To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to make it a legal requirement for employers of lorry drivers working overseas to be fully insured for accident and loss of life including the costs of returning bodies to the United Kingdom. [49952]

The Employer's Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 already requires employers to insure their liability to employees for bodily injury or disease sustained during their employment. If an employee is normally based in Great Britain, their employer is required to have employer's liability insurance for them. Where the employer's liability is proved, a relevant policy will pay compensation for loss of life, and refund the expense of returning a body to the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the results obtained by the Environment Agency in respect of the interim Falmouth sewage scheme. [50084]

The Environment Agency is carrying out a detailed assessment of the data collected during two recent surveys, which were carried out over the periods 2–5 June (Neap tides) and 23–26 June (Spring tides).Preliminary findings show that the Falmouth Interim Sewage Treatment Scheme—which is a short-term measure pending implementation of the full scheme by 2000—has brought clear improvements to local bathing waters at Maen Porth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase, which have been identified under the EC Bathing Water Directive. Also, there has been no deterioration in general water quality or in shellfish waters in the area. I understand that the Agency will publish the full results of their recent surveys as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue further guidance to local authorities on the methodology they should use to predict waste disposal needs. [50399]

We have no immediate plans to do so, although my Department plans to issue a new Planning Policy Guidance Note on "Waste disposal and management" in the Autumn. Local authorities should discuss future disposal needs with waste collection authorities, with interested parties in their area, with neighbouring authorities, and with the Environment Agency (particularly in the context of their work on life cycle analysis).I would also add that local authorities should not be restricting their thinking to waste disposal, but should widen their consideration to the need for recycling, composting and energy recovery facilities—thoughts on this are set out in our recently published consultation paper on the national waste strategy "Less Waste: More Value".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the impact of the Government's proposals for regeneration by the use of brown-field sites on (a) housing demand and (b) employment opportunities in urban areas. [50329]

The Government have not received any specific representations on this issue recently. Nevertheless, in developing our policy for urban areas, we are fully aware that a balance needs to be struck between the need to promote the re-use of previously developed sites for housing, the need to ensure a continuing supply of employment sites, and the need to promote a high quality environment in our towns and cities. We will be issuing a draft revised Planning Policy Guidance note on housing (PPG3) for consultation later this summer, which will address these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take measures to ensure that (a) standards of reliability, cleanliness and safety on the railways are improved and (b) period ticket holders are given an uncomplicated system allowing them to claim fair, immediate and adequate compensation when poor service is provided. [50330]

The Government are reviewing the regulation of the railway as part of our overall review of transport policy, and our proposals for its long term reform will be published in our forthcoming White Paper.Under the existing arrangements for the railway, train operators must comply with the terms of their franchise agreement with the Franchising Director. The franchise agreement set standards for train reliability and include provision for the monitoring and enforcement of these standards; and require operators to clean stations regularly. There are no industry-wide standards for train cleanliness; however, some operators monitor train cleanliness as an element of the regular surveys of customer satisfaction that they are obliged to undertake. The Government look to the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, as safety regulators for the railways, to use their advisory and enforcement powers as appropriate to see that rail safety standards are maintained and improved where necessary.Period ticket holders are compensated for poor performance under the terms of the relevant operator's Passenger's Charter, which is required by the Franchising Director to include a compensation scheme at least as favourable to passengers as that which was operated by British Rail. The Franchising Director continues to seek improvements to Charters whenever suitable opportunities arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment the Government have made of the (a) advantages and (b) costs of a national system of concessionary travel fares for (i) older and (ii) disabled people; [50076](2) if he will take steps to eliminate the differences between areas in the savings available to older and disabled people from concessionary travel passes. [50077]

These matters are being considered as part of our review of integrated transport policy. The advantages and costs of any standard scheme would depend on the level at which its benefits are set.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the former county boroughs in England prior to 1973–74 which are not unitary authorities; and what plans he has to extend the system of unitary authorities. [50442]

The following local authorities were county boroughs prior to 1973 and are not unitary authorities:

• Barrow-in-Furness
• Burnley
• Canterbury
• Carlisle
• Chester
• East Staffordshire (Burton-on-Trent)
• Eastbourne
• Exeter
• Gloucester
• Great Yarmouth
• Hastings
• Ipswich
• Lincoln
• Northampton
• Norwich
• Oxford
• Preston
• Worcester.

There are no current plans to extend the system of unitary authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the cost to local authorities of fully implementing the dog fouling regulations. [50570]

It is for local authorities to decide whether to implement the regulations in the light of local priorities and resources. No estimate has been made of the cost to those local authorities who have done so. But administrative savings are expected compared to the byelaw system which required local authorities to seek the Secretary of State's confirmation to introduce "poop scoop" areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from local authorities relating to the implementation of the dog fouling regulations. [50569]

Representations on a number of issues have been received from local authorities relating to the implementation of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. Apart from procedural questions about implementation, the representations also address issues such as the ability of local authorities to retain the £25 fixed penalty fine, the provision of bins and the disposal of dog waste, and the designation of populated rural areas where speed limits are 40mph and above.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the draft of the Greater London Authority Bill. [50674]

Following the overwhelming endorsement of our proposals in the referendum on 7 May, we have made it clear that we intend to introduce legislation to establish the Greater London Authority as soon as the legislative timetable permits. We do not intend to publish a draft Bill before the legislation is introduced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the appeal decisions for 1996–97 and 1997–98 where one of the grounds for refusal was the protection of garden land. [50363]

I have asked the Chief Planning Inspector, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the quantity and quality of public information on (a) air quality and (b) water quality. [49009]

My Department and the Environment Agency strive continuously to improve the quantity and quality of information on air and water quality made available to the public.My Department's standard of dissemination of air pollution information is amongst the best in the world. Hourly information on a range of air pollutants, together with a forecast, is made available to the public via CEEFAX, TELETEXT, the Internet, by Freephone and the media. The National Air Quality Archive, containing all data collected in the Department's national networks, is freely available on the Internet, together with statistical summaries and a wide range of supplementary information. My Department also regularly publishes research reports on ambient concentrations and emissions of air pollutants in the UK. In addition, my Department publishes a number of leaflets for the public on air quality issues. It is my intention to continue to make as much information on air pollution available to the public as possible.The Drinking Water Inspectorate publishes an Annual Report on drinking water quality in England and Wales; a non-technical leaflet about its role which contains key statistics on drinking water quality; and simple leaflets reporting drinking water quality for each water company. It has also produced leaflets on lead in drinking water; chlorine, smell and taste; and problems with drinking water. All leaflets are available free of charge from the Inspectorate or through the Internet. Their content and style have been reviewed and improved following market research. More detailed information on the results of all compliance tests for drinking water quality is available for inspection on public records held by water companies.The Environment Agency recently published a report,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the effect on carbon dioxide emissions of the Government's moratorium on the building of gas-fired power stations. [50212]

The preliminary conclusions of the Government's Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation reaffirm the Government's determination to meet their climate change targets and state that the proposals are consistent with a decline in carbon emissions from the electricity generating industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what changes have been made to the design specification of the National Stadium at Wembley in response to the proposals for athletics facilities to be built within the Millennium Dome. [49654]

I have been asked to reply.There are a number of proposals for the long term use for the Dome which have been put forward, including the creation of a sports arena for participation and spectator sports. However, the requirements for an athletics capability at the National Stadium have not changed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of his Department's waste is recycled; and what targets he has set for increasing this figure. [50103]

At present we estimate we are recycling about 15 per cent. of our waste paper. A further 25 per cent. is incinerated by Westminster City Council and used for power generation. At our Hanslope Park site we recycle 60 per cent. of our cardboard for packaging material.We plan, by the year 2000, to increase the percentage of waste that is recycled to 33 per cent. in the London estate and 19 per cent. at Hanslope Park.By 2005 we are looking to reduce our solid waste to landfill by 40 per cent. This is in line with the White Paper: A Strategy for Sustainable Waste Management.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he has introduced to discourage car use by his Department's employees. [50088]

We operate the following measures to discourage car use:

(i) An assisted travel scheme coach service for employees at our out of town site at Hanslope Park, near Milton Keynes.

(ii) We have increased the number of cycle spaces at our Whitehall Main Building by 31 per cent.

(iii) As part of our Green Transport Plan, we expect to decrease the number of car parking spaces at our Whitehall Main Building. This is in line with the DETR initiative to reduce staff parking at Government Buildings in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current energy consumption of his Department; what targets have been set to reduce this level; and what plans he has to include energy efficiency performance figures in his Department's annual report. [50093]

Our current energy consumption is:

1997–98 figures
	kWh
Whitehall district heating system	6,084,631
Electricity	17,881,626
Gas	6,717,265
Fuel oil	4,524,791

We are striving to reduce our energy consumption in line with the DETR recommendations of a 20 per cent. improvement over 1990 levels by 31 March 2000.We plan to include our energy efficiency performance figures in our Department's Annual Report once our accommodation strategy has been realised in 2001. Part of the aim of the strategy is to reduce our energy consumption significantly by rationalising our estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to raise awareness of environmental issues within his Department; and what training will be made available. [50102]

We operate a Monitoring and Targeting (M & T) system which reports on energy and water use throughout the estate and highlights areas of waste.Information from the M&T system was used as the basis for a "Powerdown" poster campaign.We encourage our Energy and Environment Officers to undertake relevant training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what environmental activities his Green Minister has undertaken since being appointed. [50101]

The UK has much to contribute to international action on the environment. This is a top priority for the entire Ministerial team in the FCO, working closely with their DETR counterparts. Protection of the environment was, for example, a key theme of the UK's Presidency of the European Union.I am the FCO's Green Minister. I have responsibility among FCO Ministers to ensure that we make the most of all opportunities to promote the UK's international environmental objectives, including in multilateral and bilateral meetings, and in the activities of UK diplomatic missions overseas. For example, the environment was a key theme of the ASEM 2 Summit in April. As Green Minister, I am also responsible for ensuring that the administration of the FCO itself takes full account of environmental considerations. I have recently committed the FCO to greater use of environmentally friendly means of transport. The FCO is now exploring the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that the United Nations and the EU instruct commercial banks to reveal the existence of accounts holding assets from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [50350]

[holding answer 13 July 1998]: Bank accounts of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia remain frozen pending the resolution of succession negotiations which are continuing under the auspices of the High Representative's special negotiator. UK banks and other financial institutions holding assets which are subject to the resolution of third party claims are not required under current legislation to reveal their existence. We have no plans to ask the United Nations or the EU to intervene in this matter.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the total number of legal aid applications over the past three years for (a) criminal and (b) civil cases; and how many were refused. [50362]

Information on criminal legal aid is broken down into proceedings in the Crown Court and the magistrate's court. The number of applications made, granted and refused in the magistrate's court for representation in that court is not available. The number of applications made for representation in the Crown Court were as follows:

Year	Applications made	Applications granted	Applications refused
1995	126,897	126,658	239
1996	116,721	116,443	278
1997	124,711	124,491	220

The figures include both applications made in the magistrate's court for representation in the Crown Court and applications made direct to the Crown Court.Civil legal aid is administered by the Legal Aid Board. The table sets out the number of legal aid applications received, granted and refused in the last three calender years.

Year	Applications made	Applications granted	Applications refused
1995	516,654	462,657	53,997
1996	484,074	426,023	58,051
1997	444,538	382,501	62,037

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Defence Vetting Agency for 1998–99. [51187]

The Defence Vetting Agency was launched on 1 April 1997 with a staff of about 350 MOD Civil Servants, located in Central London, Portsmouth, Woolwich and Corsham, Wiltshire. Its formation brought together four existing Ministry of Defence Vetting Authorities. The Agency undertakes some 130,000 vetting checks and investigations each year. In addition, it is engaged on an ambitious programme of work to become an integrated, modern, efficient organisation, based on a single site. The Agency's first year has been characterised by planning and setting in train a series of key studies These include:

a. A collocation investment appraisal;

b. A business process reengineering and reorganisation study;

c. An information systems strategy study; and

d. A Private Finance Initiative feasibility study.

This second year will see the beginning of the implementation of these various initiatives.The Chief Executive has been set the following Key Targets:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British soldiers are part of the British Army of the Rhine; and what was the total cost of their military presence in the last financial year for which figures are available. [50254]

[holding answer 14 July 1998]: The British Army of the Rhine is no longer in existence. The British Army in Germany consists of the 1st (UK) Armoured Division, a Combat Service Support Group and a Support Command, with some other minor units.As at 31 May 1998, there were some 23,800 posts directly administered or associated with the Army garrisoned in Germany. This excludes the various NATO headquarters and other posts distinct from the garrisons, but includes those troops who are based in Germany and deployed elsewhere, for example the Former Yugoslavia. The cost of these forces during 1997–98 was some £1,139 million.The Strategic Defence Review has examined ways to achieve a better balance between forces based in Britain and Germany. We have concluded that we should remove some 2,500 troops as part of the wider restructuring of the Army. This will take some years to complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the Army conducted joint exercises with the Russian army during the last five years. [48575]

The British Army has not conducted any joint exercises with the Russian Army during the last five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure that defence systems will not be compromised by the millennium bug. [49487]

The Ministry of Defence began work to address the millennium date change problem in 1995, with a study to assess the scope of the problem within the Department. The work to fix or replace systems which are not compliant commenced early in 1996. This programme of work encompasses the full range of MOD equipment, including office equipment, and information and weapon systems. Issues that affect interoperability with our allies are being carefully considered. The MOD has actively promoted awareness of this issue internationally through briefings in NATO, and bilateral discussions with the US Department of Defense and with other international partners.The MOD reports progress on its Year 2000 programme to the Cabinet Office. The MOD reports form part of the quarterly statement made to Parliament by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whose last report was made on the 8 June 1998. Copies of the MOD reports are placed in the Library of the House and I would refer the hon. Member to them. These reports are also available on the Cabinet Office Year 2000 Web site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many research contracts and agreements in universities are currently being funded by the Atomic Weapons Establishment; what is the total value of these research projects; how many of these research projects are classified; and if he will list the universities at which these research projects are being funded. [49990]

The Atomic Weapons Establishment currently has twenty six research contracts and agreements with universities. The total value of these contracts, none of which is classified, is £2.2 million. I will write to my hon. Friend as to the actual universities involved and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings he had with Labour hon. Members in the course of his official duties on 1 July. [50451]

During the course of my official duties on Wednesday 1 July, I attended meetings of the Labour Party 'Britain in the World' Policy Commission, and the Parliamentary Labour Party Defence Committee. During both of these meetings, hon. Members were present.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on casino deregulation. [51016]

I am pleased to announce our conclusions on casino deregulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce the outcome of the triennial review of gaming machine stake and prize limits. [51017]

The Gaming Board have reviewed machine stake and prize limits and made recommendations to the Home Office.We have accepted their recommendations. I intend to make the necessary statutory instruments to come into force on 1 October.The following maximum stake and prize limits will apply:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in respect of the use of plastic blinkers on pheasants; and if he will make a statement. [50213]

Pheasants are protected by the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal. Any person may initiate proceedings under this Act where there is reason to believe that unnecessary suffering has been caused, or may report the matter to the police who will decide whether or not to institute a prosecution.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) men and (b) women were being held in detention in England and Wales, pending the hearing of their asylum appeal on 6 July. [49527]

The available information is that, as at 30 June 1998, there were 166 men and 15 women detained solely under Immigration Act powers in the United Kingdom who had sought asylum at some stage and who were awaiting the hearing or determination of an appeal.These figures are approximate because of the delay in recording receptions into, and releases from, detention and the large numbers of persons detained for only a short period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of his Department's officials and at what grades are currently processing asylum applications; and what were the equivalent figures in May 1997. [49876]

The information requested is given in the table:

	Number
1 June 1998
Senior Executive Officer	13
Higher Executive Officer	50
Executive Officer	179
Administrative Officer	114
Administrative Assistant	130
Total	1486
1 May 1997
Senior Executive Officer	22
Higher Executive Officer	79
Executive Officer	273
Administrative Officer	149
Administrative Assistant	161
Total	684
1This figure excludes 45 members of staff who now form part of the Asylum and Appeals Policy Directorate

These figures reflect the re-deployment of staff in preparation for the computerisation and integration of the caseworking functions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications have been (a) determined and (b) left outstanding in each of the last 18 months. [49956]

The information requested is given in the table.

Initial decisions on asylum applications and applications outstanding, December 1996 to May 1998—number of principal applicants
Month/year	Number of decisions in each month	Applications outstanding at end of each month
1996
December	2,530	57,405
1997
January	3,260	56,640
February	3,090	55,820
March	2,845	54,950
April	3,390	54,020
May	2,880	53,545
June	2,930	53,025
July	3,480	52,420
August	2,980	52,240
September	2,800	52,130
October	3,035	51,910
November	2,990	51,150
December	2,355	51,795
1998
January	3,065	51,445
February	3,035	50,960
March	3,070	50,950
April	2,520	51,465
May	2,360	52,110

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prosecutions there have been in the London and south east regions, by constabulary, for offences in connection with bogus street collections in each of the last three years for which figures are available; [50322](2) if he will advise television and radio broadcasters to take adequate precautions against bogus charity collectors taking part in telethons and radio appeal days; [50324]

Number of persons prosecuted for child pornography offences, England and Wales, 1994–96
	1994		1995		1996
Offence	Males	Females	Males	Females	Males	Females
Take, make, distribute, show, possess with intent to distribute or show, or publish any advertisement conveying the distribution of indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children1	37	3	49	4	80	—
Possession of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child2	53	—	59	1	122	3
1 Protection of Children Act 1978 S1, 6 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S84
2Criminal Justice Act 1988 S160 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 S84(4) and 86(1)

Information collected centrally on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database does not distinguish offences committed under the Police, Factories Etc. (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1916 and the House to House Collections Act 1939 from other summary offences.The Charity Commission meets regularly with licensing authorities and seeks to co-operate with any requests for information about charities or fund-raising organisations. The Commission encourages owners of retail premises to check with them if they have any doubts about an organisation seeking permission to carry out a charitable collection. Basic details of all registered charities can also be checked on the Commission's website at htpp://www.charity-commission.gov.uk. There are many charities connected with NHS Trusts. Checks with a number of Trusts have revealed that, generally, hospitals allow only these charities to collect on their property.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be made to accommodate the local Probation Service and to provide its services in South Derbyshire, and at what cost, following the proposed closure of Swadlincote Magistrates Court. [49747]

The Derbyshire probation service have decided to await the outcome of the appeal against the closure of the magistrates' court before making a decision about replacement accommodation in Swadlincote. Following the outcome of this and the Prisons-Probation Review, Derbyshire probation service will be reviewing their provision and accommodation needs before deciding whether to acquire or lease new accommodation in Swadlincote. The cost of such accommodation would depend on local property market conditions at the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there have been in England and Wales in each of the last three years for offences involving the use of children in the production of pornography. [50104]

Available information from the Home Office Court Proceedings database is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what share of the turnover of the off-course bookmaking industry was constituted by bets not made at starting prices in the last year for which figures are available. [50148]

The Home Office does not have figures on ante-post or early price fixed odds betting. However, betting on horserace pools accounted for less than 2 per cent. of off-course turnover in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used by local magistrates when determining applications for the opening of a licensed bookmaking office. [50155]

Under Schedule 1 to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963, an applicant to run a licensed betting office must first apply for a betting permit, obtainable if the magistrates are satisfied they are a fit and proper person, and the premises must comply with statutory access requirements.The magistrates may refuse a licence if they are not satisfied that the premises are suitable or if they consider there are already sufficient betting offices in the locality to satisfy demand for betting facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's average response time to correspondence from members of the public; and how such response times are monitored. [48660]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service 14 July 1998, Official Report, column 159.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he plans to take to tackle drug issues in rural environments. [50335]

The Government's drug strategy set out in the White Paper "Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain" gives Drug Action Teams the responsibility for drawing up action plans in the light of local circumstances and for identifying and allocating resources to match priority aims and actions for their areas. Guidance for Drug Action Teams on drawing up their action plans will be issued later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received and from which bodies over the apparent reduction in mains water pressures by some water companies; what assessment he has made of the extent of the problems; and what assessment he has made of the potential effect upon the Fire Service's fire fighting capability; [50082](2) what arrangements are in place for ensuring that fire authorities are satisfactorily discharged from obligations under Section 13 of the Fire Services Act 1947. [50081]

Representations have been made by the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association and the Local Government Association. The problems appear to be limited. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has established a National Liaison Group with representatives of the water industry, the Fire Service and the Home Office to improve communications at national and local levels. The Group is producing a code of practice which will provide guidance to water companies and the Fire Service on issues relating to water for firefighting. The code should help fire authorities discharge their statutory duty under section 13 and ensure the supply of water for firefighting.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, as part of the review of the boundaries of the Metropolitan Police area, he will review the overlapping jurisdictions of the Metropolitan Police, City of London Police and the British Transport Police; and if he will make a statement. [50574]

My right hon. Friend has concluded his consideration of the case for changing the boundaries of the Metropolitan Police District. He announced in a written answer to the right hon. Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. Maclean), 16 June 1998, Official Report, column 191, that a provision would be made in the Greater London Authority Bill to make those boundaries coterminous with those of the 32 London boroughs.There are no plans to change the boundaries between the Metropolitan Police District and the City of London Police.The British Transport Police has responsibility for railway policing throughout Great Britain, and its jurisdiction cuts across all force boundaries. It did not fall to be considered in the context of the boundaries of the Metropolitan Police District.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) children and (b) adults were (i) killed, (ii) seriously injured and (iii) slightly injured on or near pedestrian crossings in (1) the Metropolitan Police area of London and (2) England and Wales in (A) 1994, (B) 1995, (C) 1996 and (D) 1997. [50223]

[holding answer 14 July 1998]: I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the potential benefits of complementary medicine in Wales. [49560]

The Government recognise that some people with conditions that do not respond to orthodox treatment can be helped by forms of complementary and alternative medicine, and has sponsored research into the use of complementary medicine in general practice. GPs and hospital doctors may arrange for their patients to receive any of the complementary medicine treatments if they feel it is clinically necessary, and is the most appropriate method of treating the particular health need. The doctor should also take into account the patient's wishes, evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the treatment, and its cost and availability locally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent consultations he has had with community pharmacists in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [49564]

Although I have held no recent consultations with community pharmacists, departmental officials have regular meetings with them. I am prepared to meet pharmacists myself if there are particular matters of concern which they wish to raise with me.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of out-of-town shopping centres in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [49566]

This information is not held centrally. Government planning policy on retailing in Wales is set out in 'Planning Guidance (Wales) Planning Policy' published in May 1996. This includes a commitment to sustain and enhance town centres, and to subject proposals for new retail development to a rigorous test designed to favour town centre sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the nineteenth century institutions alluded to by him in paragraph 8.18 of the document "Pathway to Prosperity", a new economic agenda for Wales, published recently by his Department. [50216]

I will write to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, 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. [49088]

The National Lottery White Paper, `The People's Lottery' was subject to a wide ranging consultation process, which included women's organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the total amount of public spending on the arts for each of the last five years in (a) London, (b) the North West and (c) Warrington. [50036]

[holding answer 13 July 1998): Arts funding from my Department is channelled through the Arts Council of England. The Arts Council of England has provided the following figures:

£
Year	London	North West	Warrington
1993–94	10,563,560	5,093,490	21,525
1994–95	13,677,600	7,750,453	19,940
1995–96	14,270,209	8,099,977	19,500
1996–97	14,275,176	8,028,610	18,374
1997–98	14,480,886	8,441,000	25,841

From March 1995 to May 1998, 1,157 projects in London totalling £186.141m received National Lottery arts funding. In the North West Region, 647 projects totalling £51.862m received arts Lottery funding in the same period. 14 awards totalling £2,602,135 were made in the Warrington area.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much humanitarian aid the Government have given to (a) the Sudan Government, (b) charities working in the Sudan and (c) directly to the people of Sudan over the last six months. [50552]

Since February, we have committed over £25 million to Sudan, all of which is for the direct benefit of vulnerable people in Sudan. Of this, we have contributed £1.83 million to Non-Governmental Organisations and £1 million towards the International Committee of the Red Cross. We have contributed £16 million to World Food Programme, £0.8 million to UNICEF, £0.4 million to Operation Lifeline Sudan logistics and £0.2 million to the UN Humanitarian Co-ordination Unit in Khartoum. There is £5 million still to be allocated as new needs emerge, whether in the north or the south of the country. No British aid is channelled through Government of Sudan structures.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to raise awareness of environmental issues within her Department; and what training will be made available. [50091]

In addition to the White Paper, which mainstreamed environmental aspects of the sustainable development agenda, Department for International Development (DFID) has produced a range of policy and information documents covering environmental and natural resource issues which inter alia serve to raise staff awareness of environmental issues. A DFID Environmental Policy Statement is currently being drafted which will expand on policies outlined in the White Paper. We have also developed a number of documents related to specific areas of the environment in developing countries, including forests, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, desertification and (jointly with DETR) energy efficiency and climate change. These papers are regularly revised and updated.DFID produces its own

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures she has put forward to discourage car use by her Department's employees. [50100]

We are considering possible measures in the context of the Green Transport Plan for DFID.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what environmental activities her green minister has undertaken since being appointed. [50092]

Since his appointment as the Department for International Development's Green Minister, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary has undertaken a wide range of activities related to this part of his portfolio. At the "Green Ministers' Awayday" in December 1997 he gave a presentation on the Department's Manual of Environmental Appraisal, and he held a bilateral meeting with my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment in February this year.The Under-Secretary has engaged in many other activities related to environmental and broader sustainable development issues. For example, he gave a speech at the first Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification in Rome in December 1997. In October last year, he addressed the pre-CHOGM forum on implementing the UN Habitat Agenda in urban environments, and addressed the World Wide Fund for Nature on the role of government, aid and private investment in sustainable development. This year, he has given a keynote speech to the Indian Energy Conference at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, and addressed both the All-Party Parliamentary Water Group and the Amazonia 2000 conference. In addition to these named activities, the Under-Secretary has met a range of environmental Non-Governmental Organisations.Further details of Green Ministerial activity and official support are available from DFID' s Environmental Policy Department.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the implications for the British economy of recession in the Far East. [49059]

Developments in Asia pose considerable risks to the world economy. The March 1998 FSBR took account of these developments in Asia in its forecasts for the UK economy, incorporating a reduction in UK GDP growth of up to half a percentage point. The FSBR also emphasised the increased risks to sustained global expansion. The Treasury and the Bank of England continue to monitor the situation closely.

To ask the Prime Minister how many applications for information from (a) his Office and (b) the Office of Public Service have been made since 1 May 1997 under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information; what areas of work the applications covered; and how many applications have been turned down. [47880]

I have been asked to reply.Details of all requests made under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information during the 1997 calendar year are set out in the 1997 Report on its operations which I published on 11 June. A copy is in the House Library.The Code applies to, and informs the handling of, all requests for information to Government departments but for the purpose of monitoring, a Code request is defined as:

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what initiatives the Government took to promote the UN International Day of Families on 15 May. [47223]

The Ministerial Group on the Family has been considering various measures to support families. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will make an announcement later in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on the timescale for the introduction of child maintenance premium. [49992]

The child maintenance premium will be introduced as part of a wider package of reforms set out in the Green Paper "Children First—a new approach to child support" (Cm 3992). Where assessments are made under the new scheme, families on Income Support will be allowed to keep up to £10 a week of any maintenance which is paid for their children. Because of the scale of the legislative and operational change, these arrangements are unlikely to be introduced before 2001. The Green Paper invites views on the options for transferring existing cases to the new scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals she has for reassessing arrears on payments when the proposed new formula for maintenance payments takes effect. [49744]

Non-resident parents have a responsibility to support their children, including paying for their upkeep.We are not proposing any reassessment of arrears due under the current formula on the introduction of a new child support scheme, as proposed in the Green Paper "Children First: a new approach to child support" (Cm 3992). Non-resident parents will be expected to pay the amounts calculated under the present arrangements and appropriate collection and enforcement action will be taken if there are outstanding arrears.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the increase in the number of absent fathers who will pay their maintenance assessment as a result of the proposed simplification of the operation of the Child Support Agency. [49648]

A simpler child support system will mean less time spent assessing maintenance and more time collecting and enforcing payment.We estimate that the proposals in the Green Paper "Children First: a new Approach to child support" (Cm 3992) will result in an increase in cash compliance from the current level of around 66 per cent. to 80 per cent. or more. Under the current arrangements only around 200,000 non-resident parents are paying maintenance where the parent with care is on Income Support. We expect this figure to more than double under a simpler scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the number of absent parents whose maintenance assessment will increase as a result of the proposals to reform the Child Support Agency. [49649]

We estimate that around 27 per cent. of non-resident parents in work and with a maintenance assessment under the current formula (about 100,000 based on the current caseload of the Child Support Agency) would have a higher maintenance assessment under the proposals for a simpler formula set out in the Green Paper "Children First: a new approach to child support" (Cm 3992). Changes in liability for current cases will be phased in. The Green Paper also proposes that most of the current provisions for exemption from the minimum payment should be abolished. We estimate, in current terms, that this would result in a further 60,000 non-resident parents receiving benefit becoming liable for the minimum payment.Children will be better-off, financially and emotionally, if non-resident parents meet their responsibilities. Our proposals for a child maintenance premium for parents with care receiving Income Support will mean that children in these families will see a direct financial gain from the payment of maintenance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases during the past three years over 12 months has elapsed between making an appeal against a decision concerning disability living allowance, and the outcome of the appeal being decided. [49105]

The vast majority of appeals on Disability Living Allowance are heard by Disability Appeal Tribunals. The information requested is not held for these appeals.However, the Social Security Act 1998, which received Royal Assent on 21 May, paves the way for modernising the delivery of Social Security, including the handling of appeals. A wide range of measures will streamline the administration of appeals and ensure appeals are dealt with more speedily. In particular, the Act enables my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to assume responsibility for the administration of the appeals system. She will set and publish demanding targets for the administration of appeals and report on the results.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will make a statement on progress in auditing official statistics to identify gaps in data on gender. [45794]

We need relevant, reliable and timely statistics broken down by gender, comparing all aspects of women's lives and men's lives, to appraise policies for gender differential impacts and to support the process of mainstreaming.The Government Statistical Service (GSS) aims always to collect and make available statistics disaggregated by gender, except where considerations of practicality or cost outweigh the identified need. All GSS publications contain the name and contact details of a person who can explain which, if any, of the statistics are available by gender and how they can be obtained.The Brief Guide to Gender Statistics, published jointly by the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Office for National Statistics in March 1998, reviews the existing data, which are disaggregated by gender and identify the gaps. A copy has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she expects to receive the Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority's second annual report; and if she will make a statement. [51096]

I have laid the second report of Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority (OPRA) before both Houses today. It covers the first 12 months of OPRA' s operations following the take up of its statutory responsibilities on 6 April 1997.I am pleased to see how quickly OPRA has established itself as an effective regulator of occupational pensions schemes and set up constructive working relationships with the pensions industry. The report raises a number of issues on which there is ongoing action between OPRA and this Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she expects to announce the results of the review into the position of performers for national insurance purposes; and if she will make a statement. [50749]

Performers have generally been treated as self-employed by the Inland Revenue, but as employees for National Insurance purposes. We have received legal advice that the current National Insurance treatment is not sustainable, and that entertainers should generally be regarded as self-employed.Having considered the position we have decided to table regulations that will again require the majority of performers to be treated as employees for National Insurance purposes, whose earnings will be liable to Class 1 contributions. These regulations will be tabled in the near future.The Government are considering the longer-term position of the entertainment industry, in the light of the plans announced in my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget Statement concerning the alignment of tax and National Insurance and will in due course make a further announcement.It is open to performers and engagers who consider they have incorrectly paid National Insurance Contributions in the belief that workers previously treated as employees should have been treated as self-employed to apply for a refund. This is limited to contributions made in the last 6 years.Those who wish to do so should contact:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of the impact on the capital gains tax yield of the changes to the capital gains tax system set out in the Finance (No. 2) Bill in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [49484]

[holding answer 9 July 1998]: The available information on the effect on Exchequer revenues of the capital gains tax package of reforms is as follows:

Year	£ million (+)yield/(-)cost
1998–99	Negligible
1999–2000	-25
2000–01	+25

For later years, the exchequer effects will depend to a considerable extent upon movements in future asset prices, any behavioural changes and other factors. In the long term, the aim is for the changes to be broadly revenue neutral.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who will benefit from the application of the new taper relief for capital gains tax on the sale of second homes in each of the next 10 years; [49518](2) what estimates his Department has made of the cost to public funds of applying capital gains tax taper relief to the sale of second homes in each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [49517]

[holding answer 9 July 1998]: The information required to make such estimates is not readily available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost to the Exchequer of administering income tax in the last year for which figures are available; what was the cost 10 years ago; what trend is forecast for this cost; and if he will make a statement. [49476]

In 1997–98, the total cost of administering income tax was £1,190 million. In 1987–88, the cost was £740 million. (All figures rounded to the nearest £10m).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to taxpayers of employing tax accountants in the last financial year in respect of income tax collection; what was the figure 10 years ago; what trend is forecast for this cost; and if he will make a statement. [49480]

The reasons why taxpayers employ agents to deal with their tax affairs vary, and are subject to personal choice. For this reason, the Inland Revenue does not collect information of this nature, nor has it any plans to do so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost of countering income tax evasion for the last year for which figures are available; what was the cost 10 years previously; what trend is forecast for such costs; and if he will make a statement. [49481]

In 1997–98, the cost of countering income tax evasion was about £160 million. In 1987–88, the cost was £80 million. (All figures are rounded to the nearest £10m).It is expected that spending on compliance will be higher in 1998–99 than in 1997–98, as the introduction of self-assessment will mean a switch of resources from work on returns prior to making an assessment to checks made later and recorded as compliance work. However, longer-term trends are dependent on a number of factors, not least government priorities and developments in tax policy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of recent far eastern devaluations on the rate of inflation in the United Kingdom. [49614]

Developments in Asia are expected to reduce inflation and growth in the G7 economies. Allowance was made for these developments in the Budget forecast for UK inflation set out in the March 1998 Financial Statement and Budget Report (FSBR). But the FSBR also emphasised the risks.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the advantages of reducing the duty on liquid propane gas. [50480]

The environmental benefits of gas as a road fuel are well known and this has been reflected in the fact that the duty on road fuel gases (liquefied petroleum gas (propane) and liquefied natural gas (methane)) has been frozen for the second Budget in succession. This has increased the differential in favour of road fuel gases in recognition of their environmental benefit and more than fulfilled the pledge to maintain the duty differential with more conventional fuels for the lifetime of this Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what guidance is given to civil servants concerning information which can properly be divulged under Chatham House rules. 50467]

[holding answer 14 July 1998]: There is no specific guidance. All civil servants are under a duty not to disclose, without authority, official information which has been communicated in confidence within Government, or received in confidence from others. They must clear in advance material for publication, broadcasts or other public discussion which draws on official information or experience. Any civil

Appointment of women from the Public Appointments Unit's Central List
	11992–93	11993–94	11994–95	11995–96	11996–97	11997–98
Number of successful PAU nominees during the year	128	134	180	105	96	87
Of these, number of women	67	71	87	47	41	32
Annual percentage change	+17.5	+6	+22.5	-46	-12.8	-22
1Financial years

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee how many officers of the House are provided with residential accommodation; and where is the accommodation that is provided. [50072]

Apart from the Speaker, four Officers of the House are required by their terms and conditions of employment to live within the parliamentary estate, and are provided with residential accommodation accordingly.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what steps he takes to ensure that veal on sale within Refreshment Department outlets does not come from animals reared in veal crates. [49857]

The Refreshment Department has maintained a policy of purchasing only U.K. veal since 1990, when the use of crated methods of raising calves was banned in this country. This purchasing policy ensures that only veal from calves raised in group housing systems, with free access to milk and fibres, is served in the House of Commons dining rooms and cafeterias.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee if he will make it his policy to ensure that no food is for sale within Refreshment Department outlets which contains or has been produced with the aid of genetically modified material. [49858]

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many women have been appointed from the Public Appointments List since 1 May 1997; how this compares with the number of appointments annually in the previous five years; and what is the annual percentage change in the number of appointments of women. [50152]

Since 1 May 1997, the Public Appointments Unit has been notified of 39 appointments held by women nominated from the Central List. Comparative figures for appointments notified to the Unit in previous years are as follows:

The Refreshment Department is aware of the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food, and contacted all its suppliers earlier this year to investigate the current situation surrounding this matter. The Department's suppliers have generally not been able to guarantee that all foods supplied to the House of Commons are free from genetically modified material. I am advised that the main cause of concern is the use of soya bean derivatives, which are used extensively throughout the food processing industry and in the production of animal feedstuffs. The uncertain response of the Department's food suppliers, which is being echoed throughout the food industry, is largely due to the fact that there is no segregation between genetically modified crops and non-genetically modified crops in the United States.I would remind the hon. Member that all genetically modified materials currently used in the UK have been approved for use by the Government's own food safety experts. That notwithstanding, the Refreshment Department maintains a policy of not purchasing any food which is identified as containing genetically modified organisms, and will keep this issue under close review with their food suppliers.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee what is his policy in respect of the availability for sale of organic produce within Refreshment Department outlets; what organic produce is currently obtained; and if he will make a statement. [49859]

This is a matter which has been kept under review by the Refreshment Department for several years. At present, the Department does not maintain a specific policy concerning the use of organic foods in its catering operations, but is always pleased to purchase such food when supplies are available in sufficient quantity, at the right quality and at a price which provides good value for money. One such example is the recent addition to the Refreshment Department's nominated supplier list of the Village Bakery at Melmerby in Cumbria, whose products are certified to be 95 per cent. organic.There are two particular obstacles to the Refreshment Department instigating a policy of discrimination in favour of the use of organic foods. The first is the difficulty of supply: most organic producers are small organisations which primarily supply into the retail food market and not into the large scale catering market. The second is the question of economics: the cost of organic produce is generally significantly higher than the price of similar non-organic foods and, on occasions where organic produce has been tested, customers of the Refreshment Department have generally demonstrated a reluctance to pay the higher prices necessitated by the use of organic foods. However, I am advised that the Refreshment Department will continue to keep this matter under review.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [49883]

[holding answer 13 July 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on 13 July 1998, Official Report, column 1, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations she has had with small business and retail organisations about the possible exemptions they may enjoy from the terms of the EU price indications directive. [50111]

[holding answer 13 July 1998]: In June 1997 my Department conducted wide public consultations, including with small business and retail organisations, about the new Price Indications Directive. This specifically invited views on the exemption from unit pricing which Member States may apply to small retail busineusses.Since then my officials have met representatives of retail organisations, including those representing small retailers, to discuss the implementation of the Directive, including possible exemptions which we may introduce.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will exempt small retail businesses from the provisions of the EU directive on the indication of prices of products offered to consumers. [50117]

[holding answer 13 July 1998]: Subject to the result of consultations with interested parties, including retailers' organisations and small business organisations, to be carried out later this year, it is my intention to exempt small retail businesses from the requirement to display unit prices for products other than those sold loose from bulk, in accordance with Article 6 of the new Price Indications Directive (98/6/EC). The consultations will also cover other aspects of the Directive relevant to small retail businesses.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many exploration and appraisal wells were started each year on the UK continental shelf in (a) 1996, (b) 1997 and (c) 1998; and how many of these wells were committed through licensing agreements; and what assessment she has made of the current number of uncommitted wells. [50126]

The number of exploration and appraisal wells started on the UK Continental Shelf in 1996, 1997, and 1998 is as follows:

Year	Exploration wells	Appraisal Wells
1996	73	44
1997	61	37
1998 (to 30 June)	23	16

In 1997, 35 of the exploration wells drilled were the result of licence agreements, while 12 of those drilled in 1998 fall into this category. The figures for the 1996 drilling programme are not readily available.There has been no assessment of the current number of uncommitted wells.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the implications for the nuclear reprocessing industry in the United Kingdom of the current proposal by BNFL to acquire the nuclear assets and liabilities of Westinghouse plc. [49008]

The Westinghouse nuclear businesses which are being acquired by British Nuclear Fuels plc do not engage in reprocessing activities. Westinghouse focus mainly on production of nuclear fuel and on the decommissioning and clean-up of civil and military sites owned by the US Government.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade which British companies are currently involved in oil exploration in Sudan. [48935]

We are not aware of any British Companies exploring for oil in Sudan at this time.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences have been issued since September 1997 for exports to Turkey by Heckler and Hock; and if she will indicate the ML or PL list number of the equipment covered. [50143]

I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible and place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current energy consumption of her Department; what targets have been set to reduce this level to a minimum; and what plans there are for including energy efficiency performance figures in her Department's annual report. [50062]

The Department's energy consumption (including Executive Agencies) in 1996–97 was 61,361,681 Kwh. The Department is committed to reducing consumption by 20 per cent. from the 199–91 figure by 2000.The Department's next annual report will record environmental performance, including energy efficiency performance figures.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of her Department's waste is recycled at present; and what targets there are for increasing this in the future. [50061]

The Department has in place schemes for recycling paper, toner cartridges, and cans. Major suppliers of IT equipment are required to take back packaging for recycling. The scope for increasing recycling is kept under review.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps she is taking to discourage car use on departmental business by her Department's employees. [50063]

The Department will be producing a green transport policy early next year which will address this issue among others.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the amount of (a) Objective 2 funding and (b) Objective 4 funding spent in Greater London broken down by project in each year since that status was granted. [49689]

I have arranged for this information to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions Mr. Roger Kaye QC and Mr. Hugh Aldous FCA have been contracted to act as inspectors investigating alleged insider dealing. [49432]

[holding answer 7 July 1998]: They have only been appointed insider dealing inspectors into the two investigations into the alleged insider dealing in the shares of Anglia Television Group plc.