To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (i) the new duties which he plans to give the Environment Agency in England and Wales and (ii) the resources which the Government will provide to the Agency to carry them out; and if he will make a statement. [61194]

The Environment Agency will undertake new duties, shortly, under the COMAH and Groundwater Regulations. Other legislation in preparation, such as the Pollution Prevention and Control Bill and regulations on Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Terphenyls, may also place new obligations on the Agency.In common with the Agency's other regulatory expenditure it is proposed that the annual cost of work on the (CIMAH) Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1984 (£1.3m) and on the Groundwater Regulations 1998 (£3m), and the cost of other new obligations will be recovered largely through charges on those regulated. For preparatory work and other costs for which charging is not feasible the Agency may draw on its annual block allocation of grant-in-aid which will be increased to over £106 million in 1999–2000 following this year's Comprehensive Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the list of candidate special areas of conservation proposed under the European Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora will be reviewed to take account of the new research by the World Wide Fund for Nature. [61005]

No. The list of candidate sites was selected using a rigorous, iterative scientific process which applied the Directive's site selection criteria. There has also been extensive consultation on the proposals and additions made in the light of earlier comments from WWF and others.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to allow service personnel to have their council tax demand waived during periods when they are posted on tours (a) abroad and (b) in Northern Ireland. [60861]

A person is counted towards the council tax bill at whichever dwelling is considered to be their "sole or main residence". The council tax is essentially a means of contributing towards the cost of providing a range of local services throughout a local area. These services include, for example, education, police and fire services, and highways maintenance. Whether people work in this country or abroad, it is reasonable that they should make a contribution towards the cost of local services where they maintain their sole or main residence. Members of the Armed Forces are treated in the same way as anyone else in determining sole or main residence and we do not have any plans to change this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Cop-4 talks held in Buenos Aires. [61010]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, North (Ms Ryan) and to the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Bums) on Thursday 19 November, Official Report, columns 837–38.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's policy is on the shipment of United Kingdom nuclear waste to Australia for final disposal and storage. [61009]

I am not aware of any proposal to ship United Kingdom nuclear waste to Australia. Under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, any such proposal would be subject to approval by the competent regulatory authorities in both countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the growing of high hedges adjacent to the boundaries of residential property; and what policy initiatives he is planning to address the issues raised in the representations. [61663]

We have received numerous representations about the growing of hedges adjacent to the boundaries of residential property. Our current policy regarding the problems caused by such hedges was set out in my previous reply to the hon. Member on 28 October 1998, Official Report, columns 164–65.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish, for each train operating company, the percentage of trains arriving at their destination more than three minutes early. [61656]

This information is not readily available. Such trains would be recorded as having arrived on time according to the definition of "punctual" for the relevant route group in the Franchising Director's performance bulletins, copies of which are in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish, for each train operating company, the percentage of (a) London commuter trains, Gatwick Express trains and short distance ex-regional railway trains, arriving at their destination between three minutes and four minutes 59 seconds late, (b) ex-InterCity trains and ex-Regional Railways long distance trains arriving at their destination between five minutes and nine minutes 59 seconds late and (c) ScotRail sleepers arriving at their destination between 10 and 30 minutes late for the latest available period. [61657]

This information is not readily available. Such trains are recorded as having arrived on time according to the definition of "punctual" for the relevant route group in the Franchising Director's performance bulletins, copies of which are in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it his policy to reduce the maximum time trains can be late whilst still being classified as punctual within the criteria set for the Passenger's Charter performance statistics. [61658]

The immediate priority is for train operators and Railtrack to improve the punctuality of services within its current, reasonable definition.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to be able to release highway authorities from the requirement to seek his Department's approval prior to introducing 20 mph limits on roads for which they have responsibility. [60933]

I shall be introducing secondary legislation shortly in order to remove the consent requirement. I expect the new system to be in operation in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he or his Ministers held with (a) OPRAF and (b) Connex South Central before the decision was taken not to extend the latter's franchise. [61654]

None. However, as required by his Objectives, Instructions and Guidance, the Franchising Director notified the Deputy Prime Minister prior to announcing his decision not to extend Connex South Central's franchise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the application by Connex South Central to extend its franchise was refused; if he is prepared to consider an amended offer from the company; and if he will make a statement. [61653]

The Franchising Director announced in July that he considered that he could obtain better value for money by competitively retendering the franchise on its expiry after seven years. The company cannot make a further offer under the option that was in their original contract. However, we have said that we are prepared in principle to consider proposals to renegotiate franchises to secure additional passenger benefits and commitments to more demanding performance targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate (a) the rate of road traffic growth which could be expected to occur between 1997 and 2002 if no action was taken to reduce this and (b) the rate of road traffic growth which is now expected to occur following Government action to reduce road traffic growth. [60927]

The 1997 National Road Traffic Forecasts were based on previous policies. The increase in total traffic between 1997 and 2002 implicit in the 1997 central forecasts is 9 per cent.The Department has begun working on a revised set of forecasts which will reflect the new direction for transport provided by the New Deal. This work involves developing new approaches to forecasting traffic and its environmental and economic effects. Once the Commission for Integrated Transport is established next year, it will be advising the Department on our revised forecasts. One of the first things we will be consulting the Commission on is the alternative forecasting approaches we could use. Once we have the Commission's advice on this question, we will be able to complete our plans and announce a target date for publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if it is his policy to set targets for reductions in traffic levels (a) nationally and (b) for particular areas; and if he will make a statement. [60928]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 November 1998, Official Report, column 458.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the emissions of NO_x, from aircraft operating within United Kingdom airspace in each year since 1980. [60930]

No such estimates are produced for the whole of United Kingdom airspace. An annual estimate is made of the NO_x produced by civil aircraft, on domestic or international flights at UK airports, during ground movements and in the landing and take-off cycle, up to 1,000 metres. This is published in the Digest of Environmental Statistics. Information from the Digest for the period 1980 to 1996 (the latest year for which figures are available) is given in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish, for each month since its inception, the average time taken by National Rail Inquiries to answer a call; and if he will make a statement. [61509]

Information on the average time taken to answer a call is not recorded by the National Rail Enquiry Scheme (NRES). NRES is required by the Rail Regulator to answer 90 per cent. of all calls and to record the percentage of calls answered within 30 seconds. The Rail Regulator monitors performance against both targets but his priority has been to ensure that NRES meets its 90 per cent. target. He is currently considering formal enforcement action following recent disappointing performance by NRES.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the information provided by National Rail Inquiries in respect of (a) timetable information and (b) price options. [61508]

Following the Rail Regulator's mystery shopping survey into accurate and impartial retailing last year, the Association of Train Operation Companies (ATOC) agreed to carry out further similar surveys. ATOC is currently carrying out surveys into the accuracy of information provided by both the National Rail Enquiry Scheme and station ticket offices. The results are expected to be published early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the recent Greenpeace report on the impact on the United Kingdom of emissions from French nuclear reactors; and if he will make a statement. [60942]

My Department has not received a copy of the report referred to, but it is understood from the Greenpeace press release that it relates to computer modelling of the dispersal of aerial discharges from the La Hague nuclear reprocessing plant.I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on Thursday 17 November 1998,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of measurable radioactivity recorded in southern England is attributable to emissions from French nuclear reactors. [60943]

Measured levels of radioactivity in air, rainwater, lakes and reservoirs, and radiation levels over beaches in southern England are indistinguishable from levels of both natural origin and from atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons and the Chernobyl reactor accident. The low levels of man-made radioactivity found in marine foodstuffs and sediments sampled from the coastal waters of Southern England cannot be attributed to particular sources.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce targets for reductions in casualties among (a) cyclists and (b) pedestrians expressed in terms of casualties per mile travelled. [60932]

On 15 October 1997 the Government announced that they will be setting new road safety targets for Great Britain for the year 2010. There will be one target figure for the reduction in road accident deaths and serious injuries, and another for slight injuries. We are still considering the details of the target.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list, for each EU country, the percentage of rail track operated for passenger purposes which was electrified in (a) 1977, (b)1987 and (c) 1997. [61655]

The Department does not collect statistics separately for electrified passenger track. However, for the years for which statistics are available, the percentage of electrified track in each EU Member State is:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the charge of dangerous driving and the appropriateness of the criteria which must be met before such a charge can successfully be brought. [60935]

The Transport Research Laboratory is undertaking a research project to discover more about the process whereby charges are brought and prosecuted for dangerous driving, including the application of the criterion in section 2A of the Road Traffic Act 1988, or for the lesser charge of careless driving.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Chair of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority will be required to work only two and a half days a week. [61652]

We have advertised this appointment of approximately 2.5 days a week because we judge this to be the right time commitment for the job of leading the British Railways Board as part of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority and, subject to legislation, the SRA proper with its full-time Chief Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the current review of packaging regulations will cover the benefits for supermarkets from their back of store waste and the effects of such benefits on others in the packaging chain. [61499]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans his Department has to increase retailers' obligations under the packaging and waste regulations. [61636]

The review of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 covered a range of issues as set out by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment (Mr. Meacher) in his answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Normanton (Mr. O'Brien) on 17 December 1997, Official Report, columns 193–94.Each of the four main sectors may have back-door waste to some extent. Those businesses that do have such waste are likely to use it towards the discharge of their obligations. Retailers are likely to have larger quantities of back-door waste than other businesses, but will incur costs in making that material available. They also carry a higher share of the burden. A share-out of the burden between industry sectors was agreed on the 15 December 1995, and that industry agreement is the basis of the present Regulations. Each sector's "activity" obligations in the regulations are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the decision on the application to develop a golf course on the ancient woodland site at Penn, Buckinghamshire. [61498]

The Inspector's Report following his site visit is currently being considered. It is anticipated that the decision will be issued by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account was taken of the accessibility of blocks of flats in the decision to extend part M of the building regulations to housing in October; and if he will make a statement. [61651]

The Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998 No. 2561) made on 26 October 1998 modified Part M in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 1991 (SI 1991 No. 2768) to apply requirements on access and facilities for disabled people to the design and construction of dwellings. The definition of dwelling in the 1991 regulations includes dwelling houses and flats.The revised Approved Document published to provide practical guidance on satisfying the amended requirements applies to all dwellings, including flats, and also includes guidance on passenger lifts and common stairs in blocks of flats.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ban the use of four star petrol. [61505]

Four star leaded petrol will be banned from general sale from 1 January 2000 under regulations currently being prepared. The regulations will allow the continuance of a very limited supply of leaded petrol for use by historic vehicles. The Department is well advanced in preparing publicity material for motorists that currently use leaded petrol and further details will be announced very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on recent flooding at Brindley Ford arising from the Coal Authority's maintenance of the nearby opencast coal site. [61191]

Following heavy rain in late October, flooding occurred at Brindley Ford to the south of the former Brownlees opencast site, part of which is owned by the Coal Authority.The authority is currently investigating, in association with the Environment Agency, Staffordshire county council, and Stoke-on-Trent city council, the water management at the locality to identify the cause of the flooding and ways of dealing with it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the role of London Fashion Week in promoting the United Kingdom textile industry; and if he will make a statement. [61646]

My Department is one of the supporters of London Fashion Week and we therefore assess its effectiveness in promoting the UK textiles and clothing sector each time it takes place.London Fashion Week is an important showcase for British design talent. Many of the designers whose profiles were initially raised by London Fashion Week are now working closely with UK producers of textiles and clothing, as well as with UK retailers, to provide a competitive design edge to existing ranges, and to help develop new and innovative products. London Fashion Week also plays an important role in projecting the image of British fashion and textiles world-wide.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what were the results of the public consultation following publication of the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls; and if he will make a statement. [61814]

The Department has received 54 responses to the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls. I am placing copies of the responses, except two for which complete confidentiality has been requested, in the Libraries of both Houses and in the Library of the Department. I have also arranged for copies of the responses to be made available on request from the Department's Export Control Organisation.We are currently reviewing our proposals in the light of the responses received, and will make a further announcement in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to (a) ban or (b) place restrictions on women's boxing. [61008]

The Department has no plans either to ban or to place any restrictions on women's boxing.I appreciate the strength of feeling on this issue, but I should stress that the Government do not control boxing—or, indeed, any other sport in this country. We are, of course, keen to see that the proper medical safeguards and regulations are in place for all sports, especially those which may carry a higher level of physical contact, and believe that the sport's governing bodies should remain primarily responsible for this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what responsibilities attach to owners of Grade II listed sites. [61133]

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: Grade II listed buildings form an important part of the nation's historic environment, for which we all share responsibility. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires the owner of any listed building to obtain listed building consent for any works of demolition or for any works of alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The carrying out of such works without prior consent is a criminal offence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what grants are available to the owners of Grade II listed sites. [61134]

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: Grade II listed buildings in conservation areas are eligible for grant funding from English Heritage. The Heritage Lottery Fund can also provide funding for any grade of listed building provided that the application meets their assessment criteria.Local authorities have powers to give grants for any buildings of special architectural or historic interest. They can give grants up to 50 per cent. of costs, and authorities may also make interest-free loans rather than grants, using the same criteria.Further information on other sources of funding may be found in the Directory of Grant Making Trusts published by the Charities Aid Foundation, available from public libraries, and Funds for Historic Buildings published by the Architectural Heritage Fund, Clareville House, 26–27 Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EL.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what changes he proposes to make to the operation of the New Opportunities Fund's three operational themes in Scotland after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [61029]

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: The framework for the New Opportunities Fund's first three initiatives (healthy living centres, out of school hours activities and childcare, and ICT training for teachers and librarians) already reflects the particular circumstances in Scotland, and each initiative has a specific funding allocation which must be spent on projects in Scotland. Any further initiatives established before the creation of the Scottish Parliament will also take into account the differing needs of each part of the United Kingdom, including Scotland.

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what plans he has to ensure that hon. Members have access to ISDN telephone lines. [61438]

An hon. Member who has a specific communications requirement concerning his Parliamentary duties should raise the matter with the Director of Communications. The provision of communications, including ISDN, at locations outside the Parliamentary Estate is currently being considered, and the Information Committee will be discussing this in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many vacancies there were for the Territorial Army and Voluntary Reserve (a) in May 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available. [60860]

The Territorial Army establishment in May 1997 was 59,000 posts, of which 55,900 were filled. In October 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, the establishment was also 59,000 posts, of which 53,847 were filled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what procedures exist for service personnel to be registered on the electoral roll; and what proposals he has to increase the number of registrations. [60862]

Service personnel may vote only when they are registered as Service Voters. The Representation of the People Act 1993 obliges my Department to ensure that all eligible members of the Armed Forces and their spouses are given the opportunity and adequate assistance to register as Service voters. To register, personnel make a Service declaration to the electoral registration officer for the area in which the applicant's qualifying address is situated, and this single registration remains valid throughout a Service career. Spouses may register as either Service or civilian voters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial assistance is available to new entrant soldiers who are themselves on income support, or whose parents are, towards the cost of equipment and supplies which they are required to purchase and to meet obligatory insurance costs. [60921]

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: All new entrant soldiers are given an advance of pay, equivalent to one day's pay, when they are attested at a recruiting office, regardless of whether they, or their parents, are in receipt of income support. This advance is intended to cover the purchase of small personal items a new soldier may require. Any equipment a soldier needs to perform his or her duties is provided by the Army.My Department places no obligation on new entrants to the Army to take out insurance cover, but applicants are advised to insure their personal belongings, and any military equipment they are issued with against loss or damage for which the holder would be held responsible. New entrants are also advised to consider the purchase of personal accident or life insurance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the changes in departmental practices which would be required to comply with the planned Freedom of Information Act. [61512]

The Ministry of Defence is already committed to greater openness in its work and currently operates in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The Department's policy is that staff should take a positive approach towards the release of information. Details of MOD's policy and guidance to staff can be found on the Department's internet site at http://www.mod.uk/policy/opengovt/index.htm. Once the details of the draft FoI Bill have been finalised, instructions, advice and training will be available for staff in order to ensure that they are able to implement the Act and to foster an open culture.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to make an announcement on the replacement of the Kincardine Bridge. [61162]

I am announcing today my decision on a preferred line for a new crossing of the Forth in the vicinity of Kincardine. I have decided that, subject to the necessary statutory procedures, a new crossing should be built on an alignment approximately 2 kilometres upstream from the existing crossing at Kincardine. The new crossing will be used in conjunction with the existing bridge which will be refurbished. A new short Kincardine Eastern Link Road will also be constructed to link with the existing bridge and divert traffic travelling to and from Fife away from the centre of Kincardine village. My decision has taken full account of the five criteria—economy, environmental impact, safety, accessibility and integration—which the Government use to appraise trunk road investment. The sensitive ecology of the Forth Estuary meant that environmental considerations were particularly important. I am aware that the new crossing will potentially have an adverse visual impact on the village of Airth and every effort will be made to mitigate this.My decision means that the further preparatory work which is required before construction can begin can now be commissioned and the Comprehensive Spending Review has provided resources for this. I am not able, at this stage, to give a firm indication of when construction will begin. The time needed to complete the preparatory work means that, in all probability, construction could not begin before 2003.I have written to my hon. Friend giving her further details of my decision and I shall arrange for a copy of my letter to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the UKAEA has yet responded to the HSE/SEPA report on the management of safety at Dounreay; and if he will make a statement. [62010]

Safety at Dounreay remains paramount and I am keeping closely in touch with developments there. The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has today published an action plan in response to the audit of the management of safety at Dounreay carried out earlier this year by the Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Environment Protection Agency. I have arranged for the action plan to be placed in the House of Commons Library.Management and staff at Dounreay have worked very hard to produce this response to the many recommendations contained in the audit report. They have shown that they are taking the audit very seriously indeed. There are a number of points of detail which need to be discussed further, and there are issues of timing which need to be refined. Nonetheless this is an encouraging first step on what will be a long journey to bring the plant up to the standards expected of a modern nuclear licensee.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what has been the total amount spent on severance payments to those who have resigned, retired or been dismissed from ministerial office since 1 May 1997, broken down by ministry. [61516]

The Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991 entitles Ministers (except the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor) to a severance payment of one quarter of their ministerial salary on leaving office.The information requested is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will commission research into staff absenteeism rates in schools (a) prior to and (b) following OFSTED inspections. [60880]

The Department's research programme is considered as a whole so that research priorities can be weighed against each other. The programme for 1999–2000 is under consideration and such research can be considered in that context, alongside other research priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what representations he has received on this year's Key Stage 3 tests in English, Maths and Science; and if he will make a statement; [61001](2) what representations he has received on the percentage increases in the achievement of levels 6 and 7 in English in 14 year olds and over since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [61002]

Forty letters have been received about Key Stage 3 English, mathematics and science; no letters have been received specifically about the percentage increase in the overall attainment in levels 6 and 7 in Key Stage 3 English since 1997 and 1998. Pupils and teachers are congratulated on the improvement in English performance this year. The mathematics and science results demonstrate the need to maintain our focus on raising levels of attainment. The Government are fully committed to raising standards in schools. This is why we have asked schools to set themselves challenging targets for pupil attainment, and why we are investing an additional £16 billion in education in England over the next three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he will take to ensure that the training provided by the expanded New Start programme will target the needs of industry. [61173]

We are encouraging employers to play a full part in all New Start partnerships, which aim to re-engage young people in learning, often through work related activities.They will also have opportunities to influence the local strategic Lifelong Learning Partnerships to be established next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the numbers of claimants on jobseeker's allowance who were called in to attend interviews whilst taking their holiday entitlement in the United Kingdom in each year since 1996. [61195]

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 if he will establish website pages for each Employment Service region setting out the names and addresses of each contractor and sub-contractor supplying New Deal service contracts in each district. [61624]

We have no present plans to include this level of local detail on the New Deal website but I am examining how we can best use the internet for the New Deals and Employment Services more generally, and will include this suggestion in the examination. For now, those who wish to find out more about local provision should initially contact either the appropriate Jobcentre or the Employment Service District Manager.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the reasons for the Employment Service's failure to meet its target for 1997–98 for placing people on Training for Work. [61075]

The Employment Service (ES) placed 130,600 people on training for work in 1997–98, against a target of 150,000 placings.The assumptions on which the target was based proved mistaken in two respects. Training for Work employed status starts (which did not count towards the ES target) and direct recruitment by TECs/LECs were both higher than planned. This reduced the ability of the ES to meet its target. However, the ES share of non-employed Training for Work starts, as 81 per cent., met the Government's expectations.Overall, the Government's target of 180,000 Training for Work starts in England was exceeded, with over 183,000 starts being achieved. This achievement would not have been possible without the strong support given to TECs/LECs by the ES.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list by region the number of staff employed by the Employment Service in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1995–96 and (d) 1994–95. [61076]

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 if he has set a target for the number of people to be placed on Work-based Training for Adults in 1998–99. [61073]

The target for the number of people to be placed on work-based training for adults in 1998–99 is 120,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many primary schools provide computers with voice-driven software for dyslexic students; [60961](2) how many secondary schools provide an audio tape library for dyslexic pupils; [60962](3) how many secondary schools provide computers with voice-driven software for dyslexic pupils; [60963](4) how many primary schools provide an audio tape library for dyslexic pupils. [60964]

The information requested is not held centrally. Schools are expected to explore the possible benefits of and, where practicable, secure access for a child to appropriate information communications technology. Where such equipment is identified as educational provision and it appears in Part 3 of a statement of special educational needs the local education authority has a duty to see that the equipment is provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the cost of screening all rising fives for dyslexia. [60953]

This information is not held centrally. The Education Act 1996 states that those responsible for a nursery school's governance shall use their best endeavours to secure that appropriate special educational provision is made for all their registered pupils with learning difficulties. Local education authorities expect that they will follow broadly the same procedures for identifying and meeting these needs as the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs recommends for children of compulsory school age.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received on the ring fencing of special education funds for dyslexia. [60957]

The Government's plans for the further development of financial delegation to schools will require local education authorities to inform schools what part of their budgets are set with reference to pupils' special educational needs, but will continue to give governing bodies flexibility to decide their actual spending on special needs within the total budgets available to them. The majority of consultation responses on this proposal welcomed the clarity it would bring but were opposed to ring fencing an element of school budgets for special needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what advice is offered by his Department to selective entry schools on making special provision for the needs of dyslexic children in entrance tests. [61197]

Children with special educational needs but without statements must be treated as fairly as other applicants. Admission authorities may not refuse to admit a pupil because they consider themselves unable to cater for his or her special educational needs. Admission authorities must consider applications from children who have special educational needs but no statement, on the basis of the school's published admission criteria. They cannot refuse to admit a pupil on the grounds that he or she does not have a statement of special educational needs, or is currently being assessed for one. Where admission authorities give some priority to children with special educational needs but without a statement, their published admission arrangements should state in what way their arrangements differ for such children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children in each local education authority area are identified as being dyslexic in the most recently available figures. [60952]

Provisions in the Education Act 1981, now consolidated into the Education Act 1996, require schools to submit information on numbers of pupils with special educational needs. There is no requirement for them to record the nature of the disability or learning difficulty. The Statistical Bulletin Special Educational Needs in England published annually summarises the information available on special educational needs. This includes details of pupils with statements by local education authority area and region, and details of pupils, with and without statements, in maintained primary and secondary schools by local education authority area and region.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the methods used by local education authorities to identify children with dyslexia; and if he will publish the guidelines. [60949]

Guidance to help schools and local education authorities identify and assess children with specific learning difficulties, which includes dyslexia, is contained in the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs. The Code was published in May 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what information he has on the number of unemployed people who are identified as dyslexic during a jobseeker's allowance interview. [60965]

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 (1) if he will publish the amount spent per local education authority on (a) identifying children with dyslexia and (b) educational support for such children in the last year for which figures are available; [60954](2) what is his estimate of the amount of specialist help in terms of

The Department does not collect information on time spent or cost of education provision made by type of special educational need per local education authority or school. The Education Act 1996 and Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs recognises that every child has individual needs, including those children with dyslexia, and requires that local education authorities shall have regard to their duty to meet those needs. Similarly, school governing bodies shall use their best endeavours to see that they provide for pupils with special educational needs. This implies that children whose dyslexia requires special provision should have their educational needs identified and provided for appropriately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to offer teachers free flu injections; what estimate he has of the number of days off work which would be saved if such injections were available; and if he will make a statement. [60929]

My right hon. Friend is advised on this issue by the Department of Health which has issued specific recommendations about the risk groups who are offered annual influenza immunisation. He has no plans to offer teachers free flu injections outside the Department of Health recommendations and has made no estimate of the number of days off work that would be saved. He has asked the Local Government Association to survey Local Education Authorities on the extent of teacher sickness absence as part of the wider initiative on managing sickness absence in the public sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what factors are taken into account when classifying children as having moderate learning difficulties; what plans he has to review the statementing system; and if he will make a statement. [61502]

The Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs includes guidance on the factors to be taken into account in deciding whether a child with learning difficulties should be given a statement. These include whether the child is working at a level significantly below his contemporaries in any of the core subjects of the National Curriculum; whether there is evidence that the child is falling progressively behind the majority of children of his or her age in academic attainment; whether there is evidence of impaired social interaction or communication; and whether the child has a significantly restricted repertoire of activities, interests and imaginative development. The recent publication "Meeting Special Educational Needs: A programme of action" makes it clear that the Government have no intention of removing the legal protection offered by statements or of constraining parents' access to a statutory assessment where they believe it is necessary. There are however wide variations between LEAs in making statements. The Government therefore propose to publish non-statutory guidance on criteria for statements drawing on a range of examples of current practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he intends to respond to the findings of the Snowdon Survey on financial considerations relating to students with disabilities. [61511]

The Government will respond to the Snowdon Survey recommendations in due course, after the results of the Scheme's consultation on the survey have been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the planning assumptions on which the New Deal pilots for over 25s are based, indicating the proportion of each part of the client group that the Government would usually expect, in the absence of the New Deal, to leave jobseeker's allowance within six months of reaching (a) 12 months, (b) 18 months and (c) 24 months unemployment and the indicative information the Government have about the proportion of jobseeker's allowance leavers who, in the absence of the New Deal, would go into jobs. [61081]

The specification, including off-flow rates from JSA, is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the planning assumptions on which each New Deal model, excluding the New Deal pilots for over 25s, are based, indicating the proportion of each client group that the Government would usually expect, in the absence of the New Deal, to leave jobseeker's allowance within six months of reaching (a) six months, (b) 12 months, (c) 18 months and (d) 24 months unemployment and the indicative information the Government have about the proportion of jobseeker's allowance leavers in each client group who, in the absence of the New Deal, would go into jobs. [61079]

I have placed the individual New Deal planning assumptions for each of the 143 Units of Delivery in the Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list, for the most recent year for which survey information is available, the percentage of A level grades which are forecast (a) correctly, (b) too low, (c) too high and (d) too high by two grades or more; and if he will list each by school type. [61077]

This information is not collected by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the percentage increase in pay settlements awarded by the CITB and ECITB for the next financial year. [61631]

On 1 August 1998 the CITB awarded a 3.75% pay increase to its staff and the ECITB awarded an increase of 5%. In each case the awards are applicable to 31 July 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the percentage increase in the levy charged to their in-scope companies by the CITB and ECITB for the next financial year. [61632]

CITB proposes to raise a two-part levy in the next financial year with an increase of 0.09% in the percentage rate of payroll, from 0.29% to 0.38% for direct employees and no increase in the percentage rate for net payments to labour only subcontractors. ECITB is not proposing any increase in the next financial year.

To ask the Attorney-General what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the report of the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service by the Right Hon. Sir kin Glidewell. [62017]

My statement to the House on publication of the Glidewell Report on 1 June 1998, Official Report, column 42, undertook to publish a formal response setting out the Government response to each recommendation, whether it would be implemented and, if so, how. I then said that a plan of action would be drawn up and published.A programme of change based on recommendations made by the Glidewell Report and our prior decision to restructure the Crown Prosecution Service into 42 areas is being taken forward briskly under the leadership of Mr. David Calvert-Smith QC, whose appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions took effect on 1 November, and Mr. Mark Addison, who was appointed Chief Executive on 5 June. They expect to take decisions in the near future about the senior management structure within CPS headquarters and an open competition for the appointment of Chief Crown Prosecutors for each of the 42 new areas commenced with the placing of advertisements on 16 November. The selection process for the Area Business Managers recommended by the Glidewell Report is currently under way.All this will be taken forward within the framework of the Government's overall strategy for developing a properly co-ordinated criminal justice system working to a common set of overarching aims and objectives. The emphasis will be on clear central policies for the criminal justice system delivered locally.The objectives set for the change programme are:

To ask the Attorney-General how many wasted costs orders have been made by courts against the Crown Prosecution Service in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98 and (iii) 1998–99 to date, with the breakdown of each Crown Prosecution Service Area and the total sums for such areas and further broken down by the Crown courts and the magistrates courts. [61161]

Wasted cost orders are usually understood to be orders against individuals pursuant to section 19A of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. These are extremely rare in relation to representatives of the Crown Prosecution Service.My hon. Friend's question is taken to refer to orders made under section 19(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, and regulation 3 of the Costs in Criminal Cases (General) Regulations 1986, these being orders based on an unnecessary or improper act or omission for which the prosecution is held responsible. The numbers of such orders made against the Crown Prosecution Service are set out for each year in the tables, with the totals for each Area, broken down to show awards made in the Crown Court and those made in magistrates courts. The final column of each table shows the amounts actually paid out by the Crown Prosecution Service, but it is not possible to divide this into sums paid in respect of orders made in the Crown Court and orders made in magistrates courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population aged between 16 and 65 years have (a) suffered from mental illness, (b) been under the care of a psychiatrist and (c) attempted suicide. [60993]

A survey conducted in Great Britain in 1993 established that about one in six adults between the ages of 16 and 64 suffered from a neurotic disorder in the week before interview and about four per thousand had suffered from a psychotic disorder in the previous twelve months. There was no significant difference in the rates for England. Not all of those with neurotic symptoms would need medical care and in most cases this could be provided by the patient's general practitioner.Only a small proportion of mentally ill people will need in-patient care. Those patients with finished consultant episodes following admissions to hospitals are shown in the table.Information on attempted suicides is not collected centrally. The nearest data relating to attempted suicides are on self-inflicted injury resulting in admission to hospital, for which data are collected centrally. This information is included in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the accuracy of British abortion statistics; and if he will make a statement on how they are compiled. [61673]

Abortion statistics are compiled from the information provided on the notification form which medical practitioners are obliged by the Abortion Act 1967 to submit to the Chief Medical Officer within 7 days of each abortion. Incomplete or unclear forms are returned to practitioners for clarification and resubmission. Any evidence of non-reporting is investigated and would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service if appropriate.The Department's Chief Medical Officer recently wrote to all obstetricians and gynaecologists in England and Wales to remind them of their legal obligations with regard to completion of notification forms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the use of hydrolysed DNA assay testing for the early detection of cervical cancer in tandem with the present smear test. [61530]

The Department is aware of a number of new technologies being developed which might be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the National Health Service cervical screening programme. Any changes to the programme will be introduced only after assessments have proven they are both clinically and cost-effective. The Advisory Committee on Cervical Screening is currently considering the potential role of new technologies in the cervical screening programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to be able to announce proposals to alter child labour legislation in the United Kingdom; [60950](2) if he will publish the representations received on the future of child labour legislation in the United Kingdom. [60951]

We expect the report of the group currently reviewing child employment legislation to be available in the early part of next year. The timing of any alterations to child employment law will depend on the findings of that review. We expect the review's report to contain details of any representations they received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what departmental funding is made available for research programmes into the causes of dyslexia; and what expenditure is planned for 1999–2000; [60966](2) what research information is held by his Department on the causes of childhood dyslexia; and if he will make a statement. [60960]

The Department does not hold, nor does it plan to commission, any research into the possible causes of dyslexia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relationship between income during pregnancy and a child's (a) health in early years and (b) long-term health prospects. [61735]

The recent independent inquiry into inequalities in health, chaired by Sir Donald Acheson, examined, among other things, inequalities in women of childbearing age, expectant mothers and young children. More generally, the inquiry report drew attention to improvements in health and life expectancy associated with income and living standards.We are firmly committed to improving the living standards of the poorest households and are already taking a number of measures that will help to achieve this. We shall be considering Sir Donald's recommendations as a whole in the development of our new health strategy, about which we shall publish a White Paper early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the local authorities in (a) England and Wales and (b) Scotland showing the number of councillors on each who are (i) men and (ii) women. [61729]

The information requested has been the subject of a survey of local authorities conducted by the Women's Unit. It is in the process of being analysed. Not all the responses have been received as yet. The results are being examined and an analysis will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what standard spending assessment has been allocated to Gloucester County Council for the provision of care services in (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000. [61506]

Details of the standard spending assessments allocated to Gloucestershire County Council for the provision of social services up to 1998–99 are shown in the table. Indicative standard spending assessment figures for 1999–2000 by local authority will be announced shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what care services local authorities are required to provide; what assessment he has made of the level of care services provided by Gloucestershire County Council; what steps he is taking to improve care facilities; and if he will make a statement. [61507]

Social services authorities' powers and duties to provide care services for adults are set out in various pieces of legislation, including the National Assistance Act 1948, the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986, the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995, and the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996.Local authorities' responsibilities for providing care services for children are set out in the Children Act 1989, part III of which deals with support to children in need and their families including the provision of accommodation for children; part IV, with ensuring care and supervision through the courts; part V, with the protection of children from abuse and neglect; and part X concerns child minding and day care for young children.In recent years Gloucestershire has been inspected by the Social Services Inspectorate as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the rate of early retirement in the police. [61112]

Following our consultation document earlier this year on police pension arrangements, work is in hand on specific proposals to improve practice in managing ill-health retirement and to support good management practice with changes to the Police Pensions Regulations where necessary. Any proposals we make will be published in advance to allow for full consultation with the interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the priorities for research in his Department. [61113]

My Department is carrying out social and scientific research and evaluation across the range of Home Office policy and programmes, in particular, formulating a new Crime Reduction Programme and evaluating the key proposals in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, a new programme of drugs research, carrying out repeat surveys of both Local Voluntary Activity and Youth Lifestyles and a £700,000 programme of police research. This year's external research programme of the Home Office's Research, Development and Statistics Directorate was published in June and copies are available in the Library. The details of the police research programme will soon be available on the Internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress being made in reducing the prison population. [61114]

The prison population peaked at 66,500 at the end of July and, taking seasonal factors into account, there has been no substantial growth in the population since April this year.The Government believe that prison must be the right response for those who pose a danger to the public, such as violent or sexual offenders and for persistent offenders. It is, however, for the courts to decide the appropriate sentence in any individual case, within the statutory limits set by Parliament. The Prison Service has a duty to keep in custody those sentenced to prison and the Government's duty is to provide the resources to enable this to happen. The Comprehensive Spending Review took full account of this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on reform of the liquor licensing laws. [61115]

On 5 May, I announced that we were starting a general review of the liquor licensing laws. This is underway; we need to look at the full range of issues before announcing our conclusions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his assessment is of the impact of random drug tests in prison. [61116]

Drug testing is an integral part of the Prison Service's drug strategy. It provides an indication of the level of drug misuse in prisons and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to use drugs. It is a valuable part of a package of measures to combat drug misuse. In May, I announced a new strategy for testing which provides for a more targeted approach.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the proportion of Prison Service expenditure derived from the Prison Service's trading activities. [61117]

Although the Prison Service is not set up as a trading organisation, it does derive income from commercial activities. Gross expenditure by the Prison Service in 1997–98 was £1,760.9 million.