the results achieved by the Prison Service on each of its key performance indicators in each prison for the last available year; and if he will make a statement. [45555]

The performance of each prison on the Prison Service's key performance indicators is listed in the table.The overcrowding KPI is formulated in terms of overall Prison Service capacity and population levels; therefore, the performance of individual prisons cannot be meaningfully related to the KPI.