To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what options are under consideration for the Royal Mint; and if he will indicate in respect of each option whether consultants have been engaged. [49417]

The terms of reference for the review of public/private-partnership options for the Royal Mint are:

To advise Treasury Ministers on the options for a public/private partnership for the Royal Mint to enable it to take advantage of new commercial opportunities. In considering these options, the review will take into account the views of affected stakeholders and assess the implications for:

• the security and competitiveness of supply of UK circulating coins;
• the net cost to Government of UK circulating coins;
• possible UK entry into stage 3 of economic and monetary union;
• enhancing the Royal Mint's ability to take advantage of existing and new commercial opportunities;
• the public-policy aspects of coinage, including design, choice of denominations and commemorative issues;
• the staff of the Royal Mint, including their conditions and terms of service;
• the need for, and requirements of, legislation; and
• the speed with which change can be implemented.

The review will also employ consultants to advise on (i) potential purchasers and partners, including institutional investors, for the Mint; (ii) the current market for coin supply, feeding into our consideration of how privatisation might be effected and competitiveness of supply ensured; and (iii) the impact of the euro.The review will report to Treasury Ministers by the end of September.All options, including full and partial sale and other forms of private-sector involvement, will be considered by the review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 29 June 1998, Official Report, column 28, what assessment he has made of the percentage risk of default if the financial markets had issued a Channel Tunnel Rail Link guarantee. [49444]

[holding answer 7 July 1998]: As my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister made clear in his statement of 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 367–84, the Government consider the risk of a liability being incurred under the guarantees to be given over the bonds which will be issued by London and Continental Railways to be remote.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) when the Government will set up the review of the ICL Pathway Project; who is undertaking it; and who has been invited to give evidence to it; [49504](2) what are the terms of reference of the Government review of the ICL Pathway Project; and when it is due to report. [49505]

[holding answer 8 July 1998]: My officials are working with officials from DSS and DTI to monitor the progress of this important PFI project, as is usual for projects of this scale and complexity. Ministers are being kept fully up to date with progress.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the extra revenue arising from the increase in default interest for (a) late payment of VAT, (b) air passenger duty, (c) insurance premium tax and (d) landfill tax. [49669]

The increase in revenue resulting from the recent increase in the rate of default interest is estimated to be some £20 million in a full year. The majority of this will be in respect of late payment of VAT; the amounts relating to the other taxes are expected to be negligible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recorded instances of cross-border smuggling of (a) petrol, (b) alcohol, (c) smoking materials, (d) animals and (e) videos there have been in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [48360]

[holding answer 6 July 1998]: The table shows the number of detections by Customs and Excise of goods smuggled from the Irish Republic into Northern Ireland:

Instances of cross-border smuggling 1995–1998 (to date)
	1995	1996	1997	1998
Hydrocarbon oils1	6	3	3	32
Alcohol2	19	29	21	10
Tobacco2	24	48	67	7
Alcohol2,3 and Tobacco2,3	19	31	13	19
Videos	0	0	0	0
Animals	0	0	0	0
1Figures include all hydrocarbon oils detections, not only petrol
2All detected at premises in Northern Ireland. Information is not available as to whether the smuggling route used was via mainland UK or the Republic of Ireland, however intelligence suggests that both routes are used
3Instances where both alcohol and tobacco goods were the subject of the smuggling attempt

I regret that no figures are available for years before 1995.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers he has to levy taxes on the Falkland Islands. [48344]

[holding answer 6 July 1998]: None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers paid capital gains tax for the last tax year for which figures are available; and what was the total amount of revenue raised. [48086]

[holding answer 6 July 1998): It is provisionally estimated that 110,000 taxpayers had capital gains tax liabilities of £1.4 billion for 1996–97, the latest tax year for which information is available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the advantages of introducing additional tax incentives to help the Government achieve their target under the Kyoto Protocol. [48975]

The Government plan to consult later this summer on policy options for delivering its legally-binding target under the Kyoto Protocol, and for moving beyond that towards its domestic aim of a 20 per cent. cut in carbon dioxide emissions on 1990 levels by 2010. Within industry, the Government believe that economic instruments may offer the potential to achieve greenhouse gas reductions cost-effectively. The Chancellor has asked Sir Colin Marshall, assisted by a Government Task Force, to consider whether and, if so, how best to use economic instruments—such as an industrial energy tax and/or other market mechanisms—to improve the business use of energy and to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from this sector.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Treasury received from the United Kingdom pharmaceutical industry in the last financial year. [47802]

The corporation tax liability of businesses classified to the pharmaceutical industry in respect of accounting periods ending in the financial year 1996–97 is estimated at £400 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress in respect of measures to allow the streaming of income for pension funds invested in balanced authorised unit trusts. [49164]

This proposal has been put to the Government. It is under review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Inland Revenue's fixed profit car scheme rates to take account of increases in the costs of motoring. [48983]

The Inland Revenue's authorised mileage rates (used in the fixed profit car scheme) are fixed each year. The rates for 1998–99 were announced last December. A similar timetable will apply to setting the rates for 1999–2000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if ferries en route to France via the Channel Islands will after 1999 be able to sell duty free goods. [48756]

Yes. The Channel Islands are excluded from the fiscal territory of the European Community so journeys to and from the Channel Islands and an EU Member State are not affected by the abolition of intra-EU duty free sales from 30 June 1999.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if ferries which sail out of EU waters and immediately return will be able to sell duty free goods after 1999. [48757]

The European Commission has set out in a working document its view on the arrangements which should apply to sales on board ships following the abolition of intra-EU duty-free sales after 30 June 1999. They express the view that duty-free sales of goods to be carried away will not be allowed on intra-EU voyages—even if part of a ship's voyage is in international waters. Duty-free sales of goods for consumption on board will continue to be governed by the national provisions of member states until the Council adopts Community provisions on stores for boats and aircraft. Commission chaired discussions at official level are underway to work out the detail of these arrangements.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those public corporations that will be evaluated for possible changes in fiscal rules; and when such changes are likely to be announced. [48760]

The public corporations included in section 3.4 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report (published 11 June) under the paragraph headed "Additional flexibility for large public corporations, which are not dependent on government grants, to put them on a more commercial footing" are the Post Office, British Nuclear Fuels Limited, National Air Traffic Services, the Commonwealth Development Corporation, the Royal Mint, the Tote, the Crown Estate Office and Channel 4 Television. Compared with the regime for public corporations in departmental expenditure limits, these largely self-funding public corporations will have more flexibilities to manage their spending between years, within agreed limits on external finance from 1999–2000.The way of measuring the impact of these public corporations on the fiscal aggregates is unchanged.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax deduction has been made available for sponsorship of the Millennium Experience; and what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer in lost revenue. [48830]

When calculating business profits for tax purposes, the general rule is that a deduction is allowable for tax purposes where expenditure is revenue in nature and incurred wholly and exclusively for trade purposes. This rule applies to sponsorship payments, as it does to business expenditure generally. The availability of a tax deduction for business expenditure on sponsorship payments when calculating business profits will always depend on the particular factors of the donor business. No information is available about sponsorship payments to the Millennium Experience qualifying as a deduction for tax purposes, or of the cost of the tax relief.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Exchequer per unemployed person per year in terms of unemployment-related benefits and forgone taxes where the calculation assumes the person to have been on average earnings. [48247]

The average level of unemployment-related benefits per unemployed person per year, and the direct taxes paid by (or on behalf of) people with average earnings are provided as follows. These figures are not, however, a complete assessment of the exchequer costs of changes in unemployment. Such an assessment will depend upon the reasons for the change, and the extent to which it affects the sustainable level of employment. This in turn requires an analysis of the direct and indirect effects on the wider labour market and the economy as a whole—including the effect on inflationary pressure and the policy response to it. It also needs to reflect the fact that unemployed people do not, on average, move into jobs with average earnings.The average cost of unemployment-related benefits per unemployed person per year, in 1998–99 benefit levels is around £3,850, with the entitlement of individuals around this average depending on their particular circumstances. For the purposes of calculating this figure, unemployment-related benefits are defined as Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit payments to people in receipt of JSA.In 1998–99, a single person in employment for a full year on median earnings (£337 per week) would pay £4,400 in income tax and employee National Insurance Contributions (NICs). In 1998–99, a married couple with one member of the couple in employment for a full year on median earnings (£337 per week) would pay £4,100 in income tax and employee NICs. These figures assume that the individual has no income other than earnings from employment, is not eligible for Mortgage Interest Relief, and that they pay contracted-in employee's NICs. The figures ignore indirect taxes. An employer would pay £1,800 in employer NICs in respect of an employee on median earnings.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the net wage at 1998–99 prices for a single person, working 39 hours a week for (a) £3.60 an hour, (b) £3.70 an hour, (c) £4 an hour and (d) £4.26 an hour for (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–2000 and (iv) 2000–2001; [48186]

The table gives the weekly net income (at 1998–99 prices) of a single person, a married couple with one child, and a married couple with two children, at different hourly wage rates.As the final column of the table shows, the National Minimum Wage and Budget measures such as the Working Families Tax Credit will mean a significant boost for low income working families: every family with children will be guaranteed an income for full-time work of at least £180 a week.

Family type	Hourly wage rate (at 1998–99 prices)	1997–98 (at 1998–99 prices)	1998–99	1998–99 (including Budget measures due to be introduced in 1999–2000
Single person	£3.60	119.36	119.53	120.81
	£3.70	122.09	122.26	123.54
	£4.00	130.28	130.45	131.73
	£4.26	137.22	137.47	138.75
Married person, one child	£3.60	176.46	176.20	193.91
	£3.70	177.28	177.02	195.14
	£4.00	179.74	179.48	198.82
	£4.26	181.82	181.59	201.98
Married person, 2 children	£3.60	198.09	197.85	218.06
	£3.70	198.91	198.67	219.29
	£4.00	201.37	201.13	222.97
	£4.26	203.45	203.24	226.13

The income figures are net of Income Tax (including Working Families Tax Credit in the last column), National Insurance Contributions, Child Benefit and Family Credit (where appropriate). The figures do not include any Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit the households may be eligible for; this would depend upon rent and council tax bills. The net incomes shown would be higher if these benefits were applicable and included in the figures.The figures assume that the earner is paying contracted-in employees' NICs', that they have no other, non-earned, income, and that they work 39 hours a week.Figures for 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 are not available; they will depend upon any changes in tax and benefit rates and the rate of inflation.The Bank of England has played a leading role in facilitating preparation for the euro in the financial sector. All indications are that the City is ready for the launch of the euro and expects to maintain its position as Europe's leading financial centre.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people in full-time employment in the Greater London area currently earn less than the proposed national minimum wage development rate for 18 to 21-year-olds; [49458]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the working families tax credit is to be delivered through the PAYE system by adjusting PAYE code numbers; and if he will consult employers about the workings of the system. [50366]

The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) will be introduced in October 1999 and paid through the payroll from April 2000. Inland Revenue consultations, aimed at minimising any extra work for employers, are continuing. An initial conclusion is that it would not be practical to use the employee's PAYE code to pay the Working Families Tax Credit. Although much work remains to be done before the detailed shape of the new scheme is settled, the current working assumption is that employers will be notified by the Inland Revenue of the amount of WFTC due to an employee and that this will be added to the employee's pay and paid through the PAYE system.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49534]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister today, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the level of economic growth in 1999. [49628]

The March 1998 Budget forecast showed economic growth of between 1¾ and 2¼ per cent. in 1999. Developments since then have been broadly in line with our expectations, both in terms of total output and also its composition.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answers of 20 April 1998, Official Report, columns 400–02, and 5 June 1998, Official Report, columns 386–90, if he will provide comparable figures for two earner married couples where the income is split between them in the ratio of 60:40. [49187]

The information requested is contained in the table.

Two earner married couple with income split in the ratio 60:40—for the 1998/99 tax year
	Gross income (£ per week)
	150	200	250	300	400
NICs	3.88	9.76	14.76	19.76	31.76
Income Tax	0	2.38	12.25	22.75	49.05
Tax and NICs as percentage of gross earnings	2.6	6.1	10.8	14.2	20.2
Net Income	146.12	187.86	222.99	257.49	319.19
Equivalised Net Income	146.12	187.86	222.99	257.49	319.19

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how staff numbers in his Department have varied between 1 May 1997 and 31 March 1998. [48874]

Staff numbers¹ in HM Treasury are as follows:

	1 April 19972	1 January 19982	Percentage change
Permanent	888.0	897.5	+1.06
Casual	26.0	26.0	0.00
1Figures are shown as whole time equivalents
2Data are not readily available for either 1 May 1997 or 31 January 1998 and would involve disproportionate cost to obtain

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give his reasons for defining a prudent level of public debt as being below 40 per cent. of GDP; and how this compares to the current level of public debt in each EU country. [47034]

The Government's policy on the level of public debt is explained in section 3.2.4 of the Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report published last month.A comparison of net public debt as a proportion of GDP is set out in the table. These are based on OECD figures where available, and otherwise on European Commission data for gross Government debt.

General Government net financial liabilities (per cent. of GDP)
	1997
Finland	-5.3
Luxembourg1	6.7
Sweden	21.6
Denmark	40.6
France	43.0
UK	43.7
Netherlands	45.0
Austria	45.9
Germany	49.5
Spain	51.8
Portugal1	62.0
Ireland1	66.3
Greece1	108.7
Italy	108.8
Belgium	118.4
UK (whole public sector)2	43.3
1Figures for these countries are gross rather than net (European Commission)
2End-March 1998

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Council meeting of the Economic and Finance Ministers of the European Union held on 6 July. [50215]

I attended the Economic and Finance Council—ECOFIN—of the European Union in Brussels on 6 July. Given that this was the first Council of the Austrian Presidency, we discussed only one item of substantive business in formal session. The Council heard and then commented on the work programme of the Austrian Presidency for ECOFIN over the next six months. I and other Ministers welcomed the broad themes set out by Minister Edlinger, which largely take forward work from the previous six months, as anticipated in the Cardiff European Council Conclusions. During discussions, several Ministers paid tribute to the UK Presidency's handling over the past six months, and welcomed the progress made.

To ask the President of the Council what proposals she plans to make regarding the ability of hon. Members to ask questions of Ministers on matters that have been devolved to the National Assembly for Wales following the election of the Assembly. [49711]

I have no immediate proposals for any change in the procedure for questions. I understand that the Procedure Committee will be conducting an inquiry into the implications for the House of devolution. Any suggestions from the hon. Member will be welcome. The Government will consider carefully any recommendations the Committee makes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the projects undertaken by his Department since 1 May 1997 to research public reaction to (a) Government policies and (b) potential new policies; and if he will place the results of the research in the Library. [46686]

In line with the practice of successive Administrations, the Department consults the public, interested parties and client groups by way of consultation papers, White Papers and discussion on a wide range of policies and proposed legislation. There have been no major exercises since 1 May 1997 researching public reaction to Government policies or potential new policies; nor has the Department published any White Papers. We did however, commission a survey on attitudes to Europe in November 1997. A copy of the results has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the use of anti-personnel mines will be included in the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. [49338]

Our intention is get landmines universally banned.The Statute of the International Criminal Court is still being negotiated. We support proposals for the Court to be able to try war crimes which are recognised under customary international law. Despite the signature of the Ottawa Convention, the use of anti-personnel landmines does not at present come into this category. But landmines, like any other weapon, might be used in a way that would contravene international law. Under the proposals which we support this could well lead to the user being prosecuted at the International Criminal Court.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what attempts were made by Her Majesty's Government to amend Articles of the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines to permit British personnel to assist members of the armed forces of a state that is not a party to that convention to lay anti-personnel mines. [49671]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the indemnities relative to the Sierra Leone arms investigation will come into force. [50318]

To assist Sir Thomas Legg to complete his report as soon as possible, the indemnities will come into force on 10 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications have been received from the Nigerian Government regarding the timetable for (a) the release of political prisoners and (b) the restoration of democracy and human rights. [49698]

We still await an announcement by the Nigerian Government of the timetable for the release of detainees and the restoration of democracy and human rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) to Nigeria. [49663]

I visited Nigeria on 25–26 June representing both my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the EU Presidency. I had a constructive meeting with General Abubakar. He set out his ideas for the way ahead, stressing the need for all Nigerians, including those in exile, to be a part of the process. I stressed the importance of an inclusive political process leading to the early restoration of democratic civilian rule.I was deeply saddened by the death of Chief Abiola on 7 July. He had been in detention since 1994 and we had repeatedly called for his release, most recently during my visit. It is particularly tragic that he died at a time when Nigeria had embarked on a process of reconciliation, and we believed his release to be imminent.During my visit I also called for the release of all other detainees. It is essential that General Abubakar now does this and makes an early announcement about the restoration of civilian rule. I also encouraged General Abubakar to allow the UN Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur to visit Nigeria in accordance with his mandate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Nigeria. [49664]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Nigeria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from UK companies about Nigeria. [49665]

I am in correspondence with the West Africa Committee who represent the majority of British companies active in Nigeria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49536]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 1998, Official Report, columns 557–58, prior to 18 May, what mechanisms were used to determine how legislation passed in the current session would affect women; what consultation he had with women's organisations; and if he will make a statement. [49089]

Guidance for policy appraisal for equal treatment has been available since 1992. Application of the guidance has been the responsibility of individual departments. The only item of legislation for which my department has been directly responsible, the Law Officers Act 1997, did not by its nature, raise an issue of possible differential impact on women.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that employers reduce to an acceptable level risks posed to the health and safety of employees using public roads while at work. [48748]

The Road Traffic and related Acts provide the legal framework for driving on Britain's roads. All drivers, including those who drive as part of their employment, are obliged to obey these laws.The safety of company car drivers (as distinct from people whose job is specifically driving related e.g. HGV and bus drivers) is of concern. We believe the best way forward is for employers to foster working practices which encourage responsible driving. We have supported the work of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in producing its guidance document "Managing Occupational Road Risk" published earlier this year, to help organisations to develop an effective management approach. We will continue to encourage employers to adopt such an approach, which could have wider benefits in addition to road safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money in each of the past five years each eligible local authority has received from the European Regional Development Fund; and what (a) road and (b) other transport schemes have been supported under this scheme. [48917]

I have placed a copy of the information requested in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account will be taken of the increase in landfill tax levy from April 1999 when calculating local authorities' standard spending assessments for 1999–2000. [48911]

In calculating Total Standard Spending for 1999–2000, the Government will take into account spending pressures facing local authorities, including the increase in landfill tax, as well as the opportunities for local government to make savings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will respond to the Second report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Sewage Treatment and Disposal (HC 266-I). [48943]

The Government aim to respond to the Report later this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answers of 18 May 1998, Official Report, column 219, and 15 June 1998, Official Report, column 39, if drivers of lorries engaged in international haulage are required to be in possession of a CMR, goods in transit insurance document; and what role this document will have in assisting the enforcement authorities to distinguish the origin and destination of journeys, if it is decided not to allow five axle lorries weighing 40 tonnes to operate in the domestic market. [48944]

Goods carried by road for hire or reward on international journeys to or from the UK, except between the UK and the Republic of Ireland, are covered by the Convention on the contract for the international carriage of goods by road (CMR) and are required to be accompanied by a CMR consignment note. This requirement does not apply to goods being carried by own-account operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many properties have been purchased for road development projects in the Greater London area by his Department in each of the last three years; and at what cost. [49278]

The total number and value of properties acquired by the Highways Agency in the Greater London Area in the last three years are as follows. The summary relates to properties acquired in connection with trunk roads only.

Financial year	Number acquired	Purchase price (£)
1995–96	66	15,605,000
1996–97	22	1,647,050
1997–98	33	5,063,770

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential threat to the environment in the United Kingdom posed by nuclear installations which are not millennium compliant in former Warsaw Pact countries. [49259]

No specific assessment has been made of the potential threat to the UK environment posed by overseas nuclear installations which are not millennium compliant. However, the UK has been active in the International Atomic Energy Agency and via our own embassies in seeking to raise global awareness of the problem. We are continuing to encourage all countries to recognise the need to take immediate action in this matter.

Site/application	Local authority	Number of parking spaces	Decision
Strayfield works, Strayfield Road—12 houses	LB Enfield	48	Awaiting public inquiry
Hackney Wick Greyhound Stadium—16 screen multiplex cinema	LB Hackney	1,250	Awaiting public inquiry
Wealdstone Town Centre—Superstore, retail and residential units	LB Harrow	776	Awaiting public inquiry
Key Site 1, Hounslow Town Centre—25 screen multiplex cinema, bingo hall, shops restaurant and town square	LB Hounslow	1,296	Awaiting public inquiry

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the development proposals within London where more than 50 car parking spaces are planned and where a decision to grant planning permission has yet to be including for each (a) the total number of parking

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the costs and benefits of the environmental protection works associated with phase two of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, between Ebbsfleet and King's Cross. [49467]

Few CTRL works in phase two are concerned exclusively with environmental protection and decisions on extensive tunnelling were taken for engineering reasons as much as for environmental reasons. It is not practicable, therefore, to separate environmental protection costs from the total.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the terms of reference and timescale of his Department's review of the Orange Badge Scheme. [49553]

There are no plans for a formal review of the Orange Badge Scheme at this time.The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)—our statutory advisers on the transport needs of disabled people—are currently drafting a paper on the Scheme, which they are proposing to put to Ministers shortly. We shall need to consider very carefully what DPTAC have to say before deciding what, if any, review of the Scheme might be appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment Transport and the Regions if he will list the development proposals within London which he has called in since 1 May 1997 on the ground of possible traffic generation including for each (a) the total number of car spaces proposed and (b) the decision reached. [49366]

Four planning applications in London have been called in since 1 May 1997 where the Secretary of State has indicated that traffic generation is one of the issues of which he specifically wishes to be informed in reaching his decision.Space proposed and

My Department does not hold this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to consult on proposals to institute the change to a tonnage based levy for statutory joint waste disposal authorities announced in March. [50128]

When announcing the change from a council tax to a tonnage based system for the apportionment of Joint Waste Disposal Authorities levies, I requested officials in my department to work out methods for such a system and to discuss them with the local authority associations. Proposals have now been developed on how to apportion authorities' contributions on the basis of the amount of waste they deliver for disposal in a preceding period. The aim is to reflect the service each authority draws from the JWDA and to provide encouragement for waste minimisation and other sustainable methods of waste management. The more successful authorities are in minimising waste and diverting it to other forms of sustainable waste management such as recycling and composting, the less they will deliver for disposal and the less they will pay. As I said in March, this will form one more element in our policy to encourage waste management options higher up the waste hierarchy.A consultation document will therefore be issued today to local authority associations, the JWDAs and their constituent authorities. It remains our intention to have an efficient and effective default system in place in time for the 1999–2000 levy and I would very much welcome their responses to our proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Minister for Local Government and Housing plans to respond to the letter of 16 April 1998 from Mr. John Booth, on electoral registration. [48682]

I have been asked to reply.This letter was transferred to the Home Office from another Government department on 30 April. My officials have now written to Mr. Booth in response to this and to his further letter of 30 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will arrange a meeting with the Director-General of the Health and Safety Executive and Chief Inspector of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate in respect of the current safety status of the high-activity liquid radioactive waste tanks at Sellafield. [47878]

I have been asked to reply.The UK's independent nuclear safety regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), has made clear that it is satisfied that arrangements for the management by BNFL of liquid High Level Waste (HLW) are adequately safe. This Department is in regular contact with HSE and NII. Its views on liquid HLW storage at Sellafield were set out in a report published in December 1995 entitled 'Safety of the Storage of Liquid High Level Waste (HLW) at BNFL Sellafield', a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. The UK's independent Nuclear Safety Advisory Committee (NuSAC) has also recently examined the safety of HLW storage at Sellafield. NuSAC concluded that there were no immediate problems and supported BNFL plans to vitrify liquid HLW as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many prohibition notices have been issued to BNFL at Sellafield under section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, since it entered into force. [47874]

I have been asked to reply.The independent Health and Safety Executive only keeps records on prohibition notices for ten years. Since 1988 there have been three prohibition notices issued to BNFL Sellafield under Section 22 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. These all related to non-nuclear aspects of safety: one relating to a drilling machine in an engineering workshop, and two relating to protection of people carrying out construction work at roof level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49539]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 6 April 1998, Official Report, columns 31–32, if he will place a copy of the instructions to the Immigration Service and his Department's staff on dealing with immigration cases on the Internet. [50228]

Further to my announcement of 6 April 1998, Official Report, columns 31–32, I am pleased to announce that a copy of the disclosable version of four of the six volumes of the Immigration Directorates' Instructions (IDIs) is being placed on the Internet. The material is subject to periodic review and revision.The Government are committed to ensuring that these instructions are as widely available as possible and arrangements are also in hand to place a paper-based copy of the IDIs at various selected sites around the United Kingdom. This will provide an alternative means of access for those without direct access to the Internet. I will arrange for a copy of the list containing details of the selected sites to be placed in the Library and on the Internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he intends to make changes to the review procedures in cases of persons sentenced to life imprisonment. [50369]

Under the present arrangements announced by previous Home Secretaries, most recently on 7 December 1994, Official Report, columns 234–35, by the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard), the first Parole Board review in the case of a life sentenced prisoner begins three years before the expiry of tariff. The purpose of this review is normally to enable the prisoner to be assessed for, and, where appropriate, transferred to, open conditions (category D) where he or she may be tested in conditions of lower security, fully assessed by staff and prepared for release. A further Parole Board review is then held to determine whether the level of risk is low enough to enable the prisoner to be safely released on life licence. Where the level of risk is considered to be acceptable, the objective is to release the prisoner on or very shortly after tariff expiry.The need for two or more reviews and the average time of eight and a half months to complete each one make it very difficult for this objective to be achieved. Of the 109 life sentenced prisoners who were released on life licence between April 1997 and March 1998, only one was released on tariff expiry. A further 31, who could have been safely released at or close to tariff expiry, were released within 12 months. I have therefore decided to make some adjustments to the review timetabling arrangements to reduce delays by enabling prisoners whom it is safe to release but who are currently being released within 12 months of tariff expiry to be released on tariff or shortly afterwards.In future, the first Parole Board review for mandatory and discretionary life sentenced prisoners will be brought forward by six months to start three and a half years before tariff expiry, but normally only where the prisoner has been in category C prison conditions for 12 months or more at that point. Cases falling just outside the 12 month criterion, and cases where exceptional circumstances exist, will be considered for early review on their merits.In addition, reviews for all mandatory life sentenced prisoners who are in open conditions will commence 18 months after arrival rather than after two years as is now the practice. I am satisfied that this will still allow ample time (at least two years) in open prison for the prisoner to be fully tested, assessed and prepared for release. This change will bring the timetable for the review of mandatory life sentenced prisoners into line with that for discretionary cases in which there is a statutory entitlement to a further review on the second anniversary of the conclusion of the previous one. In order to avoid disrupting the scheduled offending behaviour programmes and pre-release preparatory work for those already in open conditions, this new arrangement will apply to those transferring to open conditions from 1 August.The statement of 7 December 1994 also announced the abolition in discretionary life sentence cases of the ten year Ministerial review to consider whether there were any grounds for bringing forward the date of the first Parole Board review. The purpose of that review had been to identify any special circumstances or exceptional progress which might justify bringing forward the date of the first Parole Board review. I have decided that this review should also be abolished in mandatory life sentence cases. Those convicted of murder are now fully informed about the tariff-setting process and may make representations at any time about the length of their tariff. In addition, they may at any time make representations for their tariff to be reduced to take account of exceptional circumstances, including exceptional progress in prison. Those sentenced to be detained during Her Majesty's pleasure have an annual review of tariff by officials and a Ministerial review at the halfway point. In these circumstances, the ten year review is now redundant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children under the age of 14 have been murdered by their parents in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [49477]

The table shows the number of offences recorded as homicide in England and Wales, as at 1 August 1997, where children under the age of 14 years were killed by their parents:

Year	Number
1994	52
1995	46
1996	58

Figures for 1997 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many telephone interceptions were authorised by his Department in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98 and (c) 1998–99 to date; and if he will make a statement. [49696]

The annual reports of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 list the number of interception warrants issued by the Home Secretary in the course of each year. In 1996, 1,073 telecommunications warrants were issued by the Home Secretary. In 1997, the number was 1,391. During the period 1 January to 30 June this year, 816 such warrants were issued by me.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the PFI contract awarded to UK Detention Services to build and operate a new prison in Agecroft, Salford, will be accounted for in the Government's accounts. [49666]

We have taken advice from Her Majesty's Treasury and the National Audit Office and we are satisfied that the underlying assets of the contract for the new prison to be built on the Agecroft site at Salford will be off balance sheet. This means that the capital expenditure incurred by the Prison Service as a result of the contract is amortised over the 25 year contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many members of the Police Complaints Authority and staff have been assigned to investigate the shooting of Diarmuid O'Neill in each month since September 1996; and how many staff hours were expended each month. [48366]

One member of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) and one caseworker have been assigned to this case since it was referred to the PCA for supervision of the investigation in September 1995. The PCA does not record its staff time expended on individual cases.In accordance with standard practice, the investigation by the Metropolitan Police into the shooting of Mr. O'Neill was deferred until the completion in December last year of criminal proceedings against those arrested in the same operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Police Complaints Authority to complete its investigation into the shooting of Diarmuid O'Neill; and when he expects the family will be notified of the full circumstances of his death. [48367]

I understand that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) expects the investigation to be completed by the end of August. The Crown Prosecution Service and the PCA will then consider whether any criminal or disciplinary proceedings should be brought against any of those involved in the case.A police report on Mr. O'Neill's death will also be submitted to the coroner. The coroner's inquest will inquire into the cause of death and the circumstances in which it occurred, unless these have already been established by criminal proceedings following the PCA investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of recommendations contained in the Department of Health White Paper "Changing Childbirth", on pregnant women in prison; what timetable for implementation of proposals in the White Paper was proposed by Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons; and what is the current timetable. [48368]

The Prison Service is committed to implementing, in partnership with the NHS and within the constraints necessarily presented by the facts of custody, the recommendations of "Changing Childbirth".The timetable proposed by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons was that these recommendations be implemented by December 1997, an earlier target date than that to which the NHS was committed. Progress is being made in line with developments in local NHS maternity services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the conclusions and recommendations of the review evaluated by his Department into strip searching procedures; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [48369]

The Prison Service review of searches of the person, which has proved to be more complex and wide-ranging than originally envisaged, will be completed by late summer. A copy of the final report will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the first annual report of the Criminal Cases Review Commission; and if he will place it in the Library. [48370]

I have already received a proof copy of this Report, and hope to be able to lay it before each House on 20 July. Copies will also be placed in the Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the terms of reference of the Race Relations Forum; how many staff of what grade are attached to it; what decisions were taken at its first meeting; and what is its postal address, telephone, fax number and E-mail address. [48371]

The Race Relations Forum was established for the purpose of giving ethnic minority communities a voice at the heart of government. It is intended to complement the existing channels of communication. The first meeting took place on 23 June and was chaired by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The Forum's terms of reference were discussed but not finalised. We will publish them once they have been agreed. As an advisory body, it is not the role of the Forum to take decisions. We are, however, considering the points members made.The Secretariat to the Forum is provided by a Grade 7 civil servant, a Higher Executive Officer and an Executive Officer.Its postal address is The Race Relations Forum Secretariat, Race Equality Unit, Room 1272, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1A 9AT. The secretary's telephone number is 0171 273 2792, fax number 0171 273 3771. There is no e-mail address.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the procedure in relation to the destruction of a suspect's police records (a) if the victim decides not to press charges and (b) if the Crown Prosecution Service decides not to prosecute. [49073]

Save in exceptional circumstances, details of cases which are discontinued are deleted from the Police National Computer and fingerprints and other samples taken from a suspect are destroyed within forty-two days of notification of the decision not to proceed. This does not apply in cases where the offender is cautioned.The retention of local police records in these circumstances is an operational matter for the chief constable concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans there are to improve prisoners' access to condoms; [48762](2) what plans there are to include condoms in the health pilot schemes currently providing disinfectant tablets to Class IV drug users in prisons. [48761]

Prison doctors are able to prescribe condoms to individual prisoners, on application, where, in their clinical judgment, there is a known risk of HIV infection. We have no present plans to make condoms more freely available to prisoners, either as part of the pilot project for the reintroduction of disinfecting tablets or generally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Government of the Irish Republic about the possible release of prisoners convicted of terrorist offences repatriated to the Irish Republic following the Belfast Agreement. [48947]

As part of the 10 April Belfast Agreement, both the British and the Irish Governments agreed to put in place mechanisms to provide for the accelerated release of prisoners. The release of prisoners within the Irish Republic, including those repatriated from England and Wales, is a matter for the Irish Government. However, discussions are taking place about the effect of the Republic's proposals for the accelerated release of prisoners on those prisoners repatriated from England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offences were recorded per 1,000 population by (a) the Metropolitan Police and (b) police elsewhere in the country in (i) 1996–97 and (ii) 1997–98, (1) in total, (2) of violence against the person, (3) sexual offences, (4) of robbery, burglary, theft and handling stolen goods, (5) of fraud, (6) of criminal damage and (7) of other notifiable offences. [49437]

The available information is given in the table. Overall figures for England and Wales, excluding the Metropolitan Police, in 1997–98 are not yet available.

Notifiable offences recorded by the police
Offence	1996–97 Number per 1,000 population	1997–98 Number per 1,000 population
Metropolitan Police
Total all offences	112	103
Violence against the person	7	7
Sexual offences	1	1
Burglary, robbery and theft and handling stolen goods	77	70
Fraud and forgery	5	6
Criminal damage	20	18
Other offences	2	2
All forces except Metropolitan Police
Total all offences	92	1—
Violence against the person	4	1—
Sexual offences	1	1—
Burglary, robbery and theft and handling stolen goods	66	1—
Fraud and forgery	2	1—
Criminal damage	18	1—
Other offences	1	1—
1Not available

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the current qualification requirements and training for prison officers working with juveniles in young offender institutions or adult prisons. [49352]

The Prison Service in partnership with the Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA), have developed a specialist training course on the "Nature of Adolescence: Working with Young People in Custody". The Prison Service is working towards national accreditation for this course, which it is intended will form part of basic training for all prison officers who are going to work in establishments holding juveniles from November 1998.In addition, a course on "Understanding and Working with Young Women in Custody" has been developed with the TSA. It is intended that national accreditation will also be sought for this course. Trials in September this year will incorporate this training package into the basic training for prison officers going to Styal and Send women's prisons, which hold a proportion of juveniles.There are no current plans to change the qualification requirement for prison officers working with juveniles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average turnover of prison officers in each young offender institution in England over the last five years. [49351]

These figures are not collated centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial assistance he will provide in the current financial year to Gloucestershire district councils that wish to install CCTV cameras within their areas. [49246]

A total of £9m has been provided in 1998–99 through the Home Office Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Challenge Competition to fund CCTV schemes in England and Wales, of which around £1.5m will be used to fund 32 schemes successful under round four of the competition. The remaining £7.5m will be used to honour existing schemes inherited from previous rounds of the competition, including £16,840 paid to Gloucester City Council for a CCTV scheme in Brunswick Square, Gloucester. In total, over £453,000 has been paid to nine schemes in Gloucestershire under the four Home Office CCTV challenge competitions. They are:

	Location	Amount (£)
1	Cirencester town centre and integral parking, public transport and business area	70,000
2	Gloucester city centre	10,000
3	Coleford town centre	80,000
4	Cheltenham town centre	29,000
5	Cinderford, Lydney and Newent	130,050
6	Brunswick Square, Albion Street and Brunswick Road, Gloucester	25,261
7	Gloucester Docks	14,639
8	Stroud town centre	62,199
9	Dursley town centre	31,996

No other payments are due from the Home Office CCTV Challenge Competition to partnerships in Gloucestershire.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications were made by his Department for leave to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal in non-asylum cases in the period 31 May 1997 to 1 June 1998; and how many were (a) granted, (b) refused and (c) withdrawn; [49319](2) how many applications were made by his Department for leave to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal in asylum cases in the period 31 May 1997 to 1 June 1998; and how many were

The available information is that, in the period 1 June 1997 to 31 May 1998, a total of 13,242 applications for leave to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal were lodged, of which 9,536 related to asylum cases and 3,706 to non-asylum cases. In the same period, 12,616 applications for leave to appeal were decided by the Tribunal, 9,150 in asylum cases and 3,466 non-asylum cases.Statistics of the breakdown of Immigration Appeal Tribunal applications in asylum cases are not available for the full period requested. However, between June and December 1997, it is estimated that of 5,824 applications for leave to appeal to the Tribunal, 99 per cent. were lodged by the appellant and just over 1 per cent. by the Home Office. In the same period, 5,319 applications were decided, of which approximately 18 per cent. were granted leave to appeal, 17 per cent. to the appellant and 1 per cent. to the Home Office.I regret that the detailed breakdown requested for non-asylum cases, by appellant and type of decision, would be available only from the inspection of individual cases files and therefore at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional costs are incurred within London for policing; and what allowance he makes for this in funding the Metropolitan Police. [49416]

The additional costs incurred within London for policing fall into two broad categories: firstly, its capital city function—as permanent seat of government and primary location of the Royal Family—and, secondly, its national function (on behalf of the Government).In 1998–99, £151 million was made available to the Metropolitan Police as a special payment in recognition of this capital city and national function. The special payment is paid as 100 per cent. Home Office grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 17 June 1998, Official Report, column 222, how much was paid out by the Metropolitan Police in compensation cases in the last year for which figures are available. [49282]

The Commissioner has provided me with the information set out in the table. During 1996–97, settlement of a number of actions was delayed while claimants awaited the outcome of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Thompson and Hsu v. the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis (1997) 2 All ER 762. Settlement of the delayed actions had inflated the number of cases settled in 1997–98.

Damages in respect of civil claims
	Number of claims completed in 1997–98	Cost (£000) in 1997–98
Court awards	39	530
Out of court settlements	278	2,431

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department from whom the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis sought clearance to take up the positions of (a) a director of ACPO Ltd and (b) a member of the Executive Committee of ACPO; and what payments or reward in kind attach to the position. [49312]

The Commissioner did not need to seek clearance to take up the position of a member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Members of the Executive Committee of ACPO are regarded as Directors of the Association, which has the status of a private company limited by guarantee. The constitution of the Executive Committee is a matter for ACPO itself. No payments or rewards in kind are attached to the position of Director. I draw the attention of the hon. Member to my letters of 10 and 26 June and 8 July, offering to assist him with his concerns if he will outline or explain what has led to his interest in this topic.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49540]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which front-line aircraft squadrons will be disbanded as a result of the Strategic Defence Review. [50396]

We considered this matter very carefully and decided the most effective way to meet the reductions in the Tornado F3 and Tornado GR forces was to disband two squadrons. In order to minimise disruption for Service personnel and optimise running cost savings, No 29(f) Tornado F3 Squadron at RAF Coningsby and No 17(F) Tornado GR Squadron at RAF Bruggen will be disbanded by 1 April 1999.There will be no redundancies as a result of this decision. We wish to place on record our recognition of the distinguished role these squadrons have performed over many years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation Defence Agency for 1998–99. [50370]

In respect of financial year 1998–99 (prior to the formation of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency) the Director General Aircraft (Navy), acting as Owner of the Agency on behalf of my hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence under the terms of the Agency's framework document, has set the following key targets:

Quantity

Target—to achieve 98 per cent. of scheduled quantity of MoD sales orders in year.

Customer Quality Satisfaction

Target—to achieve no more than 56 customer complaints.

Timeliness

Target—to achieve 95 per cent. of the delivery dates agreed with the MoD customer.

Cost

Target—to achieve a full operating cost of £117.5M by 1 April 1999, assuming constant output. (Equivalent to a 9.5 per cent. reduction in real terms from the 1995–96 baseline).

Volume

Target—to utilise 100 per cent. of the available capacity by ensuring existing and, when required, additional customers furnish the programmes work against which resources have been allocated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 June 1998, Official Report, columns 609–11, concerning military personnel serving in Indonesia, what is the period of their deployment; to which units they are attached; where they are deployed; and what their duties are. [49421]

In my answer to the hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. M. Campbell) on 10 June 1998, Official Report, columns 609–11, four members of the UK armed forces were listed as serving in Indonesia. They included the Defence Attaché and a supporting Warrant Officer based at the UK Embassy in Jakarta, who are both on a three-year tour which ends in 2000. The other two were RAF Loan Service Personnel stationed at the Perkanbaru air base in Indonesia. They were assisting with the introduction into service of the Hawk aircraft, purchased under a contract signed in 1993, by providing pilot training to the Indonesian Air Force. Their task in Indonesia has since been completed and both officers have now left.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the production of the Challenger 2 battle tank. [49304]

[holding answer 7 July 1998]: Following the successful completion of production reliability growth trials, deliveries of Challenger 2 tanks resumed in January 1998. Deliveries to the first regiment were completed in June 1998, and deliveries of the second regiment are on course for completion by the end of December 1998. The programme remains on schedule for all 386 tanks to be delivered by February 2002, at which stage all our armoured regiments will be equipped with Challenger 2.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49537]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [48844]

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is reviewing its contingency plans in the light of the possible disruption to computer systems due to the Year 2000 date change. The revised plans will reflect the compliance work currently under way and be informed by the state of readiness of those suppliers upon which the Department depends. The plans will be developed and tested over the coming 12 months to ensure that they are in place in good time for the critical dates involved in the Year 2000 date change.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to increase the popularity of the United Kingdom as a tourist destination. [48689]

We plan to publish a comprehensive strategy for tourism later this year. The strategy, which will draw on the recommendations of our Tourism Forum Working Groups and the findings of our Departmental Spending Review, will address the promotion of Britain as a tourism destination as well as many other issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49533]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, Official Report, column 600.

Benefit review	Period of fieldwork	Results reported to Ministers	Results published
Income Support (First Review)	October 1994–December 1994	March 1995	July 1995
Unemployment Benefit	October 1994–December 1994	March 1995	July 1995
Housing Benefit1 (First Review)	June 1995-September 1995	December 1995	January 1996
Retirement Pension	October 1995–December 1995	February 1996	March 1996
Invalid Care Allowance	January 1996–March 1996	July 1996	July 1996
Disability Living Allowance	March 1996–April 1996	September 19962 and	February 1997
		November 19963
Income Support (Second Review)	August 1996–October 1996	July 1997	July 1997
Child Benefit/Child Benefit (Lone Parent)	August 1996–October 19964 and	December 19976 and	July 1998
	January 1997–August 19975	June 1998
1Benefit Review of Housing Benefit carried out under the aegis of the Department's Headquarters, Housing Benefit Security Branch
2Headline results
3Detailed results
4First phase (involving customers receiving Child Benefit/Child Benefit with Lone Parent increase and Income Support concurrently)
5Second phase (involving customers receiving Child Benefit/Child Benefit with Lone Parent increase but not Income Support)
6Results of the Child Benefit/Child Benefit (With Lone Parent increase) reviews, were deferred while additional work was undertaken, including a further analysis of the findings from previously completed Benefit Reviews, to ensure that the results accurately differentiated between fraud and other error

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport at what intervals he plans to undertake future reviews of major events listed under Part IV of the Broadcasting Act 1996. [48442]

I shall review the list regularly in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps she will take to ensure that members of pension schemes know the policies of their trustees on ethical investment; and if she will make a statement. [50367]

The Government are minded, subject to the normal consultation requirements, to introduce regulations which would require occupational pension fund trustees to set out in their Statement of Investment Principles to what extent, if any, ethical and social considerations are taken into account in their investment strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make it her policy to (a) record each contact by a lobbying organisation with (i) Ministers and (ii) civil servants and (b) publish details of such contacts. [49546]

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer from my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in which month and year the fieldwork began on each of the main reviews of benefits carried out by BA Security; and in which month and year in each case the report on the methodology and findings of the benefit review was (a) presented to Ministers and (b) published. [48810]