To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what restrictions are placed on political advisers in respect of use of their official position to further private interests or receive benefits from third parties. [49656]

[holding answer 9 July 1998]: Special Advisers are required under paragraph 8 of the Civil Service Code not to misuse their official position or information acquired in the course of their official duties to further their private interests or those of others. They must not receive benefits of any kind from a third party which might reasonably be seen to compromise their political judgment or integrity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent representations he has received from (a) the Secretary of State for the Home Department and (b) the Minister without Portfolio in respect of the proposed Freedom of Information Bill. [50356]

Both my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and my hon. Friend the Minister without Portfolio have continued to contribute to the discussions in the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Freedom of Information Bill.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what target his Department sets for the maximum time to respond to letters from hon. Members; what proportion of letters meets that target; and what is the average time taken to respond to a letter from an hon. Member. [49811]

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will shortly publish figures showing the volume of correspondence which he, other individual Ministers and Agency Chief Executives received from hon. Members, the targets set for reply and the percentage of replies sent within target. Figures showing the average time taken by Ministers and Agency Chief Executives to respond to letters are not collated centrally.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the e-mail address of his Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit. [49813]

The e-mail address of my Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit is mcu@ccta.gov.uk.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many members of the Home Civil Service have been on leave on full pay either between appointments or pending retirement from the Civil Service for (a) more than three months, (b) more than six months, (c) more than nine months and (d) more than one year. [28898]

The information requested is not held centrally and is a matter for individual Departments. The figures for my own Department, including our Agencies, for the year 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 are as follows:

(a) Five (including two members of staff on long-term sick leave and one on maternity leave

(b) Zero

(c) Three

(d) One

Figures for previous years are not readily available.The Central Office of Information (COI) is a separate Department reporting to me. There were no cases in COI matching the criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the Government's response to the Coalfields Task Force report, "Making the Difference". [50402]

Today, I will be announcing the Government's initial response to the Coalfields Task Force Report at the Coalfields Conference at Ollerton Miners Welfare in North Nottinghamshire.I will launch a detailed programme of action for the coalfields at a second conference to be held in the Autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the range of issues to be covered in the Rural White Paper; and when it will be published. [48611]

We are further considering the range of issues to be covered in our confirming review of rural policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which organisations attended consultation meetings with Ministers held in connection with the production of the Rural England White Paper, Command 3016. [48607]

A number of seminars and other meetings took place in 1995 prior to the publication of the previous administration's White Paper, "Rural England" (Command 3016). They were attended by a range of organisations representing rural interests. A full list could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional costs are incurred within London in the provision of accommodation for the statutorily homeless; and what allowance he makes for this in the funding of London local government. [49440]

In 1996/97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on homelessness was £68m, which is equivalent to £9.61 per head of population. The corresponding figure for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was £51m, which is equivalent to £1.22 per head of population.Different levels of expenditure may reflect variations in service and performance across Local authorities, not just costs.The need for expenditure by local authorities on the provision of accommodation for the statutorily homeless is taken into account in the calculation of the 'other services' element of the standard spending assessments and hence in revenue support grant entitlements. The formula used to determine the amount for each local authority is given in

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional costs are incurred within London in the provision of refuse collection and disposal services; and what allowance he makes for this in funding London local government. [49439]

In 1996–97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on refuse collection was £76m, which is equivalent to £10.77 per head of population. The corresponding figure for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was £429m, which is equivalent £10.21 per head of population.In 1996–97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on refuse disposal was £96m, which is equivalent to £13.54 per head of population. The corresponding figure for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was £451m, which is equivalent to £10.74 per head of population.Different levels of expenditure may reflect variations in service and performance across Local Authorities, not just costs.The need for expenditure by local authorities on the provision of refuse collection and disposal services is taken into account in the calculation of the 'other services' element of the standard spending assessments and hence in revenue support grant entitlements. The formula used to determine the amount for each local authority is given in

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional costs are incurred within London in the provision of (a) nursery, (b) primary and (c) secondary education; and what allowance he makes for this in his Department's funding of such provision. [49418]

In 1996–97, net current expenditure by authorities in London on the provision of nursery, primary and secondary education, and the corresponding figures for spending by authorities elsewhere in England was as shown in the following table.

	Authorities in London	Authorities elsewhere in England
Nursery and primary education	£1,362 million	£6,680 million
Secondary education	£800 million	£5,540 million
Special education	£250 million	£1,090 million
Total per pupil	£2,879	£2,385

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if a timetable for public consultation has been set in relation to the request by Connex South Central to the Rail Regulator for an extension of its current franchise from seven to 15 years; and if he will make a statement on the form such consultations will take. [49519]

This is a matter not for the Rail Regulator, but for the Franchising Director. The franchise agreement with Connex South Central allows for an extension of the franchise term to be negotiated with the Franchising Director. I understand that he has consulted the principal rail users' representatives on the enhancements proposed by Connex South Central. He will conclude his evaluation of Connex's bid in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses have been received to the discussion paper on 'Regeneration Programme—the way forward'; when the consultation period will end; what is the timetable for the implementation of proposals on regeneration policies; and if he will make a statement. [49684]

The discussion paper 'Regeneration Programmes—the Way Forward' was issued in November 1997. We received 145 written responses to the paper by the end of March 1998. Feedback was also received from regional seminars from a wide range of organisations and individuals involved in regeneration.The responses revealed a broad consensus on a number of issues including:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) when he expects to make an announcement on the future of the Single Regeneration Budget; and if he will make a statement; [49730](2) what proposals he has for the SRB Challenge Fund; and if he will make a statement. [49729]

Under the Regional Development Agencies Bill, it is proposed that management of the Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund (SRBCF) will be transferred from Government Offices for the Regions to the RDAs in April 1999. Different arrangements will apply in London, where it is proposed in the Greater London Authority White Paper that regeneration activity will become the responsibility of the Mayor, operating through the London Development Agency. Until the Mayor is established, the Government Office for London will continue to manage the SRBCF.It is too early to say whether there will be a new (fifth) round of the SRBCF. Any announcement will be made in the light of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the outcome of which will be announced shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the local investment fund established in 1994 has been loaned to voluntary organisations; how many projects have failed and at what cost to the fund; and what action is proposed to replenish the fund. [49682]

The Department helped establish the Local Investment Fund with a one-off grant; the rest of the resources came from the private sector. The Fund makes loans to voluntary organisations, which cannot raise loans from conventional sources, to support their economically viable enterprises contributing to the regeneration of deprived communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend the powers available to local authorities to deal with empty and unfit privately owned homes. [49731]

The Government are looking at the powers available to local authorities to tackle empty and unfit property in the private sector. We are conducting a review of the housing fitness standard and, alongside this, we are looking to see whether the current fitness enforcement procedures can be made more effective. We are also reviewing the efficiency of compulsory purchase and compensation law, including an assessment of the powers available to local authorities for dealing with housing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what percentage of journeys to schools and further and higher education colleges in Cheltenham are made by (a) bicycle, (b) motor cycle and (c) car; [50056](2) what percentage of journeys to schools and further higher education colleges in Gloucestershire by district, are made by

The percentages of journeys to work in Gloucestershire, by district, including Cheltenham, in 1991 are shown in the table.

Districts in Gloucestershire	Percentage travelling to work by bicycle
Cheltenham	7
Cotswold	5
Forest of Dean	1
Gloucester	6
Stroud	3
Tewkesbury	7

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the replacement of leaded petrol with the special grade of unleaded petrol containing lead substitutes will require adaptations to those engines in which it is used. [50025]

Engine adaptations should not be necessary for the majority of motorists who switch from leaded to unleaded petrol containing lead substitutes. This "lead replacement petrol" will be marketed with an equivalent octane level to that of leaded petrol and will contain a lead substitute that will provide satisfactory protection against engine wear under mixed motoring conditions. Increased wear of exhaust valve seats may arise in vehicles driven predominantly with high engine speeds or high loads. Should this condition occur, engine modifications would then become necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to present to Parliament the Local Government Boundary Commission's proposal on the new ward arrangement for Carlisle City Council. [49733]

We have now made a preliminary decision to accept the final recommendations of the Local Government Commission for the districts of Cumbria. It is intended that the new arrangements will be established in time for the 1999 elections. Electoral Arrangement Orders are not subject to parliamentary procedure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from railway operating companies on the introduction of direct services from the regions to mainland Europe. [49955]

Virgin Group have made proposals to the Government and to London and Continental Railways, which are responsible for the management and operation of the Eurostar business. These proposals are being considered as part of the review of regional services which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced in his statement to the House on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link on 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 367–70.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Virgin Rail's proposals to run Eurostar trains on a regional basis. [49746]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 3 June 1998, Official Report, columns 367–70, that the consortium chosen by LCR to operate Eurostar had been asked to review urgently the feasibility of regional Eurostar services, and to report to the Government before the end of the year. He has asked that proposals from the Virgin Group should be considered as part of that review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage investment in United Kingdom shipping companies; and if he will make a statement. [49947]

The Government are committed to reversing the decline in the UK merchant fleet and increasing employment and training opportunities for UK seafarers. That is why the Deputy Prime Minister established a Shipping Working Group late last year to look at ways to revitalise the British shipping industry. A shipping policy paper will follow publication of the White Paper on Integrated Transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to make it an offence for drivers to use hand-held mobile telephones in moving vehicles. [49785]

[holding answer 10 July 1998]: The police have advised that the offences of

"careless and inconsiderate driving"

and

"failing to have proper control of a vehicle"

provide them with sufficient powers to prosecute, where appropriate, people driving while using a hand-held mobile phone. The publicity campaign launched on 16 March by my noble Friend the Minister for Roads aims to educate drivers about the dangers of using phones while on the move.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultations the Government have had with companies involved with the manufacture and distribution of vehicle number plates about the proposed change in format; and if he will make a statement. [49959]

[holding answer 10 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 7 July 1998, Official Report, column 470.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 1998, Official Report, column 330, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposals recently issued by the London and South East Regional Planning Conference on housing need in the region; and what steps he plans in response to the Conference's statement that insufficient housing provision will be made for single people on low incomes. [50244]

The London and South East Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) is consulting on the draft strategy for the SE which assumes that a proportion of the new single households expected up to 2016 will not need separate accommodation. SERPLAN will need to consider the responses made to it during the consultation before preparing draft revised regional planning guidance. Draft guidance will be subject to a public examination in Spring next year before being issued by the Secretary of State. It is important that SERPLAN fully justifies the assumption it has made on single households, and that it makes clear the consequences of not fully providing for the housing needs of the projected number of households in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the disability organisations whom he consulted in drawing up his forthcoming integrated transport policy. [50002]

[holding answer 10 July 1998]: Between August and November 1997, we carried out an extensive consultation as part of the fundamental review of transport policy. Over 25,000 copies of the consultation document were issued and over 7,000 organisations including the Disabled Persons Advisory Committee and members of the public responded in writing, a number of whom were disabled people or representatives of disability groups. In addition, Ministers attended a number of seminars to discuss a wide range of transport issues, including those of particular interest to disabled people, and we have held several meetings with disability organisations. The discussions and the written representations we received have played an important role in informing the development of our integrated transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average cost of converting (a) a bus and (b) a HGV to run on (i) compressed natural gas and (ii) liquidefied petroleum gas. [50331]

The cost of converting these vehicles to run on compressed natural gas is approximately £12,500 for small to medium lorries and buses rising to about £18,000 to £25,000 for the largest lorries and buses. Costs for conversion to liquefied petroleum gas, where suitable engines are available, are understood to be of a similar order.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what target his Department sets for the maximum time to respond to letters from hon. Members; what proportion of letters meets that target; and what is the average time taken to respond to a letter from an hon. Member. [49814]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service Official Report, column 1.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the e-mail address of his Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit. [49816]

My Ministerial Support Unit does not currently have an e-mail address; we hope to be able to receive electronic mail in the Department by the end of the year. I shall write to the hon. Member when the system is fully operational.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 23 February 1998, Official Report, columns 21–31, what types of land he includes within his definition of recycled land. [49853]

As we explained in Planning for the Communities of the Future, which was launched by the Secretary of State on 23 February, the Government are currently setting up a National Land Use Database. This will provide a comprehensive national picture of previously developed sites including derelict land and vacant buildings, which may be available for development. We are in the final stages of drawing up the list of site types and characteristics which will be covered by that database, following which we will be commissioning local authorities to undertake the identification work.At the same time, we also announced that we would be issuing a discussion paper on the definitions of previously developed land and the issue of regional recycling targets. This will be available shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the value of suburban and urban back gardens in the context of his target of 60 per cent. of development being concentrated on recycled land. [49855]

My Department has not made a specific evaluation of the contribution back gardens can make to the supply of previously developed urban land for housing, although it is felt that this is likely to be small by comparison to other, previously developed sites. Developments on back gardens are included in the totals in the Department's monitoring the reuse of land; however, they cannot be separately identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if in developing his proposals for best value, he will ensure that the Eco Management and Audit Scheme for local government is recognised as an acceptable quality management system. [49893]

Quality Management systems, including the Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), will be important management tools in the delivery of best value. However, the extent to which they are used by local authorities will be essentially a matter for them to decide in the light of their own local circumstances and priorities.Where services under best value are to be provided by the private sector, local authorities may specify that contractors establish an EMAS, but in so doing they will need to comply with the EC Procurement Directives.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many local authorities have been accredited under the Eco Management and Audit Scheme; [49891](2) what steps his Department is taking to promote the use of Eco Management and Audit within local government. [49892]

At present, two local authorities are registered under the Eco Management and Audit Scheme for United Kingdom Local Government (LA-EMAS). The London Borough of Sutton has registered twenty-six separate units covering various operations, and Stratford-on-Avon District Council has registered all its departments and services apart from its Housing Service. The Housing Service will be included in Stratford-on-Avon's application for reregistration of all their services at the end of July. Hereford City Council, which was the first local authority to register all its operations, was obliged to withdraw from the scheme earlier this year when it ceased to exist as a separate authority. The new unitary council, the County of Herefordshire District Council, expect to register their Planning Services in 1999 and intend to register all their operations by the year 2003.My Department has produced a full range of free publicity about LA-EMAS, including guidance notes, case studies and a video. It also works closely with the Local Government Management Board to encourage local authorities to participate in the scheme, and is jointly funding a Help-Desk which provides information and runs workshops as well as monitoring the progress of authorities towards full participation. 53 councils (11 per cent. of all 472 local authorities prior to restructuring in April 1998) have committed themselves to achieving external recognition by either EMAS or ISO 14001. A further 106 councils are currently implementing an environmental management system but have not yet decided whether they will seek registration under EMAS or certification to the international standard ISO 14001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the respondents to the consultation paper on improving local financial accountability explicitly supported its proposals to replace capping. [49890]

We have received 387 responses to the consultation paper on improving local financial accountability which address capping issues, the majority of which support the end of crude and universal capping. We have received a wide range of views about what, if anything, should replace it and are still analysing these responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the wildlife value and recreational opportunities presented by suburban and urban gardens. [49854]

Suburban and urban gardens have considerable local value for wildlife and such gardens cover an estimated 3 per cent. of Britain's land surface. Gardens form important wildlife habitats in urban areas and are the place where the majority of the public enjoy their day to day contact with nature.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's policy on development taking place in suburban and urban gardens. [49856]

Current planning policy on this issue is set out in detail in paragraph 26 of Planning Policy Guidance note 3 (Housing), which was issued by the last Administration. This states that:

"Homes with large back gardens are a common feature in many urban, suburban and village areas. Sometimes it may be acceptable to develop back gardens for new housing which is in keeping with the character and quality of the local environment. Where development of back garden or back land is allowed, it will require careful planning. For example, there must be proper means of access, which is convenient and safe for both drivers and pedestrians, and adequate provision for car parking. There must be adequate space between old and new buildings to avoid spoiling the amenity of neighbouring houses, for example, by overshadowing. Sensitive design and good landscaping are particularly important if new buildings are to be fitted successively into small vacant sites in established residential areas. "Tandem" development, consisting of one house immediately behind another and sharing the same access, is generally unsatisfactory because of the difficulties of access to the house at the back and the disturbance and lack of privacy suffered by the house in front".

The Government are currently revising PPG3, and will be issuing a draft for consultation later this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the existing provision of secure cycle parking areas; and what steps are being taken to increase the provision of urban cycle routes. [49680]

The responsibility for on-street cycle parking rests with individual local authorities. Parking can also be provided at destinations such as schools, transport interchanges and workplaces by those responsible for the sites. Good-quality cycle parking is essential to overcome the fear of theft that is an important factor deterring more people from cycling. We have issued advice to practitioners to assist in the choice of the best locations for cycle parking in our Traffic Advisory Leaflet 7/97, "Supply and Demand for Cycle Parking".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is undertaking to reduce the number of vacant housing units; and what plans he has to encourage the development of an empty property strategy through public-private partnerships. [49678]

The majority of empty properties are in private ownership. Our aim is to make better use of these as part of our strategy for planning for household growth in the future.We will continue to encourage local authorities to develop empty property strategies in their areas, in partnership with local public and private agencies. About 200 authorities have strategies in place or under development. My Department is providing funding to the Empty Homes Agency to work with authorities to bring more empty commercial property back into housing use and to assist rural authorities in drawing up successful strategies.We have made extra money available to local authorities for renovating and improving stock through the Capital Receipts Initiative. Capital funding is also available through the Housing Investment Programme, the Single Regeneration Budget and the Housing Corporation's Approved Development Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made in ensuring that Government targets for brown-field regeneration are met within the current unitary development plans. [49679]

The Government expect local authorities to make full and effective use of previously developed land both when allocating land for housing in their local plans and UDPs and when they decide planning applications. Authorities are making good progress towards that goal. Currently nationally over half of all new dwellings are being built on previously used sites.In February, the Government announced in

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 7 July 1998, Official Report, column 461, what assessment he has made of the causes of fishing accidents resulting in the loss of life at sea in each of the last three years. [50388]

The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch assesses the causes of all fishing vessel accidents where there is loss of life, as well any other, less serious, accidents. Individual investigations involve a comprehensive appraisal of all available evidence which might include the interviewing of survivors, underwater surveys of wrecks, and technical assessments of the vessels.Recommendations are made to those best placed to take appropriate action, and lessons to be learned are published in MAIB's Safety Digest which is distributed widely to fishing companies, skippers, fishermen's missions and associations, and the fishing press.The Safety Digest comprises individual reports as well as an overview statement relating to accidents in the fishing industry. Action is continuing on a number of fronts to improve the regrettably worsening fatality rate in the fishing industry and I am fully supportive of MAIB's role in this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review his Department's policy on the non-recovery of bodies lost at sea. [50421]

The recovery of bodies is covered in the consultation paper on fishing vessel accidents and the recovery of those lost at sea. The responses to the paper will be carefully considered and the results of the consultation process announced before the end of the year. We will review our position in the light of those results.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he made of the representations he received on the proposed Code of Safe Practice for Smaller Fishing Vessels which was subsequently withdrawn. [50352]

The representations received on the proposed Code of Safe Practice For Fishing Vessels of Less than 12m Registered Length, following consultation in the summer and autumn of 1997, have been considered by the Steering Committee responsible for the development of the Code. Concerns about the complexity of the Code and the cost of compliance, together with points of details, are being taken into account in developing a revised code which will deliver a genuine improvement in safety without placing an undue financial burden on fishermen.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the proposed consultation paper on maritime safety in the fishing industry. [50389]

The consultation paper will be issued shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of the daily and hourly peak traffic flows along (a) the M42 from Junctions 7 to 11 and (b) the M6 (i) from Junctions 4 to 10 and (ii) from Junctions 10 to 16, (1) in each of the last five years and (2) at present; [50246](2) what are the projected traffic flows along

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the regulations of the allocation and operation of airport landing and take-off rights; and if he will make a statement. [50377]

The European Community has full competence for policy on the allocation of slots for take-offs and landings at airports. The legal framework for this is set out in EC Regulation 95/93 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports. We are still awaiting a proposal from the Commission to revise the current slots regulation. The UK intends to take an active role in responding to that proposal in the Council of Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what investigations he has made into the purchase of managed freehold retirement homes; if he will assess the advantages of regulating the contracts entered into by purchasers of these homes; and if he will make a statement. [50168]

We have conducted no research into the purchase of managed freehold retirement homes. We are looking generally at the market for house purchases, but at present there are no plans to look at the purchase of retirement properties separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those measures undertaken by his Department to support British shipping since 1 May 1997. [50434]

The Deputy Prime Minister established a Shipping Working Group late last year to look at ways to reverse the decline in the UK merchant fleet and to increase employment and training opportunities for UK seafarers. A shipping policy paper, based on the work of the Shipping Working Group, will follow publication of the White Paper on Integrated Transport.My Department launched the new Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme on 1 April 1998. We have already allocated 30 per cent. more to the SMarT budget than the total grant payments under the previous training schemes in 1997–98 and, whilst 465 new cadets were recruited last year, we have agreed funding for 643 new cadets this year on the basis of industry bids.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received calling for the establishment of an official Merchant Navy Day; and if he will make a statement. [49557]

Since the election, there have been five written representations from the Merchant Navy Association, and eighty-nine from members of the Association writing in a personal capacity. Of the latter, fifty-one have been letters from MPs on behalf of their constituents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures are taken to conduct post marketing surveillance on cases of suspected adverse reactions or pesticides incidents reported to the relevant authorities after initial investigation by those authorities in order to determine any long-term effects. [50343]

Investigated incidents of alleged ill-health involving pesticides are assessed by the Health and Safety Executive's Pesticides Incident Appraisal Panel (PIAP) so that new issues and trends can be identified. The independent Veterinary Products Committee's (VPC's) Appraisal Panel for Human Suspected Adverse Reactions (SARs) evaluates reports of SARs for the same purposes as PIAP. The Advisory Committee on Pesticides and VPC respectively are then informed so that any necessary action can be taken. In addition, the Government sponsor specific research projects to investigate possible health effects of pesticides and veterinary medicines, including long-term effects.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions (i) Ministers and (ii) officials have had, concerning the possibility of taxes or charges on car parking spaces at out-of-town shopping centres with (a) Tesco and (b) partners or employees of the firm Lawson Lucas Mendelsohn since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement; [50157]

I refer the right hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) of 10 July 1998, Official Report, column 649.We have carried out an extensive consultation as part of the fundamental review of transport policy. In addition, my Ministers and I have met with a large number of individuals and organisations and have attended a number of seminars to discuss a wide range of transport issues. The discussions and the written representations we received have played an important role in informing the development of our integrated transport policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many safety reports on Sellafield have been completed by the Health and Safety Executive over the last five years; and have been withheld from public release under the provisions of section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. [47876]

I have been asked to reply.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), as the statutory nuclear safety regulator, produces a large number of internal documents each year which relate to safety at Sellafield. These are working documents produced as part of the dialogue between HSE and BNFL about what actions must be taken to comply with the law and to maintain or improve standards of safety. They can range from single page minutes to more substantial documents.Because they contain material obtained in pursuance of HSE's regulatory duties, most of these working documents are subject to the restrictions on their disclosure provided for under Section 28 of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. It must be understood, however, that Section 28 also provides for exceptions to these restrictions, empowering HSE to make regulatory information public at any time if it believes that this is necessary to discharge its statutory functions to protect the health and safety of workers and the public.It is HSE's policy to be as open as possible about issues which arise in respect of nuclear sites. To this end, HSE site inspectors produce regular reports which are given to the Local Community Liaison Committee for each licensed site. In addition, HSE publishes reports summarising the important aspects of major decisions or investigations. HSE has published ten such reports in the last five years.

To ask the Prime Minister what meetings he had with the Chief of the Defence Staff between 25 June and 2 July; and if the meetings were at the request of the Chief of the Defence Staff. [49549]

[holding answer 9 July 1998]: Ministerial colleagues and I met a large number of people, both service personnel and others in the period prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, the most open and inclusive review of Britain's armed forces ever undertaken and in particular, at my request, I met the Chief of the Defence Staff on 29 June.

To ask the Prime Minister who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the Rio summit in May 1999 on Latin American, Caribbean and European countries, mutual concerns and the environment. [48629]

The date for the EU/Latin America/Caribbean Summit planned for Rio in 1999 has yet to be fixed. The Government will take a decision on UK representation once a date has been agreed.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise human rights issues during his forthcoming visit to China. [50424]

Yes.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will ensure that details of all contacts, formal and informal, between Government ministers and lobbyists are recorded and made available for parliamentary scrutiny. [50169]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 10 July 1998, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Prime Minister what action he has taken to co-ordinate Government activity in the restructuring of the European aerospace and defence industry. [50646]

I have established a new Ministerial Group (MISC5) to develop Government policy and co-ordinate related activity in this area. The Group will be chaired by the President of the Board of Trade.The terms of reference and membership are as follows:

To ask the Prime Minister if he will establish a Royal Commission to consider reform of the House of Lords. [49749]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 6 July 1998, Official Report, column 357.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the e-mail address of his Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit. [49849]

My Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit does not currently have an e-mail address; however, we plan to set one up shortly.

Establishment and strength of Volunteer Reserve Forces on 1 April
	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
Royal Naval Reserve establishment	7.5	7.5	4.7	4.7	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5	3.5
Royal Naval Reserve strength	5.9	5.9	4.7	4.5	3.6	2.8	2.6	2.7	2.8
Royal Marines Reserve establishment	1.6	1.6	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.0
Royal Marines Reserve strength	1.1	1.0	1.2	1.1	1.0	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9
Territorial Army establishment	85.3	86.0	72.0	68.0	64.0	59.0	59.0	59.0	59.0
Territorial Army strength	71.5	72.1	70.1	67.2	63.6	58.4	55.9	56.2	55.6
Royal Auxiliary Air Force establishment	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.0	1.8	1.6	1.6	1.8	2.3
Royal Auxiliary Air Force strength	1.6	1.7	1.7	1.6	1.6	1.2	1.0	1.4	1.6

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 18 June 1998, Official Report, columns 265–66, what assessment he has made of the employment consequences for the UK of the award of the contract for the replacement of the Bulldog trainer aircraft; and what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment concerning the costs to public funds of those consequences. [48040]

Assessments were made of the employment consequences for the UK for each of the bids for the Royal Air Force Light Aircraft Flying Task contract. These assessments included the consequences for employment at the University Air Squadron locations, the competing bidders and the aircraft manufacturers. Assessments were made in consultation with officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Government Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to reply to the question from the hon. Member for Ludlow for answer on 19 June relating to the Bilderberg meeting (Ref. 46988). [50351]

I replied to the hon. Member on 10 July 1998, Official Report, column 659.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 July 1998, Official Report, column 355, concerning departmental vehicles, if he will supply such information as is available without incurring disproportionate cost. [49965]

I will write to the hon. Member in due course and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was (a) the establishment and (b) the strength of (i) the Royal Naval Reserve, (ii) the Royal Marine Reserve, (iii) the Territorial Army and (iv) the Royal Auxiliary Air Force on 1 April in each year from 1990 to 1998. [47298]

The figures are given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to paragraph 192 of the Strategic Defence Review, if he will include representatives of (a) the National Farmers Union, (b) the Tenant Farmers Association and (c) the Scottish Crofters Union as appropriate in respect of the management and disposal of Ministry of Defence rural holdings; and if he will make a statement. [50376]

We have undertaken to consult a number of environmental and conservation bodies about our future rural estate strategy. We would be happy also to seek the views of the bodies listed and will contact them later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the need to improve access for humanitarian aid in Sudan. [50162]

The civil war in Sudan is preventing food reaching many starving people. Access to those in need is vital to the relief operation. I have had recent discussions with the Executive Directors of the World Food Programme and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on this question. While the position has improved, we need to maintain pressure on the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army to ensure that enough access is provided to allow relief agencies to reach all vulnerable people. My hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visited Nairobi and Khartoum on 14–16 July to help secure this access.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with (a) non-governmental organisations and (b) aid agencies in the past three weeks over the crisis in Sudan. [50164]

I met the Directors of Action Aid, Christian Aid, the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD), Save the Children Fund (SCF) and Oxfam on 23 June and the Executive Director of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on 9 July. My officials maintain frequent contact with all NGOs and agencies helping to alleviate the crisis in Sudan and regularly update me on the situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the current need for further humanitarian aid for Sudan. [50163]

On 23 June, the World Food Programme increased its assessment of need and estimated that 10,573 tonnes of food need to be delivered each month until the end of October to stabilise the situation in the south. But, as more access becomes possible, new needs will emerge and we expect this figure to be revised.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support is being provided to (a) the Nuba Relief Rehabilitation and Development Society and (b) other agencies working in the Nuba region of Sudan to overcome food shortages; and if she will make a statement. [49693]

We have received no requests from the Nuba Relief Rehabilitation and Development Society for support. Access to parts of the Nuba region by the United Nations continues to be denied by the Government of Sudan. We, along with other Governments and the United Nations, are pressing the Sudanese Government to agree access to all areas. We provide financial support to the World Food Programme and the UNICEF Nutrition Programme in Sudan. These programmes work to overcome food shortages throughout the whole of Sudan, including those parts of the Nuba region to which they have access.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what contacts have been established with refugee Sudanese organisations based in the United Kingdom with particular reference to the Nubian International Relief and Development Council; what discussions have been held regarding the current political and economic situation in that country; and if she will make a statement. [49690]

Officials have had discussions with United Kingdom-based refugee Sudanese organisations but the Nubian International Relief and Development Council has not approached the Department for International Development (DFID). I have had discussions with my Foreign and Commonwealth colleagues on the political and economic situation and my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), the Minister for State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has been involved in discussions within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development SudanPartners Forum. He is in Nairobi tomorrow for discussions with the Government of Kenya and the Sudan People's Liberation Army and will be travelling on to Khartoum for talks with the Government of Sudan on 15/16 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support is being provided to Operation Lifeline Sudan, organised by the UN; what discussions have taken place with the Government of Sudan regarding access to the areas affected by famine; and if she will make a statement. [49692]

We have committed £24 million in support of Operation Lifeline Sudan activities since February. We have pressed the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Army at all levels in Khartoum, Nairobi and London to allow full access to all vulnerable people. During our Presidency of the European Union, we led discussions on Sudan in the General Affairs Council and the Development Council which emphasised the need for all member states to make similar representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's work in assisting vocational education in Colombia. [48632]

We are currently supporting, at a cost of £771,563, the second phase of a project with the Colombian Adult Vocational Training Service (SENA) designed to enhance training programmes for farmers in post-harvest fruit and vegetable management. The aim of the project is to create income and employment opportunities for the rural poor, by facilitating an increase in the quality and marketable quantity of fruit and vegetables in the post harvest chain.In addition, a number of NGO projects which have helped to train Colombian community groups in marketing, business and other vocational skills have been supported through our Joint Funding Scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what has been the financial contribution to date of the Know-how Fund in developing a bakery training school at St. Petersburg, Russia; and how much further funding is currently planned. [49948]

My Department has contributed £415,427 to date towards the development of the Leningrad Minibakeries Training Centre through a Know-how Fund project. The first phase of this project ended in May. The final cost to Department for International Development of the first phase will be approximately £480,000. A second phase of support began in June. We plan to provide approximately £100,000 of funding under this second phase, which will finish in June 1999. We have no plans for further funding beyond that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid her Department is giving in the current year to help children suffering the effects of the Chernobyl disaster; and if she will make a statement. [50037]

We are providing assistance for the effects of the Chernobyl disaster mainly through the multilateral agencies such as the World Health Organisation.In addition, in Belarus we are supporting Chernobyl charities through our Small Grants Scheme. We will fund a workshop in September 1998, through the Know-how Fund in collaboration with the charity Chernobyl Children's Life-Line, which will bring 12 people from Belarus to visit UK hospitals and social services here. Also under the Know-how Fund, and in collaboration with Chernobyl Children's Life-Line, we are preparing a project to support foster homes in Belarus.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support she plans to give to programmes to increase the number of computers in schools in developing countries. [49621]

As our White Paper makes clear, we are strongly committed to the key international targets of universal primary education and gender equality in

Bilateral aid to Sri Lanka
£000
Technical co-operation (exc ATP)	1987–88	1988–89	1989–90	1990–91	1991–92	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97
Financial aid (exc ATP)	2,181	4,848	5,289	1,654	1,658	1,260	445	1,163	1,530	896
Generation and transfer of knowledge	4,060	5,498	5,463	4,979	5,437	4,645	4,378	4,122	3,875	3,367
Grants and other aid in kind	1,900	1,832	1,818	4,274	2,467	1,941	2,250	2,058	1,918	2,371
Aid and trade provision	5,496	7,230	1,248	2,845	591	573	166	67	71	127
Programme aid	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Emergency aid1	163	350	178	194	570	282	584	519	100	—
DFID debt relief2	1,589	1,589	1,589	1,589	1,427	1,174	1,013	764	526	350
Total DFID programme	15,389	21,348	15,586	15,537	12,149	9,876	8,836	8,693	8,020	7,111
CDC investments	7,575	4,157	2,042	2,042	288	6,740	4,010	2,787	6,605	12,526
Other3	—	—	—	—	13	—	29	1	23	—
Total gross public expenditure	22,964	25,505	17,628	17,579	12,450	16,616	12,875	11,481	14,647	19,637
1Emergency Aid includes disaster relief and short term refuge
2This comprises only principal forgone under Retrospective Terms Adjustment
3This is all drug related assistance funded by the Home Office and the FCO

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will give a breakdown of aid to Sri Lanka by the Government in the last 10 years. [49683]

The breakdown of UK Government's development assistance to Sri Lanka over the last 10 years is set out in the table. Final figures for 1997/98 are not yet available. Details are contained in the annual publication of British Aid Statistics, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the e-mail address of her Department's Ministerial Correspondence Unit. [49843]

The e-mail address is as follows:

Enquiry@dfid.gtnet.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what target her Department sets for the maximum time to respond to letters from hon. Members; what proportion of letters meets that target; and what is the average time taken to respond to a letter from an hon. Member. [49841]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to correspond electronically with (a) hon. Members and (b) members of the public. [49842]