To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals are planned and what measures have recently been implemented regarding the use of historic and classic cars and motor bikes. [47692]

No measures specifically relating to the use of historic and classic cars and motor cycles are planned or have been recently introduced. However, the recent Budget announced the freezing of the vehicle excise duty (VED) exemption for all vehicles over 25 years old, and the introduction of a fixed date VED exemption for vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973. This measure clearly affects certain classic and historic cars and motor cycles, as will the implementation of the EU proposal to ban leaded petrol. A lead replacement petrol will however be available for use by vehicles which currently use leaded petrol. This has been widely used in EU and other countries where leaded petrol has already been withdrawn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what percentage of the additional traffic flow generated by M25 widening in 2005 and 2010 will be accounted for by Heathrow Terminal 5 traffic in the Government's projections; [47884](2) what is the current projection of traffic volumes and speeds in the western sector of the M25 in 2005 if,

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in air traffic flying in and out of London airports annually over the next five years. [48164]

The Civil Aviation Authority has provided the following forecast of aircraft movements for the next five years to be handled in the London Terminal Control Area, covering arrivals and departures at all London's airports.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is his Department's current estimate of the percentage of children aged (a) 0 to 4, (b) 5 to 13 and (c) 14 years and over who wear seat belts in (i) the front passenger seat and (ii) the rear seats of cars; and if he will make a statement on trends; [48310](2) what is his Department's current estimate of the percentage of

The latest, as yet unpublished, biannual survey, carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) on the Department's behalf in April 1998, showed that 91 per cent. of drivers, 92 per cent. of front seat passengers and 67 per cent. of all rear seat passengers in all cars were wearing seat belts.The wearing rates for the front passenger seat cannot be broken down by the age groups requested. The surveys showed that of those travelling in the front passenger seat, 95 per cent. of 0 to 13 year olds and 88 per cent. of 14 to 29 year olds were wearing seat belts.The survey also showed that of those travelling in the rear seats of cars, 87 per cent. of 0 to 4 year olds, 73 per cent. of 5 to 13 year olds and 48 per cent of 14 year olds and over were wearing seat belts.The Government are not satisfied with the numbers of people who do not wear their seat belts. The percentage rates of seat belt wearing have remained fairly constant in recent years—in particular, the rate for adults in the rear seats of cars has remained stubbornly at 50 per cent. or below. That is why a publicity campaign to further promote rear seat belt wearing will be launched on 8 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the timescale for completion of the Thameslink 2000 project. [48909]

The new Thameslink 2000 station is an integral part of the work at St. Pancras which is included in Section II of the CTRL project, due to commence in 2001 for completion in 2007. We are discussing the full implications for Thameslink 2000 with the CTRL promoter LCR and Railtrack.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prosecutions have been brought against employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 in each of the last 10 years for failing to carry out an assessment of the risk their employees are exposed to whilst using public roads for work-related activities. [48746]

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if, following his recent announcement regarding the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the widening of the M2 is to be proceeded with. [48819]

As announced last Summer, the Government will use all reasonable endeavours to see that the M2 widening works are completed within the period of construction of the Rail Link, and that the construction arrangements of the two projects are co-ordinated to minimise disruption to the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's role in discussions relating to the European structural funds for the period 2000 to 2006. [48773]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry on 2 July 1998, Official Report, column 240.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he will publish new guidance on market testing and contracting out; and if he will make a statement. [49326]

Better Quality Services is published today.It represents a major step towards fulfilling our promise of better public services for all our citizens, customers and taxpayers alike.The guidance is in two documents—

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when Lord Neill took up his duties as Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; what is the rate of his daily remuneration in that capacity; how many full days and part days he has contributed to the work of the Committee; and how much he has earned for doing so. [48047]

Lord Neill of Bladen QC was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life on 10 November 1997. He is paid a daily rate of £500. Up to the end of April 1998, Lord Neill had spent the equivalent of 44 full days working on Committee business, for which he has paid a total of £22,000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list for the People's Panel (a) the total value and duration of its contract with MORI, (b) the number of times it is expected to be convened in 1998, (c) the selection criteria and procedures used to pick its members, (d) which Ministers determined the terms of selection, (e) which Ministers will have access to the results of the Panel and (f) if the information made available to Ministers will be (i) placed in the Library and (ii) made publicly available. [48692]Mr. Kilfoyle

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list (a) the estimated cost of changing the Citizens Charter programme into the Service First programme, indicating separately the costs of (i) the design of a new logo, (ii) the relabelling of buildings and stationery and (iii) promotion and publicity, and (b) the companies used and at what cost in connection with the project. [48693]

[holding answer 3 July 1998]: All costs associated with launching the new programme have been met from within existing budgets. The final cost is not yet available, but it is expected to be in the region of £65,000. The new logo was developed by COI as part of a wider project to develop a user-friendly style for Service First publications. The total cost of this work was £6,800. No money has been spent on relabelling buildings or on advertising, £4,000 has been spent primarily on display stands and a pamphlet to inform public servants about the new programme. Service First stationery has been produced in-house using desk-top publishing equipment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the focus group research which was commissioned in relation to proposals to change the Citizens Charter programme into the Service First programme, indicating (a) the total cost of the focus groups, (b) the names of the companies used and (c) the costs and composition of the new non-departmental public bodies to be established to help implement the Service First programme. [48694]

[holding answer 3 July 1998]: Two focus groups to inform the development of the new programme were run on behalf of the Cabinet Office by MORI at a cost of £4,000. No non-departmental public bodies are being established to help implement the Service First programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the initiatives undertaken by her 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. [47056]

The information for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the recommendations by Professor Donaldson's Medical Review Panel on (a) the development of a Province-wide comprehensive strategic plan for maternity services and (b) the problem of smaller obstetric units without 24-hour on-site paediatric cover. [47870]

When I announced my response, on 13 November 1997, to the Independent Medical Review Panel's report on maternity services in Central Belfast, I commented specifically on the Panel's recommendation for a comprehensive strategic plan for maternity services in Northern Ireland. In doing so I made it clear that I would not be taking any specific action in this regard pending the final outcome of the reviews of acute services including obstetric care provision, in the Northern, Southern and Western Board areas. Such a review has already taken place, in 1993, in the Eastern Board area and since then obstetric services have ceased at Ards Hospital and, on present plans, will cease in the Downe also in the near future.I am aware that there are a number of smaller obstetric units in Northern Ireland without 24 hour on-site paediatric cover and some of these are under scrutiny in the review process. Meantime mothers-to-be are advised of the facilities, or lack of facilities, including paediatric cover at a particular unit by, among others, their GP, Obstetrician, Midwife or the HSS Trust concerned. Moreover, during the course of their ante-natal care, expectant mothers at risk of complications are identified and assessed and, if appropriate, advised to have their baby delivered in an obstetric unit with the necessary back-up facilities.Finally, it is important to remember that mothers-to-be have the right to choose where they wish to have their baby born and some, albeit a small number at present, opt for home delivery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the public subsidies Ulsterbus has received for the purchase of vehicles, indicating the amounts and dates of the subsidies paid. [47872]

The public subsidies paid to Ulsterbus for the purchase of new buses from 1993–94 to 1997–98 are:

• 1993–94: £2.216m;
• 1994–95: £1.722m;
• 1995–96: £2.137m;
• 1996–97: £0.225m and
• 1997–98: nil.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many girls (a)under 14 years, (b) aged 14 to 16 years and (c) aged 16 years and over were placed in Maghaberry prison in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994, (iii) 1995, (iv) 1996, (v) 1997 and (vi) 1998. [48355]

There were no girls under 14 years placed in Maghaberry Prison (female) in any of the years specified. The figures for the other age categories, held in the Young Offenders Unit at the Prison, are as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the factors taken into account when reducing the forecast revenue figures from excise between July 1997 and March 1998. [45401]

The forecast of hydrocarbon oil, alcohol and tobacco excise revenue for 1998–99 was revised up by £0.7 billion between July 1997 and March 1998.Hydrocarbon oil duty receipts were revised up by £0.9 billion, reflecting the increases in duty rates announced in the 1998 Budget on 17 March 1998,

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the increase in excise revenue due to warm weather in the summer of 1997. [45408]

No estimate has been made.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the reduction in excise revenue caused by the decline in popularity of alcopops in the period to March 1998. [43402]

Clearances of coolers (the duty category in which alcopops fall) fell by 29 per cent. between 1996–97 and 1997–98. If one assumes duty rates as of 1 January 1997 (for both years), then this fall is equivalent to some £27m in excise revenues.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the General Government Expenditure, as defined prior to the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report 1998, (a) in cash terms and (b) as a percentage of GDP, in a (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01, (iii) 2001–02, (iv) 2002–03 and (v) 2003–04. [47118]

Projections of GGE from 1999/2000 onwards depend on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the real annual percentage growth in (a) total managed expenditure and (b) general Government expenditure as defined prior to the Economic and Fiscal Strategy report 1998 for (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01, (iii) 2001–02, (iv) 2002–03 and (v) averaged over the period 1999–2000 to 2002–03.[47119]

Total Managed Expenditure (TME) is the sum of public sector current expenditure and public sector net investment. Series for both of these in cash terms from 1997–98 to 2003–04 can be found in table 4.4 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report 1998 (EFSR). They can be converted into real terms using the working assumptions for the GDP deflator in table 4.1 of the EFSR.A forecast of General Government Expenditure (GGE) in 1998–99 is given as a memo item in table 4A.1 of the EFSR. Projections of GGE beyond that date depend on the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the volume of correspondence sent to and received from hon. Members by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the periods (a) 1 January to 26 March 1994 and (b) 1 January to 26 March 1998. [47687]

I receive large volumes of correspondence from hon. Members at my offices in the Treasury, in the House, and in my constituency, and at addresses in Downing Street, London and Fife. The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria will be used to establish which publicly owned corporations will be considered for privatisation. [48062]

The Government apply a range of criteria when making decisions of this type. Each case is decided on its own merits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those publicly owned assets which the Government propose to (a) privatise and (b) reconstitute as publicly owned corporations run on commercial lines during the next four years. [48064]

I refer the hon. Member to the Chancellor's statement of 11 June 1998, Official Report, columns 1195–1215, and section 4.2.3 on "Asset Disposals" of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (EFSR) published on 11 June.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to review the workings of the income tax self-assessment scheme. [48582]

The Inland Revenue announced a review of Self-assessment in a Press Release on 23 February 1998 and asked for views on what aspects of self-assessment went well and what aspects needed improvement. The closing date for comment was 29 May 1998 and responses are now being reviewed. The Inland Revenue expect to issue a report in due course.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 53, if he will make a statement on the reviews his Department has undertaken of the potential impact on United Kingdom public funds of British Nuclear Fuels' proposed joint purchase with Morris Knudsen Engineering Company of the nuclear operations of Westinghouse; and if he will place in the Library papers relating to this agreement. [48922]

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Treasury together looked very closely at the potential impact on public funds, and at the risks facing the business, before deciding that BNFL, in conjunction with the Morris Knudsen Engineering Company, should acquire substantial parts of Westinghouse Inc. The Government took account of reports by the company and its advisers as well as independent analysis of risks. These reports contain commercially sensitive information.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated revenue from the windfall levy on privatised utilities for the years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [48460]

The revenue was £2.6 billion in 1997–98. It is expected to be the same in 1998–99 when the final instalment is due.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department had made of the likely impact of the current strength of the pound on inbound tourism to the United Kingdom. [47771]

The level of inbound tourism is influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in overseas economies, as well as currency exchanges rates. It is not possible to isolate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations from other factors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what the costs would be of introducing a concession of (a) 25 per cent., (b) 50 per cent., (c) 75 per cent. and (d) 100 per cent. on the television licence fee for (i) all pensioners, (ii) pensioners on income support, (iii) people in receipt of income support,(iv) people in receipt of disability living allowance, (v) people in receipt of attendance allowance, (vi) registered blind and (vii) registered deaf; [48021](2) if he will give a breakdown of the annual cost to the Treasury of the concessionary television licence scheme; [48023](3) what revenues he estimates would be generated from charging

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact of UK accommodation and hotel rates on decisions by foreign tourists visiting the EU to include the UK in their itinerary. [47977]

The level of inbound tourism is influenced by a variety of factors, including changes in overseas economies and currency exchange rates. It is not possible to isolate precisely the impact of accommodation costs from other factors.The British Tourist Authority is, however, able to monitor changes to incoming tourism traffic through market intelligence and surveys of tourists and of the accommodation stock. It has seen a significant fall in traffic from some Asian markets, but in markets with strong economies and whose currencies have not depreciated significantly against sterling there has been continued growth. This would suggest that accommodation costs have not been a significant factor in influencing foreign tourists to travel elsewhere. Indeed, in a recent independent survey conducted in the USA, more previous visitors to Europe said they would like to return to Britain than to any other country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the preparations which his Department is making to help the tourism industry draw people from abroad to the Millennium celebrations. [48790] (i)50 per cent. licence fee for organisations with less than 50 television sets and (ii) a full licence fee for organisations with over 50 television sets. [48022]

The concessionary television licence scheme is not funded by the Treasury but from within the television licensing system. The estimated cost of the scheme at current licence fee levels is £60 million a year.Records of hotel licences are not held in such a way as to permit an accurate estimate of the additional revenue that would be raised by charging half price licence fees for hotels with fewer that fifty television sets and a full licence fee for those with more than fifty sets. No information is held centrally on the number of television sets installed at other premises.The estimated cost of providing concessionary television licences at the level and to the groups indicated is as follows:

[holding answer 3 July 1998]: The Government fund the British Tourist Authority to promote Britain overseas and we are now developing plans specifically to promote the millennium celebrations. There are four main elements to these plans:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Chief Inspector of Prisons about the Chief Inspector's right to comment on Government policy; what advice he has given; and if he will make a statement. [47981]

Both I and the Minister of State, Home Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), who has responsibility for prisons and probation, meet Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons on a regular basis. Discussions are wide-ranging and will, from time to time, extend to the nature of the Chief Inspector's role. These responsibilities are set out in the Prison Act 1952 and require that he inspect all prison establishments and report to the Home Secretary on the condition in which prisoners are being held. The Chief Inspector is also able to raise any other issue of concern with Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to prevent illegal drugs getting into prison; and if he will make a statement. [48199]

The Prison Service has in place as part of its drug strategy robust measures aimed at preventing the entry of drugs into prisons. Measures include: searching of visitors and of prisoners following visits; use of closed circuit television in visits areas; and perimeter searching. Many establishments use drug dogs, which are an effective means of deterring visitors who may attempt to smuggle drugs. Prisoners found guilty of drug smuggling are liable to be placed on closed visits, while visitors may be arrested and denied future visits if found in possession of drugs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of prisoners who are using illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement. [48202]

Our best estimate of the numbers of prisoners using illegal drugs derives from the results of random mandatory drug testing (MDT). However, random testing involves the testing of only a proportion of a prison's population each month. For this and a number of other reasons, MDT results cannot be a complete measure of the prevalence of drug misuse in prisons. In 1997/98, 20.8 per cent. of random MDT samples were positive for drugs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional grant he will make to Essex Police following the closure of magistrates' courts in the county. [48538]

No additional grant will be paid. Police grant is allocated by means of a needs-based formula in which the location of court buildings does not feature. The Essex Police will have a spending power in 1998/99 of £166.2 million. This is an increase of 3.7 per cent. or £6 million over 1997/98. It is for the Chief Constable to determine the allocation of resources to meet the force's obligations, including any necessary adjustments to deployment as a result of changes in requirements for the attendance of officers at court.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to publish the results of (a) the comprehensive spending review of asylum, (b) the review of immigration detention, (c) the review of immigration appeals and (d) the review of the regulation of unscrupulous immigration advisers. [48581]

We will make announcements on the way ahead soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much damage was caused during disturbances at the Medway Secure Training Centre on 25 and 26 June; and what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition of such disturbances. [48547]

There was a disturbance at Medway Secure Training Centre on the evening of 25 June. The estimated cost of the damage was about £5,300, mainly the cost of replacing broken windows. These costs are met by the contractor. The contractor has commissioned an inquiry into the events of 25 June and a report is expected shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research on the form of the ballot paper he has commissioned; and when he expects to publish the results. [48598]

The Home Office, together with the Scottish Office, Welsh Office and the Government Office for London, is contributing to research by the Constitution Unit and Social and Community Planning Research. This is looking at what would be the most suitable design of the ballot paper for list-based electoral systems, such as those being introduced for elections to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, Greater London Assembly and European Parliament. A report is expected in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the terms of reference for the 1988 Home Office review of fingerprint identification methods conducted by Mr. I. W. Evett and Mr. R. L. Williams; what progress has been made in implementing the conclusions of the review regarding (a) training, (b) certification testing, (c) performance testing, (d) file audits and (e) blind trials of fingerprint examiners and bureaux; if he will place the report in the Library; and what further studies have been commissioned by his Department. [48317]

The terms of reference were to conduct a review of the requirement for a fingerprint identification to be based on at least 16 points of comparison before evidence may be given in court. The report was published in its entirety in Fingerprint Whorld and the Journal for Fingerprint Identification, and I am placing a copy of the latter in the Library. The Home Office has not commissioned any further studies on this matter.With regard to the conclusions reached by the review, in 1994 the Association of Chief Police Officers undertook a broad examination of the standards of fingerprint evidence, and decided that such evidence should in future derive from the expertise of fingerprint officers, rather than the traditional numerical point standard for which there appears to be no legal basis. The changes will be underpinned by Quality Assurance, standards, inspection and a regime of competency testing—a move very much in line with the recommendations of the Evett and Williams report. The date set for implementation of the change in fingerprint evidence is 3 April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to remove the offence of blasphemy from the statute book. [48550]

This is a sensitive area which involves fundamental issues of belief, with strong and sincere views on all sides. In the absence of any consensus on the best way forward, we have no current plans to change the law.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new initiatives were proposed by Her Majesty's Government for tackling (a) illegal drugs and (b) other criminal activity during the UK presidency of the European Union. [48546]

Fighting organised international crime, including tackling illicit drug trafficking, was a priority for this Government during the United Kingdom Presidency, with a focus on practical action.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the most common crimes committed by persons under 16 in each of Lancashire Constabulary's divisions for the latest year for which figures are available. [48502]

The available information shows the number of notifiable offences cleared up by Lancashire Constabulary that were committed by persons under 16. On this basis, the five most common offences cleared up in 1997 are shown in the table in rank order for each division within the force.alternative development. The United Kingdom Presidency also took forward important work on European Union regional drugs initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will make arrangements with Dorset police to remove the air raid siren at Ashley Heath roundabout; and if he will make a statement. [48499]

I understand that Dorset Police have made arrangements to remove the siren in question by Wednesday 8 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to his Department of the erection of an air raid siren at Ashley Heath roundabout in 1991. [48498]

The cost of erecting this particular siren could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the proposed timescale for implementing the recommendations relating to vulnerable witnesses in the report "Speaking up for Justice", June 1998. [48686]

On 10 June we announced a period of consultation on all the recommendations in "Speaking up for Justice", the report of the Working Group on Vulnerable or Intimidated Witnesses. We will take action as quickly as possible to improve the way vulnerable or intimidated witnesses are treated in the criminal justice system in the light of comments received during the consultation period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the invoices which he has paid, with dates, to the (a) Association of Chief Police Officers, (b) Association of Chief Police Officers Ltd. and (c) Chief Police Officers Staff Association in each of the last two years. [49218]

No. This expenditure is subject to parliamentary approval and audit, as is all Government expenditure.It would be neither appropriate nor practical to place in the Library copies of invoices for administrative expenses incurred by the Association of Chief Police Officers and processed through the Home Office's Business and Accounting Strategic Systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the annual accounts for each of the last five years of the Association of Chief Police Officers, for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. [49221]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 18 June 1998, Official Report, columns 296–97.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police constables were employed by the North Yorkshire Constabulary between 1978 and 1998; and what was the total police strength in each of those years. [49080]

The information available is set out in the table. It is not possible to provide details of the number of constables prior to July 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisons the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), plans to visit in July and August. [48924]

I expect to make five visits to prisons, including one unannounced. However, final arrangements have not yet been made and alterations or additions to the programme are possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what basis British citizenship is being considered for citizens of British dependent territories as part of the Dependent Territories Review; [49200](2) if British citizenship will be offered to citizens of dependent territories on a non-reciprocal basis. [49201]

We still have these matters under consideration. Final conclusions have not yet been reached.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for the future of the Thames Division of the Metropolitan Police. [48467]

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that a review of Thames Division is being conducted currently. This review will ensure that the demands of the changing river environment can be met. A restructuring of Thames Division may follow with best value being a key component of the review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce parole for prisoners sentenced for civil matters; and if he will make a statement. [48999]

The Government have no plans to change the arrangements for the release of prisoners sentenced for civil matters. Civil prisoners, who are invariably short term prisoners (i.e. those serving less than four years), are not eligible for "parole" in its true sense. That is because all short term prisoners are subject to automatic early release at the half way point of their sentence under the Criminal Justice Act 1991. The only prisoners who are now eligible for release at the discretion of the Parole Board are long term prisoners serving sentences of four years or more and life sentence prisoners.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached a decision on the application under section 19 of the Fire Services Act 1947 of the Essex Fire Authority. [49464]

I have today advised the Essex Fire Authority that my right hon. Friend has agreed to its application to redeploy an aerial appliance and two foam carrying vehicles, with a consequent reduction of 16 firefighting posts and the regrading of a further post.The advice we have received from Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services is unequivocal—that the proposals to redeploy the appliances are soundly based and that, if implemented by the Authority, the Essex Fire Brigade will still be able to meet fully the national standards of fire cover.Statutory responsibility for the provision of an efficient fire service rests with the local fire authority. In considering applications by fire authorities for reductions in firefighting resources, my right hon. Friend must be satisfied that there has been adequate consultation and that, following any reductions, national standards of fire cover can continue to be maintained. In fulfilling this function, my right hon. Friend relies on advice from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Fire Services.Both my right hon. Friend and I are satisfied that the Essex Fire Authority has consulted properly over its proposals. There has also been opportunity for representations to be made direct to the Home Secretary and those seven which have been received have all been thoroughly considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how staff numbers in her Department have varied between 1 May 1997 and 31 March 1998. [48883]

On 1 May 1997 the Department for International Development employed 1,001 permanent staff and 38 casual staff. On 31 March 1998 the number of permanent staff increased by 53 to 1,054. Casual staff remained the same.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on discussions her Department has had with (a) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) the Department of Trade and Industry, regarding the implementation of the EU code of conduct on arms sales. [48870]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office leads in Whitehall on the EU Code of Conduct. My Department participates in the ongoing discussions on implementation of the Code with all relevant government departments, including the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contingency plans her Department is making in the event of the failure of computer systems to recognise the year 2000; when she expects them to be in place, and tested; and if she will make a statement. [48839]

The Department for International Development (DFID) is working on making its business critical computer systems year 2000 compliant. The testing of the systems will start in September and is due to be completed by end-March 1999. The testing will be subject to Internal Audit certification. The outcome of the testing will provide DF1D business managers the opportunity to decide on the degree and extent of contingency arrangements that need to be made for their own systems. An earlier start to contingency planning would be premature and possibly nugatory.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 21 May 1998, Official Report, column 460, what decision was made regarding Rwanda's debt relief package on 2 and 3 June; and if she will make a statement. [48912]

The donors meeting held in Stockholm on 2–3 June established a "Multilateral Debt Trust Fund" designed to help meet Rwanda's debt service to multilateral creditors in the pre-HIPC period. An amount of US$53 million is needed for this for the period 1998–2000. The UK pledged £30 million. We are discussing with the Government of Rwanda what proportion of this should go to the Trust Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what targets are set for the proportion of Commonwealth Development Corporation investment that is used for small and medium businesses. [48868]

No formal targets are set. Finance is provided for small and medium business through financial intermediaries such as venture capital funds, leasing companies, development banks, finance companies and commercial banks. At the end of 1997 the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC) had £341 million invested in such sectors and would expect to maintain a substantial commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the progress made on the EU negotiating mandate for Lomé V. [48867]

The General Affairs Council adopted the EU mandate for negotiation of a new Partnership with those African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) party to the Lomé Convention on 29 June. The mandate focuses on the elimination of poverty, the integration of the ACP into the world economy, and promoting peace, security and stability. On development assistance, the UK succeeded in strengthening the mandate to secure stronger backing for the international poverty eradication strategy and targets. On trade, we secured agreement to duty free access for essentially all products from least developed countries by 2005. We also secured a commitment that the non-least developed countries in the ACP who do not join Free Trade Areas with the EU should retain access equivalent to that provided under Lomé IV after 2005. This provides a good basis for negotiations with the ACP which are due to open at the end of September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution (a) financially, and (b) in terms of UK armed forces personnel his Department will be making to the 1999 Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition. [48497]

My Department will support the new Defence Systems and Equipment International exhibition both financially and through the participation of UK Service personnel. The extent of our involvement in both areas is still under discussion with the exhibition organisers and the Defence Trade Associations. However, on the financial side, it is intended that our contribution will be limited to aspects of the exhibition which are directly related to MOD interests. These will include the costs of a Ministry of Defence presence and the funding of a reception for official visitors invited by Her Majesty's Government. In terms of Service personnel, a number of officers will be employed to assist, principally in managing the Government to Government invited delegations. We also hope that the Army will be able to provide equipment and personnel to take part in a mobility demonstration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the number of nuclear warheads carried in each Trident submarine; and if he will make a statement. [47198]

We will make clear our decisions on this issue when we announce the conclusions of the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that missile performance characteristics will be the primary criteria for the selection of a missile for the Eurofighter 2000 aircraft to meet Air Staff Target 1239. [47805]

We will be seeking the best value for money in selecting a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile for Eurofighter. All relevant factors will be taken into account, including missile capability, technical risk, cost, and industrial factors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the cadet forces in Shropshire associated with Territorial Army battalions. [47680]

Final decisions on the Strategic Defence Review will be announced this week but we have already made it plain that we plan no reduction in numbers or resources of the Cadet Forces. Every effort will be made to minimise the impact on the cadets of other measures arising from the Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what type and how many naval surface vessels will require to be decommissioned in 1998. [48180]

The following Royal Navy vessels have been or will be, decommissioned in 1998:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list for (a) his Department and (b) bodies listed in the National Asset Register, how many vehicles are currently (i) owned and (ii) leased; if he will indicate their (A) fuel types and (B) engine cubic capacities; and how many vehicles are expected to fall due for replacement in each of the years (1) 1998–99, (2) 1999–2000 and (3) 2000–01. [49229]

This information is not held centrally by the Department. This is a complex question as the fleet is large and responsibilities are delegated to individual budget holders, and would involve disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on the future role of the South Atlantic frigate. [49144]

In the course of the Strategic Defence Review, I have discussed the Falkland Islands Guardship with fellow members of the Government. I have not received any other representations on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 7, when it was decided to assign the 1 Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 1 Battalion The Black Watch to public duties in Scotland during the summer of 1999; if this represents a change from previous plans; and what were the defence considerations involved in the decision. [48804]

The decision to assign the 1st Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the 1st Battalion The Black Watch to public duties in Scotland during the summer of 1999 was made at a routine planning conference which took place in Scotland about a year ago. This did not represent a change from previous plans. Such planning decisions take into account the Army's operational commitments, the need for units to perform essential military tasks such as training, and the need to provide each unit with the opportunity to fulfil a variety of different defence roles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the size of (a) Salisbury Plain training area and (b) Otterburn training area; and what proportion of each is available for military training. [48676]

Salisbury Plain Training Area contains some 38,000 hectares of land, of which up to 80 per cent. can be available for military training. Otterburn Training Area contains some 23,000 hectares, of which 95 per cent. is available for military training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the contribution to the UK national interest of training the army in the use of the AS90 mobile gun and the multiple-launch rocket system on new infrastructure at Otterburn army field training centre. [48675]

My Department's requirement for Army training in the use of the artillery systems, AS90 and Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and its proposals for development of the Otterburn Training Area to that end, were fully set out in evidence to the non-statutory public inquiry into the proposed development which concluded last September. I am satisfied that there remains a strong defence need for the development at Otterburn in order to permit units equipped with these systems to be properly trained.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library a copy of the focus group work he has commissioned in the course of his official duties, indicating the cost in each case. [45460]

Neither I nor my staff in 10 Downing Street have commissioned any research by focus groups. The position on research by the Cabinet Office (which included my office) was set out in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 5 March 1998, Official Report, columns 763–65.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will direct Ministers to place in the Library a copy of focus group work undertaken on behalf of their departments or the executive agencies for which they are responsible, indicating the cost in each case. [45461]

It is for individual Ministers to decide whether to publish the results of research.

To ask the Prime Minister when he first received the application from Mr. Lance Price for the position of his deputy press spokesman; on what dates interviews were conducted with Mr. Price; and on what date the decision was taken to employ Mr. Price. [46445]

[holding answer 18 June 1998]: As has been the case with all Special Adviser appointments, Mr. Price's appointment was made fully in accordance with paragraph 48 of the Ministerial Code.

To ask the Prime Minister what meetings have taken place between Government Ministers and their Pakistani counterparts since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [48183]

We have had a number of discussions with the Pakistan High Commission in London and with other representatives of the Pakistan Government. The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) met the Prime Minister of Pakistan in London on 16 June.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a wholly elected second chamber; and if he will make a statement. [48031]

The Government will publish their proposals for fulfilling their Manifesto commitments on the reform of the House of Lords in due course.

To ask the Prime Minister what has been the total cost to the Government of hosting the presidency of the EU, including the cost of publicity for each Government department, broken down by department and item. [48082]

[holding answer 30 June 1998]: The information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.Final bills for FCO-led Presidency events (including the European Council) are not in. On current projections, the outturn will be within the figure given in a reply by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson) to the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath) on 27 February 1998,

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998, Official Report, column 313, if the telegrams from Sierra Leone relating to Sandline were copied to No. 10 Downing Street. [48017]

[holding answer 1 July 1998]: I refer to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in the House during the debate on 18 May 1998, Official Report, columns 604–11, in which he announced the investigation by Sir Thomas Legg KCB QC into allegations about Government involvement with the supply of arms to Sierra Leone by UK citizens and firms, and said that the Terms of Reference would be placed in the Library of the House. He intends to publish the report of the investigation.

To ask the Prime Minister what is the precise number of letters he has received from National Health Service physiotherapists against the staging of the current year's pay award. [48177]

[holding answer 1 July 1998]: Since the publication of the Report of the Review Body for Nursing Staff, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine in January, my office has received 147,849 items of correspondence from members of the public. Of these 1,100 were copies of a standard campaign letter on the subject of staging the pay award for physiotherapists and other professions allied to medicine. 46 other letters on this subject were also received.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to create a Ministry of Rural Affairs. [48796]

[holding answer 3 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 25 February 1998, Official Report, column 252.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contingency plans his Department is making in the event of the failure of computer systems to recognise the year 2000; when he expects them to be in place, and tested; and if he will make a statement. [48849]

The FCO is replacing its core office automation system with millennium compliant systems. Other non-compliant systems are being corrected or replaced. All FCO business-critical computer systems will be year 2000 compliant by September 1999.All FCO operational units, both at home and overseas, are being asked to prepare contingency plans for the continuation of business in the event of any internal or external computer system failure. It is intended that these will be in place by 30 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how staff numbers in his Department have varied between 1 May 1997 and 31 March 1998. [48871]

On 1 April 1997 the Foreign and Commonwealth Office employed 5,595 UK-based staff (including 56 casuals) counted as full-time equivalents. Its agency, Wilton Park, employed 35 staff (no casuals) on the same basis. At 1 April 1998 the equivalent figures were 5,493 (including 81 casuals) and 38 (including 1 casual) respectively. So the number of staff employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office decreased by 102 between 1 April 1997 and 1 April 1998 and the number of staff employed by the Wilton Park agency increased by 3 during the same period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress of the French authorities in their investigation of the death in Paris of Mr. Roderick Henderson. [48887]

The Examining Magistrate in charge of the investigation has confirmed that police officers are working full-time on the case. Progress in the investigation is slow as witnesses to the attack have not come forward and the French police have few leads to follow. One witness who did come forward subsequently moved address and has not yet been traced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many meetings with the French authorities officials of the British Embassy have raised the investigation into the death in Paris of Mr. Roderick Henderson; at what levels the matter has been raised; and if he will list the meetings concerned. [48888]

Two formal meetings have been held. The Deputy Head of our Embassy in Paris raised the matter with the Diplomatic Adviser to the Interior Minister on 21 April. The Consul-General met the Examining Magistrate in charge of the case on 29 April. Our consular staff in Paris speak regularly on the telephone to French officials and to Mrs. Henderson's French lawyers about the investigation into the death of Mr. Henderson. We will continue to press the French authorities to do all they can to bring Mr. Henderson's murderer to justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings he or his Ministers have had with (a) Ministers and (b) officials of the French Government at which the investigation into the death in Paris of Mr. Roderick Henderson has been raised. [48865]

The matter has not been raised at Ministerial level, but we are active in pressing the French authorities to do all they can to bring Mr. Henderson's murderer to justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of oil revenue taxation from oil fields off the Falkland Islands will accrue to (a) the Falkland Islands authority and (b) the Treasury; and what the statutory or other basis is for this arrangement. [48343]

Any oil revenues will accrue to the Falkland Islands Government. I discussed revenue sharing, should oil be found, with the Falkland Islands Councillors during a visit to the Islands in April. I welcomed their generous offer made in 1994 to share revenues from oil production with HMG and we agreed that we should now discuss arrangements for this in a spirit of cooperation and partnership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what degree of autonomy the authorities in the Falkland Islands have in fiscal matters. [48342]

Under Section 61 of the Constitution of the Falkland Islands, fiscal matters fall under the responsibility of the Governor as advised by the Islands Executive Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if British citizenship will be offered to citizens of dependent territories on a non-reciprocal basis. [49148]

The question of whether and on what basis British citizenship might be offered to the Overseas Territories which do not currently have it is still under consideration. No final decisions have been taken yet.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the results of the Dependent Territories Review will be published. [49146]

Some key issues relevant to the Review and White Paper are still being discussed. Until these are resolved, it is not possible to give a date for publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many residents of dependent territories are holders of British Dependent Territory passports. [49149]

Approximately 99,950 residents of the Overseas Territories either hold or are eligible for British Dependent Territories passports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which dependent territories requested British citizenship for their populations, as part of the Dependent Territories Review. [49147]

All the populated Overseas Territories, with the exception of the Falklands and Gibraltar, which already have access to British citizenship, have expressed an interest in this proposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many residents of dependent territories are holders of (a) passports other than British Dependent Territory passports and (b) British passports. [49150]

Approximately 55,700 residents of the Overseas Territories are holders of passports other than British Dependent Territory passports or British passports. Approximately 35,380 residents of the Overseas Territories are holders of British passports.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) by what means the Blackwall Tunnel ventilation system will emit air into the roof of the Millennium Dome; [48134](2) how visitors to the Millennium Dome will be notified of emissions from the Blackwall Tunnel ventilation system; [48142]

The Dome is entirely separate from the ventilation shaft and there is no prospect of pollutants transferring from one to the other. The ventilation fans draw air through the tunnel to ensure appropriate air quality levels in the tunnel. The fans increase in speed as pollutant levels in the tunnel reach pre-determined thresholds. During the Dome's construction, the increase in fan speeds is accompanied by a warning sound. This is simply to inform construction workers, who may be overhead, that the noise generated by the fans is about to change. Contingency plans and procedures are in place for emergency incidents arising in either the tunnel or the Dome.

To ask the Minister without Portfolio (1) if he will make a statement on the process by which the logo for the New Millennium Experience was chosen; what consideration was given to the use of a male figure; and if the figure chosen was designed specifically for the project; [45390](2) what is the cost of the logo for the New Millennium Experience; and who was responsible for choosing it; [45389]

[holding answer 15 June 1998]: The logo, which is part of a wider brand identity reflecting the central role of the Millennium Experience in the UK's millennium celebrations and supporting the New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) sponsorship and commercial income strategies, was selected by the Company following a competitive process. During that process, Mr. Martin Lambie-Nairn presented proposals for branding and identity which incorporated designs for a logo by the artist Mark Reddy. The logo was designed specifically for the Millennium Experience.NMEC's Board considered that Mr. Lambie-Nairn's proposals best met their criteria for a brand identity for the Millennium Experience and awarded Mr. Lambie-Nairn's company a contract worth up to £250,000. This contract covers the development and application of the identity across the project (both the Dome and the associated National Programme of events and activities); corporate style (for example printed material and merchandise branding); and advising on the design language used on the Dome site (for example, signing and visitor information). Within this contract, Mr. Reddy's design work cost £50,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many independent review panels have investigated matters relating to the NHS in Scotland in the last five years; and what was the average length of time each took to produce its report. [46788]

[holding answer 23 June 1998]: Information on the numbers of reports from independent review panels convened under the current NHS complaints procedure (introduced on 1 April 1996) to date and the length of time of production of reports is given in the table.