To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the improvements he wishes to see in the operation of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, and if he will make a statement. [56680]

The Government are generally satisfied with the legal principles underlying the operation of the Convention, which provides for the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from, or wrongfully retained away from, their country of habitual residence. There is always scope for improvement through better coordination and cooperation among contracting states. Discussions on specific problems take place regularly with other contracting states through judicial and administrative channels. Proposals put forward at the Third Meeting of the Special Commission of the Hague Conference are set out in their report published in August 1997.

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will place in the Library all information available to him about (a) the deliberations of the Special Commission to review the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction which took place in March 1997 and (b) the Special Commission's conclusions. [56686]

The Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference published a report on the March 1997 Third Special Commission on the 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention in August 1997. Copies will be placed in the Library as soon as possible. A bibliography on this Convention is available on the Internet at web site http://www.hcch.net.

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if, for each of the last five years, he will give the number of complaints made under the Court Service Charter, the percentage of complaints upheld and the average and total amount of compensation paid to complainants. [56020]

The Court Service became an executive agency of the Lord Chancellor's Department in April 1995. This information, specific to the Court Service, cannot be provided prior to this date. In addition, for the first year (April 1995-March 1996) there was no central system in place to measure the information required. This could therefore be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to review the planning regulations in respect of visual amenity and the impact of (a) mobile telephone aerials, (b) windmills and (c) electricity pylons. [56345]

None. I am satisfied that the existing framework of regulation and guidance is adequate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 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. [55999]

[holding answer 22 October 1998]: 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 a Special Adviser on 4 overseas visits to Hong Kong and China, Portugal, Japan and Singapore, and Vienna. They were also accompanied by a total of 10 civil servants at a total cost of to date £67,431. Some invoices are still awaited for the Japan and Vienna trips.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what have been the annual running costs for each year since their establishment of each of the regional committees or bodies for the disbursement of European structural funds; and by what means such costs are scrutinised. [56251]

In England the Government Office for the Regions provide the Chair and secretariat to the Programme Monitoring Committees (PMCs) responsible for the disbursement of funds for Objective 1, 2 and 5b programmes and most Community Initiatives, under the European Structural Funds. The current programmes have been running since 1994 and are worth approximately £400 million/year. The table shows the total outturn costs for Government Offices of managing those funds for which they are responsible, on an annual basis since 1995–96. Figures for 1994–95 are not available in this format. This table includes the costs of managing the regional allocations of DfEE national programmes, but not those administered by MAFF. It also

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to encourage the use of energy-efficient lighting in accommodation occupied by his Department. [56193]

Property managers are asked to install energy efficient lighting, control systems and sensors to help meet DETR's target to cut energy use by 20 per cent. by March 2000 compared to March 1991. Lighting systems in new buildings use 50 per cent. less energy. Schemes are promoted to replace inefficient lighting systems in older buildings. For example, the Government Office for London has recently installed new lighting to cut energy use by 16 per cent. A new energy strategy is being drawn up to audit all buildings in DETR and to promote further measures to cut energy use. This will include more investment in energy efficient lighting systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the numbers of nuclear fuel flasks originating in (a) France, (b) Germany and (c) Switzerland, which have been allowed into the United Kingdom and have levels of loose contamination in excess of levels normally found on flasks of United Kingdom origin. [56352]

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: During the period from September 1996 to date, no nuclear fuel shipments entering the United Kingdom from Germany and Switzerland revealed loose contamination in excess of the regulatory levels. However, one flask shipment from Germany and one from Switzerland showed loose contamination at Dunkirk, does not include the cost of secondees from Programme partners to the Government Offices, or the expenses of the partnership representatives who form the membership of the PMCs.The running costs of Government Offices, including expenditure incurred in managing European programmes, are subject to monitoring from the Government Office Central Unit and the three parent Departments (DETR, DfEE and DTI). A programme of audits is also carried out by the Departments' internal auditors.whilst en-route to the United Kingdom. In both cases the contamination was removed to below the regulatory level before entering the UK and the flasks were found clean on arrival at Sellafield. France does not usually send spent fuel to the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of recent tests in Germany on genetically modified maize in respect of cross-pollination with natural maize; and if he will make a statement. [56509]

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: I have not seen the results of the German tests on maize. I will ask officials to investigate and will respond in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentages of total carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom arise from (a) power generation, (b) industrial production and (c) transport.[56828]

Power generation, industrial production and transport accounted respectively for about 27 per cent., 26 per cent. and 21 per cent. of total UK emissions of carbon dioxide in 1996, the most recent year for which final data are available. Provisional data for 1997 indicate that the percentage shares for the same three categories were 26 per cent., 26 per cent. and 22 per cent. respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the future capacity of electronic communication to reduce transport need.[56731]

Over 1 million people already use telecommunications to work from home for at least part of their working week, cutting the number of commuter journeys they make. Given the rate of technological progress, the number of people working in this way is expected to increase in the future.As the Integrated White Paper stated, this Government support the use of telecommunications to reduce travel and hope that companies will actively consider the possibilities in drawing up green transport plans. The environmental benefits will generally be greatest if teleworking is targeted at people who would otherwise do significant amounts of car travel. There will also be greater benefits if reduced commuter traffic is not replaced by more car journeys from the home, as could happen if improved telecommunications encourage people to shift from urban to rural areas, prompting less sustainable travel patterns overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ist the engine capacity of each vehicle used on official duties by Ministers in his Department.[56546]

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: My Department has Supply and Service Agreements with the Government Car and Despatch Agency for 9 vehicles for Ministers. Seven of the cars have engine capacities of 2 litres, the others being 4 litres and 2.7 litres respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce a winter campaign to encourage cyclists to wear reflective strips on their clothing; and if he will make a statement. [56720]

My Department has this week made available new promotional material for young cyclists explaining the importance of being visible to traffic by using lights and reflectors and appropriate clothing—bright or fluorescent by day and reflective at night. As part of the promotion we have produced 750,000 leaflets incorporating reflective stickers. They are available free through local authority road safety officers. The Highway Code and Highway Code for Young Road Users also give advice on this issue to pedestrians and cyclists of all ages.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages of introducing a global levy on aviation fuels for investment in sustainable development. [56514]

The Government support, in principle, the introduction of a tax on aviation fuel at an international level and will continue to pursue, within the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the potential for market based options such as a global levy on aviation fuel.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the current trend in UK emissions of greenhouse gases; and what estimate he has made of the level of such emissions in 2010 relative to those in 1990.[56513]

Total emissions of greenhouse gases from the UK have fallen from 215 million tonnes carbon equivalent in 1990 to 204 million tonnes carbon equivalent in 1996, the latest year for which figures are available.Assuming existing policies and measures, total greenhouse gas emissions are expected to fall by approximately 10 per cent. from 1990 to 2010. Earlier this week, my Department launched a consultation document on additional policy options for meeting its climate change targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the actions taken by the Government since the Kyoto agreement to ensure that the UK meets its emissions reductions targets; and what assessment he has made of the actions taken by the US Government to reduce their country's C0₂ emissions. [56512]

On 26 October the Government launched a consultation paper which lists the steps we have already taken and sets out in detail further options on how the UK could reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. It aims to stimulate a national debate about how the UK can meet both the legally binding Kyoto target to cut emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008 to 2012 and our domestic goal of a 20 per cent. cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.Our newclimate change programme will include measures to improve energy efficiency by business and in the home; reduce transport emissions; and increase the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources and combined heat and power schemes.Through our Washington Embassy and other contacts we receive regular reports of action taken and proposed, by the US Government to reduce their carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. A recent US Administration report (

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has reached a conclusion on the most appropriate method of enabling local planning authorities to control the impact of Leylandii and other fast growing conifers. [56417]

We are continuing to consider carefully whether Government intervention in relation to problems caused by these plants is necessary. We will announce our conclusions in due course.We are separately, with the support of the horticultural industry, local government and consumer interests, drawing up a voluntary code of good practice on the sale, use and maintenance of such plants for domestic hedges. It will include guidance to garden centres, nurseries and other outlets on how to give purchasers practical information about their growth potential and the work needed to maintain them. The provision of better advice and information to consumers under this code should help to ensure that we do not store up more problems for the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions after what period of time he takes action to obtain essential information which he has judged to be missing from planning applications which he has called in for determination. [56438]

This will depend on the individual circumstances of each application. Action is normally taken as soon as it becomes apparent that the relevant information is required in support of an application.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to reach a decision on the planning application made by Michael Knighton and Carlisle AFC for a mixed leisure and recreational development, which was called in on 8 January 1997. [56439]

The application in question has been withdrawn and so is no longer before the Secretary of State for determination.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make a decision about the future status of British Waterways; what options he is considering; and if he will make a statement. [56566]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to consult interested individuals and organisations regarding the future role and status of British Waterways; [56434](2) what representations he has received regarding British Waterways becoming a trust; and if he will make a statement;[56433](3) what plans he has for the future status of the British Waterways Board; and if he will make a statement. [56431]

The Government have been considering a range of possible options for the future of British Waterways (BW). These include the option, proposed by the British Waterways Board, of establishing a statutory, charitable trust in the private sector. Other options include retaining BW in the public sector while developing BW's access to private sector finance and expertise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the Government's planned contribution to British Waterways in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [56432]

The amount of grant-in-aid to British Waterways over this period is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the number of broadleaf trees currently being felled in the New Forest; and if he will publish his Department's correspondence with the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the revision of the Ministers Mandate.[56504]

The Forestry Commission is responsible for managing the Crown lands of the New Forest and it does so in accordance with the Minister's Mandate. As far as I am aware, there have been no discussions or correspondence between my Department and either the Forestry Commission or the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about the revision of the Mandate or the felling of broadleaf trees in the New Forest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraph 3.68 of the Government's White Paper, A New Deal for Transport, when he proposes to issue general guidance on the application of prohibitions in proposed competition legislation to facilitate co-operation between operators in respect of connecting services, co-ordinating timetables and integrating networks; and if he will make a statement. [56688]

[holding answer 27 October 1998]: The responsibility for issuing general guidance on the application of the prohibitions on anti-competitive agreements and the abuse of market power lies with the Director General of Fair Trading under Clause 52 of the Competition Bill, which will receive Royal Assent shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants from his Department are available for the providers of rural mobile shops; and if he will make a statement. [56556]

The Department does not provide grants for rural mobile or permanent shops (although there may be scope for such funding within part of a wider regeneration scheme funded through the Single Regeneration Budget). The Government's agency, the Rural Development Commission, can provide grants for rural mobile shops, particularly where a fixed shop is not viable. However, the Commission's priority is to support fixed shops which, in general, provide a more complete service for the community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) with which parties his Department has been having discussions on a Euro-gauge freight rail system from the Channel Tunnel to Scotland; [56310](2) what is his policy towards the proposed piggy-back rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56312]

For some months, Railtrack has been working on an application for grant assistance for a major rail freight upgrade. In drawing up its application the company has had lengthy discussions with my officials. We expect to receive a grant application shortly. It will be treated on its merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy towards the proposed central railway rail-freight scheme; and if he will make a statement. [56311]

Ministers have seen only the consultation documents which Central Railway has recently issued. The Government have therefore not taken a view on the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) by what year he estimates on present projections the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight carrying capacity will be fully utilised; [56313](2) by what percentage he estimates the volume of rail-freight going through the Channel Tunnel would be increased if the Channel Tunnel's rail-freight capacity was fully utilised. [56314]

English Welsh & Scottish Railway (EWS) acquired the Railfreight Distribution business from the BR Board in 1997 and now operates freight services through the Tunnel. EWS estimates that, given the current mix of Eurostar, Le Shuttle and freight trains, the share of Eurotunnel capacity allocated to the national railways for freight trans will be fully utilised in ten years. The company also estimates that at that point in time, volumes will have more than doubled.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements the Government are making to ensure effective co-ordination of its area-based initiatives. [57389]

The Government are committed to tackling social exclusion, reducing inequality and promoting regeneration and development. To help meet this commitment they have, in their first 18 months, launched specific area-based programmes and initiatives including Health Action Zones, the New Deal for Communities, Employment Zones and Education Action Zones.These area-based programmes have their own distinct goals. But they share key characteristics. They are targeted on areas and communities where there is a need for priority action; they aim to support new, cross-cutting approaches; they promote genuine local partnerships with stronger local involvement; and they encourage greater flexibility and responsiveness in the operation of public spending programmes.I am announcing today measures to ensure that area-based initiatives at neighbourhood, local, regional and national level are co-ordinated so that they serve local people as effectively as possible.The Cabinet Office and my Department have circulated a guidance note to all Departments. The guidance note

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received in the light of the consultation paper, Draft Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (England and Wales) Regulations 1998, implementing the requirements of the amended Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (97/11/EC); and if he will make a statement. [57391]

The consultation paper on the draft Town and Country Planning (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (England and Wales) Regulations 1998 was issued on 21 July 1998. To date, 105 responses have been received from business, local government and environmental organisations, as well as members of the public. A list of the responses has been placed in the library of the House and copies of all the responses have been placed in the DETR library. The Government are considering these responses and the Regulations will come into force on 14 March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish good practice advice for local authorities and the police on managing unauthorised camping; and if he will make a statement. [57089]

This Department and the Home Office have worked together to produce joint good practice guidance for local authorities and the police on managing unauthorised camping, based on research carried out by the University of Birmingham. I will be launching the guidance, and the associated research report, on 29 October at a conference organised by the National Association of Gypsy and Traveller Officers in Coventry.Copies of the good practice guidance and the report will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on genetically modified food. [56712]

In the last year, on this matter, The Scottish Office has dealt with 84 cases of Ministerial correspondence; in addition, a further 69 cases have been dealt with by officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the number of notified job vacancies at Chelmsford Jobcentre for each of the last 12 months for which figures are available. [56551]

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means he monitors the ability of providers of vocational and other courses for people with disabilities to cope with their special learning needs. [56962]

All provision funded by the Further Education Funding Council is monitored by the Council's Inspectorate. Provision funded by Training and Enterprise Councils is similarly monitored by the Training Standards Council. Both organisations have regard to the arrangements made for people with special learning needs when carrying out their inspections. Their reports are published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total cost to public funds to date in connection with the EU children's comic entitled "The Raspberry Ice Cream War". [56764]

Publication of "The Raspberry Ice Cream War" is funded by the European Commission. No details of its costs are available.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on community hospitals. [54801]

As I said in the House before the summer break, the Government recognise the important role that community hospitals can play in delivering locally based patient care. However, they must meet the same high-quality standards, and fairness and efficiency tests, as any other hospitals.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) how much the Government have (a) spent and (b) propose to spend in relation to the euro by way of (i) direct mail shots, (ii) pamphlets and information circulars, (iii) advertising on radio and television and (iv) schools information. [56939](2) what moneys have been

The single European currency will be introduced in 11 countries in Europe on 1 January 1999. The eurozone will form a market of nearly 300 million customers, and will account for about one-fifth of the world economy. It is by far the most important marketplace for UK business, accounting for around 50 per cent. of our total exports.The Government's communication campaign on the euro is aimed at ensuring UK businesses, especially small and medium firms, are aware of the implications of the introduction of the single currency from 1 January 1999 and have the information they need to prepare.To meet this objective, the Treasury Euro Preparations Unit received Summer Supplementary Estimate provision of £7.5 million for 1998–99. Spend to date has been approximately £0.5 million for direct mailing to 1.6 million UK SMEs, £0.5 million for the printing of factsheets and flyers, and £3.8 million for the costs of radio and television advertising. These figures do not include VAT or postage.Additionally, the Euro Preparations Unit (EPU) has advertised in the national and regional press, organised regional seminars and training programmes, and produced a number of publications. No information packs have yet been produced specifically for schools. We will look to do so in the future when it is appropriate.

To ask the Prime Minister if he raised the Chinese occupation of Tibet with his hosts during his recent visit to China. [56550]

In my meetings with Chinese leaders, I raised the issue of Tibet and urged China to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama without pre-conditions in order to seek a lasting solution.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the members of the Government who have met members of the Government of Cuba since 2 May 1997, separately identifying those who have met President Fidel Castro. [57030]

The following members of the Government have met with members of the Government of Cuba since 2 May 1997:

• The Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean
• Tony Lloyd MP
• George Foulkes MP
• George Howarth MP
• Jeff Rooker MP

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a summary of responses to the Green Paper on Welfare Reform. [56021]

Consultation on the Welfare Reform Green Paper ended on 31 July, and over 1,050 responses have been received. Half of the responses came from organisations—including both national bodies and local groups, and academic bodies. Most of the remaining responses came from individuals. Seventy hon. Members also submitted responses, many from their constituents.This has been a useful consultation on the principles that should underpin the Government's plans for welfare reform. The Green Paper set out a clear philosophy for the welfare state. "Work for those who can, security for those who cannot" is the foundation of our programme. It has received overwhelming support. The public's response demonstrates first a widespread recognition of the need for welfare reform, and secondly, endorsement of our approach.Today I announced the publication of three documents, "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People", which mark the next stage of reform, containing detailed proposals for turning those principles into practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is his definition of loss in the context of his policy that welfare reform will not lead to losses for existing recipients; and what steps he has taken to ensure that no reform to date hSas lead to such a loss; [56676](2) if his policy of ensuring that no current recipients of social security benefits lose as a result of the Government's welfare reform programme takes into account real terms losses from non-indexation of benefits. [56515]

[holding answer 26 October 1998]: We are today announcing reforms for people of working age. Details of how they will affect existing recipients of Social Security benefits are in the documents "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People" being published today. We are also announcing today details of the review of benefit rates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the capital limits for income support. [56023]

We have no plans to change these limits at present. However, we continue to review the benefit rules as part of our commitment to modernise the Social Security system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people currently claim (a) short-term and (b) long-term incapacity benefit; [55934](2) what proportion of incapacity benefit claimants currently receive the long-term rate; [55938](3) what proportion of current claimants of incapacity benefit are aged

At 31 May 1998, there were 1,644,640 Incapacity Benefit recipients. Of these, 102,400 received short-term lower rate, 99,180 short-term higher rate and 1,443,060, 87.7 per cent, long-term rate.Of the 1,644,640 recipients, 1,545,560 were aged over 25 and under 65. The breakdown is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the number of those currently receiving incapacity benefit who are capable of employment. [55933]

In order to qualify for Incapacity Benefit, a person must be assessed as "incapable of work" either for their own occupation or under the All Work Test. This does not mean that people who satisfy the All Work Test are unable to do any work at all: it simply establishes that their incapacity is such that it would be unreasonable to expect them to seek work as a condition for getting benefit. In practice, many people who satisfy the All Work Test may be capable of doing some work given the right help and support: survey evidence shows that around two million disabled people already work and over one million more would like to do so if they were given the right assistance.We intend to change the All Work Test so that, as well as assessing people's incapacity in order to determine their benefit entitlement, it also provides information about their capacities. Together with a wider assessment of employability, this information can then be used to provide the help and support which disabled people need if they are to seek to return to work and increase their independence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of current claimants have been in receipt of incapacity benefit for (a) under six months, (b) six to 12 months, (c) one to two years and (d) over two years. [55941]

The information is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the savings from means-testing incapacity benefit for the first two years of all new claims. [55937]

No such estimate has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy not to reduce benefits for those claiming incapacity benefit, who are deemed fit for work, who reject a job or training place; and if he will make a statement. [56248]

It is a condition for receiving Incapacity Benefit that a person is assessed as "incapable of work" either for their own occupation or under the All Work Test. People who do not satisfy the appropriate test may claim Jobseeker's Allowance if they satisfy the basic labour market entitlement conditions for the receipt of that benefit; that a person must be available for, and actively seeking, work and have a Jobseeker's Agreement which remains in force.Jobseekers who refuse an offer of employment or a place on a prescribed training scheme without good cause are liable to a benefit sanction. It is recognised that those with health problems can be at a disadvantage in the labour market, and people may therefore restrict their availability for work in any way providing the restrictions are reasonable in the light of their physical or mental condition. Any agreed restrictions on a jobsSeeker's availability must be taken into account when considering a question of good cause.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate is provided by his Department's Family Resources Survey of the number of children aged 0 to 11 years whose childcare during the hours of parental employment is provided primarily by a grandparent or other non-parental family member. [56403]

The information is not available in the form requested. However, the 1996–97 Family Resources Survey, the latest available, shows that about 1.4 million of children aged under 11, where at least one parent is in regular paid work, receive regular childcare from a relative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many lone parents who are in receipt of state benefits live in the West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency; how many are receiving help under the New Deal for Lone Parents; and how many have gone into employment since receiving that help. [56406]

The information requested is not held by parliamentary constituency.Income Support statistics can be broken down by local authority district. These show that, as at February 1998, there were 1,000 lone parents receiving Income Support in the district covered by Chelmsford Borough Council.Lone parents are free to visit whichever Jobcentre they find most convenient; it is likely that those living in the West Chelmsford constituency will use the Chelmsford Jobcentre. Between 6 April and 23 October 1998, when the New Deal for Lone Parents was available for those making a new or repeat claim for Income Support, 64 lone parents attended an initial interview at the Chelmsford Jobcentre. Of these, 54 decided to take advantage of the service offered under the New Deal for Lone Parents. 19 have since taken up employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost to public funds of introducing means testing for widow's benefit, and extending the benefit to male claimants; if he will estimate the number of people who would lose benefit under such a system, indicating their average financial loss; and if he will make a statement. [56247]

The information requested is not available. Estimates would depend on the form of means testing to be applied.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence is provided by his Department's Family Resources Survey on the earnings levels of those receiving widow's benefits. [55663]

The Family Resources Survey (FRS) collects information on the earnings and other income of widows together with information on the income of other members of their households.In 1996–97, the FRS sample included 140 widows who were in receipt of widows' benefits (widowed mother's allowance and widow's pension) and who also had earnings. The average weekly gross earnings of these widows at the time of interview was around £160 and the median gross earnings of this group was about £110 per week.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is regarding drug and alcohol testing in the workplace. [56732]

I have been asked to reply.The Government have no proposals to require random testing in the workplace for alcohol or drugs. The Government encourage individual employers to act in accordance with guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive: "Drug Misuse at Work", issued earlier this year, and "Don't Mix it" issued in 1996. I am placing copies in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have died at rave events in the last five years; and how many of those deaths were as a direct result of attending the event. [56905]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System will be published. [57390]

The report of the Independent Commission on the Voting System will be published tomorrow at 11am. At that time, copies will be available in the Vote Office.My right hon. Friend the President of the Council hopes to find time for an early debate in the House of Commons.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make public funds available to pay for the cost of producing and distributing photographic security passes for the 1998 Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat party conferences. [56781]

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 provides for the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Treasury, to pay grants toward the security costs of qualifying political parties' annual Party Conferences.We have yet to receive applications in respect of grants for security passes for the 1998 annual Party Conferences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of police budgets was spent on traffic (a) in Gloucestershire and (b) nationally in the last year for which figures are available. [56567]

This information is not collected centrally. The allocation of resources to different functions is an operational matter for individual chief constables.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice is issued to police forces about the siting of speed cameras, with particular reference to those which are not accompanied by warning signs; and what proportion of speed cameras do not have accompanying warning signs. [56553]

Guidance on the siting of speed cameras has been issued to chief constables in the Home Office Circular: "The Use of Automatic Detection Devices for Road Traffic Law Enforcement (38/1992)" and to highway authorities in the then Department of Transport Circular: "Use of Technology for Traffic Enforcement: Guidance on Deployment (Roads 1/92)". Further guidance on camera signing has been issued to highway authorities in the then Department of Transport Circular: "Traffic Signal and Speed Camera Signing (Roads 1/95)". Copies of these documents have been placed in the Library.Decisions on the siting of fixed speed cameras and the provision of warning signs are for local highway authorities to determine, in consultation with chief officers of police. The devices are deployed at accident hotspots or in areas where excessive speed is known to contribute to dangerous driving conditions. The provision of camera warning signs is recommended but is not mandatory. They are intended to identify the presence of cameras within a particular area rather than individual sites, as that would restrict the effect of the cameras to those sites.Details of the proportion of speed cameras which are not accompanied by warning signs are not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to restrict the sale of electoral registers; if he will consider allowing individuals to have their names removed from lists which are sold to certain organisations; and if he will make a statement. [56562]

The sale of the electoral register is one of the issues currently under review by the Working Party on Electoral Procedures, which I chair. We are considering a range of options, which include allowing individuals' details to be excluded from the register which is sold on for commercial use.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allow the police to provide the names of convicted criminals to housing associations. [56564]

The police have a common law power to disclose information where necessary for the prevention or detection of crime, and would doubtless use this to disclose information to housing associations where they judged it to be necessary.Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 clarified the position with regard to the disclosure of information and, following that, the Home Office and Data Protection Registrar have issued a joint Statement setting out how this should properly be done.The guidance on information sharing, including the joint Statement, is included in the Home Office's "Guidance on Statutory Crime and Disorder Partnerships", a copy of which has been placed in the Library. It is also available via the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cdact/actgch5.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to pay the compensation to former owners of firearms who surrendered them under Option C. [56558]

Over 7,300 claimants have already received compensation totalling £9.3 million under Option C of the large calibre handgun compensation scheme and the voluntary surrender scheme for small calibre pistols. In addition around 750 offers of payment totalling £770,000 are awaiting acceptance by the claimant.Processing these Option C claims, especially those from firearms dealers, has been difficult, mainly because the evidence of value provided in support of the claims has often proved on examination to be insufficient, resulting in the need for further inquiries, while there has been a need to identify and eliminate a large number of ineligible items surrendered for compensation under the heading of ancillary equipment. This has tended to slow the rate of progress on Option C claims, but it has also enabled Firearms Compensation Section (FCS) staff to build up their expertise in resolving the difficulties presented by these claims.We are now using this core of experienced staff as the basis for expanding the number of examining teams to 17, which, when fully staffed, should increase the overall staff numbers in the FCS to 115, more than double the original complement. The first tranche of 20 new staff took up post on 26 October 1988, and the expansion will continue as rapidly as possible, subject to the need to maintain standards of scrutiny.This major expansion of the Section should help to increase the processing rate substantially and reduce waiting time. It could not have been carried out any sooner because of the need to ensure a consistency of approach in the examination of the Option C claims, both in the interests of claimants and to ensure that payments are properly made in accordance with the terms of the compensation scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his most recent estimate of (a) the administrative costs and (b) the cost of compensation payments arising from the ban on the ownership of handguns. [56174]

Our current estimate of the cost of the compensation schemes for large-calibre handguns and small-calibre pistols remains at around £128 million, of which about £8 million is in respect of police and Home Office administration costs. The compensation figure is subject to revision as further claims under Option C of the schemes are examined.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards those from Kosovo seeking asylum. [56563]

All claims for asylum from citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, including those from the province of Kosovo, are considered on their merits within the terms of the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Consideration takes into account the latest information and advice on the country situation from a range of sources, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Where an application for asylum is refused, consideration is given to granting leave to remain exceptionally outside the Immigration Rules on humanitarian grounds. We have not recently returned to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia any ethnic Albanians who have been refused asylum here.Applications and decisions for the period January to September 1998 inclusive are set out in the table. The statistical return does not differentiate between citizens of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia by ethnicity.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum cases were awaiting decision (a) on 1 May 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available. [56166]

As at 30 April 1997, there were 54,020 applications for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, awaiting an initial decision. The figure fell to 50,950 in March 1998. As at the end of September 1998, it stood at 57,545.This partly reflects increases in asylum applications from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and the Slovak Republic.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many incidents of clandestine illegal entry have been reported to his Department (a) in each of the last five years and (b) in the most recent period for which figures are available; [56191](2) how many illegal entrants have been removed from the United Kingdom in

Information on illegal entrants removed from the United Kingdom between 1 January 1993 and 30 June 1998 are given in Table 1.In addition to clandestine illegal entrants detected directly by the Immigration Service, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate also receives notification of "self-confessed" clandestine entry and referrals of instances of possible clandestine entry and often involving groups of people, from other sources, such as the police. Regrettably, there is no central record of the numbers of such referrals received. The available information, which relates to the numbers of clandestine entrants on whom notice of illegal entry was served between 1 January 1994 and 30 June 1998, is given in Table 2.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the letter of 24 August 1998 from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, to the hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Mr. O'Brien), in how many cases of clandestine illegal entry the individuals concerned have been referred to a place where their circumstances can be assessed and any applications processed according to the most recent figures which are available. [56173]

As I explained in my letter of 24 August to the hon. Member, it is the normal practice of the Immigration Service to respond to incidents where immigration offenders are detected, although there will be occasions when immigration staff are already deployed dealing with other incidents and we are unable to respond immediately.The Immigration Service is consulting the police forces most affected to ensure that incidents are dealt with properly. In areas where it is necessary, we hope to have a standard agreement in place in the next few months between the police and the Immigration Service which will provide a clear mechanism for dealing with clandestine entrants.Local immigration offices have not, hitherto, been required to keep records of the number of requests to attend to which they have been unable to respond and this information has not been collected centrally. They have now been asked to collect and submit this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place for the police to deal with cases of clandestine illegal entry where immigration officers are unable to attend. [56190]

The Immigration Service endeavours to respond to all incidents involving clandestine entrants. As a result of the considerable rise in clandestine entry this year, there are occasions where resources are stretched so that the Immigration Service is unable to respond immediately. On such occasions, the Immigration Service tries to ensure that the individuals concerned are referred to a place where their circumstances can be assessed and any applications processed. The Immigration Service is consulting the police forces most affected to ensure that incidents are dealt with properly. In areas where it is necessary, we hope to have a standard agreement in place shortly between the police and the Immigration Service to provide a clear mechanism for dealing with clandestine entrants.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he expects targeted policing of areas to be implemented in respect of (a) the initial 20 areas and (b) other areas; [56180](2) what criteria will be used to select areas to be made subject to targeted policing. [56182]

We are currently considering specific criteria on which the money to be made available for the projects forming the targeted policing element of the Crime Reduction Programme will be allocated. We will certainly be adopting an evidence-based approach to targeted action and expecting careful evaluation of the outcome of each project which is supported.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much additional funding is to be made available to police authorities in areas containing targeted policing initiatives; [56178](2) what estimate he has made of the number of additional police officers required to implement targeted policing of areas. [56177]

The value of targeting policing effort at identified problems as part of a strategy to reduce crime and disorder is that it enables chief officers to decide how to deploy their resources most effectively to that end. A pre-requisite is that the strategy should be evidence-based, that is based on an analysis of the local crime and associated problems and that policing tactics are adopted in the light of the analysis. The crime and disorder audits required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 support this approach. Equally, our approach is output-driven and we will expect careful evaluation to demonstrate the extent to which crime is reduced as a result of any strategy and how that fits with the locally agreed targets for crime reduction. Experience around the country shows that targeted policing does not require additional police officers or other resources to be successful. However, to help forces develop this approach to crime reduction, we are making over £30 million available over the next three years for targeted policing projects as part of the crime reduction strategy.This funding is in addition to the extra £1.24 billion which will be available to police authorities in England and Wales over the next three years under the Government's spending plans announced in the summer. This settlement, along with savings from the 2 per cent. year on year efficiency improvements which police forces will be asked to achieve, will help to ensure that more resources are focused on the front line against crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation took place between the Metropolitan Police and his Department prior to the arrest of Senator Pinochet of Chile; and when. [57029]

Ministers and civil servants in the Home Office were kept informed by the Metropolitan Police of events leading up to Senator Pinochet's arrest on 16 October.The decision to issue a provisional warrant for the arrest of Senator Pinochet was taken by the Bow Street Magistrate under section 8(1)(b) of the Extradition Act 1989 in response to a request from an extradition partner.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department has taken to co-ordinate a review of the issues relating to the legal status of trans-sexual persons; and if he will make a statement. [56460]

Matters of concern to transsexuals are the responsibility of a number of Government Departments. The Government are considering how best to take forward the issues raised by the recent judgment by the European Court of Human Rights in the case of two British trans-sexuals, Horsham and Sheffield.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the names of those people he has appointed to public bodies since 1 May 1997, indicating the positions to which they have been appointed and whether they receive remuneration. [56791]

I will write to my hon. Friend with the information as soon as possible. A copy will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's estimate of the gaming and betting duty forgone as a result of betting over the Internet. [57229]

No estimate of the gaming and betting duty forgone as a result of betting over the Internet is available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the level of VAT for the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement regarding his policy on the taxation of tourism. [56552]

We have no plans for a reduced rate of VAT for tourism. Customs are, however, carefully studying a report by the British Tourist Authority on the scope for a reduced rate in this area.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many abortions were performed in England and Wales on women resident in Northern Ireland by weeks gestation in the last five years for which figures are available; [56936](2) what is the total number of abortions carried out on residents of Northern Ireland in England and Wales since 1970; [56938](3) how many abortions were performed in England and Wales for each of the statutory grounds of the Abortion Act 1967 as amended on women resident in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [56937]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many abortions were carried out on Barnet residents in 1997; how many of these were carried out in NHS hospitals; how many were paid for by the NHS; how many were carried out by agency arrangement and paid for by the NHS; and how many were carried out in the private sector (a) inside and (b) outside Barnet. [56904]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths in each of the last three years have been attributed to the use of (a) co-proxamol, (b) paracetamol and (c) paracetamol in combination with drugs other than dextropropoxphene. [56545]

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

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make more readily available to the public a full list of current green and white papers together with the relevant timescales for consultation. [56161]

Most green and white papers are published as Command Papers, full details of which are included in the Daily List of Publications issued by The Stationery Office Limited and which is available in printed form and via their Internet Web Site at the following address: (http://www.national-publishing.co.uk./d_ listfr.html)A complete list also appears on the UK Official Publications Bibliographic database (http://www.ukop/co.uk) which is published jointly by The Stationery Office Limited and Chadwyck-Healey Ltd.Following publication of the Service First Unit's guidance

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proposals he has for random testing in the workplace for (a) alcohol and (b) drugs; and in respect of which workplaces. [56498]

The Government have no proposals to require random testing in the workplace for alcohol or drugs. The Government encourage individual employers to act in accordance with guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive: "Drug Misuse at Work", issued earlier this year and "Don't Mix it" issued in 1996. I am placing copies in the library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new measures he proposes to assist manufacturing industry; and if he will make a statement. [56490]

The Government inherited an economy displaying pressures which have led to boom-bust instability in the past. As a result, the economy needed to slow to a more sustainable rate. The Government recognise the concerns of manufacturers and exporters about the pound. They are pursuing policies to deliver long-term economic stability, the essential platform for encouraging high levels of growth and employment in the manufacturing industry, as in the whole economy. In Wales, our New Economic Agenda, Pathway to Prosperity sets out a programme for manufacturing industry in Wales to achieve world class standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has received from the Countryside Council for Wales with regard to the proposed rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway through Snowdonia, with particular reference to (a) the impact on the site of special scientific interest at the Aberglaslyn Pass and (b) the visual impact of signs required by the Railway Inspectorate. [56927]

The decision in this case will be taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who has received a representation from the Countryside Council for Wales on the proposed Welsh Highland Railway Order. The CCW did not object to the project in principle but raised a number of issues for consideration by the Secretary of State, including a recommendation that no planting or seeding should be carried out on the exposures at the Aberglaslyn SSSI. They did not comment on the

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce controls over consumer marketing to ensure that information given or implied is not misleading or easily misconstrued. [56072]

There are already many controls to ensure that the marketing activities of companies are not misleading. Under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 it is a criminal offence to apply, in the course of a trade or business, false or misleading statements to goods and to knowingly or recklessly do so in respect of services. The self-regulatory system of advertising and sales promotion control, backed up by the possibility of action by the Director General of Fair Trading under the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988, is also designed to prevent false or misleading information in advertisements and other promotional material. In visual impact of signs but other parties raised this issue and it was considered by the Inspector at the public local inquiry into the scheme.I understand that my right hon. Friend has received the Inspector's Report and is considering it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number and total weight of (a) salmon and (b) grilse taken by (i) anglers and (ii) commercial nets in (1) drift and (2) estuary nets for each of the last five years and for 1985, 1980 and 1975 or as much of such information as is readily available; and if he will provide the same information for fish classed (x) 1 sea winter, (y) 2 sea winter and (z) 3 sea winter fish. [55568]

Catch statistics are recorded on an England and Wales basis, and the available information is given in the following table. All figures relate to salmon and grilse although the estimated proportion of grilse in rod catches for the period 1993–97 has also been included. It is not possible to provide any further reliable data on catches broken down by age-class.addition there are specific statutes which address misleading claims in sectors such as medicines, food and drink and financial services. The Government continue to monitor the performance of all such measures and, where necessary and proportionate, would not hesitate to propose new ones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have (a) opened and (b) closed since 1979 by county, and if he will list them. [55726]

I understand from the Post Office that, from the end of March 1993 to date, 583 sub-post offices have opened and 1,614 have closed. I have asked for a more detailed breakdown of these data and will place a copy in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if redundancy packages of sub-postmasters/mistresses who have lost their jobs following closure of their sub-post offices take into consideration (a) loss of future earnings and (b) capital lost from their business as a result of closure. [55771]