To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evaluation his Department has made of the spray suppression procedures for heavy goods vehicles in (a) Portugal, (b) France, (c) Belgium, (d) Germany and (e) Holland. [47768]

None; however, spray from goods vehicles is a problem recognised by several EU member states. Discussions are planned by the European Commission to look at the whole problem.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to deal with problems arising from spray emanating from heavy goods vehicles; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current procedures; and if he will make a statement. [47766]

The UK has led the way in the development of spray suppression equipment. Indeed, the standards for EC Directive 91/226EC, on spray suppression, were largely based on the UK requirements. Further development of spray suppression devices has proved difficult because of the problems in accurately measuring spray which makes the assessment of the efficiency of the equipment difficult to gauge. However, spray from goods vehicles is a problem recognised by several EU Member States. Discussions are planned by the European Commission to look at the whole problem.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce the findings of the research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory on the measurement of spray from vehicles and its effect on vision. [47767]

A published version of the Report on the research carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory into spray suppression will be available within the next six months. A copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what new measures he proposes to improve the monitoring of discharges into the Irish Sea from the United Kingdom's nuclear facilities. [47695]

Radioactive discharges from UK nuclear sites are subject to rigorous and stringent monitoring requirements under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Nuclear site operators must take and analyse samples of effluent for radioactivity.The Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Action (SEPA) take independent samples for analysis as a check. The operators' results and those of the environment agencies are made available to the public.In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) has carried out extensive monitoring of the marine environment since the early 1960s and each year the monitoring programme is scrutinised to ensure that it is effectively targeted. Monitoring methodology is constantly reviewed, so that the most appropriate techniques are used. Research work is also carried out into the various chemical and physical processes that affect the pathways of radioactivity back to man.A summary of the main findings of the Environment Agency's monitoring programmes is published annually in a report called

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what initiatives his Department is supporting for pensioners' concessionary fares for travel by bus and rail. [47677]

Concessionary fares are a matter for individual local authorities. All but a few have a scheme for pensioners which covers travel by bus; a number of schemes provide for travel on local trains. The franchise agreements which govern the provision of rail services protect the price and the benefits of the Senior Railcard, which offers a one-third discount on a wide range of rail fares nation-wide. The question of concessionary fares is being considered as part of the review of integrated transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures are planned by his Department to achieve (a) the EU 12.5 per cent. target and (b) the national 20 per cent. target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in each of the sectors identified in the European Commission's First Analysis report; [47575](2) to what extent his target of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010 will be realised by combined heat and power generation. [47576]

We intend to issue a consultation paper in the summer on policy options for delivering our climate change targets. This will focus on our 12.5 per cent. legally binding commitment from Kyoto as well as considering how we might move beyond that towards our domestic aim of a 20 per cent. reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2010. We will be looking at the scope for savings from improved energy efficiency by business and in the home; lower transport emissions; and an increase in the electricity generated from renewables. Combined heat and power (CHP) will also play an important part in helping us meet our targets. We have published a report which shows the economic potential for CHP is between 10,000 and 17,000 Megawatts (MW), depending on the assumptions made on future energy prices, users' required rate of return on investment, and other factors. Every 1,000 MW of CHP can reduce carbon emissions by up to 1 million tonnes per year. We will set a firm target as part of the new UK Climate Change Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he proposes to promote investment in combined heat and power generation; and if he will make a statement. [47577]

The government strongly promote the widest use of combined heat and power (CHP), for its environmental, business and other benefits to the country. CHP is encouraged through my Department's Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme, the Energy Saving Trust, the Private Public Partnership, the Capital Receipts Initiative, and other programmes.The Government's provisional proposals for electricity generation consent, following the Review of Energy Sources, reflect the importance they attach to the environmental and other benefits of CHP.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give those local authority bus companies whose finances are sufficiently sound freedom from controls in respect of borrowing for capital investment. [48012]

The only such controls concern the terms on which Public Transport Companies may borrow from the owning local authority; there are no plans for change. Otherwise there are no controls on borrowing by a PTC on the strength of the business.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46683]

Each of the queries has been divided into regular surveys (carried out annually unless otherwise stated) and ad-hoc or one-off surveys. They are listed by alphabetic order of the division involved in the survey. 'Potential New Policies' is a wide brief—all reviews/research into guidance have been included. Surveys begun prior to 1 May 1997 but not completed until after that date are included with a note; some of the later research is not yet completed.The majority of these surveys are not to the general public, but to the Local Authorities and Businesses concerned in the use and implementation of policies; they do all, however, relate to the perceived reaction from the public. Some of the listed surveys relate to just one survey carried out, others to two or more surveys carried out under the same project.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the rail links between Ebbsfleet and Charing Cross to carry both Channel Tunnel and other services between the completion of stages 1 and 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link; and if he will make a statement. [48200]

After completion of the first section of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to Fawkham Junction, scheduled for 2003, Eurostar services will run not between Ebbsfleet and Charing Cross but via the Section 1 infrastructure and then existing domestic lines between Fawkham Junction and Waterloo. These domestic lines will have been subjected to upgrading works to increase capacity to 4 trains per hour in each direction and, as a result, there will be no adverse impact on existing domestic passenger services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the South West Regional Planning Conference regarding Gloucestershire's Structure Plan; if he plans to accept Gloucestershire's revised allocation of 50,000 houses between 1991 and 2011; and if he will make a statement. [47748]

The then Secretary of State issued Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (RPG 10) in 1994 which included a provision for Gloucestershire of 53,000 houses on the advice of the South West Regional Planning Conference. The Conference is currently preparing a draft strategy for the period to 2016 and officials of the Government Office for the South West attend as observers on behalf of the Secretary of State.The requirement for housing will be tested at the forthcoming Structure Plan inquiry which is due to begin on 8 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Railtrack's application for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 in respect of the Thameslink 2000 Project. [48434]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions announced on 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 367–84, that agreement had been reached on a statement of principles that will ensure the completion of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. The new Thameslink 2000 station is an integral part of work on the CTRL at St. Pancras and in order to take full account of the continuing detailed contractual and financial arrangements the Secretary of State has decided to defer until 29 January 1999 the date by which he must give notice of an intention to hold a public inquiry into the proposed Railtrack (Thameslink 2000) Order. I hope that it will be possible to take a decision before that date and it will not be delayed unnecessarily. London and Continental Railways and Railtrack remain contracted to complete the Thameslink 2000 Project, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish Sir Richard Eyre's report on the future of lyric theatre in London. [48433]

Sir Richard Eyre's report on the future of lyric theatre in London is published today and copies have been laid before both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 1 June 1998, Official Report, column 45, which aspects of British seaside tourism the forum working groups are examining. [46094]

The Domestic Working Group is looking particularly at resort regeneration, but as with all the other Working Groups, much of the work is as relevant to seaside tourism as to other parts of the industry. For example, the Domestic Tourism Working Group is also looking at ways of improving standards of accommodation and hospitality; meeting consumer needs; how the domestic market is packaged and promoted; the image of England as a holiday destination; the dissemination of information; barriers to taking domestic holidays; and visitor management.The Working Groups, their Chairmen and summaries of their areas of interest are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what overseas marketing the British Tourist Authority has carried out of British seaside resorts as tourism destinations in the past three years. [46720]

In the last three years, the BTA has conducted hundreds of different campaigns and marketing activities, many of which have a seaside element. Seaside resorts feature in BTA's own print and in the print of others, distributed to overseas customers through BTA's network of 43 overseas offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the initiatives undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 which have involved the establishment of (a) action zones and (b) pilot schemes limited to particular geographical areas, indicating the name of the programme and the action zone or pilot scheme areas covered in each instance. [47053]

This Department has not undertaken any such initiatives since 1 May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will introduce legislation to limit or abolish the single occupancy supplement in hotels in the United Kingdom. [48006]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: The Government have no plans to introduce such legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the single occupancy supplement; and if he will list them. [48005]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have received a number of representations from hon. Members, members of the public and organisations, including the Single Travellers Action Group. Ministerial colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry have received similar representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has to promote sustainable tourism initiatives. [47699]

The Government have recently undertaken a nationwide consultation exercise on sustainable tourism. We have received over 300 responses and these are currently being analysed. They will feed into the development of the new strategy for tourism which my Department will launch later this year and will help update the UK Sustainable Development Strategy which will be published by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, also later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if his review of the future funding of the BBC will include consideration of a scheme for a universal pensioners' concessionary television licence fee. [47679]

The forthcoming review of the arrangements for funding the Corporation after March 2002 will include a detailed consideration of all the options for concessions, both for pensioners and others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46690]

We have undertaken consultation exercises on the following subjects. It is our policy to place the results of the consultations in the Library where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements have been made to allow the New Opportunities Fund and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts to undertake preparatory work before the passage of the National Lottery Bill [Lords]. [48315]

The National Lottery Bill, currently awaiting Royal Assent, will establish the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA).NOF will be the distribution body for the new good cause for health, education and the environment. In its first three initiatives, it will support healthy living centres, out of school hours learning and childcare, and training in information and communications for teachers and public library staff, along with the creation of digital learning materials.The aim of NESTA will be to promote talent, creativity and innovation by helping talented people reach their full potential, helping turn good ideas into marketable products and services, and raising public appreciation of the value of science, technology and the arts.Parliamentary approval for the preparatory costs of these new services will be sought in the main Estimate for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Class X, Vote 1, Section I). Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £525,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the public registers which his Department has responsibility for. [47362]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: The Department has responsibility for the following, which could be described as public registers:

Statutory List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest

Schedule of Ancient Monuments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the areas for which the Government intend to apply an exemption to the right of access to personal data, as defined in the Data Protection Bill 1998; and if he will make a statement. [47381]

Since the Ministry of Defence is a large organisation which holds many different types of records on individuals, a number of the exemptions contained in the Bill will apply from time to time. One of the exemptions, the Combat Effectiveness exemption contained in Schedule 7 part 2, applies exclusively to the Armed Forces. This exemption is unlikely to be widely employed. The MOD also intend to apply the exemption in Section 27 of the Bill, which has as its purpose the safeguarding of national security. We anticipate that most Service personnel will have access to much of the information we hold about them, providing it is held on a relevant filing system as defined in the Bill, and provided that granting access does not compromise the rights of third parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the total cost of the project definition, development and production of the full complement of Horizon 2000 common new generation frigates to the Royal Navy; what were the original estimates; when the acceptance of the first of class by the Fleet is due to take place; and what was the date originally planned. [47807]

It is currently expected that 12 Horizon class frigates will be ordered for the Royal Navy, although this is, of course, subject to the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review. The Horizon programme MOU signed by the three nations (UK, France and Italy) in 1994 originally envisaged an in service date of 2002. The current tri-national in service date is 2004, although this is kept under review. The estimated programme cost to the UK is commercially confidential, but we expect the entire programme, including full production of 22 ships for the three nations, to remain within the original cost estimate of some £6 billion to £8 billion. The contract for completion of the design and build of the three first of class Horizon frigates, i.e. one for each nation, is expected to be placed next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the scenario of the exercise, Proper Watch, in 1989; on what dates and where it took place; if the United States Department of Defense took part; and if he will place a copy of the results of the exercise in the Library. [46819]

Exercise Proper Watch took place at RAF Bentwaters in May 1989. The exercise tested the procedures in place for responding to the crash of a US transport aircraft carrying nuclear weapons. The United States response forces participated in this exercise. A classified report on the exercise does exist, but for the reasons my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence gave to the hon. Member on 31 July 1997, Official Report, column 470, and under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice of Access to Government Information, I am not prepared to release the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 7 May 1998, Official Report, column 437, if he will assess the advantages of publishing the digest of the submissions by (a) Service and (b) Ministry of Defence civilian personnel earlier than the publication of the White Paper on the Strategic Defence Review. [46816]

A digest of submissions from Service personnel and MOD civilian staff to the Strategic Defence Review is being prepared. It will provide a context for some of the decisions in the Review. I therefore see no advantage in publishing the digest earlier than the White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 25 June 1998, Official Report, column 569, for what reasons it was not possible to publish the Strategic Defence Review in the first half of the year. [48167]

It was not possible to publish the Strategic Defence Review in the first half of the year because final decisions had not been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) operations and (b) exercises Permanent Joint HQ has (i) planned and (ii) taken an active role in executing since it was established. [47300]

Since its establishment in April 1996 the Permanent Joint Headquarters has planned 31 operations and overseen the execution of 23. It has also participated in 15 major exercises, of which it had the lead in planning 6.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date British ground forces were first deployed in Bosnia as part of UNPROFOR. [47299]

The main body of the United Kingdom ground forces were first deployed in Bosnia on 18 November 1992. However, reconnaissance, activation and advance parties had arrived several weeks earlier.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's involvement in international police training, with particular reference to that in countries seeking to re-establish democratic systems; and what is his Department's budget for this work. [47301]

The Ministry of Defence gives assistance to the police forces of other countries from time to time, mainly through the provision of places on training courses in the United Kingdom or through training by members of the UK Armed Forces.Requests for assistance are considered in the light of the Government's wider foreign policy, and we take account of the human rights and ethical records of the requesting nation's police and armed forces. All training provided by the MOD reflects the principles of the rule of law, good government, civilian control of military forces and support to democracy.My Department has no budget dedicated specifically to international police training, although on occasion overseas police assistance has been funded from the Defence Military Assistance Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to allow empty houses at the RAF base at Chicksands in Bedfordshire to be used for local authority housing. [47702]

The potential Service requirement for vacant Service Families Accommodation at RAF Chicksands is currently under review. A decision on this will be made once the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review is known. Based on this decision Annington Homes, which own the properties, will be in a position to decide their future use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make his response to the Second report from the Defence Committee on the draft Visiting Forces and International Headquarters (Application of Law) (Amendment) Order 1998 (HC 521). [47611]

The response was sent to the Committee yesterday.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the defence estate in London. [48484]

We have been considering the scope for further rationalisation of our property holdings, in London and elsewhere, in the context of the Strategic Defence Review. In continuation of that work, my Department will be drawing up a Strategic Development Plan for the defence estate in the Greater London area. Work on the plan will involve a thorough examination of site values and costs, linked to their condition and utilisation, with a view to identifying opportunities to meet defence requirements more cost-effectively. Any specific proposals for unit moves that may arise from this work will be subject to further study and consultation in the normal way. Existing studies, such as those relating to RAF Northolt and RAF Uxbridge, will be fully taken into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Rotherham of 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 72, if he will make a statement on the current status of the Challenger 2 programme. [48596]

I am pleased to announce that The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards have become the first regiment to be fully equipped with the Challenger 2 main battle tank. This is a significant milestone in the Challenger 2 programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she intends to publish the report by Mr. J. J. Rowe QC on the operation during 1997 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996; and what conclusions she has reached concerning the future of the Act in the light of Mr. Rowe's report. [48481]

I have received Mr. Rowe's report. It is being published today and copies are being placed in the Library of both Houses. I note that Mr. Rowe is of the firm view that the provisions of the Act are still needed, and am reassured that he concludes that the security forces have operated the powers properly and carefully.Mr. Rowe fulfils a very important role and I am most grateful to him for his work. The Government agree that the powers are still necessary; Parliament too has endorsed this view by the enactment in April of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1998, which extends the life of the 1996 Act and obviates the need this year for Continuance debates.However, under powers vested in me by section 62 of the 1996 Act I may, by order approved by resolution of each House, lapse any of the temporary provisions of the Act at any time. Therefore I will, as always, keep the continuance of the provisions under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for Northern Ireland for the period 1998 to 2001. [48482]

The following targets have been set for the Agency:

1. All 16 and 17-year-olds leaving school will be offered the opportunity of a training place; 65 per cent. of those leaving the Jobskills programme will transfer to employment or to other education or training opportunities; and 65 per cent. of entrants to the programme will achieve a qualification at NVQ level 2 or equivalent.

2. 25 per cent. of 16 to 24-year-olds involved in an Agency training programme will initially enter a Modern Apprenticeship or transfer to a Modern Apprenticeship on completion of level 2 training.

3. To publish a skills survey each year of the Corporate Plan.

4. To ensure that CDP projects increase the achievement rate of their agreed productivity targets from 65 per cent. in 1998–99 to 85 per cent. in 2000–2001.

5. To increase the number of local organisations achieving Investors in People (IiP) status from 120 to 300.

6. To ensure that overall Agency spend in Training and Social Needs areas is no less than 60 per cent. of Agency programme budget.

7. To achieve a score of 500 against the Business Excellence Model by the year 2001.

8. To maintain the Agency's IiP standard and accreditation following reassessment in August 1998.

Current membership	Experience	Total fees (£) paid since 1 April 19971	Total travel and subsistence costs (£) incurred since 1 April 19971
Lord Neill of Bladen, QC	Extensive legal experience. Former Chairman of the Bar	22,000	25,609.50
	Council, Warden of All Souls College, Oxford and Vice
	Chancellor of Oxford University. Chairman of numerous high
	level committees and enquiries.
Sir Clifford Boulton, GCB	Former Clerk of the House of Commons.	4,945.00	682.85
Sir Anthony Cleaver	Chairman of AEA Technology plc. Extensive business	360.00	—
	experience. Academic interests. Involvement with various
	public sector committees.
Lord Goodhart, QC	Legal and political experience. Liberal Democrat Peer.	4,860.00	25,309.80
Frances Heaton	Director, Lazard Brothers, and Bank of England. Legal, civil	1,980.00	24,916.90
	service and private sector background.
Professor Anthony King	Academic. Professor of Government, Essex University.	3,785.00	882.40
The right hon. John	Extensive political experience Conservative Member of	3—	430.65
MacGregor, OBE MP	Parliament.
The right. hon. the Lord Shore	Extensive political experience. Labour Peer.	1,055.00	668.90
of Stepney
Sir William Utting, CB	Extensive experience in social work. Former Chief Inspector	3,015.00	—
	of Social Services.
Ms Diana Warwick	Chief Executive, Committee of Vice Chancellors and	5,450.00	48.50
	Principals. Trades Union background. Member of various
	public and private sector boards.
1 Relates to all transactions recorded on the Cabinet Office Resource Accounting System at 24 June 1998
2 Total includes overseas study trips. Lord Neill visited Germany, Sweden, Canada and the USA, and was accompanied by Lord Goodhart (except Sweden), and Frances Heaton (except Germany)
3 John MacGregor receives payment from the public purse as a Member of Parliament.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Legal Services Ombudsman intends to publish her seventh Annual report. [48314]

The Legal Services Ombudsman has today published her seventh Annual Report, and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the names, qualifications and experience of the Chairman and members of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and if he will state the amount paid by way of expenses, allowances and fees to each of them for the last 12 months. [47610]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: The information requested is set out in the table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his plans for improving the delivery of public services. [48477]

I am pleased to inform the House that I am announcing today, as part of my wider Better Government initiative, the launch of Service First—the new Charter programme. Service First is the Government's programme to improve public service delivery. It places a new emphasis on promoting responsiveness, quality, effectiveness, and cross-sectoral working. It has been designed to meet the real needs of people, following an extensive and wide-ranging consultation exercise over the last twelve months into the future of the Citizen's Charter programme. Details of the new programme have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the pilot schemes announced since 1 May 1997 by his Department that involve local authorities in a lead or partnership capacity; if he will list each of the local authorities involved in each case; and what revenue and capital funding each local authority will receive through the pilot in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–2000 and (iv) 2000–2001. [46391]

[holding answer 18 June 1998]: The Better Government for Older People programme, launched on 5 June, aims to improve public services for older people by better meeting their needs, listening to their views, and encouraging and recognising their contribution. The programme seeks to promote partnership at both a national and local level and is being co-funded by a consortium of five organisations—the Cabinet Office (OPS), Age Concern, the Anchor Trust, the Carnegie Third Age Programme, and the Warwick University Local Authorities Research Consortium.The programme has established 28 local pilots across the UK. Each pilot is led by a local authority but includes partners from central Government and the voluntary, community and private sectors. The pilot authorities are:

To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46688]

There have been no such projects in my Department.

To ask the Prime Minister how many of the policy reviews initiated by the Government since May 1997 have been completed within the planned timetable. [45443]

The timetables of Government reviews are often subject to change to take account of changes in remit or circumstance and are a matter for the responsible Ministers. An up to date list of Government reviews has been placed in the Library. Of the 146 reviews, 63 have already been completed, 40 within the originally planned time-scale.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the summits and EU ministerial meetings over which the United Kingdom has presided in 1998; what discussions on the millennium compliance of computer systems took place at each; and if he will make a statement on the initiatives that were decided on. [46646]

A list of the Councils being held under the UK's Presidency of the European Union was deposited in the Library of the House earlier this year. The UK has also presided over the G8 Summit and Foreign Ministers' meetings, and the Asia-Europe summit.The Government attach great importance to tackling the Millennium Bug problem. They have worked hard to raise awareness in each of these fora and to encourage practical action. In the EU, we ensured the issue was addressed in a wide range of relevant fora: we raised it for instance at the Telecoms Councils on 26 February and 19 May, the Internal Market Council on 30 March, the Industry Council on 7 May, and at the European Conference on 12 March. We organised a major conference in London on 8 May to draw attention to the Bug's cross-border implications and to encourage the sharing of best practice among member states. We also raised the issue at the Cardiff European Council. The Conclusions of the Council include a call for effective national compliance programmes and for a further progress report to the Vienna Summit in December.At the 3–4 April Asia Europe Meeting, leaders highlighted the importance of international co-operation to ensure millennium compliance, particularly where failures would cause social and economic dislocation.At their 15–17 May Birmingham Summit, G8 leaders recognised the seriousness of the threat posed by the Millennium Bug. The G8 communique agreed to take urgent action and to share information, among ourselves and with others, that would assist in preventing disruption in the near and longer term. The G8 would work closely with business and organisations working in those sectors, who would bear much of the responsibility to address the problem. The G8 would work together in international organisations, such as the World Bank to assist developing countries, and the OECD, to help solve this critical technological problem and prepare for the year 2000. Heads agreed that G8 officials should meet to pursue the issue. I announced that the UK was giving £10 million to the World Bank Trust Fund to help poorer developing countries develop strategies to combat the problem.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the Independent Assessor's finding that the closure of generating capacity at three power stations by National Power and Powergen could reflect a reluctance to relinquish claims to existing power station sites in order to retain their market position; and if she will make a statement. [47324]

[holding answer 25 June 1998]: I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend on 25 June 1998, Official Report, columns 1169–72, concerning the Government's proposals following the Energy Review.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) in which sectors of the United Kingdom's offshore waters exploration for oil and gas is currently taking place; [47694](2) how many

Details of areas currently under Petroleum production licence are published in Volume II of the annual Energy Report (the 'Brown Book'), which is available in the Library of both Houses. There are, in addition, 35 current exploration licences, which allow the holders to carry out survey work (but not drilling) in any area not subject to a production licence.On-site exploration—mainly seismic data acquisition or exploratory drilling—is a relatively short-term process and actual locations therefore change rapidly, but exploration is taking place, or in preparation, in all sectors of the North Sea, to the north and west of Scotland, and in the Irish Sea. There is no current on-site exploration activity on licensed areas south of England or in the south-west approaches.In accordance with the Hydrocarbons Licensing Directive, no distinction is drawn between United kingdom and non-United Kingdom companies as operators of partners in the award of administration of licences. The statistics for licence operators in both categories on Petroleum Production licences and producing fields are as follows:

	Current petroleum Producing licences	Producing offshore oil and gas fields
Current total	550	187
Operating companies:
UK	10	6
Non-UK1	30	19
1Includes UK registered companies with non-UK parents

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how the United Kingdom Government intend to fulfil their commitment in the OECD Ministerial Statement on the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment of 28 March concerning a period of assessment and further consultation; what steps have been taken in this respect; and if she will make a statement. [48048]

Officials from the Department and from other relevant Government Departments are continuing their on-going consultations with business, unions, local government, non-governmental organisations, and others interested in the Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI). We will participate in planned EU-wide meetings with trade unions and non-governmental organisations in September. We are also considering options for further consultations with developing countries.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list the representations from other countries her Department has received since 1 May 1997 in respect of the Sellafield reprocessing facility. [47747]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: Since 1 May 1997 I have responded to one representation from the Government of the Republic of Ireland about safety issues at UK nuclear sites, including Sellafield. In addition, officials of my Department have responded to two letters from individuals in Ireland, and also to one from an individual in Germany who raised a number of issues, including safety at the Sellafield site.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement about the future ownership of the Midland Bluebird Bus Company. [47842]

My right hon. Friend, the President of the Board of Trade, will announce her decision as quickly as is practicable on FirstBus's request for a review of the decision of the then Minister for Corporate and Consumer Affairs that it should be required to divest its subsidiary, Midland Bluebird, plus part of the Glasgow operations of SB Holdings.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the outcome of the European Union Research Council on 22 June. [48479]

I chaired the meeting of the EU Research Council on 22 June 1998.The Council made useful progress on the negotiations on the Fifth Framework for Research Technological Development and Demonstration Activities 1998–2002 (FP5), achieving consensus in a number of areas and maintaining momentum against the tight timetable for introducing FP5 by the end of this year. This Council consolidated the achievements of our Presidency in pressing forward these negotiations.The Council reached a "common position" on the proposed decisions on the rules governing participation in the Framework Programmes and the dissemination of results, which are essential for implementing the programme. Although formal decisions could not be made at this stage, the Council reached broad consensus on the scientific and technological content of three of the ten specific programmes that give detailed effect to FP5, and on the underpinning general provisions broadly common to these programmes. It also took note of the progress made in negotiations so far on the distribution of funding within each of the specific programmes, which will be the subject of further consideration under the Austrian Presidency.The Council also agreed conclusions on the management of Community RTD programmes that reflect the agreement reached at the Colloquium of EU research ministers that I chaired on 28 April. An important aspect of these conclusions is the Commission's undertaking to report on the progress made in meeting performance targets, adopting new management approaches and on plans for future improvements.The Council agreed a resolution aimed at strengthening the links and complementarity in space research between the EU and ESA. A parallel resolution was adopted by the ESA Council on 23 June. The resolution represents a significant step towards increased co-operation in this field between the EU and the European Space Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his most recent assessment of the accuracy of electoral registers at the end of their lifespan. [47712]

The information required for such an assessment to be made is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been fined for failing to comply with the requirement to register for electoral purposes in each of the last 10 years. [47713]

In 1988 there were three prosecutions and in 1989 there were 13 prosecutions, although we have no information as to their outcome. Data for this summary offence have not been collected centrally since then.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the amount of canvassing carried out in each local authority area to compile electoral registers; and how many areas carry forward names from the previous year's register for (i) one year and (ii) longer than one year. [47704]

"Compiling the electoral register 1996", published by the Office for National Statistics last year, looked at the main canvass procedures adopted by local authorities, the number of reminder stages and whether, and in what circumstances, names of non-responders were carried forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been spent on advertising electoral registration by central Government in each of the last 10 years. [47714]

Expenditure for England and Wales was as follows:

Year	Expenditure (£)
1998–89	472,000
1989–90	481,000
1990–91	541,000
1991–92	648,000
1992–93	624,000
1993–94	653,000
1994–95	697,000
1995–96	868,000
1996–97	728,000
1997–98	691,000

The figures available for Scotland and Northern Ireland are as follows

Year	Scotland	Expenditure (£) Northern Ireland
1994	1128,000	11,000
1995	59,000	10,000
1996	1115,000	5,000
1997	73,000	5,000
1Includes publicity for absent voting

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the extent of non-registration on the electoral register of (a) those in privately rented and furnished accommodation, (b) New Commonwealth citizens, (c) those who had moved in the past year, (d) black people, (e) those aged under 17 years, (f) those aged 21–24 years and (g) those living in inner London. [47708]

The most recent information available is set out in "Electoral registration in 1991", published in 1993, which provides estimates for all seven categories listed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the extent of dual electoral registrations by (a) students, (b) owners of second homes and (c) others. [47705]

The information needed for such an estimate is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for electoral registration statistics to be compiled by parliamentary constituencies. [47707]

Electoral registration statistics are already compiled by parliamentary constituencies, as well as by local government areas. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published figures for the 1998 register on 23 April 1998, in an ONS Population and Health Monitor (reference EL 98/1), copies of which are in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of overseas voters and service voters who live abroad. [47706]

The total number of overseas electors and service voters (whether serving in the United Kingdom or overseas) included on the 1998 register was published by the Office for National Statistics in "Population and Health Monitor" EL 98/1, copies of which are in the Library. Figures for the number of registered services voters posted abroad are not held separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if his Department holds copies of all the certificates signed by Cabinet Ministers since 1984, under section 27 of the Data Protection Act 1984; [47377](2) how many certificates have been signed to date under section 27 of the Data Protection Act 1984. [47378]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: In 1986, the then Home Secretary made a determination in respect of all data held by the Security Service. In accordance with that determination, the Security Service has not registered under the Act.Certificates under section 27 of the Data Protection Act relate to exemption from the provisions of Part II and sections 21 to 24 of Part IV of the Act, for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made with arrangements to establish the Youth Justice Board. [48480]

Following my announcement at Second Reading of the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] on 8 April 1998, Official Report, column 376, that I intended to establish the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales from 1 October 1998 (if the Bill receives Royal Assent early enough), advertisements for the Chair and 11 other Board Members appeared in the press from 19 April.Over 750 applications have been received (for the post of Chair, member or both), and the competitions are being conducted in line with guidance from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments ('Nolan' procedures). The selection panel for the post of Chair was chaired by David Omand, Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, with John Halliday, Director of Criminal Policy Home Office; Tom Luce, Head of Social Care Policy, Department of Health; and two independent assessors: Sir Terence Harrison, Chairman, Alfred McAlpine plc., former Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce; and Mrs. Gill Pitt, general education inspector, Northamptonshire, Inspection and Advisory Service, former primary headteacher.Following advice from the selection panel, I am pleased to announce that the Chair of the Youth Justice Board will be Norman Warner, chair of the Task Force on Youth Justice and, until he takes up his appointment, senior policy adviser, Home Office.The panel selecting the 11 other members of the new Board is expected to provide advice in the summer, and Mr. Warner is participating in the selection process.The setting up of the Youth Justice Board as an executive non-departmental public body is a significant step forward in delivering the Government's commitment to tackling youth crime and reforming youth justice. The Task Force on Youth Justice is likely to complete its work in July and will then be wound up.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people aged 65 years or over are currently subject to deportation orders; and how many people aged 65 years or over have been deported or removed in each of the last three years. [46691]

As at 29 May, there were 54 persons aged 65 years or over who had deportation orders signed against them but who had not been removed from the United Kingdom.The available information on persons who were aged 65 years or over when they were removed, or departed voluntarily, following deportation or illegal entry action is given in the table. Comprehensive information on persons aged 65 years or over when removed under port procedures could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Removals1 as a result of deportation or illegal entry action of persons aged over 65 years2, 1995–19973
	1995	1996	19973
Persons removed from the United Kingdom as a result of deportation action4	22	25	18
Persons removed from the United Kingdom as a result of illegal entry action4	4	10	9
1Includes persons departing 'voluntarily' after deportation or illegal entry action had been initiated against them
2Covers persons aged over 65 years on the date they were removed or departed 'voluntarily'
31997 data are provisional
4Enforcement action may have been initiated in an earlier period

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support his Department offers for the relatives of murder victims; and if he will make a statement. [47435]

In addition to the support provided by state funded services, including the National Health Service, Social Services, the police and other criminal justice agencies, the Home Office funds two national voluntary organisations which are able to offer practical help and emotional support to the families and friends of murder victims, both in the immediate aftermath of the murder and on a longer-term basis. In 1998–99, the Home Office grant to Victim Support will amount to £12.7 million, and the grant to Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) will amount to £43,000.The Home Office also produces a pack called "Information for Families of Homicide Victims", which contains leaflets on a number of subjects. The pack is handed to friends and relatives by the police at the earliest suitable opportunity following the murder.

Pilot scheme	Area covered
Better Government for Older People	Scottish Borders Council
	Stirling Council
	South Lanarkshire Council
Disqualification from Driving for all Offences	Paisley Sheriff Court
	Perth Sheriff Court
Initiative at the Edge (Iomairt Air An Oir)	Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council)
	Argyll and Bute Council
	Highland Council
Northern Periphery: ERDF Article 10 Pilot Action Programme	Eligible Areas: Highlands and Islands Objective 1 Area and adjacent
	Objective 5(b) areas of North West Grampian and Rural
	Stirling/Upland Tayside
Pilot Scheme under Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) (Fixed	Glasgow
Penalty) Regulations 1997
Regional Selective Assistance Priority Initiative—Pilots	Glasgow North
	Glasgow East End
	Dundee
	West Dunbartonshire
	North Ayrshire (3 Towns—Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston)

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library copies of gender impact assessments which have been undertaken in respect of legislation introduced in this Parliament; if he will make it his policy to do so in respect of future legislation; and if he will make a statement. [47018]

We are addressing the gender perspective in policy making through the cross-Departmental mainstreaming initiative which the Ministers for Women launched on 18 May. New guidelines have been formulated after wide consultation which the Scottish Office will adapt to suit Scottish circumstance and issue to all Scottish Office staff. The guidelines require Departments to:

• consider how policy proposals affect women
• consult with women's organisations and
• act upon that information to ensure that policy decisions reflect the views and interests of women.

The Scottish Office will contribute to an Annual Report to Parliament setting out progress on mainstreaming the women's perspective into Government policy making. The first report will be published after the end of this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the initiatives undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 which have involved the establishment of (a) action zones and (b) pilot schemes limited to particular geographical areas, indicating the name of the programme and the action zone or pilot scheme areas covered in each instance. [47057]

There have been no action zones established by my Department since 1 May 1997. Pilot schemes, covering particular geographical areas, which have been established in Scotland are listed in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he plans to encourage the retention and expansion of high-skilled jobs in Scotland. [47441]

The creation and retention of high-skilled jobs is very important for the future of the Scottish economy and of its international competitiveness. This requires action by Government and their agencies on a number of fronts, including education and training, the attraction of appropriate international investment in Scotland, and the encouragement of new high-tech companies.Our education and training initiatives include Higher Still, Modern Apprenticeships, Skillseekers, the Scottish University for Industry and a range of other measures to encourage lifelong learning. In order to meet the skills needs of industry, Scottish Enterprise is currently reviewing its own approach to skills development and we intend to draw together its findings and other recent work to create an overarching Skills Strategy for Scotland.Our inward investment strategy is targeted particularly on high value-added sectors such as aerospace and biotechnology, electronics, software and design projects. Project Alba is a particularly important fruit of this approach. In encouraging the creation and development of new high-tech companies, I attach particular importance to the Foresight initiative, which is encouraging companies throughout the UK to look at the opportunities created by new technology. Scottish Enterprise's Technology Ventures scheme is also an important initiative designed to promote commercialisation of the fruits of academic research, by facilitating links between business and the research base in our higher education institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many (a) small and (b) medium sized businesses his Department has helped to start since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [47415]

Under the enterprise programme managed by the TECs in Wales and funded by the Welsh Office, over 1,500 new business starts have been assisted since 1 May 1997. All can be categorised as small firms.I am keen to see more good quality businesses established throughout Wales—and to this end a new Business Starts Programme has recently been launched under Business Connect. Further planned action in this area will be set out in the "Economic Agenda for Wales" which will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what factors underlie the length of time taken to review the case of the murders of William Crompton and Fiona Ovis; and if he will make a statement. [47434]

Dyfed Powys Health Authority initiated an Independent Review Panel under the NHS complaints procedure, to inquire into the healthcare circumstances relating to the case. I understand that the authority has received legal advice to the effect that the report of the panel should not be made available pending the outcome of a retrial in relation to alleged offences arising from the deaths.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46687]

In line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Department routinely consults the public, interested parties and client groups by way of consultation papers, White Papers and discussion groups on a wide range of policies and proposed legislation. I have therefore confined my reply to 3 major exercises.Between March and June 1998 a major consultation exercise was conducted inviting views on "Modernising Local Government in Wales". A series of 7 consultation papers, which were placed in the Library of the House has attracted over 200 responses to date. When all the responses have been received and analysed, the analysis and copies of all responses will be placed in the Library. The results of the consultation will inform the White Paper I intend to publish in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will expand the National Curriculum to introduce school students to the study of modes of reasoning about morality which do not emphasise the idea that obedience is the primary virtue. [48176]

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) is currently piloting draft guidance for schools on promoting pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The guidance makes it clear that moral development involves acquiring both the capacity for moral reasoning, and a determination to obey moral rules derived from shared values. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked QCA to review the National Curriculum for the year 2000. The review will incorporate recommendations on education for moral and social responsibility from the Advisory Group on Education for Citizenship.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire of 25 April on behalf of his constituent, Mr. A. Mundin, of Belper about compulsory school uniform. [48217]

Unfortunately, the original letter appears to have gone astray. A copy, however, was received in the Department on 29 June 1998 and therefore a reply will be issued within five working days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions he has had with UK Vice Chancellors in respect of the advantages of eliminating differences in the level of fees paid by students for similar university courses from different parts of the UK. [48255]

The Government's policy is that, subject to a maximum of £1,000, the level of the annual contribution towards tuition fees for eligible home full-time undergraduates should depend on the student's own and his or her parents' or spouse's income. This inevitably means that there will be differences in the level of contributions made by students for similar university courses. The only exceptions we are proposing relate to students in the fifth and subsequent years of medical and dental courses and the special concession which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, intends in relation to Scottish students on the fourth or additional year of honours degree courses in Scotland where those are a year longer than comparable courses elsewhere in the UK.My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, made clear in the House during the Third Reading debate on the Teaching and Higher Education Bill that he would be happy to join my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, in talking to the Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh University and other vice-chancellors, but he has received no further approach to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps will be taken to ensure that employers engaged in the New Deal adhere to the standards set under the terms of their employer agreement; and what action will be taken against those firms who are found to be exploiting New Deal recruits. [47755]

The employer is given a copy of the Employment Agreement once it has been signed and prior to the New Deal participant starting on the option. This sets out the full terms and conditions of the Employment Option. A copy is also issued to the New Deal employee at the time they start on the Employment Option.The personal adviser will remain in contact with both the employer and the employee throughout the option and will take up any concerns that arise with the employer. A confidential New Deal Information Line has also been set up for participants who have concerns about any aspect of New Deal.If an employer fails to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement, the Employment Service (ES) following discussion with the employer, may terminate the agreement and recover payments already made. Employers suspected of being in breach of existing legislation or statutory duties will also be reported by the ES to the appropriate authorities for action. An employer whose agreement is terminated will not be allowed to participate again in New Deal until they are able to satisfy the ES that they will be able to fulfil the terms and conditions applicable at the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) voluntary and (b) public organisations have currently signed up to the New Deal in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England. [47756]

In the West Midlands 24 voluntary organisations and 34 public sector companies have signed Employer Agreements to date. Of these, two of the voluntary organisations and four of the public sector companies are based in Coventry. In England, over 10,500 employers have signed Employer Agreements. A breakdown of this number into private sector, voluntary and public sector organisations is available only at local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many CSA cases are currently awaiting assessment. [46564]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps she is taking to minimise fraud in the transition from family credit to the working families tax credit. [46202]

I refer my hon. Friend to the Written Answer I gave on 25 June 1998, Official Report, columns 623–24

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the projects undertaken by her Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if she will place the results of the research in the Library. [46680]

In line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Department routinely consults the public, interested parties and client groups by way of consultation papers, White Papers and discussion groups on a wide range of policies and proposed legislation. It is our normal practice to make the findings of all projects in the Department's Research Programme available to the public, including placing copies in the Library.In my Written Answer to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 11 May 1998,

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will make a statement on the numbers of claimants affected by the changes to council tax benefit regulations introduced on 1 April; [47424](2) how many households in London have been affected by the changes to council tax benefit regulations introduced on 1 April; and what percentage of the total this figure represents. [47425]

An estimated 8,000 claimants will be affected by the restriction of Council Tax Benefit in properties in Band F and above in 1998/99. The long-run estimate of those affected is 66,000.Information for those households affected in London is not available. However, in Greater London the long-term estimate of those claimants affected is 28,000. This represents approximately 40 per cent. of the total affected by the changes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to review the degree of flexibility available to staff implementing the jobseeker's allowance in relation to imposing conditions on a client's claim; and if she will make a statement. [47405]

The conditions of entitlement for receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance are set out in legislation. Adjudication Officers make decisions on entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance within this framework. Their decisions are monitored regularly by the Chief Adjudication Officer who reports annually on the standards achieved.An extensive programme of research has been commissioned as part of the evaluation of Jobseeker's Allowance. The findings will be available in the Summer of 1999 and will enable us to consider what changes need to be made to ensure that the design and operation of the benefit meets the principles set out in the Welfare Reform Green Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans she has to allow the reclaiming of expenses for hospital visits by spouses whose income is at the level of income support; [48083](2) if she will review the problems faced in meeting the costs of attending specialist hospitals by families whose income is just above income support levels. [48084]

Social fund community care grants can be paid to people on Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance to help with travelling expenses to visit a partner in hospital. Any award is subject to the level of priority which can be sustained from the district budget, and the circumstances of the particular case. Grants for visits to a child in hospital would normally be given a high priority.In addition, social fund crisis loans can be paid to people, whether on benefit or not, where the applicant needs help with fares to hospital for treatment for the applicant or a member of their family. Such a payment would have to be the only means of preventing serious risk or serious damage to the applicant or a member of their family. The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme, administered by the Department of Health, provides financial help to patients in receipt of Income Support and, where deemed medically necessary, an escort for travel to hospital for treatment under the care of a consultant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 9 June 1998, Official Report, columns 545–46, concerning the BIP, for what reasons she was unable to list the operational and legal issues that have prevented a review of BIP cases prior to 9 February 1998. [45770]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]: On 17 June, we announced that action will be taken to look again at Benefit Integrity Project cases decided before 9 February 1998, where a decision to reduce or remove benefit was based solely on evidence provided by the claimant and where the claimant did not seek a review of the decision.In order to make this announcement legal issues needed to be resolved relating to: our scope to take review action on cases that had already been reviewed as part of the Project; how and when the claimant should be involved, and what sort of decisions might be made. Operationally, we also needed to identify the scale of the exercise and how it might be conducted sensitively, without raising false expectations. Claimants need to be fully informed about the possible outcomes of a further review of their entitlement but in such a way that they are not dissuaded from exercising their right to have their case looked at again if that is what they choose. We are currently finalising the details of this new exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans she has to realign local Benefits Agency boundaries so as to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. [47490]

The administration of the Benefits Agency is a matter for Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. He will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take to seek implementation of the EU Slaughter Directive which would outlaw the slaughter of animals without pre-stunning at open air festivals. [46765]

Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing is not clear as to whether religious slaughter is permitted outside of slaughterhouses. The Directive was implemented in GB by the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995. The Regulations permit the slaughter of animals elsewhere than in slaughterhouses without stunning for reasons of religion. Such slaughter must be carried out in accordance with specific legal requirements, by a licensed slaughterman and in the presence of an authorised person. More recently, the European Commission has stated that in its opinion open-air religious slaughter is in fact prohibited by the Directive. We therefore intend to reconsider the position, in consultation with all those with an interest, later this year.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures for the labelling of meat to identify at the point of sale meat which has been ritually slaughtered. [46766]

Meat from animals slaughtered to provide food for the religious communities is already identified at the point of sale. It is the Government's intention to discuss with representatives of the religious communities all aspects of religious slaughter, including the entry onto the general market of meat from animals slaughtered without prior stunning.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of payments due in December 1997 to farmers (a) have not been paid to date and (b) were paid late; and if he will make a statement. [46947]

Under the Arable Area Payments Scheme in England, 99.51 per cent. of applicants received payments due by 31 December 1997 (representing 99.12 per cent. by value). As at 1 June, 0.025 per cent. of applicants are yet to receive payments (representing 0.011 per cent. by value).

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will bring forward, from September 1998, the payment of those European Union hill farming subsidies available to United Kingdom agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [46942]

There are two subsidies specific to hill farmers: Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances (HLCAs) and the Less Favoured Area (LFA) supplement under the Sheep Annual Premium (SAP) scheme. HLCAs are paid in the spring. The SAP LFA supplement is paid in two stages in tandem with payments of the basic premium, after rates for the latter have been fixed in Brussels. For the 1998 scheme year, we expect to pay a 90 per cent. advance of the LFA supplement over July and August and the balance next April. The agriculture departments try to make all subsidy payments as early as possible.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if in respect of the case involving Mr. Alick Barnes, Loyton Farm, Bampton, Devon, and his application for European Objective 5b funding, he will (a) approve disclosure of the documents requested by Mr. Barnes and (b) agree to discussions between his officials and Mr. Barnes; and if he will make a statement. [47138]

A request for disclosure of papers has already received from Mr. Barnes' solicitors. This is being considered, with the other Departments with an interest in the case, and a reply will be sent as soon as possible. As regards a meeting with officials, it is not clear that any issues arising from Mr. Barnes' application for Objective 5b funding remain to be resolved. But if Mr. Barnes wishes to write to explain why he thinks that a meeting would be helpful, such a request will of course be considered.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library copies of gender impact assessments which have been undertaken in respect of legislation introduced in this Parliament; if he will make it his policy to do so in respect of future legislation; and if he will make a statement. [47013]

The Department had guidelines in place designed to ensure that those involved in the development of policy consider the possible differential effects which their proposals may have on men and women and to take action where these effects cannot be justified.No differential effects have been identified during the course of preparation of any of the legislation introduced in this session of Parliament for which the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is responsible.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of Article 9(5) of Regulation 338/97/EC in relation to primates' journey times; [47337](2) for what reasons his Department does not impose maximum journey times for non-human primates. [47323]

In relation to animals, Article 9(5) of Regulation 338/97/EC requires that Community rules on protection of animals in transport are complied with. These rules, implemented in Great Britain by the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, do not set maximum journey times for animals other than farm animals and horses. However, no animal may be transported in a way that causes or could cause injury or unnecessary suffering. Strict rules cover the construction, maintenance and use of the receptacles and means of transport used. For example, receptacles in which primates are transported must provide adequate space for the animals to stand in their natural position; be constructed and maintained in such a way as to prevent the animals from suffering undue exposure to noise and vibration and must provide adequate ventilation and air space.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list by species of fish, the dates when the stocks in fishing grounds around the United Kingdom will be fished out at current rates of depletion. [47454]

Approximately half of the fish stocks in the North East Atlantic assessed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) are considered to be above safe biological limits. This means that they are above the level necessary to avoid an increasing risk that they will fail to reproduce themselves. The remaining stocks are at or below this level so cautious fisheries management is necessary to ensure that these stocks are not overfished and remain at or return to a safe level. With such management, no stocks around the UK are predicted to be fished out in the foreseeable future.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of EU Commission Regulation 623/98 on the manufacture of Cumberland Rum Butter; and if he will make a statement. [47772]

Commission Regulation (EC) 623/98 amends Commission Regulation (EC) 577/97 relating to standards for spreadable fats and the protection of dairy designations. From April 1999, "Cumberland Rum Butter" and all other alcoholic butters (including brandy and whisky butters) may only be so described if they contain sufficient butter to meet a minimum milkfat level of 34 per cent. The UK was opposed to the adoption of arbitrary compositional rules of this kind.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many checks have been made since 1995 to monitor compliance with the prohibition in Article 15(11)(a) of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995 on the use of poultry manure in compound feeding stuffs; [47581](2) how many contraventions of Article 15(11)(a) of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995, on the prohibition of the use of poultry manure in compound feeding stuffs, have been notified to his Department since it came into force; and if he will make a statement. [47582]

The Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995 are enforced by Local Authority Trading Standards Departments. The Department is not informed of the number of checks carried out or contraventions detected.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the prohibition in Article 15(11)(a) of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995, in ensuring that no poultry manure is used in foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement. [47584]

While we have no evidence on the current use of poultry manure in animal feed, officials have recently alerted both Local Authorities and the State Veterinary Service to be on the lookout for this practice.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what mechanisms are used to ensure that no poultry manure is included in compound feeding stuffs and to monitor compliance with Article 11(a) of the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 1995; and if he will make a statement. [47585]

Compliance monitoring, to ensure that poultry manure is not used in animal feed, is a matter for individual Local Authority Trading Standards Departments.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many carcases are currently waiting to be disposed of under the over-30-months scheme. [47770]

There are no carcases awaiting disposal under the over-30-months scheme (OTMS). The majority of the 15,000 cattle which enter the OTMS each week are rendered to produce meat and bonemeal (MBM) and tallow, which is being safely and securely stored pending destruction. Around 2,000 animals a week, mostly on-farm casualties, are directly incinerated in appropriately authorised incinerators. Capacity for direct incineration is expected to further increase as new facilities covered by the Intervention Board's 1996 tender for carcase incineration facilities come on stream, subject to the successful companies obtaining the necessary planning and environmental consents, thus reducing the rate of increase of MBM and tallow stocks.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what methods of disposal of fallen stock his Department has evaluated. [47686]

The Animal By-Products Order 1992, which specifies the methods of disposal for fallen stock, is being reviewed and I hope to consult on the outcome during the summer.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give a regional breakdown of fallen stock in England for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [47685]

This information is not collected.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the extent of problems with fallen stock in the North of England. [47684]

Some farmers in the North of England, as in other parts of England, may be experiencing problems if knackers' yards or hunt kennels have stopped taking certain types of fallen stock. We are concerned that fallen stock should be disposed of properly and my officials have therefore been liaising with the disposal and farming industries over the disposal of fallen stock and possible future arrangements.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons the cull ewe trade from the United Kingdom to France is restricted to four southern-based abattoirs. [47271]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: Our recent proposals to amend the Specified Risk Material Regulations to allow export of ewe carcases with spinal cord intact were based on the French authorities' list of four premises in France which they were prepared to designate for the removal of spinal cord under their own controls on specified risk materials.Revised proposals have now been issued for statutory consultation on the basis of a further list of seven premises which the French authorities have notified to us. These are: