To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the membership of the West Midlands regional planning conference with responsibility for the proposed M6 capacity study and (b) those parties he intends to invite to participate in the study partnership. [55602]

The West Midlands to the North West conurbation study will be taken forward in partnership with the West Midlands and North West regional planning conferences, the Regional Development Agencies, the Highways Agency and OPRAF. In the West Midlands the regional planning conference is the Regeneration and Environment Committee of the West Midlands Local Government Association. The members of the committee are:

• Birmingham City Council: Cllrs. B. F. Bird, A. Bore, B. Clarke, A. Coulson, F. Coyne, G. Coyne, J. Chapman, B. Harvey, R. Hassall, I. W. M. McCardle, D. Minnis, P. G. Murphy, R. Pinney, A. M. Rudge, R. Spector, T. J. Stewart, M. Whitby, M. Wells
• Bridgnorth District Council: Cllr. C. J. Lea
• Bromsgrove District Council: Cllr. R. Clayton
• Cannock District Council: Cllr. G. E. Roberts
• Coventry City Council: Cllrs. J. V. Gazey, J. McNicholas, H. N. Nolan
• Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council: Cllrs. G. H. Davies, A. J. Fletcher, M. C. Knight, D. H. Sparks, R. Tomkinson, C. L. Woodall, R. D. Burt
• East Staffordshire Borough Council: Cllr. P. Perry
• Herefordshire County Council: Cllrs. T. M. James, R. C. Summers, B. Tannatt Nash, D. W. Rule
• Lichfield District Council: Cllr. E. Drinkwater
• Malvern Hills District Council: Cllr. J. Ford
• Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council: Cllr. H. Matthews
• North Shropshire District Council: Cllr. D. Hollis
• North Warwickshire Borough Council: Cllr. D. Birkinshaw
• Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council: Cllr. M. J. Jones
• Oswestry Borough Council: Cllr. S. Jones
• Redditch Borough Council: Cllr. R. Passingham
• Rugby Borough Council: Cllr. B. Levy
• Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council: Cllrs. S. C. Eling, S. Smith
• Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council: Cllr. D. Moore
• Shropshire County Council: Cllrs. P. A. Engleheart, E. J. Everall, D. Hill, N. Hartin, R. Walker
• Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council: Cllrs. M. Corser, L. W. P. Kyles, J. A. Morris. G. E. Richards, J. Reed
• South Shropshire District Council: Cllr. J. H. Meredith
• South Staffordshire District Council: Cllr. W. F. Brownhill
• Stafford Borough Council: Cllr. P. A. Walker
• Staffordshire County Council: Cllrs. T. A. Dix, A. R. Hanchard, D. Heptonstall, C. E. Holland, W. Hughes, R. Roberts, T. J. Wakefield, A. G. Ward
• Staffodshire Moorlands District Council: Cllr. S. H. Proffitt
• Stoke-on-Trent City Council: Cllrs. B. Holmes, A. Jones, P. A. Shaw, B. G. Stockley, J. Edwards
• Stratford on Avon District Council: Cllr. T. Baxter
• Tamworth Borough Council: Cllr. S. R. Tonks
• Telford and Wrekin City Council: Cllrs. D. Blackwell, D. Davies, C. Smith
• Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council: Cllrs. M. R. Burley, B. Douglas-Maul, S. K. Peart, T. Perrett, I. Shires, H. Smith, H. Withnall
• Warwick District Council: Cllr. B. Evans
• Warwickshire County Council: Cllrs. G. D. Collett, D. A. Forwood, M. Heatley, J. A. Tandy, H. A. Thomas
• Wolverhampton Metropolitan Borough Council: Cllrs. A. Hart, R. C. Lawrence, J. McCallum, M. Jaspal, P. Allen
• Worcester City Council: Cllr. M. Wills
• Worcestershire County Council: Cllrs. R. A. A. Bullock, C. R. Beardwood, P. H. Fallows, E. B. Tucker, H. Purcell, L. Townley
• Wychavon District Council: Cllr. J. Payne
• Wyre Forest District Council: Cllr. D. A. Lewis
• West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority: Cllrs. S. C. Stacey, P. Tilsley, R. Paice, R. Badham, D. Batten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the (a) timescale and (b) terms of reference for the proposed study of capacity problems on the M6 between the West Midlands and the North West conurbation. [55601]

We will shortly be consulting regional planning conferences on the timing for all the studies proposed in A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England. However, we expect to agree an early start date for this study.The study will consider the scope for modal shift to address environmental and congestion problems on the M6. The detailed terms of reference for the study will be drawn up in consultation with local authorities and other interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what exemptions of specific materials are (a) in place and (b) being considered for the landfill tax. [55665]

There are currently exemptions from Landfill Tax for: (a) material dredged from harbours and inland waterways; (b) mining and quarrying waste; (c) waste arising from the reclamation of contaminated land; and (d) for disposal of pets in pet cemeteries. As announced in the last budget, there will be an exemption for the restoration of landfill sites and the backfilling of quarries. DETR and Customs have been consulting the landfill and quarrying industries in developing this new exemption. Full details will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received from contractors and trade associations about exemptions and rebates from landfill tax, with particular reference to top soil and inert natural materials. [55668]

DETR and Customs have been consulting the landfill and quarrying industries in developing the exemption from Landfill Tax for the restoration of landfill sites and the backfilling of quarries. In the course of that consultation there have been many representations from trade associations and individual operators in both industries. The exemption will be restricted in inert materials. Full details will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what timetable his Department plans to set for the installation of secondary treatment works at the Southern Water sewage treatment plant at Yaverland on the Isle of Wight. [55725]

The Government announced in September that secondary sewage treatment would be required for all significant coastal outfalls in England and Wales. In cases which were formerly potential derogations to a lower level of treatment, such as Yaverland, we will encourage water and sewerage companies to make as rapid progress as possible with installation of secondary treatment. The timing of investment is being discussed between the Environment Agency and individual companies and will be agreed by Ministers early next year, as part of an approved company investment programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses his Department received to its consultation on transitional provisions to cover the period before and following the extension of Part M of the building regulations to new dwellings; and what percentage of these were from (a) disability organisations, (b) building-related bodies and (c) housing providers. [55863]

The Department has received 66 responses to its consultation on transitional provisions to cover the period before and following the extension of Part M of the Building Regulations to new dwellings. Of these responses: 29% were from disability organisations; 41% were from building related bodies (half of which were national or regional associations or professional bodies); and 8% were from housing providers.A full list of those who responded has been lodged in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to revise his Department's estimate that 4.4 million new homes will need to be built by 2016 to satisfy demand; and if he will make a statement. [55763]

The next set of household projections is due to be published early in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish the Government's climate change consultation paper. [56627]

On Monday 26 October I will launch a consultation paper seeking views on policy options for meeting our climate change targets. Copies of the document will be available from the Vote Office and placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons he has now decided to seek an out of court settlement to the current legal action on National Bus Company pensions. [56628]

Litigation was set in train by the decision of the previous Government to offer the trustees funding to pursue this matter through the courts. In view of this it would not have been appropriate to begin negotiations on a settlement until the details of this complex case had been fully prepared and all the relevant facts and arguments were known to and considered by both parties. The Trustees submitted the final part of their claims in July this year. The Government received strong legal advice that they should lodge their own response with the court before opening discussions on an out of court settlement. The Secretary of State initiated settlement discussions as soon as that stage was reached.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the technical report on revising and updating the Index of Local Deprivation will be published.[56629]

I have placed in the House Library the report describing the technical details of revising and updating the Index of Local Deprivation, the results of which were published in June of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to respond to the Twentieth report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. [56677]

The Government have today published their response to the Twentieth Report, on Transport and the Environment. Copies of the Response have been Laid before the House.The Government's response to the Commission closely follows their recently published White Paper on Integrated Transport. The Government note the clear resonance between the themes emphasised in the White Paper and in this Royal Commission report and its predecessor, the Eighteenth Report. These include recognition that the consequences of future traffic growth are indeed unacceptable; the need to take action to secure more sustainable transport for the future; the need for integration, both within and between transport modes, and of transport policies with other policies; agreement that Government should aim to provide the framework for all those with an interest in transport to play their part; the potential for technology to provide solutions through innovation, amongst other things, in fuel efficiency and emissions; and the need to encourage awareness of transport issues, and to send consistent signals such that we all work to further sustainable development objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the deployment of young people under the age of 17 years in the naval service. [56418]

Following a recent review of the policy for the deployment of young people into operational service in Royal Navy vessels and Royal Marine units I have decided that, with immediate effect, Naval Service personnel will not be deployed below the age of 17. Recruitment and training at age 16 will, however, continue. This change brings the Naval Service into line with the Army and RAF, which do not deploy young people below the age of 17.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many MOD civilian jobs there are in Scotland by location. [55410]

The Ministry does not keep central records of the number of posts. The table gives the total number of full time equivalent personnel, both permanent and casual, by the location recorded on their pay and personnel records as at 1 September 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many single accommodation places exist for each of the services in Scotland, for (a) officers and (b) other ranks, by location; and if he will estimate the total number of service personnel that could be accommodated on shore in Scotland if all the available accommodation were utilised. [55407]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what barrack accommodation is currently surplus to requirements in Scotland and awaiting disposal; and if he will estimate the potential single accommodation capacity of these barracks if modernised. [55409]

The Navy and Army have no surplus single living accommodation awaiting disposal in Scotland. The RAF has 2 sites which are considered to be surplus and which are in the process of disposal, as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officer cadets were in the Lucknow Company at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in (a) July 1996, (b) July 1997 and (c) July 1998. [55530]

There are a total of 9,576 single accommodation places on shore in Scotland. Currently, 6,164 accommodation spaces are occupied. The breakdown by Service, location and by Officers and Other Ranks accommodation is shown on the table:

The Lucknow Platoon, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, is a holding platoon, to which officer cadets, out of training for any reason, belong, including those undergoing medical treatment, those awaiting disciplinary action, and those undertaking further education.The strength of the Lucknow Platoon in July 1996, 1997 and 1998 was as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many places (a) are currently available and (b) will be available by 2000, in training camps in Scotland, for (a) Kirkcudbright, (b) Barry Budden and (c) Cultybraggan. [55408]

There are 500 bed spaces available at each of the training camps at Barry Budden and Cultybraggan; and no plans to alter this by the year 2000. There is no training camp accommodation at the Kirkcudbright training area, but there are plans to provide accommodation for up to 240 which may reach fruition by the year 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many motorcycle parking spaces exist at each office or site for which his Department is responsible; and how many are secure spaces. [55257]

There are 25 motorcycle parking spaces associated with the main administrative office buildings of which The Scottish Office is the major occupier. Of these, 19 are secure spaces. Information about other buildings for which my Department or its agencies are responsible is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action his Department has taken to introduce individual pupil compacts setting out targets for pupils in Scottish schools. [55043]

[holding answer 19 October 1998]: The Government in Scotland are committed to taking forward Personal Learning Plans which will bring together all the relevant information on a child's performance and enable parents, teachers and pupils to agree a programme of development which will include targets for attainment. Further guidance will be issued to education authorities in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made on preparing revised planning policy guidance on opencast coal following last year's consultation exercise; and if he will make a statement. [56678]

The Government are publishing today a consultative draft of proposed new planning policy guidance on opencast coal for Scotland. The proposed revised guidance is intended to supersede the current guidance on opencast coal as set out in National Planning Policy Guideline 4: Land for Mineral Working.The new guidance sets a more robust framework within which planning authorities must consider all proposals for opencast coal developments. The intention is to ensure that, in considering proposals, full weight is given, in particular, to the effect and potential disturbance on local communities as well as other environmental considerations including nature conservation and the impact on the landscape.Where a proposal would cause demonstrable harm, the guidance is clear that permission should not be granted except where the benefit of the development proposal to the community clearly outweighs the potential harm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the launch of the Scottish Compact. [56679]

The Scottish Compact sets out the principles underpinning the relationship between Government and the voluntary sector in Scotland. Command Paper No. 4083 will be laid before the House on Friday 23 October.The publication of the Scottish Compact (which will be complemented by sister Compacts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) meets another of the Government's pre-election commitments. It will help cement a closer partnership between the Government and the voluntary sector in areas of common concern for the benefit of society as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will review the method used to define rural areas in the Non-Domestic Rating (Rural Areas and Rateable Value Limits) Scotland Order 1997; and if he will make a statement. [55303]

The Village Shops Rate Relief Scheme was introduced on 1 April 1998 after extensive consultation, with the majority of consultees accepting that the General Register Office (Scotland) (GRO(S)) postcode method of urban/rural classification was the best available for the purposes of the Scheme. The GRO(S) classification method will be reviewed after the 2001 Census.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will report on progress in creating a national framework for study support. [55103]

Significant resources are being made available for study support in Scotland. In the three years from April 1999, the New Opportunities Fund will commit a total of £23 million and the Government will provide new resources of £27 million as part of the recently announced Excellence Fund to support out of school hours learning activities.In addition, we are giving The Prince's Trust—Action grant of £40,000 this financial year. The grant will support the development of networking arrangements to share ideas and good practice on study support and the dissemination of a CD ROM. The support arrangements will include regional seminars later this year.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the amount of training in mediation services which has been offered to members of the judiciary. [54677]

Judicial training is the responsibility of the Judicial Studies Board. As part of its programme to support the civil justice reforms, the Judicial Studies Board held a series of seminars for all full-time judges who deal with civil cases. They included presentations by three mediators and a report on the mediation pilot scheme at Central London County Court. For the second stage of training, the board is planning further seminars for all full-time civil judges to develop a common approach to the reforms. These seminars will include a presentation designed to assist judges in identifying cases suitable for mediation.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what studies have been undertaken or evaluated by his Department in respect of the potential role which could be played by mediation in medical negligence cases; and if he will make a statement. [54674]

In her evaluation of the Central London County Court mediation pilot scheme, Professor Genn gathered data according to case type; only one case concerning medical negligence was mediated, and it did not settle. It would be inappropriate to draw conclusions from such a small sample. I await with interest the evaluation of the NHS Executive sponsored mediation pilot project which I understand will be completed shortly.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment his Department has made, or plans to make, of the potential implications of a compulsory mediation stage in the litigation process in terms of reducing (a) delays and (b) costs in litigation; and if he will make a statement. [54678]

The Government are considering the role of mediation in the civil justice system in the light of Professor Genn's findings on the pilot mediation scheme at the Central London County Court.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment his Department has made of the pilot study of mediation services undertaken at Central London County Court; and if he will make a statement. [54675]

The Lord Chancellor's Department funded Professor Hazel Genn to evaluate the mediation pilot scheme at the Central London County Court. Her report was published in July. It shows that, whilst only a small minority of cases were mediated, of those that were, 62 per cent. reached settlement at the mediation; that mediated settlements were achieved earlier than settlements in non-mediated cases; and that the litigants involved welcomed the opportunity to state their grievance in their own words and to participate in a relatively informal process.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what meetings have been held by his Department with providers of mediation services concerning the potential role of such services in the civil legal system. [54676]

Officials from the Lord Chancellor's Department have met representatives of ADR Group, and of the Centre for Dispute Resolution to discuss the role of mediation in non-family civil disputes. The Department, with University College London, also organised a major symposium on mediation to which providers of such services were invited.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which of his Department's agencies have procedures to identify persistent inquirers for information. [53951]

No specific procedures are in place to identify persistent inquirers.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many members of staff on (a) a full-time and (b) a part-time basis are employed to deal with telephone inquiries to the Legal Aid Board for the South East Region. [54065]

The South East Region Area Office has three telephone lines used for Customer Services inquiries. One for legal queries, one for means assessment queries and one for questions relating to finance. The legal line is staffed by a full time receptionist who passes calls to one of eight full time legal caseworkers to take appropriate action. The finance and means assessment lines are each staffed by one full time caseworker.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what is the amount awarded in legal aid, to date, to those pursuing legal action against Arena Promotional Facilities Ltd., co-organisers of the Pink Floyd concert at Earl's Court; and if he will make a statement; [54409](2) what is the amount awarded in legal aid, to date, to those pursuing legal action against Harvey Goldsmith Entertainments Ltd., co-organisers of the Pink Floyd concert at Earl's Court; and if he will make a statement; [54410](3) what is the total amount awarded in legal aid, to date, to those pursuing legal action against David McCullum Ltd., in connection with the Pink Floyd concert at Earl's Court; and if he will make a statement; [54158](4) what is the amount awarded in legal aid, to date, to those pursuing legal action against Earl's Court Ltd., co-organisers of the Pink Floyd concert at Earl's Court; and if he will make a statement. [54411]

The information is not readily available, as the Legal Aid Board's database records the name only of the applicant for legal aid. However, so far as the Legal Aid Board is able to determine, twelve certificates have been identified which relate to claims being made against a combination of one or more of the four defendants.Of the twelve certificates, one applicant has been successful in recovering damages and costs from the defendants and therefore no cost claim has been made on the Legal Aid Fund. One other applicant withdrew from the action and the certificate was subsequently discharged resulting in a cost to the fund of £150. The remaining ten certificates are currently in force with claims ongoing but no final bills have yet been submitted.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his statement of 30 September on the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning world monetary stability, what plans he has to seek agreement between major trading nations to co-ordinate limited regulation of currency flows related to loans and investments of speculative character. [55683]

I have no plans to seek to restrict currency flows in the global economy which I believe would damage prospects for stability and growth. Our priority is, instead, to create a more open, transparent and robust financial system, with better information and subject to better and more co-ordinated oversight by national regulators and international financial institutions.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his letter of 23 June, if he will discuss with President Clinton and M. Jacques Santer the sanctions imposed on Libya under UN Security Council resolutions. [54965]

[holding answer 21 October 1998]: UN Security Council Resolution 1192 states that the UN sanctions imposed on Libya will be suspended once the two Lockerbie accused are delivered to the Netherlands for trial before a Scottish court, and provided the French Government declare themselves satisfied with Libyan co-operation concerning the UTA bombing. I regularly discuss the need for Libyan compliance with UN Security Council resolutions in my bilateral contacts.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 27 April 1998, Official Report, column 17, what report he has received from Scotland Yard about the case of the murder of WPC Fletcher; and what is his current assessment of the case as a major obstacle to the United Kingdom's bilateral relations with Libya. [54966]

[holding answer 21 October 1998]: The murder of WPC Fletcher remains a major obstacle to the normalisation of our bilateral relations with Libya. I understand from the Home Office that the Metropolitan Police inquiries are nearing completion.

To ask the Prime Minister what meetings he had with non-governmental bodies about transport policy and the Transport White Paper in the three months before the publication of the White Paper; and which of these meetings were attended by employees of professional lobby consultants. [55268]

We carried out an extensive consultation as part of the fundamental review of transport policy. Prior to publication of the Transport White Paper my Ministers and I met a large number of individuals and organisations to discuss a wide range of transport issues. The discussions and the written representations we received played an important role in informing the development of our integrated transport policy.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he made about human rights during his recent visit to China. [55952]

In my meetings with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji, I welcomed China's signature of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and urged China to commence a dialogue with the Dalai Lama on Tibet. I raised the cases of individuals, including Xu Wenli, who was detained on 7 October and then released. In my speech on 7 October I emphasised the need to address human rights through continued dialogue and encouraged China to take further positive steps.

To ask the Prime Minister if it is the Government's policy to accept the latest recommendations of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and if he will make a statement. [55758]

The Government strongly welcome the Committee's report on the funding of political parties in the United Kingdom which was published on 13 October. We intend to legislate on the main findings of the report so that robust and rigorous rules governing the funding of political parties can be in place before the next general election. To that end, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will publish a draft Bill before next year's summer recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on progress with the New Deal in Wales. [55593]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire (Mr. Öpik) on 20 October 1998, Official Report, column 1073.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the current levels of funding per pupil for education in each Welsh local education authority. [55598]

The latest available information for local education authorities is the budgeted gross revenue expenditure per pupil in 1997–98. This is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs, in each Welsh county, have been (a) created and (b) sustained, by (i) inward investment from abroad and (ii) investment from indigenous firms, in each year since 1993. [55591]

The information is not available in the form requested. Reliable information is available only in respect of offers of Regional Selective Assistance. Forecasts of employment from offers accepted by companies since April 1993 are set out in the table. For the purposes of historical comparison the table gives information on the basis of the old counties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the negotiations regarding securing Objective one status for western Wales and the valleys. [55596]

Today the Office for National Statistics announced GDP figures for all NUTS 2 regions of the United Kingdom. The figures for the West Wales and the Valleys NUTS 2 region make it very likely that it will qualify for Objective 1 status under the new EC regulations governing the Structural funds for 2000–06, assuming that the criterion for Objective 1 remains that an area should have GDP levels below 75 per cent. of the European Union average. The draft regulations are currently being considered by Member States. Negotiations are unlikely to be completed before the end of March next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to announce investment in wave energy. [55677]

The Government propose to undertake a new and strong drive to develop renewable energy sources in line with their manifesto commitment. To this end, I have commissioned a review of policy towards new and renewable energy, including consideration of what would be necessary and practicable to achieve 10 per cent. of UK electricity needs from renewables by the year 2010, and how renewables can make an effective contribution to meeting requirements for future greenhouse gas reduction commitments. The prospects for wave energy technology will be considered in that review, the outcome of which I hope to be able to announce later this year.In the meantime, Scottish Office Ministers have launched the third competition under the Scottish Renewables Obligation (SRO-3) and are minded that the SRO-3 Order should make limited capacity available to wave power projects, among others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the Government's policy on repayment of start-up grant when companies close within five years of opening. [55962]

All offers of Regional Selective Assistance grant require the beneficiaries to accept terms and conditions under which we may vary, withhold or seek repayment of grant in circumstances where the project under-achieves. Normal policy is to clawback or withhold on a pro-rate basis to the progress achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much start-up grant Siemens received for their plant in the North East. [55961]

The company has received £18 million Regional Selective Assistance from the offer of £30 million made in December 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek repayment of start-up grant from Siemens following the planned closure of their plant in the North East. [55964]

A decision was made not to clawback the Regional Selective Assistance grant immediately while officials worked with the company to find a buyer. If, however, we are unsuccessful in this, recovery of grant will be considered in the normal way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the planned levels of annual borrowing and returned cash available to the Post Office for re-investment. [55954]

The Post Office has no annual borrowing planned and expects to spend some £500 million on capital investment in the current financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he plans to introduce measures allowing greater commercial freedom to the Post Office; [55953](2) when he plans to announce the conclusions of his review of the Post Office. [55955]

Work on the Government's review aimed at allowing the Post Office greater commercial freedom is proceeding apace. I will present our proposals as soon as I am ready to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much the Post Office has proposed to reduce its negative EFL in 1999. [55965]

The Post Office has made clear its wish to have an EFL set at a commercial dividend level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the Fairness at Work White Paper. [55115]

The Department has received 474 responses, reflecting a wide range of views, to the White Paper on Fairness at Work, published on 21 May. I am placing a list of respondents in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the prospects for employment in manufacturing industry over the next 24 months. [55125]

The Government appreciate that the level of sterling and, more recently, the impact of financial problems in Asia have been causing difficulties for some manufacturers. We are ensuring that the necessary conditions are in place for a high and sustainable level of manufacturing employment over the long term: low inflation and sound public finances.As well as setting in place the framework for securing economic stability, the Government are committed to helping the manufacturing sector, and each worker within it, to become more productive. We encourage individuals to gain knowledge and skills to enhance their employability. Measures such as the University for Industry will assist in this and will help boost the productivity and competitiveness of business through a new approach to learning. The Government are intent on providing the best environment for research and development, to help ensure dynamic and innovative businesses are continually developing new products and services. The new University Challenge fund will provide £50 million in venture capital to help university scientists commercially exploit their research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many special advisers and their staff are employed in his Department. [54467]

[holding answer 31 July 1998]: There are two special advisers employed by my Department. They are given the usual level of administrative support by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October on which Ministers have been accompanied by special advisers and, for each trip, (a) the name of the adviser, (b) the class and cost of travel booked for the adviser, (c) the class of travel actually used by the adviser and (d) the accommodation and ancillary costs for the adviser. [55996]

The Ministerial Code requires Ministers always to make efficient and cost effective travel arrangements. In line with the practice of successive Administrations, civil servants (including Special Advisers) accompanying Ministers on overseas visits are entitled to use the same class of travel as the Minister they are accompanying to facilitate briefings and discussions. Ministers in this Department were accompanied by two civil servants and a Special Adviser on an overseas visit to Tanzania and Kenya at a cost of £14,054.30. This is the total cost, including hotels, for all members of the delegation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department expects to spend in each year from 1998–99 to 2000–01 on vehicle replacements. [54983]

We plan to spend £4,384,833 on vehicle replacements in 1998–99. We are still formulating our spending plans for 1999–2000 to 2000–01 in light of the budgetary outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on the basis of the distribution of European Community funds between opposing sides on referendums on EC issues. [55378]

We have not taken any decision about policy on funding in any future referendums on EC issues. We are giving careful consideration to the Neill Committee's recommendations on the conduct of referendums generally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with President Clerides on the subject of a demilitarisation of the Island of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [55616]

We are in regular contact with President Clerides on all aspects of the situation in Cyprus, including the question of demilitarisation.We believe that the key to assuring the security of all Cypriots is not by increases in military forces and armaments, but through a comprehensive political settlement. We recognise eventual demilitarisation as an important objective in this context.We therefore warmly welcome the UN Secretary-General's recent announcement of a UN process for contact between the parties aimed at reducing tensions and promoting progress towards a political settlement. We strongly support this process and urge the parties to co-operated with it in a constructive and flexible manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister from his Department has visited the Lebanon since 1 May 1997. [55932]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary visited the Republic of Lebanon on 18 March 1998. I visited Lebanon on 29–30 May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Lebanese Government Ministers have visited the United Kingdom since 1 May 1997. [55931]

The Lebanese Prime Minister visited the United Kingdom on 17–18 July 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations (a) he and (b) other Foreign Office Ministers have made in relation to the arrest and possible extradition of General Pinochet. [55950]

None. The arrest and possible extradition of Senator Pinochet are a judicial not a political matter. There is no reason for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to intervene.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Malaysia about the case of Mr. Anwar Ibrahim. [55951]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19 October 1998, Official Report, columns 993–94, to my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn).

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October on which Ministers have been accompanied by special advisers and, for each trip, (a) the name of the adviser, (b) the class and cost of travel booked for the adviser, (c) the class of travel actually used by the adviser and (d) the accommodation and ancillary costs for the adviser. [56001]

No special advisers accompanied me, or my predecessor, on overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the non-departmental public bodies which have been (a) established and (b) abolished since 2 May 1997. [55730]

Since 2 May 1997, the Government have established 29 new non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) and abolished 44. These are listed. The Government have also announced plans to abolish a further 37 NDPBs and Ministers are continuing to examine all the NDPBs they sponsor with a view to identifying further candidates for abolition.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the members who have been (a) appointed and (b) dismissed from non-departmental public bodies since 2 May 1997, giving in each case their declared political affiliation if any. [55729]

The Commissioner for Public Appointments collects statistics on appointments to non-departmental public bodies within his remit on an annual basis, including the declared political activity of successful candidates. His last annual report (placed in the Library of the House) contains such information on appointments made during the year ending 31 March 1998. The Commissioner requires that all appointments should be for a fixed term. Information on any appointments which are terminated early is not collected centrally.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement about the future of the former Department of the Environment and Transport buildings on Marsham Street. [55717]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. John Locke, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which Ministers have responsibility for music therapy. [55625]

My noble Friend the Baroness Hayman is the Minister responsible for therapy services, including music therapy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken in reported cases of (a) doctors, (b) opticians and (c) pharmacists who have defrauded the National Health Service; and if such incidents are reported to their professional bodies. [55531]

Health authorities are responsible for investigating cases of fraud by practitioners. They may refer such cases to the relevant regulatory or professional body. Where criminal prosecution is being considered, the case will normally be referred for investigation by the police before being referred to a professional body.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in England had been on hospital waiting lists for over one year at the latest available date. [55618]

At the end of August 1998 there were 65,200 English residents waiting over 12 months for National Health Service treatment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting to see a consultant for more than (a) 0 to six months, (b) six to 11 months and (c) 12 months or more, on (i) 31 March 1997 and (ii) the latest available date. [55760]

The number of people waiting to see a consultant at Mid Essex Hospital National Health Service Trust at 31 March 1997 and 30 June 1998 is given in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Mid Essex Hospital NHS Trust area had been waiting for treatment for 12 months or more on (a) 31 March 1997 and (b) the latest date for which figures are available. [55759]

The number of patients waiting for inpatient treatment at Mid Essex Hospital National Health Service Trust at 31 March 1997 and 31 August 1998 is given in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the overseas visits between 1 July and 19 October on which Ministers have been accompanied by special advisers and, for each trip, (a) the name of the adviser, (b) the class and cost of travel booked for the adviser, (c) the class of travel actually used by the adviser and (d) the accommodation and ancillary costs for the adviser. [56003]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Oxfordshire Health Authority area were waiting to see a consultant for 12 months or more on (a) 31 March 1997 and (b) the latest available date. [55761]

Information on the number of patients waiting over 12 months for a first out-patient appointment following a general practitioner written referral is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what factors underlay her decision to withdraw the offer of extra subsidy to local authorities to detect housing benefit fraud; [53277](2) if she will require retrospective introduction of weekly benefit savings for the 1997–98 financial year; [53274](3) for what reasons subsidy to local authorities will be lost if housing benefit

[pursuant to his reply, 30 July 1998, c. 474–75]: This Government are committed to taking tough action against all benefit fraud including Housing Benefit. Significant incentives for local authorities to detect Housing Benefit fraud are already in place. A financial incentive scheme has been in operation since 1993 which rewards local authorities for good performance in detecting benefit fraud. Payments of additional subsidy to local authorities to reward them for their anti-fraud work has risen year on year (£5.9 million in 1993/94 to £65.6 million in 1997/98).

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's forecast for spending on jobseekers allowance in (a) 1999–2000,(b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02 on the basis of (i) the growth forecasts in the EFSR published in July and (ii) his revised growth forecasts. [55839]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each region of England, the number of people whose main disabling condition is deafness who were awarded disability living allowance (i) between 1 June 1996 and 31 May 1997, (ii) between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998 and (iii) since 1 June 1998 (1) on their initial application, (2) at review and (3) at appeal. [55858]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each region of England the number of people who applied (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully in the last year for disability living allowance. [55859]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each region of England the number of people whose main disability was deafness who applied (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully in the last year for disability living allowance. [55860]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for (a) Wales, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) each region of England the number of disabled people who were awarded disability living allowance (i) between 1 June 1996 and 31 May 1997, (ii) between 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998 and (iii) since 1 June 1998 (1) on their initial application, (2) at review and (3) at appeal. [55857]

The information requested is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is set out in the tables.