To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received on proposed changes to the role and status of church wardens in the Church of England. [55787]

The Churchwardens' Measure, which has been passed by General Synod, does not, strictly speaking, propose changes to the role or status of churchwardens. I have, however, received representations about the provisions contained in that Measure which would give the bishop power to suspend a churchwarden from exercising the rights and duties of his or her office without the bishop's consent for a limited period. The Measure will be considered by the Ecclesiastical Committee at its next meeting in December.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the use of nolle prosequi in the case of Judge Richard Gee. [56324]

My very firm rule in approaching cases involving persons in senior public positions is to do so with impartiality and objectivity so that the decision is fair in the sense that those concerned are treated no more favourably and no less favourably than any other citizen in the same position.The charges against Judge Gee related to a mortgage fraud which operated between 1980 and 1988. In essence, the fraud involved false details being provided to lenders, of which the most important was the assertion that the applicant intended to reside in the property to be mortgaged. The effect was that the mortgage rate was lower than it would have been had the lenders known the true position—i.e. that the properties were to be rented. The alleged offences pre-dated the appointment of Richard Gee as a judge. His participation in the transactions was as a solicitor with a conveyancing practice. The prosecution was unable to prove any evidence of personal gain, although his firm would have received professional fees in relation to the conveyancing.Judge Gee stood trial in the first half of 1998. Prior to that trial, his condition had begun to deteriorate so that the trial judge ordered postponement of the commencement of the trial by 3 months pending treatment to restore him to a position where he was fit to stand trial. The trial itself occupied several months and there then followed a jury deliberation of some 3 weeks—quite unprecedented, I believe, in this country for a case involving only one defendant. As senior prosecuting counsel said at the Central Criminal Court on 7 October 1998, all concerned in the case observed his deterioration in that period.The initial decision of the prosecution, with which I concurred, was to seek a retrial. The Crown Prosecution Service was, however, asked by the defence to consider medical reports obtained, including one from Professor John Gunn, a distinguished forensic scientist, which concluded that Judge Gee was unfit to stand trial. The prosecution commissioned Dr. Joseph to examine the defendant and prepare a report. He too came to the conclusion that Judge Gee was unfit to stand trial and it was clear that he was not likely to be fit to stand trial in the foreseeable future. It was therefore clear when I met with the Director of Public Prosecutions and prosecuting counsel to discuss the case that, the evidence being all one way, there was effectively no prospect of persuading the trial judge that the case could proceed. We all agreed that the most appropriate course was for me to enter a

To ask the Attorney-General if he will abolish the legal power of nolle prosequi. [56325]

No.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he held on the export of United Kingdom defence-related technology or goods during his recent visit to China. [56427]

I had no discussions on these issues during my visit to China. However, Premier Zhu Rongji and I reaffirmed our commitment to work towards a much stronger bilateral commercial relationship.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the application of his Government's ethical foreign policy to his recent visit to China. [56426]

I believe that dialogue with China on human rights, supported by practical co-operation, is more likely to bring about positive developments than confrontation. In my meetings with Chinese leaders, I welcomed some of the positive steps recently taken by China, such as the signature of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. I also expressed our continuing concerns about human rights in China, referring to the cases of individuals and the situation in Tibet. I encouraged China to take further positive steps in all these areas.

To ask the Prime Minister when he last travelled on a train operated by (a) Virgin Rail and (b) another United Kingdom train operator; and if he will make a statement. [56424]

I last travelled on a train operated by Virgin Rail on 30 July 1998. On 16 July 1998 I travelled on a rail service provided by another train operating company.

To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions since 1 May 1997 he has paid a ministerial visit to (a) the constituency of Sedgefield and (b) capital cities of European Union countries other than the United Kingdom. [56423]

Two of my official engagements in the United Kingdom as Prime Minister involved visits to my constituency. I have of course been on other occasions in a constituency capacity. In the course of my programme of overseas engagements I have visited capital cities of EU countries other than the UK on twenty-four occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will calculate the average time taken for the completion of grant applications to her Department in 1997–98. [56537]

I understand that this question relates particularly to procedures for the Joint Funding Scheme and Economic and Social Committee on Overseas Research (ESCOR) grants, and have answered on this basis.The average time taken to complete grant applications to the Joint Funding Scheme is 6 months. All applications to the Joint Funding Scheme must be received by 30 November each year, with decisions being taken when the appraisal of all the project proposals has been completed. Decisions are usually taken in May.For ESCOR the period between receipt of grant application and a final decision will vary according to the size, type and timing of the application. The decision time normally varies between a few days and eight months. The average decision time for larger projects which go before the ESCOR committee is 5 months. The average time for smaller projects is 3 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the procedure for grant applications to her Department. [56536]

I understand that this question relates particularly to procedures for the Joint Funding Scheme and Economic and Social Committee on Overseas Research (ESCOR) grants, and have answered on this basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the total amount of UK support for the European Communities Humanitarian Office in 1997–98. [56534]

In 1997, the EC Humanitarian Office (ECHO) made available a total of 442 million ecu (£305 million) for humanitarian aid for 85 countries outside the European Union. This funding comes from the main EC budget, of which the UK's share is approximately 15 per cent. Some £46 million of the ECHO funding committed in 1997 is thus attributable to the United Kingdom. Outturn figures for 1998 are not yet available, but are expected to be similar to 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the role of her Department in the (a) previous and (b) forthcoming rounds of World Trade Organisation talks. [56542]

(a) As the Overseas Development Administration, the Department played a minimal role in previous trade talks—the Uruguay Round—though it kept a watching brief on implications for developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's budget will be paid to the European Union in the current financial year. [56221]

Approximately 30 per cent. of the Department for International Development budget will be paid to the European Union in the current financial year. In 1996–97, the latest year for which an exact figure is available, the percentage was 28.64 percent. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware these commitments arise largely from the agreement reached by his right hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Major) at the Edinburgh Summit in 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of her Department's budget will be paid to NGOs based (a) in the UK and (b) overseas in the current financial year. [56223]

Information on Department for International Development (DFID) expenditure through UK NGOs in the current financial year is not yet available. Information on such expenditure in 1997–98 is currently being collated and will be available later this year.The total expenditure through UK NGOs for 1996–97 was £166.757 million; 7.7 per cent. of the total DFID aid budget.Information on spending through overseas NGOs is not held separately, but is included in DFID's bilateral country programme expenditure. Full details appear in "British Aid Statistics", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people were employed directly by her Department on (a) 1 September 1997, (b) 1 March 1998 and (c) 1 September 1998. [56222]

The Department for International Development employed directly the following numbers of staff:

• September 1997: 989
• March 1998: 1,054
• June 1998:1,060¹

¹ Latest available figures. Statistics are compiled quarterly, those for September 1998 are still being established

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the work of (a) non-Government organisations and (b) Operation Lifeline Sudan following the bombing of Khartoum in August 1998. [56540]

Our judgment is that the bombing of Khartoum in August 1998 had no long term effect on either non-government organisations (NGOs) or Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS). UK based Embassy staff were temporarily withdrawn from Khartoum on 27 August but some senior staff have relocated to Nairobi in order to continue monitoring the performance of OLS and NGOs in the field.In addition, officials from my Department visited Sudan and Kenya from 13–27 September. They were able to visit the worst affected areas in Sudan, including those controlled by the Government and the rebel movements and monitored NGO activities there. They also participated in an EU Mission to the region which reviewed the adequacy of the relief response to date including the performance of the OLS consortium. The Mission found that from mid-July onwards the humanitarian response began to match the scale of the crisis in southern Sudan. This has contributed to the improvement in the condition of some of the worst affected groups there.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with (a) Railtrack and (b) local authorities concerning the construction of a rail station on Deeside Industrial Park; and if he will make a statement. [56494]

I have not had any discussions with Railtrack about the construction of a new railway station on Deeside Industrial Park. However, as part of the 1998–99 Transport Grant settlement, £480,000 was allocated to Flintshire County Council in support of the Deeside Integrated Transport Strategy. Part of this award is for the Council to develop plans for a railway station to serve the Deeside Industrial Park. I am currently considering a bid from the Council for further funding of the Strategy in 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the results of the inquiry into the River Wye navigation rights to be announced; and if he will make a statement. [56440]

An announcement will be made as soon as possible. The issues involved in the case are complex and require detailed consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the date of the ordinary elections to community councils in Wales in 1999. [56675]

I propose to make an order under section 3(4) of the Government of Wales Act 1998 to move the date of ordinary elections of community councillors in Wales from 6 May to 10 June 1999. The community council elections will be held on the same date as the European Parliamentary elections, with which they will be combined. The order will also make provision for moving the date of the annual meeting of councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he has given to efforts to attract a future Olympic Games to the United Kingdom. [56030]

The British Olympic Association, who have ultimate responsibility for UK bids for the Olympic Games, have decided that the next UK bid should be London-based. Like the BOA, the Government are determined that any bid should be of the highest possible quality. My Department is already working closely with the BOA who are conducting comprehensive studies on what is already in place and what needs to be in place to mount a winnable bid at the earliest possible opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to close driving test centres during the next two years; and if he will list the centres concerned. [55528]

The Driving Standards Agency continuously reviews its test centres in the light of operational viability, the local demand for driving tests and the costs of using a particular centre. Before a closure, a case is considered on its merits, and wherever possible there is consultation with interested parties. The provision of car driving, and, where appropriate, motorcycle tests in the following locations is currently being reviewed:

Minehead; Edinburgh (Newington); Coventry (Holyhead Road); Didsbury (South Manchester); Rochdale; Birmingham (Washwood Heath): Oswestry; Wealdstone; Crosby; Keighley and Skipton; Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells; and Stafford.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the driving test centres which made a loss in the last year for which figures are available together with the amount of loss made. [55529]

This information is not available as driving test centres are not operated as separate profit centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the recommendations of the report published on 1 September by the Independent World Commission on the Oceans, relating to environmental protection and pollution prevention. [55443]

The recommendations of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans report published on 1 September 1998 are still being considered by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government will refund to the Bus Pension Fund of the former National Bus Company the pension surplus withheld at the time of privatisation; if payment of funds will be made so that bus company pensioners can be paid without further delay; and if compensation will be paid to the families of those bus company pensioners who have died since privatisation. [55796]

Discussions with the NBC pension trustees have already begun with the aim of reaching as quickly as possible, a just, out-of-court settlement of the trustees' claim for return of the surplus. If a settlement is achieved, which the Government very much hope will be the case, it will be for the trustees to decide how the moneys paid pursuant to that settlement should be distributed among all eligible beneficiaries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those measures which reflect the additional costs from seasonal influxes of population contained within local authority grant settlements; and if he will make a statement. [55714]

Estimates of day visitors and overnight visitors are used in the calculation of standard spending assessments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Lisbon Charter on the development and implementation of economic instruments for the protection of the marine and coastal environment by local governments dated July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [55713]

The Lisbon 'Charter' on the development and implementation of economic instruments for the protection of the marine and coastal environment by local governments was adopted by a group of representatives of local and regional authorities from various European states during a conference organised by a non-governmental organisation in Lisbon on 1 July 1998. It contains some interesting ideas. It is for those who adopted the document to take it forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list market and reference rents by district from 1996. [55718]

The available information is published in table 1.0 of the Department's quarterly publication Rent Officer Statistics. Copies are held in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his proposals for the council tax discounts on second homes in England. [55720]

The Government do not have any proposals to change the council tax discount for second homes in England during the course of this Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about driving licence restrictions on insulin-dependent diabetics; and if he will make a statement. [55715]

In the light of representations by individuals and their representatives, and further advice by the Department's expert Panel, the previous restriction was relaxed to allow certain drivers with insulin treated diabetes to regain or renew their entitlement to drive 3.5–7.5 tonne lorries for employment, subject to stringent conditions. This took effect on 11 September. The Department continues to receive representations from individuals and others who would like further relaxations. At present the Department's expert advice precludes this. The situation will continue to be kept under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement the Cardiff Summit Ministerial Declaration on environmental integration; what indicators he is developing for measuring progress; and if he will raise these matters during the forthcoming Energy and Transport Council of Ministers meetings. [55779]

During our recent Presidency of the EU the Government established a co-ordinating group of representatives from the European Commission and the three succeeding Presidencies—Austria, Germany and Finland—to help guide the process of environmental integration in EU policy-making up to 2000. This initiative has now been passed to the Austrian Presidency. UK officials continue to take an active role in this forum which is taking forward the development strategies within the various sectoral Councils. This will ensure that environmental integration and sustainable development are taken fully into account within those respective policy areas. The use of indicators is being considered as part of this process.To meet the terms of the agreement at the Cardiff European Council we are working with the Austrian Presidency in the preparation of the report which the Transport Council will consider at the end of November. My Department is similarly working with the Department of Trade and Industry in support of a Presidency report on environment/energy policy for discussion at the Energy Council on 13 November. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is also taking a positive role in the report being prepared on agriculture/environment for the Agriculture Council. All reports will be submitted to the European Council in Vienna.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total compensation paid, or agreed to be paid, to date to contractors in respect of the Polegate Bypass scheme. [55828]

The overall levels of compensation are still being discussed with the companies who submitted tenders for the cancelled Weald and Downland DBFO Project, which included the Polegate Bypass. Interim on-account payments totalling £2.5m have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that local authorities promote awareness of the millennium bug in their local communities. [55794]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister and Sir Jeremy Beecham, Chair of the Local Government Association, wrote jointly on 30 March to all council leaders to invite them to make a personal commitment to address millennium bug issues, both within their own councils and more widely across their local communities. They wrote again on 20 October inviting council leaders to sign Pledge 2000 as a public demonstration of their council's commitment to tackle the threat posed by the millennium bug.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the location chosen to house the Mayor and Greater London Assembly will be ready on time for the elections expected in May 2000. [56049]

We expect to make a final decision on the location of the Greater London Authority early in the New Year and only then will it be clear when it will be completed. We are making arrangements to provide temporary accommodation, should it be required.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many deaths were recorded arising from road traffic accidents on the A49 between Hereford and Ross on Wye in each of the last five years. [56033]

The information requested is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to review and revise PPG 6 and PPG 13; and what is the timescale for such proposals. [56262]

I expect to publish a consultation draft of PPG 13 on transport early next year. I have no immediate plans to revise PPG 6 on town centre and retail developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what is his planned timetable for the regulations which will extend Part M of the building regulations to new dwellings; [55861](2) when his Department will announce the transitional provisions to cover the period before and following the extension of Part M of the building regulations to new dwellings. [55862]

[holding answer 22 October 1998]: I have today laid before Parliament—and published— Amendment Regulations that will extend Part M of the Building Regulations, covering access and facilities for disabled people, to include new dwellings. These regulations include transitional provisions. The effect of the regulations is that, from 25 October 1999, new homes will have to be built with features that make them better suited to the needs of disabled people. People will be able to invite disabled people to visit them in their own homes; and home owners will be able to remain in their own homes longer as they become less mobile as they get older.The benefits of these changes will be very considerable—potentially more than 10 million people will benefit. In particular there will be direct benefits of increased convenience, accessibility and sociability for disabled people. The measures will also help significantly those people who are temporarily disabled through accident or injury and those with young children in prams and pushchairs.The extension of Part M complements this Government's commitment to implement the remaining duties of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Part III will improve disabled people's access to goods and services and Part M will ensure better access to new dwellings. It is better and more cost effective for new homes to be designed and built with proper facilities—as already happens with new public and commercial buildings—than to rely on later piecemeal adjustments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the regulations under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 to be in place. [56261]

We intend to make regulations to enable private hire vehicle operator licensing to commence in London during the course of next year. Vehicle and driver licensing would follow as soon as practicable—it is hoped during the year 2000. Swift implementation of the Act is desirable; it is also important that we get the details right and allow sufficient time for consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact of the Single Regeneration Budget on the business support expenditure of the TECs in each of the last three years. [56058]

There is no relationship between the public expenditure provision for the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) in the last three years and that for Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many HSE inspectors inspect facilities registered under the regulations covering the contained use of genetically modified organisms. [56327]

Three HSE Specialist Inspectors inspect contained use facilities throughout the UK. These Inspectors are experts in work involving genetic modification, and specifically cover biological safety and environmental issues. Other HSE Inspectors have responsibility for health and safety issues not related to work involving genetic modification.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total number of facilities registered as using genetically modified organisms in classes IA, IB, IIB including those registered (a) before and (b) after the introduction of the contained use regulations in 1992. [56329]

I regret that I am unable to supply the information in the form requested. Prior to the introduction of the contained use regulations work was not broken down into group I/II or type A/B. A meaningful comparison would require extensive work in searching old files at disproportionate cost.However, I can supply information on the number of facilities notified for Group I and II work. The number of premises currently notified, including those notified prior to the current Contained Use Regulations, is 275 for Group I work and 196 for Group II work. Furthermore, 34 of these premises have notified, at some time, their intention of performing large scale work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the HSE undertakes regular monitoring of the adequacy of containment in each class of genetically modified organisms; and if the findings are publicly available. [56331]

HSE inspects premises undertaking activities with all types of genetically modified organisms. The monitoring of the adequacy of containment is an integral part of each HSE inspection. Effective containment relies on a combination of both physical and procedural measures, and the inspection process seeks to ensure that the control measures implemented are appropriate to the level of risk.Information relating to environmental safety is available on request under the terms of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many person hours per year HSE inspectors spend on (a) inspection of facilities registered under the regulations covering the contained use of genetically modified organisms and (b) other duties. [56328]

In the current inspection year:

(a) A total of 1,665 person hours (225 days) are planned for active inspection of facilities registered under regulations covering contained use of genetically modified organisms.

and;

(b) A total of 2,686 person hours (363 days) will be spent on other duties related to the safe use of genetically modified organisms, including preparation of technical guidance and scrutiny of notifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to establish the environmental stakeholders forum; what will be the membership; what the terms of reference will be; whether the agendas and minutes will be published; and if he will make a statement. [56655]

At the House of Lords Select Committee on 21 October I announced my intention to consider the calls from both sides of the GMO debate for an environmental stakeholder's forum to discuss and advise on environmental issues raised by biotechnology which would work in parallel with the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment. The timing, membership and the terms of reference have not yet been decided, and I will be discussing these with my colleagues in other Government Departments, before consulting all interested parties on our proposals.I envisage that this forum's membership would include representatives of conservation bodies, public interest groups, plant breeders and farmers. The terms of reference of the forum need to be clarified, but I envisage that the point of the stakeholder's forum would be to tackle the wider environmental issues by allowing those key stakeholders with an interest in GMOs to conduct a well informed debate. It is very important that there is wide public access to agendas, minutes and reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to create a strategic rail authority. [56323]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 30 September that a shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) would lead changes to the way the privatised railway is controlled, in advance of legislation to establish the body on a statutory basis. The shadow SRA, formed by close working between the British Railways Board and the Franchising Director, will be operational by Spring 1999.A new Chairman of the British Railways Board and a new Franchising Director will be appointed as soon as possible. Subject to legislation, the new BR Chairman and board will become the chairman and board members of the SRA. Following legislation, the new Franchising Director will become Chief Executive of the SRA.We are committed to establishing a statutory SRA at an early opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) of 19 October 1998, Official Report, column 906, if he raised the issue of the environmental impact of the Chinese Government's activities in Tibet during his recent visit to China. [56351]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he intends to take to increase the minimum train frequencies for rural lines where he deems that franchise agreements specify these at too low a level. [56322]

Changes to service levels are a matter for the Franchising Director. The Deputy Prime Minister has said that he and the Franchising Director are ready to renegotiate franchises to secure a progressive improvement in services, extra investment, and integration with other transport modes. In addition, we have made available new funds under the rail Passenger Partnership scheme which the Franchising Director can use to support new services. Revised criteria for appraising proposals for supporting new services will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Mayor of London will be given (a) a specific responsibility and (b) a specific budget for the signposting of London's roads and streets. [56425]

We shall be defining a network of the most important roads in London for which the Greater London Authority will be the traffic authority. The Authority will therefore have power to place traffic signs in relation to those roads. The Government will not set the Mayor a specific budget for traffic signs. Spending on traffic signs in relation to the Authority's roads will be met from the transport budget set by the Mayor.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he proposes to call in the planning consent granted by South Lakeland District Council to Booth's Ltd. to build a supermarket at Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria. [56468]

I am considering the application and will make my decision as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the EC bus directive from bus operating companies; and if he will make a statement. [56301]

The Coach and Passenger Transport Executive Group, which represents bus and coach operators in the UK, has made many representations, and continues to be consulted on the EC Commission proposal for a bus and coach Directive. The proposal is for an optional Directive concerning the Type Approval of new vehicles. The Government's aims, which are based as well on consultation with manufacturing industry, are concerned with maintaining the viability and safety of bus and coach operation. This policy must also reflect the UK's commitment to accessibility, as required under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which will also have a significant influence on future bus design.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Soap and Detergent Industry Association's new Code of Good Environmental Practice; and if it will receive Government support. [56299]

This is a welcome initiative, which fits well with the Government's aim to reduce the environmental impacts of consumer products through practical measures which assist "market transformation" and could form a valuable component of a sectoral sustainability strategy. We have already had discussions with the Soap and Detergent Industry Association about how we can work together to support this initiative through links to our wider public awareness campaigns and to our strategic analysis of environmental impacts. In particular, we are looking with the Soap and Detergent Industry Association at possible links between my Department's "Are You Doing Your Bit?" promotional campaign and the industry's "Wash Right" campaign.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards proposals in the EC Commission to make the manufacture of double-decker buses uneconomic or illegal. [56300]

I do not know of any such proposals. However, the Commission has proposed a directive on bus and coach construction which is now the subject of detailed discussion by the Member States. My Department has consulted widely with organisations such as the Coach and Passenger Transport Executive Group, which represents bus and coach operators in the UK, and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents the major UK manufacturing interests. The representations from these organisations are being taken into consideration in the current negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the start date for each of the road schemes given approval in the Roads White Paper. [56303]

We are currently considering the construction programme for the schemes included in our Targeted Programme of Improvements listed in "A New Deal for Trunk Roads". However, subject only to any outstanding statutory procedures, all schemes will start within the next seven years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has over the next four years to include the cancelled Hereford By-pass in the roads programme; and if he will make a statement. [56451]

None. Under the new arrangements for transport planning set out in "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone" the measures that may be appropriate for Hereford are for consideration in the development of the Local Transport Plan and the draft Regional Transport Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average time for processing called-in planning inspector appeals between receipt of the inspector's findings and publication by the Minister's Department. [56638]

In the last full year for which information is available, 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998, the average time in England to issue decisions on called-in planning applications and recovered planning appeals from receipt of the Inspector's report was 18½ weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current status of the findings of the Inspector's inquiry into a planning application for the development of the Northbrook College site in Broadwater, Worthing, where the appeal was heard in January. [56637]

The Inspector's report is still being considered. We expect to issue a decision shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to order a full public inquiry in relation to the application for a MOX plant at Sellafield. [56286]

We expect to receive the Agency's draft determination very shortly. Requests have been received for the Secretary of State to call in the application for his own determination. These requests are under careful consideration and the Secretary of State will reach a decision as soon as he is able to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the potential change in level of take up of freight facilities grant if the contract period were reduced to a period of (a) five and (b) three years. [56631]

19 out of the 27 Freight Facilities Grants awarded in 1997 and 1998 have been for a period of five years or less. The number of applications has greatly increased and the £30 million budget for 1997–98 was substantially taken up. The budget for 1998–99 is £40 million, reflecting the recent success of the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the income from car driving tests for each of the last five years for which figures are available. [56411]

The fee income from car driving tests for the years 1993–94 through to 1997–98 was as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military equipment and its estimated value, whose sale to Turkey in the last five years has been assisted by his Department. [55617]

The assistance provided by the Ministry of Defence to British industry is given within the context of the Government's defence export policies. The criteria for export controls were announced to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 26–29. Much of the assistance is general in nature and we do not maintain detailed records of cases where MOD assistance has resulted in defence exports to individual countries and it would involve disproportionate cost to assemble information for Turkey. According to data provided by HM Customs and Excise, however, the total value of UK exports to Turkey recorded under HM Customs and Excise Tariff Codes relating to military equipment has averaged some £14 million annually over the past five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Royal Navy experimental radiation treatment for civilian divers. [55368]

The Royal Navy has never carried out experimental radiation treatment on civilian divers. Imaging techniques, involving low doses of short lived radio-active isotopes have been used as part of clinical investigations to determine whether any brain damage had occurred as a result of various diseases including decompression illness. Similar techniques have been in common use for many years in the nuclear medicine departments of NHS hospitals throughout the country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he received the land quality assessment in respect of fields next to the Defence Nuclear Chemical and Biological Centre at Winterbourne Gunner; and if he will make a statement. [54919]

[holding answer 19 October 1998]: The first phase of the Land Quality Assessment for fields close to the Defence Nuclear Biological and Chemical Centre at Winterbourne Gunner was completed in September 1998. Draft conclusions have been made available to my Department and the final report on the first phase is expected soon. I have written to the hon. Member about the clearance operation at Winterbourne Gunner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to close the TA unit in Winchester. [56507]

Decisions on the restructuring of the Territorial Army, and on the future of individual TA units and centres, have not yet been taken. I will write to the hon. Member when they are.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) of 31 July 1998, Official Report, column 725, what are the proposed future defence purposes to which the nuclear material recovered from WE177 warheads will be put. [55442]

Plutonium and Highly Enriched Uranium recovered from dismantled weapons will be held against requirements arising from our nuclear warhead and propulsion programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay his decision to withhold details of the costs of the fuelling of Trident submarine reactors and of the costs of importing highly enriched uranium for the fabrication of nuclear fuel rods for the submarine propulsion reactors. [55415]

The information requested on the costs of the fuelling of Trident submarine reactors could, when combined with other data already in the public domain, provide nuclear proliferators and potential opponents with an insight into the design and performance of the United Kingdom's nuclear powered submarines. This would harm UK national security and defence and, therefore, is being withheld under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations. However, reflecting the new openness on nuclear matters that I announced in the Strategic Defence Review, I am prepared to confirm that the most recent procurement of highly enriched uranium for Defence purposes was made at a rate of $40m per tonne.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information was provided to Her Majesty's Government by the United States Administration concerning evidence of the production of chemicals useable in the manufacture of chemical weapons at the pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, bombed by the United States forces; and what steps he has taken to verify the information provided. [55420]

I am withholding any such information under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will send officials from the chemical and biological weapons establishment at Porton Down to inspect the site of the Sudanese pharmaceutical factory. [55438]

No. We continue to encourage Sudan to accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which would entail an inspection programme for all relevant sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Royal Air Force officers and (b) other ranks have been (i) dismissed from the service and (ii) court-martialled in each of the last five years. [55808]

Dismissal from the RAF can be awarded only by courts martial. The table shows the number of RAF personnel convicted by courts martial and the number sentenced to be dismissed over the last 5 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims his Department has received from former civilian personnel arising from exposure to radiation while engaging with Royal Navy submarines. [55813]

Information on claims for compensation received by my Department from former civilian employees alleging exposure to radiation while working on Royal Navy submarines has only been held centrally since 23 October 1986. Records show that, as at 21 October 1998, ninety-three claims for compensation had been received from former Ministry of Defence civilian employees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF personnel are currently undergoing training to become pilots. [55817]

As at 1 October, a total of 434 RAF personnel were undergoing training to become pilots. In addition, there are a further 421 student pilots who are undertaking elementary flying training, as members of the University Air Squadrons, but these individuals are not on the payroll strength of the RAF.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 30 July 1998, Official Report, column 453, how much, in net real terms, the UK will pay the USA for nuclear spares and services which it will not need or cannot use. [55799]

The net amount the UK will pay the US for nuclear spares and services we do not now require will depend on the quantity of Trident Missile components that the US buy back in future years. As I said in July, we expect it to amount to some £40 million. Over half of this results from commitments made before this Government took office. The decision is, however, expected to save in the region of £50 million.A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding covering the arrangement with the US for the buy back of Missile components has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army personnel have left the service on health grounds in each of the last five years. [56062]

As at 21 October 1998, the following number of Army personnel (including Gurkhas) have been medically discharged since 1993:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what stockpiles are held of the chemical Dibenz-l,4-Oxazepine; on which sites; and for what purpose. [56354]

Dibenz-l,4-oxazepine, better known as CR, is a sensory irritant which causes temporary incapacitation. The MOD currently has approximately 260kg of CR. Some stocks are held by those units responsible for maintaining an effective counter terrorist response capability and the rest is at DERA, Porton Down for research purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the strategic and procurement implications of a merger between British Aerospace and DASA; and if he will make a statement. [56421]

The Government have encouraged defence and aerospace companies to restructure but have always made it clear that it is for Industry to decide how to do so. Should British Aerospace and DASA propose a merger at some stage in the future it would then be subject to the normal regulatory process, to which the MOD would be asked to contribute advice in confidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reasons me Government have increased to £6,500 the prescribed fee payable on an application for a licence under its Outer Space Act 1986. [55971]

[holding answer 22 October 1998]: The Outer Space Act fee was originally set at £1,000 per licence application in 1989 and has remained at that level until now. The complexity and frequency of licence applications have increased since 1989 and the fee has been increased to reflect the cost to the Government of processing each application. Companies which are regularly involved in activities regulated by the Act were consulted and I am confident that their competitive position will not be affected by this increase. The fees do not apply to educational institutions carrying out activities for teaching or research purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) the viability of sub-post offices and (b) village economies of state pensions being paid directly into bank or building society accounts; and if he will make a statement. [55745]

The Department has made no such assessment but I can confirm that the Government remain committed to the maintenance of a nation-wide network of post offices and to a secure, convenient and cost-effective method of payment for all benefit recipients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to improve (a) Post Office and (b) Royal Mail (i) efficiency and (ii) levels of service. [55820]

Any changes from the existing arrangements for improving the efficiency and quality of postal services will be announced in the context of the Government's decisions on the review of the Post Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the proportion of gross revenue (a) from the Post Office and (b) from the Royal Mail which goes directly to the Exchequer. [55822]

The External Finance Limit (EFL) target for 1997–98, achieved by the Post Office, was £313 million and represented 72 per cent. of post tax profits. The EFL relates to the Post Office as a whole and is not apportioned among its constituent businesses. In addition, the Post Office pays corporation tax on its profits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on postal services in other EU countries with particular reference to the effects of (i) total and (ii) partial privatisation. [55821]

My Department has not commissioned any specific studies of this kind. My officials have regular and frequent contact with their opposite numbers in other EU countries and beyond, and have considerable knowledge of postal structures and services in those countries, which has been reinforced with further material gathered in the course of the Post Office Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what circumstances patents granted by the European Patent Office have the legal effect of United Kingdom patents. [56353]

The European Patent Convention, to which the United Kingdom is a party, provides that the grant by the European Patent Office of a European Patent has the equivalent legal effect to a national patent in those States which have been designated by the applicant. The Convention allows each Member State to require that, before a European Patent has legal effect in its territory, a translation into an official language of that country must be provided. Along with all the other Member States, the UK requires such a translation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of the CARAD programme. [56478]

No decisions have yet been made about detailed DTI budget allocations in future years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost to the charitable sector of compliance with the provisions of the Working Time Directive, for (a) employed staff and (b) volunteers. [56480]

There was no specific assessment of the cost to the charitable sector. An assessment for the whole of British industry was made, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to contribute to the Ariane 5 Evolution Programme. [55382]

The Department of Trade and Industry has no current plans to contribute to the Ariane 5 Evolution Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to update the United Kingdom Space Plan of 1996; and if he will make a statement on United Kingdom participation in future launcher activities. [55373]

A new United Kingdom Space Plan, which will address, among other topics, the United Kingdom's participation in future launcher activities is in the process of being prepared.When the Space Plan is completed it will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ban the use of anti-microbial disinfectants, impregnated mattresses and similar household goods. [56172]

I have no plans to ban these products. Anti-microbial disinfectants are within scope of the recently adopted Biocidal Products Directive which will introduce a European harmonised authorisation scheme for such products. A central aim of the directive, which is to be implemented in member States by May 2000, is to ensure a high level of protection for people and the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the criteria for determining future qualification for assisted area status; and if he will make a statement. [55699]

On 30 July 1998, Official Report, columns 563–64, I launched a 3 month period of public consultation on the criteria and the geographical units which should be used in drawing up the new Assisted Areas map. The consultation period finishes on 30 October and we shall listen carefully to views expressed. No decisions have yet been taken on the criteria to be used.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the structural economic problems of British seaside resorts. [55708]

The Department has not commissioned any studies of the structural economic problems of British seaside resorts. However, the special needs of these areas will be taken into consideration during the current review of the Assisted Areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the likely increase in carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the introduction of digital television. [56194]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaneau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 20 March 1998, Official Report, column 763.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people his Department is committed to employing during 1998 under (a) the subsidised job option and (b) the unsubsidised job option of the New Deal programme. [52581]

I have asked Chief Executives of my Department's Agencies to reply direct to my hon. Friend.The headquarters area of the Department is planning to provide places as part of the New Deal programme later in the new year, under the subsidised job option.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he intends to establish the ministerial group on biotechnology and genetic modification; what will be the membership; what the terms of reference will be; whether the agendas and minutes will be published; and if he will make a statement. [56654]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Midlothian (Mr. Clarke) on 21 October 1998, Official Report, columns 1123–35, which set out the composition and terms of reference of the Ministerial committees and groups established to date, including the Committee on biotechnology and genetic modification. In line with the practice of successive Governments the proceedings of Cabinet Committees are not normally made public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the median weekly income excluding means-tested benefits of (a) single male pensioners, (b) single female pensioners and (c) married pensioners who are aged (i) 60 to 64, (ii) 65 to 69, (iii) 70 to 74, (iv) 75 to 79 and (v) 80 years or above, in each of the years for which the pensioner income series has been constructed, and in 1974. [55637]

[holding answer 19 October 1998]: 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 what would be the basic pension rate for a single person in 1999–2000 if it had been uprated in line with average earnings (a) in each year since 1980, (b) in 1998 and 1999 and (c) in 1999 only. [56013]

The information requested is currently not available. In order to answer this question we need to know the increase both in the Retail Prices Index and in average earnings for the year to September 1998. While the former is available, the latter will not be available until mid December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his current estimate of the proportion of pensioners entitled to income support who claim it; and what will be the corresponding proportion by the end of the year 2001–02 if take-up rises as assumed in his answer of 29 July 1998, Official Report, column 326. [56015]

Take-up of income support by pensioners is currently estimated to be between 61 per cent. and 70 per cent., measured by caseload. For costing purposes, we have assumed that take-up arising from the measures announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review will increase by about 13 percentage points by the end of 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in which countries (a) United Kingdom state pensioners receive an increase in payments in line with United Kingdom residents and (b) no increases are paid. [55803]

United Kingdom State pensioners resident abroad receive pension increases in line with United Kingdom residents in countries with whom we have agreements. These are members of the European Economic Area (EEA), Barbados, Bermuda, The Channel Islands, Cyprus, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Israel, Jamaica, Malta, Mauritius, Philippines, Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Slovenia, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA.United Kingdom pensioners in any other country do not receive increases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many British citizens received United Kingdom state pensions in (a) the EU, (b) the Commonwealth and (c) other countries in the last year for which figures are available. [56064]

The number of pensioners in receipt of a United Kingdom State Pension living in (a) the EU, (b) the Commonwealth, and (c) other countries is (a) 204,150 (b) 476,701 (c) 162,640.