To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire of 10 March about his constituent, Mr. Eric Pugh, on the subject of tax relief on resuscitation training materials. [48214]

I have been considering this matter carefully and expect to be able to write to the hon. Member in a few days' time.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned to determine whether the new individual savings account will achieve its objective of encouraging more people to save. [47083]

[holding answer 23 June 1998]: As stated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb) on 19 May 1998, Official Report, column 304, information was obtained from three surveys from the March Budget. Details of the survey specifications and a summary of the main findings have been placed in the Library.Since the Budget, the Inland Revenue has taken part in a syndicate to commission research from NOP, which included questions about the public's awareness of, and initial reactions to, aspects of the ISA proposals. The results of this research cannot be published for contractual reasons.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those circumstances in which a lower rate or basic rate taxpayer would benefit from holding equity shares through an individual savings account after 2004. [45997]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]: The Individual Savings Account offers savers the certainty that they will be able to save completely free of all tax, including capital gains tax, for at least ten years, irrespective of any change in their circumstances,

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in what ways the Comprehensive Spending Review has taken account of sustainable development and environmental protection issues. [47776]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: Under the Greening Government initiative, we are committed to taking proper account of environmental considerations across all areas of policy making. The Comprehensive Spending Review's findings will be reported before the Summer Recess.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of North East resident employees currently with foreign earnings who will be affected by the withdrawal of the foreign earnings deduction. [47600]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: I regret that the information requested is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the number of employees currently receiving the foreign earnings deduction, the ranges of their foreign income, and the revenue benefit estimated in a full financial year from the withdrawal of foreign earnings deductions for employees; [47599](2) what is the total estimated revenue benefit in a full financial year of the withdrawal of the foreign earnings deductions. [47601]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: In 1996–97, the last year for which data are available, about 35,000 employees received the foreign earnings deduction. Of this total, about 15,000 seafarers will be unaffected by the changes. Reliable estimates by the range of foreign earnings are not available. Abolition of the foreign earnings deduction for all employees except seafarers will yield about £250 million in a full year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the impact of levels of taxation on tourism products and services, on tourism levels. [47696]

I have recently received a comprehensive report from the British Tourist Authority regarding the impact of VAT on the UK tourist industry. This is currently being analysed by Customs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received, and from whom, on incorporation of the functions of the Building Society Ombudsman into the proposed new single Ombudsman scheme within the proposed Financial Services Authority. [48067]

A number of representations have been received about the scope of the new single ombudsman scheme from ombudsman schemes, consumer groups, trade bodies and individuals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on extending the remit of the Building Society Ombudsman to allow him to deal with the complaints he receives connected to building society conversions. [48065]

I have received a number of suggestions that the scheme be extended in this area, although the Ombudsman can already consider cases where a member of a converting society misses out on a share allocation or payment because of alleged mishandling of an account.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the members of the Steering Group to set up the proposed new single Ombudsman scheme separately identifying its specialist advisers. [48068]

The Steering Group has been set up by the Financial Services Authority to advise it on the formation of the new scheme. I understand that its members are: Laurie Slade (Chairman), Peter Dean (Investment Ombudsman), Tony Holland (Personal Investment Authority Ombudsman), Walter Merricks (Insurance Ombudsman), Brian Murphy (Building Societies Ombudsman), David Thomas (Banking Ombudsman), Nick Walker (Financial Services Authority Head of Complaints Oversight and Policy) and Clare Boyle (Financial Services Authority Complaints Oversight and Policy Department). This committee is not a matter for Government.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last reviewed the operation of the Office of the Building Society Ombudsman and the extent of his remit. [48066]

The Office of the Building Society Ombudsman is a private body, recognised by the Building Societies Commission as complying with the requirements of a compensation scheme set out in the Building Societies Act 1986. Its remit was widened by the Building Societies Act 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to have in place the new tax and duty regime which will follow the abolition of duty-free; and if he will make a statement. [47980]

In accordance with Community Legislation, duty and tax free sales to intra-EU travellers will cease on 30 June 1999. The details for the successor regime are under discussion at official expert level in the EU Excise Committee. Once agreement is reached, any required changes to UK legislation will be implemented.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate how many people in the constituency of Oldham, East and Saddleworth earn less than the proposed national minimum wage, broken down by (a) gender, (b) age, (c) full or part-time employment and (d) ethnic origin. [48187]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women in Wales he estimates will benefit from the national minimum wage. [47846]

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Chief Executive of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make an announcement about arrangements made to appoint the Chief Surveillance Commissioner under Part III of the Police Act 1997. [48812]

In accordance with section 91 of the Police Act 1997 I have decided to appoint Sir Andrew Leggatt as Chief Surveillance Commissioner for a period of 3 years.I attach considerable importance to this appointment and to the implementation of the intrusive surveillance provisions, which form a key component of the Government's response to organised and serious crime. It is important that we ensure that the police and Customs have access to these operationally important techniques, but we must ensure that adequate procedures and protections are in place. I am delighted that Sir Andrew has accepted this appointment. I have no doubt that his skills and experience will prove invaluable.The Chief Surveillance Commissioner will be responsible for keeping under review the authorisation of police and Customs intrusive surveillance operations under Part III of the Police Act 1997. Sir Andrew will be the first Chief Surveillance Commissioner appointed under these provisions, and will assist the establishment and development of the intrusive surveillance authorisation processes required under the Police Act 1997. His appointment is a key component of the work under way to implement the intrusive surveillance provisions, a process which should be completed later this year. The responsibilities of the Chief Commissioner will include:

To ask the Prime Minister when he will answer the question from the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West for answer on 9 June regarding reports to 10 Downing Street (44556). [48019]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 25 June 1998, Official Report, column 596.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 1 July. [47849]

This morning I had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others and will have further such meetings later today.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the annual report for 1997 of the Complaints Audit Committee of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate; and if he will make a statement. [41217]

A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. It is a wide-ranging and informative document and I am grateful to the Committee for its comments and its recommendation. The Committee's comments about asylum interviewing are being brought to the attention of staff and interview training will be reviewed in the light of the recommendation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the advantages of introducing drug detecting devices into prisons in accordance with the proposal of the Chief Inspector of Prisons in his recent annual report; and if he will make a statement; [48175](2) what assessment he has made of the advantages of using dogs in prisons to detect illegal drugs in accordance with the proposal of the Chief Inspector of Prisons in his recent annual report; and if he will make a statement. [48174]

[holding answer 30 June 1998]: Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, Sir David Ramsbotham, recommends that every prison is provided with a passive drug detector dog to screen visitors and to patrol landings. The Prison Service believes that use of drug dogs is helpful in detecting drugs and deterring some prisoners and their visitors from using or smuggling them. So far the Prison Service has about 30 passive detector dogs, capable of screening visitors, and this number is increasing rapidly. The Prison Service is considering options for providing wider cover. The same dogs could not be used to screen cells from the outside at night, as Sir David suggests. However, about half of prisons have active drug dogs trained to detect drugs during a cell search, and such dogs are available to all other prisons from a central pool.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the new trials announced by his Department for providing disinfecting tablets for prisoners who inject drugs, inmates will be allowed to remain anonymous; and if he will make a statement. [48168]

[holding answer 30 June 1998]: The trials are being planned so that prisoners may obtain disinfecting tablets under conditions of anonymity. The prison governors of the 11 establishments involved are being asked to put in place arrangements so that disinfecting tablets are easily available and that those prisoners who use them are not targeted as injecting drugs users.The arrangements for ensuring anonymity may have to vary from prison to prison to take account of security requirements, regime and physical layout. This is one aspect of the trials which will be closely examined by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who will independently evaluate the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time probation officers were in post (a) during 1994 and (b) for the latest date for which figures are available. [47829]

At the end of 1994, there were 7,359 probation officers of all grades in full-time employment. This figure appears in table 8.5 of Probation Statistics England and Wales 1996, a copy of which is in the Library. The equivalent figure for the end of 1997, the most recent date for which figures are available, is 6,653.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time probation officers are expected to be in post during the financial years 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [47827]

After my right hon. Friend has announced how much specific current grant is available to each of the 54 probation services in England and Wales in future financial years, it will be for the responsible probation committees to determine staffing levels within their services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the implementation of the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] on the number of juveniles held in police custody. [47580]

The Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords] does not affect the relevant powers of the police in respect of juveniles or adults. A person is defined as being in police detention by section 118 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, as subsequently amended. This section states that a person is in police detention if

"…he has been taken to a police station after being arrested for an offence… or,…he is arrested at a police station after attending voluntarily…".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the relative effectiveness of the different ways police resources are spent on road policing in England and Wales. [48154]

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary is conducting a thematic inspection of the policing of road users and traffic. It will include an analysis of the key issues and identify good practice. The report on the inspection will be published later this year.Our Police Research Group has published a study. "Cost Benefit Analysis of Traffic Light and Speed Cameras", which shows the effectiveness and efficiency of those technologies.We are working closely with colleagues at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and with the Association of Chief Police Officers on ways to improve road policing and action to tackle vehicle crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals the United Kingdom Government have to prepare for a world-wide conference 10 years after the Rio Conference to discuss progress on sustainability. [47989]

The United Kingdom's priority is to ensure that the agreements reached at Rio and thereafter are fully and effectively implemented. At the United Nations General Assembly Special Session in 1997, which reviewed progress on implementing Agenda 21 since Rio, all parties committed themselves to ensuring that the next review in 2002 demonstrates greater measurable progress in achieving sustainable development. The United Kingdom strongly endorsed this approach. In working towards the review we will promote sustainable development in our bilateral negotiations and in multilateral forums, working closely with all interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions the United Kingdom Government have had about improving co-ordination in respect of the United Nations Environment Programme and (a) the Montreal Protocol, (b) the Basel Agreement, (c) the Kyoto climate change negotiations, (d) CITES and (e) other individual environmental agreements. [48030]

A tendency towards fragmentation has reduced the effectiveness of some environmental agreements. The Government believe this should be addressed. The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Mr. Klaus Toepfer, has been mandated to bring forward proposals on improving co-ordination between the environmental conventions to the Twentieth Governing Council next February. The United Kingdom, acting as the Presidency of the European Union, was instrumental in negotiating agreement to this mandate at the Fifth Special Session of the Governing Council on 20–22 May. I also expect the report of the United Nations Task Force on Environment and Human Settlements, chaired by Klaus Toepfer, to make recommendations on this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how and when he expects the Convention on Public Participation, Access to Information and Access to Justice agreed at the Aarhus Environmental Conference to be incorporated into United Kingdom law. [47990]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 89.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what risk assessments have been carried out into the inhalation of trichlorotrifluroethane vapours; and how many accidents involving this chemical have been reported to her Department in each of the last three years. [48007]

Trichlorotrifluroethane was reviewed in 1990 by the International Programme on Chemical Safety of the World Health Organisation. This covered hazard identification and qualitative risk assessment of the chemical for the general population, workers and the environment. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is also aware of reviews of trichlorotrifluroethane by the German MAK Commission and the USA American Conference of Industrial Governmental Hygienists.Occupational exposure to trichlorotrifluroethane is controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. There are occupational exposure standards for this solvent of 1000 ppm (8-hour Time Weighted Average) and 1250 ppm Short Term Exposure Limit (15-minute reference period).In the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 1998 there were no cases of injury caused by trichlorotrifluroethane reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice his Department gives to those appearing at lengthy planning inquiries, concerning their liability for costs in the event of the inquiry not proceeding as planned. [47985]

No specific advice is given by the Department or the Planning Inspectorate on this matter. All parties are expected to meet their own inquiry expenses regardless of the length of the inquiry and whether or not the inquiry proceeds as planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when work started on the construction of the new Swanwick air traffic centre at Fareham; [48135](2) how much has been spent to date on the new Swanwick air traffic centre at Fareham; [48138](3) what is the current estimate for the cost of completion of the new Swanwick air traffic centre at Fareham; [48136](4) what is the estimated time for completion of the new Swanwick air traffic centre at Fareham. [48163]

Construction of the Swanwick centre began in 1991, and the systems contractors were appointed in 1992. The acceptance of the operational computer system from Lockheed Martin took place in April this year, and the project has now been closed within budget at a total capital cost of £350.1m.National Air Traffic Services Ltd estimate that the earliest opportunity for bringing the Swanwick centre into operation is the winter of 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce into the planning system stipulations concerning the end use of minerals, aggregates and other products of the extraction industries. [48032]

There are no plans to introduce any such measures. The planning system exists to regulate the development and use of land, rather than the end-uses of minerals and other industrial products. Any planning controls over the use of materials away from a production site would be difficult to enforce in practice. However, my Department's minerals planning guidance encourages the adoption of other measures by planning authorities and the minerals industry, including the efficient use of materials, appropriate uses made of high-quality materials, and the recycling of wastes as sustainable objectives for minerals planning.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy that the surplus of the Bus Employees Superannuation Trust should be returned to the BEST pensioners. [48036]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to him on 8 April 1998, Official Report, columns 291–95.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if additional finance will be allocated to local authorities for traffic calming schemes. [48037]

Allocations to local highway authorities for capital expenditure on their transport infrastructure in 1999–2000, including traffic calming schemes, are due to be announced in December.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the operation of section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. [47875]

The Freedom of Information White Paper Your Right to Know has promised the reduction of the complexities and duplication in existing statutory and non-statutory access requirements. A review of all existing provisions, including Section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, is underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards reaching agreement on a common European Union set of road user charges for hauliers; and if he will make a statement. [48077]

European legislation is already in place which allows Member States to impose user charges on heavy goods vehicles over 12 tonnes, if they wish to do so. However the Directive in question, Council Directive 93/89 EEC, was annulled by the European Court of Justice in 1995, although its provisions remain in force. Agreement has yet to be reached on a replacement, despite considerable effort during the UK's Presidency of the EU and previous Presidencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many public meetings have been held by the Coalfields Task Force in (a) England, (b)Scotland and (c) Wales. [48178]

The Task Force held five public hearings in England. There were none in Scotland or Wales because the remit of the Task Force was to develop a programme for action for former mining communities in England only.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the budget for (a) the current year and (b) future years for the Coalfields Task Force. [48151]

The Task Force's Report 'Making the Difference' was published on 18 June, and its work is now complete. There was no programme budget for the Coalfields Task Force; its members were not remunerated, and incidental expenses were met from my Department's administrative budgets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has approved the £0.8 million commitment from the Teeside Development Corporation towards the establishment of a new Chair and Research Centre in Urban Regeneration and Change at University College Stockton and a further commitment of £0.5 million towards staff and student amenities. [48270]

No decision has been taken yet. The board of the Teesside Development Corporation approved both grants at a meeting on 20 March 1998. A conditional grant agreement was signed on 27 March 1998 with the University College Stockton for the Chair in Urban Regeneration and Change, but no grant agreement was signed in relation to staff and student amenities. Both grants need the approval of the Secretary of State and they are now being considered on their merits. A decision will be issued shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to announce the outcome of the prior options study of the Local Government Commission for England; and if he will make a statement. [48435]

I am today publishing the Report on the "prior options" study of the Local Government Commission for England (LGC). This is Stage 1 of the Financial Management and Policy Review of the Commission which I announced on 17 November 1997, Official Report, column 9. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.The Report concludes that the core function of the LGC, to review periodically the electoral arrangements of every local authority in England to reduce electoral imbalances, is essential and that the LGC is the right and most cost-effective body to carry this out. It also concludes that the LGC is well placed to undertake individual structural and boundary reviews of local government.Other key findings of the Report are that:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the extent of air pollution resulting from road traffic and its effect on numbers of premature deaths and hospital admissions. [48052]

Road traffic is a significant source of emissions of airborne pollutants. Figures for the United Kingdom in 1996 show that traffic accounted for 71 per cent. of national emissions of carbon monoxide, 47 per cent. of nitrogen oxides, 30 per cent. of volatile organic compounds and 25 per cent. of particulate matter. These proportions are likely to be higher in urban areas.The Department of Health Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollution has published a report entitled

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the forecast growth in road traffic over the next 20 years on the attainment of the Government's targets for the reduction in carbon emissions by 2010. [48051]

Road traffic CO₂ emissions can increase as a result of a number of factors, which include changes in the distance travelled, vehicle speeds, and the fuel efficiency of vehicles. Energy projections published in 1995 by the Department of Trade and Industry forecast that CO₂ emissions from road transport would grow by around twenty percent. between 1995 and 2010. Revised energy forecasts will be published later this year.Interim estimates based on the 1997 National Road Traffic Forecasts (NRTF) point to significantly lower growth in emissions over the period compared to the 1995 forecasts. The NRTF incorporates the impact of the Government's policy of increasing fuel duty by six percent. per year in real terms, and the improvements which this is expected to produce in the fuel efficiency of the vehicle stock.The Government plan to publish a consultation paper later this summer on policy options for delivering our climate change targets. This will focus on measures to deliver our legally binding target from Kyoto to reduce emissions by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the period 2008–2012, as well as discussing how we might move beyond that towards our domestic aim of reducing Co

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of people travel to work by car. [48275]

In Great Britain in 1997, 71 per cent. of people travelled to work by car.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Integrated Transport White Paper will include a cost benefit analysis of the proposals. [48276]

In our manifesto, we promised to develop an integrated transport policy to fight congestion and pollution. Our forthcoming White Paper will set out how we plan to deliver on this promise, in the interests of a healthier, cleaner and more prosperous nation, to the benefit of all.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of petroleum products are carried annually in the United Kingdom (a) by water, (b) by rail and (c) by road. [48274]

The percentage of petroleum products carried annually in the United Kingdom is: 9 per cent. by road, 2 per cent. by rail, and 70 per cent. by water. The remaining 20 per cent. is carried by pipeline.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of jobs in the textile industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [47416]

According to provisional estimates from the Annual Employment Survey, there were 7,400 employees in the textile industry in Wales in September 1996; of which 4,900 were in manufacturing and 2,500 in sales (1992 Standard Industrial Classification, Classes 17.10–17.70, 51.41 and 52.41).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Wales in the automotive industry; and if he will make a statement. [47437]

According to provisional estimates from the Annual Employment Survey, there were 36,800 employees in the automotive industry in Wales in September 1996; of which 5,200 were in manufacturing and 21,600 in sales and maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (1992 Standard Industrial Classification, Divisions 34 and 50 respectively).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to open the new Deeside Stadium at the Deeside College; and if he will make a statement. [47909]

I have accepted an invitation to perform the official opening of Deeside College Stadium on 6 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications there were to Welsh university institutions in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [47903]

The information is given in the table.

All applications to higher education institutions in Wales1
Year of entry2	Applications3
1994	119,128
1995	116,455
1996	88,131
1997	91,173
19984	87,294
1Applications are for full time first degree, Diploma or Higher Education, and HND courses. Some university diploma and full-time HNC courses also recruit through UCAS
2For 1994 and 1995, each applicant was allowed up to 8 applications. From 1996 onwards this reduced to 6
3Applicants to institutions in Wales may also be applicants to institutions elsewhere in the United Kingdom
4Data incomplete. Figures as at 8 May 1998 are shown

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ensure that information is collected centrally about class sizes in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement. [48196]

Class size is more difficult to measure in secondary schools than in primary schools where teaching groups are generally based on classes as registered. Information is collected centrally which gives the overall average size of teaching groups in secondary schools but no information is available centrally about the number of classes, or pupils in class, by size of class.

Classes as taught in maintained secondary schools, by year group1
	January 1997
Year group 7:
Number of classes	1,546
Number of pupils	36,534
Average class size2	23.6
Year group 8:
Number of classes	1,518
Number of pupils	35,131
Average class size2	23.1
Year group 9:
Number of classes	1,544
Number of pupils	34,966
Average class size2	22.6
Year group 10:
Number of classes	1,695
Number of pupils	34,892
Average class size2	20.6
Year group 11:
Number of classes	1,718
Number of pupils	34,365
Average class size2	20
Year groups 12/13:
Number of classes	1,508
Number of pupils	19,952
Average class size2	13.2
All year groups:
Number of classes	9,529
Number of pupils	195,840
Average class size2	20.6
1At third period of the timetable on 14 January 1997
2Number of pupils divided by number of classes

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what moneys he has earmarked for projects to celebrate the millennium; and if he will make a statement. [47916]

My Department does not provide direct financial support for projects to celebrate the millennium. However, in order to encourage festival events, Wales will receive £6.3 million from the Millennium Festival Fund which is supported by the Lottery distributors and New Millennium Experience Company. This is in addition to the £134.5 million which has already been allocated by the Millennium Commission towards millennium projects in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many sets of (a) twins, (b) triplets, (c) quadruplets, (d) quintuplets and (e) sextuplets were born in Scotland in

Table 1
Type of birth	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	19971
Twins:
2 live births	711	682	790	751	762	780	775	774
1 live birth, 1 stillbirth	15	22	11	25	13	31	22	13
2 stillbirths	5	5	6	4	3	5	3	4
Triplets:
3 live births	14	18	15	10	16	27	27	17
2 live births, 1 stillbirth	2	4	—	—	—	1	2	3
1 live birth, 2 stillbirths	—	2	—	—	—	1	—	—
Quadruplets:
4 live births	1	1	—	—	—	1	—	1
3 live births, 1 stillbirth	—	1	—	—	1	—	—	—
Number of maternities	65,556	66,630	65,307	62,946	61,224	59,271	58,831	58,925
11997 figures are still provisional

Table 2 presents data not previously available on the numbers of multiple births following in-vitro fertilisation and donor insemination at licensed clinics in Scotland. Data were not collected before 1 August 1991 and information for gamete intra-fallopian transfer and other forms of assisted conception is not available.

Table 2
	Donor insemination		In-vitro fertilisation
	Twins	Triplets	Twins	Triplets
1991	1	0	24	3
1992	2	0	35	2
1993	4	0	45	2
1994	5	1	51	7
1995	8	1	76	8
1996	6	0	23	2

[holding answer 29 June 1998]: The information on multiple births is given in Table 1.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what educational publicity campaign he plans to undertake, at what estimated cost, to inform electors of the new proportional voting system to be used for the election of the Scottish Parliament. [47139]

[holding answer 23 June 1998]: The Government are currently considering what publicity arrangements are needed to inform electors of the new voting system for the Scottish Parliament. It is not possible at this stage to provide details of these arrangements or estimated costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the latest available estimates of those aged 17 years and over, plus 63 per cent. of those aged 16 years, for each parliamentary constituency in Scotland together, in each case, with the equivalent electoral registration figures expressed as a percentage of these figures. [47709]

The information requested is given in the table. The population figures have been prepared by a method that involves a certain degree of approximation and therefore should be treated with some caution.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the amount of additional funding which will be allocated to Argyll and Clyde Health Board in 1998–99. [48488]

Argyll and Clyde Health Board received a base general revenue allocation in October 1997 of £270.827 million and a capital allocation of £0.009 million for 1998–99. Subsequent revenue allocations totalling £14.458 million have since issued of which £1.743 million is attributable to the extra resources made available for tackling waiting lists. Further allocations will issue in-year as appropriate.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking to stimulate interest in exchanges of Civil Service personnel. [48181]

The Government believe that broadening the experience of civil servants is vital in developing skills and offering fresh insights. That experience may be gained from a period in a different Government Department, as well as in the private or wider public sector.An Interchange Unit has been established in Cabinet Office to encourage the exchange of staff between Government Departments and other sectors of the economy, including businesses, local authorities, health service, small businesses and academia. My officials are working with representatives from these sectors to promote greater interchange.Recent measures for encouraging exchanges of Senior Civil Service staff between Government Departments include the establishment of 'mobility clubs' between Departments with common interests. My Department is also consulting other Departments about what more can be done to promote and facilitate a greater degree of mobility, including for staff below Senior Civil Service level.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects to publish the Third Annual Civil Service Fast Stream Recruitment report. [48813]

The annual Civil Service Fast Stream Recruitment Report was placed in the Library of the House earlier today. It covers the year to 31 March 1998, reporting the results of Fast Stream competitions completed during that period and action undertaken for future competitions.The report shows that the specialist recruitment in the Civil Service faces increasingly strong competition in the graduate market, especially for those with scientific and numerical skills. However, in line with the experience of other major employers, the generalist schemes have attracted applicant fields which are smaller but of high quality, reflecting the improvements made to the Fast Stream information available to graduates.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio how much car parking will be available at the Millennium Dome; and to whom it will be available.[48169]

[holding answer 30 June 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 5 May 1998, Official Report, column 305.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio if currencies other than sterling will be accepted for admission to the Millennium Dome. [45134]

Millennium Experience tickets will be available worldwide on a pre-booked basis and many outlets will handle transactions in currencies other than sterling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [47026]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women on 24 June 1998, Official Report, columns 557–58.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Belarus concerning the treatment of the diplomatic corps based in Minsk. [48209]

[holding answer 30 June 1998]: The British Ambassador in Minsk, on behalf of the EU, made frequent representations to the Belarusian authorities since they announced on 23 April their intention to exclude a number of Ambassadors from their residences at Drozdy. In addition, the Belarusian Ambassador was summoned to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 4 June and 12 June to be told that the EU found the actions of the Belarusian authorities unacceptable. He was again summoned on 22 June and was asked to return to Minsk in order to convey to his Government the seriousness of the situation with which the EU viewed the actions taken by the Belarusian authorities. He left London on 24 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government have offered the Organisation of African Unity to carry out peace-keeping and peace-making activities. [47329]

The UK is committed to helping the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) build its capacity for peacekeeping and conflict prevention. We have been working with other donors, particularly France and the US, to co-ordinate more closely our peace-keeping training. In March 1996 the UK and the OAU jointly organised a conflict management seminar in Addis Ababa. In April 1997 the UK funded the attendance of four participants from the OAU at a role playing peacekeeping seminar, with a conflict prevention element, in Camberley. The UK is planning a Command Post Exercise in the Conflict Management Division of the OAU designed to follow-up a US-run exercise held earlier this year. In Addis Ababa a British Military Liaison Officer works with the OAU on conflict prevention and peacekeeping. In addition, the UK contributed to an EU project worth ecu 860,000 designed to improve communications between the OAU's Centre for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution in Addis Ababa and its offices in the field.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards constitutional reform in Tanzania. [47333]

The terms of the Tanzanian Constitution are a matter for the Tanzanian people and their elected representatives. We understand the Government of Tanzania intend to publish a White Paper by the end of June, to be followed by a process of wide consultation. We will welcome proposals for a transparent process, and stand ready to provide appropriate support if requested. We recently sponsored a visit to Tanzania by a British expert on Constitutional reform, who participated in a high profile televised debate on the issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Ministerial directions he has issued relating to the issue of export licences for the sale of British manufactured goods to Taiwan since 2 May 1997. [47570]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Albans (Mr. Pollard) on 4 June 1998, Official Report, column 349

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what extension plans have been (a) prepared for the Mater Hospital, Belfast and (b) approved by the Department of Health. [47869]

The Trust has developed plans for the construction of a new three storey block containing wards, a day procedures unit and a pharmacy. This will be funded by the Mater Hospital Trustees and does not require Departmental funding. The Trust also plans for the refurbishment and upgrading of the original building. These have not yet been submitted for Departmental approval. A business case for a 50 bed acute psychiatric unit, based within the Mater Hospital, was approved by the Health and Social Services Executive in January 1998.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on Phase F of the Refreshment Department modernisation programme. [48334]

A project to modernise the 30-year-old main kitchens in the House of Commons (Phase F) has been approved by the House of Commons Commission. The project, which is the final phase of a six year modernisation programme agreed in debate by the House on 12 July 1994, Official Report, columns 940–62, involves the total refurbishment of the Refreshment Department's two main kitchens and the construction of new areas for the safe handling of food deliveries and storage.The work on the kitchens is necessary for compliance with food hygiene, health and safety and fire regulations. During the debate in 1994, the House accepted the evidence of two separate firms of consultants, both of whose reports concluded that the substantial rise in the production demands on the kitchens over the past 30 years, and the changes in food hygiene legislation over that period, had led to the situation whereby the Refreshment Department could not longer continue to operate the existing premises in their present form and condition safely.Since then, a team of experts and officials has developed detailed proposals for a modernisation scheme which will require demolition of the existing kitchens, the incorporation of additional space and the construction of new kitchens and support areas. The extensive structural alterations which are essential to achieve a well ordered layout and production workflow, are such that the scheme is programmed to take up to 8 months to complete, commencing in August 1999. The estimated cost of the project is £9.5 million, which is on target with the inflation adjusted bid agreed by the House in 1994.The Commission has since been advised by Dr. Lisa Ackerley (a food hygiene expert who has recently given evidence at the E. coli Fatal Accident Inquiry in Scotland) that statutory requirements would be met only through a total redesign and refurbishment programme which addresses the fundamental problems of poor layout, lack of space and lack of temperature controlled storage. In the face of advice that the failings in the existing, antiquated kitchens

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to help the people of Tibet. [46874]

We are supporting non-governmental organisations, who are working directly with Tibetan people within the autonomous region and neighbouring provinces of China, as well as refugee settlements in India. We are currently supporting projects in the fields of education, environmental health and income generation worth nearly £1 million. We are also supporting a £5 million EU programme which is about to be launched which will provide support to poor Tibetan farmers.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian action. [46875]

During the UK Presidency we hosted a joint Conference with the European Commission Humanitarian Office to discuss the principles that should govern humanitarian assistance. At this Conference I launched DFID'S 10 key principles to guide humanitarian operations in conflict areas in order to better integrate respect for human rights and humanitarian law within assistance programmes. A process of consultation is now underway with member states and EU countries are looking at establishing a humanitarian ombudsman. NGOs are also working to agree improved standards of assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the number of children working for a wage worldwide; and if she will make a statement. [46876]

There are some 250 million child labourers world wide. There are no exact figures, but probably only a minority are in waged employment. Most are beggars, child prostitutes, domestic servants or unpaid workers on their family land. Some are bonded workers who are virtually slaves. Last month at the International Labour Organisation a convention was agreed—strongly supported by the UK Government—immediately to outlaw the worst forms of child labour. At the Oslo Conference in November 1997, we agreed that plans should be put in place in each country to phase out the abuse of child labour and to work to get child labourers into education and to improve their family income.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to combat the spread of desertification. [46877]

There are close links between poverty and the problems of desertification and land degradation as poor people are forced to try to eke a living on marginal lands. Actions to address desertification and land degradation are a priority for the UK as part of our aim to create sustainable livelihoods for poor people. We are also working for implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification. In 1997–98, the UK committed over £27 million to projects to address desertification and land degradation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about Government policy on aid to Sudan. [46878]

The civil war is the main cause of continuing humanitarian crises in Sudan. Our policy is to promote the peace efforts sponsored by Sudan's neighbours under the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). We strongly supported the meeting of the IGAD Partners Forum for Sudan which was held in The Hague on 17/18 June. The Forum agreed to send a delegation to Nairobi and Khartoum to try and broker a short cease-fire in the areas most affected by the current crisis in Southern Sudan so that food and seeds can reach all severely affected people.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her assessment of the present level of food shortage in Sudan; and what policies she is adopting in the light of that assessment. [46882]

The United Nations World Food Programme now estimates that nearly 10,000 tonnes per month of food will need to be delivered between July and September to support 1.2 million vulnerable people in southern Sudan, including 700,000 in the Bahr El Ghazal region. £16 million of the £25 million that I have approved since February for humanitarian assistance to Sudan has been allocated to the WFP to help it meet these targets. I stand ready to approve further sums as new needs emerge. We are also currently working to try to secure a temporary truce so that larger amounts of food can be provided to those in need.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funding is being given by her Department to UNRWA for the care of Palestinian refugees. [46879]

This year we have contributed £7 million, an increase of £1 million over last year, to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) core budget. In addition we fund a number of projects in the various refugee camps, and plan to provide substantial technical assistance to help support UNRWA' s management and financial reform process.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support her Department will provide for a sustainable development plan for Montserrat; and if she will make a statement on its implementation. [46881]

Agreement has been reached between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Montserrat on a draft text which is now being made available for public consultation. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. I hope that agreement can be reached on the final version by August. My Department will make available up to a further £75 million over the next three years to support the Plan. The scale of this pledge reflects the devastation to the island and the constraints imposed on the private sector by the continuing uncertainty about the volcano. If the volcano enters a permanent state of repose many of these constraints would be lifted, enabling the people of Montserrat to take greater responsibility for their livelihoods, and the private sector to take a greater role in rebuilding the island.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's responsibility for Montserrat. [46890]

My Department is responsible for delivering the Government's emergency and development assistance programmes to Montserrat. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's overall relations with Montserrat.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of total government aid is represented by UK Government aid to India in the current financial year; and what changes to this allocation have been planned. [46883]

Provisional figures in respect of 1997/98 indicate that our country programme to India was 7 per cent. of total UK bilateral development assistance. Current estimates suggest a similar figure for this year. In addition to bilateral assistance, UK development assistance is channelled through multilateral organisations.We have made clear that we will review all our programmes following India's nuclear tests but that we will not take action which hurts poor people who are in no way responsible for the tests.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with other Governments regarding aid to India and Pakistan; and if she will make a statement. [46886]

The UK has participated in the UN Permanent 5, European Union and G8 discussions on aid to India and Pakistan, all of which have resulted in published communiqués. Our bilateral programmes to both countries are poverty focused and we do not propose to take actions which will hurt the poor. But we are in the process of preparing new Country Strategy Papers for India and Pakistan which will consider carefully the implications, including the economic and financial implications, of the nuclear tests when assessing prospects for partnerships and poverty reduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of debt relief to the poorest countries. [46884]

Debt relief can play an important part in the eradication of poverty in the poorest countries. The Government's Mauritius Mandate, launched last September, presses for the speedy and flexible implementation of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative. But debt relief on its own will not lead to the attainment of international development targets. It must be accompanied by a commitment to the pursuit of economic and social policies which favour the poor, and root out corruption and the mismanagement of resources. In such cases debt cancellation and increased resource flows from donors and the private sector will lead to sustainable development and the reduction of poverty.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her estimate of the progress that will have been made on debt reduction of the poorest countries by 1 January 2000. [46888]

The Mauritius Mandate, launched last September by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, sets out the Government's aims for progress under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt Initiative. By the year 2000, we expect all countries eligible for debt relief under the Initiative to at least have embarked on the process that will lead to debt relief by putting in place the necessary policy measures. This aim was endorsed by G8 leaders at their recent Summit in Birmingham.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what NGO projects her Department is currently supporting in Sierra Leone; and if she will make a statement. [46885]

My Department is currently providing seeds and tools, building materials for shelter, and medical supplies through the following NGO projects:

• Care International: Seeds and tools
• Children's Aid Direct: Seeds and tools
• Concern Universal: Seeds and tools
• Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA): Reconstruction and rehabilitation
• Primary Health Care: Medical Research Centre, Bo.

We are considering other proposals and keeping the situation under close review, in consultation with Sierra Leone Government and other donors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the proceeds from introducing private capital to the Commonwealth Development Corporation will be added to her Department's budget. [46887]

Proceeds from introducing private capital to the Commonwealth Development Corporation will be ploughed back into the development programme.