To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the (a) draft Toll Order for the Skye Bridge and (b) draft Assignation Statement were placed in the Library in 1991; and if he will make a statement. [63320]

[holding answer 10 December 1998]: A draft of the Order and the Assignation Statement were not placed in the Library. The Order was not subject to parliamentary procedure but the proposal to make the Order was advertised and a draft of the Order was available for inspection in accordance with the required procedures under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. There was no draft Statement. The procedures in the 1984 Act require the Assignation Statement itself to be made available for inspection with the draft Order and this was done.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers the devolved Scottish Parliament will have to alter the rules governing the amount of capital receipts from right to buy which local authorities must use to repay their capital debt. [63323]

[holding answer 10 December 1998]: These arrangements were applied as a condition of the consent to local authorities to incur capital expenditure under section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and it would be open to the Scottish Executive to alter those conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress he has made in allocating resources to help with the regeneration of Scotland's former coalmining communities. [64628]

Scotland's former coalmining communities will benefit from a share of the £10 million being made available in recognition of miners' pension fund surpluses. In addition, we are making £1 million available to help these communities. I will be announcing details about how we will be targeting the funding for these communities, following consultation with Scottish Enterprise, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Region of the Coalfield Communities Campaign. We will ensure that it is deployed to complement the range of initiatives already underway, including the new Social Inclusion Partnerships, which will be supported by £48 million over the next 3 years, for which former coalfield areas are eligible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the suitability of procurators fiscal with qualifications as solicitor-advocate (a) to be advocate deputes and (b) to prosecute in the High Court. [62670]

My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate is responsible for the appointment of Advocate Deputes. My noble and learned Friend is satisfied about the competence of many Procurators Fiscal, including some with qualifications as Solicitor-Advocate, to undertake the work carried out by Advocate Deputes, including prosecuting in the High Court. However, he takes the view that it is necessary for the proper operation of the prosecution system in Scotland to maintain the traditional separation between the role of the Procurator Fiscal and that of Crown Counsel, to ensure independence of decision making and prosecution in respect of High Court cases. He is not, therefore, inclined to appoint Procurators Fiscal as Advocate Deputes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the relative costs of using (a) members of the Faculty of Advocates and (b) procurators fiscal qualified as solicitor-advocates, as advocate deputes. [62671]

My noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate has responsibility for prosecutions in Scotland. The post of Advocate Depute is assessed for remuneration purposes at rates comparable with the Senior Civil Service, on which individual pay is based regardless of whether the incumbent is a member of the Faculty of Advocates or a Procurator Fiscal. There is therefore no significant difference in their relative costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the companies which to date have been offered additional grant if they employ residents of assisted areas under the RSA Priority Initiative launched on 22 May. [63908]

Under the pilot "RSA Priority" initiative, launched on 22 May 1998 in five particularly deprived areas of Scotland, nine companies have to date been offered the opportunity to receive additional grant if they employ residents of the designated areas. Information regarding offers of Regional Selective Assistance to individual companies is generally regarded as commercially confidential, although details of offers of £75,000 or more are published in "Labour Market Trends" once the company has received its first payment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the proposed identity card scheme for young people announced by Health and Home Department ministers will operate in Scotland. [63857]

The Government have no plans to introduce an identity card scheme for young people in Scotland, or in the rest of the United Kingdom. Ministers have, however, welcomed the various proof of age card schemes covering age-restricted products such as alcohol, tobacco and fireworks, and we have encouraged representatives from these industries to consider the feasibility of developing a multi-purpose proof of age card.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which categories of properties, which are not owned or operated by recognised charities or other non-profit making bodies, benefit from relief on their water or sewerage rates; and what figures he has for the number of properties concerned and the amount of the relief afforded them. [63859]

Following the establishment of the three Scottish water authorities, relief from water and sewerage charges is no longer specified in statute, and is a matter for the authorities. Overall, it is estimated that the amount of relief is some £14 million per annum.The exact information requested is, therefore, not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his timetable is for making further orders to give effect to local authority ward boundary changes following the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. [64035]

It is the intention to have orders made in respect of all local authority areas (apart from Orkney and Shetlands) by 31 December 1998. As a consequence of the Petitions for Judicial Review submitted by Orkney and Shetlands Island Councils, we will delay making an order in respect of these 2 areas until 15 January 1999, the latest practicable date if the new arrangements are to take effect for the elections due in May 1999. No order will be made, however, if the Court gives an indication before that date that a decree of reduction is to be granted in respect of the relevant Petition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in respect of which local authority areas in Scotland he has made orders to give effect to ward boundary changes following the recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland. [64034]

To date, orders have been made in respect of the following 16 local authority areas:

• Aberdeen City
• Angus
• City of Edinburgh
• Clackmannanshire
• Dumfries and Galloway
• Dundee City
• East Lothian
• East Renfrewshire
• Glasgow City
• Inverclyde
• Midlothian
• North Ayrshire
• Perth and Kinross
• Scottish Borders
• West Dunbartonshire
• West Lothian.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the Scottish Law Commission's Incapable Adults report (Scots Law Com. No. 151). [64388]

The subject of decision-making on behalf of adults who are unable to manage their own affairs is an important one. The Government have been made fully aware of the issues through the report by the Scottish Law Commission in 1995 and subsequent public consultation, which attracted a substantial and carefully considered response. We accept the need for reform of the existing legislation in this important area of the law that provides support and protection for some of the most vulnerable people in society.It will be within the competence of the Scottish Parliament to legislate in this area and this statement cannot pre-empt announcements about the Scottish Parliament's legislative programme. It excludes consideration of the SLC's recommendations about medical treatment and research and advance statements. These are sensitive issues and we received many responses on them in the consultation exercise. We have not made any decisions on these matters yet; and we shall also want to consider what emerges from the Lord Chancellor's recent consultation exercise on similar proposals for England and Wales.We agree with the general principles proposed by the SLC that any intervention should produce a benefit for the adult; be least restrictive of the adult's freedom; wherever possible encourage the adult to use existing skills and acquire new skills, and take account of the present and past wishes of the adult.In relation to particular aspects of the Report we agree with the SLC on the following:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to amend liquor licensing arrangements in respect of New Year's Eve celebrations for the Millennium, covering opening hours for 31 December 1999 and 1 January 2000; and if she will make a statement. [63277]

It is my intention to issue a consultation paper on 17 December seeking comments on a proposed relaxation of permitted hours for licensed premises and registered clubs in Northern Ireland at the Millennium Holiday and each subsequent New Year's Eve.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she is taking to increase access to the open countryside in Northern Ireland. [63785]

It is proposed to issue a consultation paper on providing access to the countryside early in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the organisations in Northern Ireland involved in reviewing world heritage site nominations as a result of the Government's recent consultation. [64398]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Environment and Heritage Service under its chief executive, Mr. Robert C. Martin. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what categories of data are used in gathering information concerning export surveys from Northern Ireland; how the data are collected; and what part the NIERC plays in the gathering of such information. [63962]

Export data for the UK as a whole are gathered by HM Customs and Excise. However, due to the limitations of this data at regional level, the Department of Economic Development and the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland jointly commission the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre (NIERC) to undertake a bespoke annual survey of Northern Ireland sales and exports. NIERC designs the survey questionnaire, collects and analyses the data and assists with the preparation of the survey report for publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons the analysis of export behaviour by size of firm was discontinued after the first export survey of 1990; and if she will carry out a retrospective analysis of export data for the period 1990–97. [63964]

A detailed academic report was produced on the first export survey published in 1992 (in respect of 1990 data). Subsequent export survey reports have been produced within a tighter timetable with the objective of giving a snapshot of key export information. Additional information is available on request including the retrospective analysis referred to in the question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the outflow of the profits of externally owned manufacturing companies is taken into account when evaluating the size of grants and subsidies to be given to companies to encourage them to locate in Northern Ireland. [63975]

The potential outflow of profits from externally owned companies seeking to establish manufacturing operations in Northern Ireland is fully evaluated in assessing the amount of grant that can be made available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the studies carried out by DED of Northern Ireland's competitive advantages in attracting inward investment; and if she will place copies in the Library. [63963]

The Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland (IDB) the arm of DED responsible for inward investment, examines among other issues Northern Ireland's performance in the inward investment market relative to competitors. IDB has not directly purchased or commissioned any study into Northern Ireland's competitive advantage in attracting inward investment. However, a report prepared by Price Waterhouse Coopers in 1996 into Northern Ireland's investment performance compared with the UK and Republic of Ireland makes comment on Northern Ireland's competitive advantages. For copyright and commercial confidentiality reasons this report cannot be placed in the public domain by IDB.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how long the period is between completion of the collection of Northern Ireland Annual Census of Production data and their publication by the National Statistics Office in its annual Business Monitor. [63966]

The Office for National Statistics publishes regional estimates of industrial production in the Annual Business Monitor approximately twelve months after the completion of data collection.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if data collected in Northern Ireland for the Annual Census of Production are available on a sub-regional basis. [63968]

The Department of Economic Development does not have any results from the Annual Census of Production (now referred to as the Annual Business Inquiry) below NI level. However, the Office for National Statistics is refining the methodology for providing ABI sub-regional estimates with the intention of publishing these from the 1999 inquiry onwards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the parties which have access to Annual Census of Production data on a confidential basis before the data are published by the National Statistics Office; and on what criteria such organisations are chosen. [63967]

The Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre, commissioned by the Department of Economic Development to undertake the annual Survey of Sales and Exports, has confidential access to Census of Production data prior to publication. The Centre is the only organisation with access to such information which is given under legal direction (as authorised by Article 7 of the Statistics of Trade and Employment (Northern Ireland) Order 1988).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will introduce local publication of the Annual Census of Production in Northern Ireland, following the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly; and what were the reasons for the discontinuation of local publication. [63965]

I have no plans to reintroduce this publication which was suspended, due to lack of demand, following release of the 1985 results. Current data is available from the Office for National Statistics Business Monitor series. Future arrangements will be for consideration by the NI Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will publish for each year since 1990 the number of contracts entered into by her Department and Northern Ireland Government departments and agencies with outside agencies and consultancy firms for the investigation of economic policy matters, indicating the subject matter of each inquiry and the date the report was (a) completed and (b) published, the name of the consultancy firm or outside agency involved and the cost of each contract; and how many contracts in each year went out to tender. [63978]

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what estimate she has made of the effect on data for Northern Ireland GDP of manufacturing company profit outflows; and what estimate she has made of the size of such outflows; [63973](2) what plans she has to provide provisional estimates of the main macro-sectoral aggregates in the intervals between the publication of regional accounts in order to facilitate planning by the public and private sector; [63976](3) if she will list the parties which have access to the data for Northern Ireland Regional Accounts on a confidential basis, before the data are published in Regional Trends; and on what criteria such parties are chosen; [63970](4) what plans she has to reformulate the Northern Ireland regional account in line with EUROSTAT standards; [63971](5) which Northern Ireland departments are responsible for the preparation of the Northern Ireland Regional Accounts; and what is the length of the period between the collection and completion of such accounts and their eventual publication by the National Statistics Office in Regional Trends. [63969]

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency under its chief executive, Mr. E. F. Jardine. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to publish short-term and medium-term forecasts of the Northern Ireland economy to assist the private sector in its economic and forward investment planning. [63977]

There are no plans to publish Government forecasts for the Northern Ireland economy. However, the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre—an independent research body—regularly publishes short-term and medium-term forecasts for the local economy. The Centre's most recent set of forecasts was published at the beginning of December 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what studies her Department has undertaken of the economic consequences of profit outflows for the economy of Northern Ireland. [63974]

No studies have been undertaken by Government of the economic consequences of profit outflows for the economy of Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the journeys taken by members of the Cabinet in VC1Os of the RAF fleet since 1 May 1997 indicating in each case (a) the name of the Minister, (b) the numbers of accompanying people, (c) the date, (d) their destinations, (e) the costs of the flight and (f) the identification number of VC 10s involved. [62053]

[holding answer 2 December 1998]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 19 November 1998, Official Report, column 711.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the document relating to Gulf War illness and depleted uranium leaked to Gulf War veterans; and if he will make a statement. [63046]

Two unclassified documents, both containing references to depleted uranium (DU), are known to have been removed without authorisation from the MOD's Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) last month and have since received some publicity. The investigation into their removal is now a matter for the Ministry of Defence Police. In view of the considerable public concern raised by misinformed media reporting of the contents of these two documents, I am today formally releasing both of them and placing copies in the Library of the House.In addition, I have asked my Department to collate the information which it possesses concerning mechanisms which could be used to test for the presence of uranium in the human body. I will publish this work shortly. Contrary to some media reports, which were based on a misreading of these two documents, the MOD is not conducting testing in relation to the possible exposure of Gulf veterans to DU, secret or otherwise. However, as might be expected, we continue to consider all aspects of Gulf veterans' illnesses, including any developments concerning the various suggested relevant exposures, where DU is one issue among many.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to test Gulf War veterans for the effects of depleted uranium. [63036]

[holding answer 8 December 1998]: Any Gulf veteran who is concerned that his or her health has been adversely affected by Service during the Gulf conflict, including possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU), is advised to seek a referral to the Ministry of Defence's Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for a full medical assessment. During this assessment, MAP patients are asked by the examining MAP physician to provide detailed information about possible factors, including DU, to which they may have been exposed during the Gulf conflict.The kidneys are the organs most likely to be affected by the presence of uranium and the standard battery of tests carried out as a matter of routine on MAP patients includes a baseline trawl of renal function, which in turn includes serum creatinine, urea and electrolytes, a urine test for protein and blood and an ultrasound abdominal scan. Such tests should indicate the presence of any kidney damage in patients, although such damage would not necessarily have been caused by the presence of DU. The standard MAP tests do not, however, currently include a specific test to detect the presence of DU. The veterans who have so far been examined by MAP physicians have not exhibited symptoms which, in the clinical judgment of the examining physician, have indicated a requirement for a specific referral to another agency or organisation for DU testing. If the examining physician at the MAP considered it clinically appropriate for a patient to be tested for the presence of uranium, the necessary arrangements would be made.I have asked my Department to collate the information which it possesses concerning mechanisms which could be used to test for the presence of uranium in the human body. I will publish this work shortly. The MOD is well aware that a link has been suggested between possible exposure to DU and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, my Department is keeping an open mind on this issue.Our plans for future activity in relation to Gulf veterans' illnesses, including as regards DU, will continue to be guided by the emerging medical and scientific evidence on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research he is undertaking on a relationship between Gulf War Syndrome and depleted uranium. [63064]

The Ministry of Defence is conducting a range of research into aspects of Gulf veterans' illnesses. However, none of these programmes is specifically aimed at investigating the relationship between possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU) and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans. The MOD is well aware that a link has been suggested between DU exposure and Gulf veterans' illnesses. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, my Department is keeping an open mind on this issue. My Department would, of course, be very interested to see any new relevant information on this subject.Any Gulf veteran who is concerned that his or her health has been adversely affected by Service during the Gulf conflict, including possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU), is entitled to seek a referral to the Gulf veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for a full medical assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the Medical Assessment Programme documents (reference MAP/102/22/1/Med pt 1) (a) DU Teleconference-Lt Col Graham, (b) DU Testing Protocol-Alan Casson, (c) Prime for 51 G EDTA-Dr R. Gabriel, (d) DU Information Pack-Alan Casson, (e) DU Testing of United Kingdom Gulf Veterans-Alan Casson, (f) Update-4 Sep 96-Lt Col Graham; what assessment the Medical Assessment Programme has made of the possible link between Gulf War Syndrome and depleted uranium poisoning; and if he will make a statement. [63306]

[holding answer 10 December 1998]: The Ministry of Defence has already received a request from a member of the public for copies of the documents designated (a) to (e) in the hon. Member's question. This is currently being considered under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. When this consideration, which has now been extended to include document (f) in the hon. Member's question, is complete, I will write to the hon. Member to advise him of the outcome.The MOD is well aware that a link has been suggested between possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU) and the illnesses being experienced by some Gulf veterans. However, this is only one of a number of factors which have been suggested as possible causes of Gulf veterans' illnesses and, pending further medical and scientific evidence, my Department is keeping an open mind on this issue. We would, of course, be very interested to see any new relevant information on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officer vacancies exist in TA centres in North Wales; what proportion this represents of total officer positions in North Wales; and what is the shortfall of officers in each TA centre in North Wales. [63653]

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: There are 49 established officer posts in TA centres in North Wales, of which currently 7 are not filled. TA Officer posts not filled in each TA Centre in North Wales are:

• Hightown Wrexham: 3
• Colwyn Bay: 1
• Queensferry: 1
• Bangor: 1
• Prestatyn: 1.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the costs of the extension and conversion of the existing premises at Queensferry Barracks to accommodate 101 Battalion REME after its transfer from Chorley. [63624]

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: Work into the exact cost of adapting the TA Centre at Queensferry to accommodate the Headquarters of 101 Battalion the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is currently underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations his Department has received in favour of retaining 101 Battalion REME and Cadet Force at Devonshire Road Barracks, Chorley. [63620]

[holding answer 14 December 1998]: My Department has received representations in favour of retaining 101 Battalion REME and Cadet Force at Devonshire Road Barracks, Chorley, from my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle), the North West Parliamentary Labour Group, Chorley Borough Council, Adlington Borough Council, Whittle-le-Woods Parish Council and one individual who works at the TA Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons plastic baton rounds replaced rubber bullets for use by the armed forces in Northern Ireland. [63931]

Defence expenditure
(US$ million)
	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Belgium	4,142	4,215	3,938	4,723	4,770	4,078	3,762	3,948	4,572	4,240	3,769
Denmark	2,127	2,336	2,162	2,610	2,614	2,799	2,702	2,741	3,125	3,086	2,816
France	34,529	35,909	35,085	42,794	42,399	45,654	42,593	44,381	47,735	46,402	41,545
Germany	34,233	35,369	33,638	42,793	39,893	42,399	38,629	35,933	41,906	38,990	33,416
Greece	2,972	3,465	3,208	3,776	3,907	4,248	4,076	4,347	5,059	5,582	5,532
Italy	16,806	19,148	19,754	24,752	23,583	24,567	21,185	21,190	20,041	23,458	21,837
Luxembourg	76	81	80	100	106	121	116	124	141	141	129
Netherlands	6,502	6,744	6,402	7,429	7,242	7,871	7,039	7,090	8,181	7,850	6,888
Portugal	1,135	1,261	1,319	1,711	2,006	2,415	2,241	2,281	2,819	2,601	2,559
Spain	5,738	7,319	7,700	9,556	9,033	9,620	7,211	7,617	8,464	8,616	7,508
UK	30,859	34,913	33,436	38,433	42,716	43,122	35,257	34,068	34,086	34,526	35,620

Defence expenditure per capita
(US $)
	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Belgium	420	427	398	474	476	406	374	390	455	417	370
Denmark	416	455	422	508	508	542	522	528	600	589	533
France	623	646	628	759	748	796	738	764	820	794	708
Germany	561	578	550	550	499	530	481	438	509	475	406
Greece	298	347	320	375	388	408	392	417	481	531	526
Italy	294	334	344	430	409	424	365	371	349	409	379
Luxembourg	206	219	211	262	275	312	296	311	365	338	305
Netherlands	447	460	434	497	482	519	461	460	527	504	442
Portugal	111	123	128	165	203	229	226	231	285	262	257
Spain	149	188	196	243	231	246	183	194	216	219	191
UK	544	614	581	670	742	750	608	585	586	587	604

Plastic baton rounds provide a more effective means of combating physical violence than the rubber bullets they replaced. The increased accuracy of plastic baton rounds also reduces the risk of accidental injury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by each nation in the EU in each of the last 10 years in pounds sterling on defence (a) in total and (b) per head of the population. [64195]

The information requested for calendar years 1987 to 1997 is shown for NATO members of the European Union. Comparisons of defence spending between nations are conventionally given in US Dollars rather than pounds sterling. Figures for calendar years 1987 to 1995 are those which have been published in successive versions of the Statement on the Defence Estimates (SDE). Figures for 1996 are based on information drawn from NATO sources and those for 1997 are as published in the MOD Performance Report 1997–98 (Cm4170).Where possible the figures are published against a common definition of defence spending so that true comparisons can be made. Some anomalies and inconsistencies will, however, remain. Particular care is needed in making year on year comparisons of the figures for the UK where there have been changes in the definition of defence spending in recent years and major transfers of responsibility to and from other Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft of the Royal Air Force participated at the biennial Air Show at Santiago, Chile in March (a) 1990, (b) 1992, (c) 1994, (d) 1996 and (e) 1998. [64016]

[holding answer 15 December 1998]: The figures are as follows:

Year	Number of aircraft	Details
1990	3	Harrier GR5 x 2, VC10K
1992	8	Harrier GR5/7 x 2; Tornado GR1 x 2; C130; Nimrod; Tristar; VC10K
1994	5	Harrier GR7 x 2; C130; VC10K; Nimrod
1996	1	C130
1998	5	Tornado F3 x 2; Nimrod; VC10K; C130

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets for 1998–99 for the Chief Executive of the Army Training and Recruitment Agency. [64627]

The Chief Executive of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency has been set the following Key Target for 1998–1999.

1. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for commissioned officers.

2. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for officers qualified for service in Field Force units following successful Special to Army training.

3. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for officers' professional development training.

4. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for soldiers qualified for service in a Field Force unit following successful Special to Arm training.

5. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for soldiers' professional development training.

6. To achieve efficiency savings of 6% (34.7M).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key targets for 1998–99 for the Chief Executive of the Army Personnel Centre. [64625]

The Chief Executive of the Army Personnel Centre has been set the following Key Targets for 1998–1999:

1. To increase the percentage of posts which are manned (excluding posts gapped for less than 28 days and all posts for private soldiers and subaltern officers) to 91 per cent.

2. To increase to 91 per cent. the proportion of personnel posted in-year by the APC whose rank and Service qualifications meet the specifications of the post.

3. To increase the percentage of in-year postings authorised by the APC where personnel are given at least 6 months notification to 52 per cent.

4. To increase the percentage of change requests received by the APC which are authorised and/or accurately processed within 5 working days of receipt at the Document Handling Centre to 92 per cent.

5. To increase the percentage of due terminal benefits made by the 5^th working day after discharge/retirement or following receipt of the correct authorisation paperwork by Pensions Division, whichever is later, to 96 per cent.

6. To develop by March 99 the comprehensive feedback mechanism for the continual measurement of customer satisfaction and to maintain that system thereafter.

7. To achieve a year-on-year reduction of 1 per cent. in operating costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the breakdown of expenditure under the Defence Military Assistance Fund in each of the last three years. [63864]

The Defence Military Assistance Fund is a cash fund, which is available to subsidise the cost of overseas military assistance in support of the Defence Diplomacy and Support to Wider British Interests Missions. The latter mission includes support to defence sales. Assistance may include the provision of training (either in country or in the UK), advice (by either military or civilian personnel), Loan Service Personnel and Short Term Training Teams.The table breaks down expenditure, by country, under the Defence Military Assistance Fund for each of the last three years. This breakdown covers centrally administered programmes only, and does not include military assistance activities funded by Top Level Budget Holders, since these costs cannot be identified separately. Nor does it cover costs borne by other Government Departments, which are a matter for the Departments concerned.

1997–98—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Albania	1,000
Austria	5,700
Bahrain	139,600
Baltic States	631,900

1997–98—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Belarus	18,200
Belize	271,500
Brazil	262,200
Brunei	5,500
Bulgaria	94,600
Chile	581,600
Czech Republic	193,300
Egypt	135,400
Ethiopia	38,700
Finland	1,600
Georgia	50,300
Germany	100,000
Greece	58,300
Hungary	88,500
India	253,200
Indonesia	62,400
Ireland	5,000
Jamaica	27,700
Jordan	146,400
Kenya	145,100
South Korea	279,700
Kuwait	71,200
Macedonia	56,200
Malaysia	516,500
Moldova	29,300
Morocco	56,000
Nepal	24,900
New Zealand	37,700
Oman	1,402,200
Pakistan	63,500
Philippines	68,000
Poland	83,700
Portugal	49,400
Qatar	169,900
Romania	276,400
Russia	1,255,000
Saudi Arabia	120,900
Singapore	176,500
Slovakia	39,100
Slovenia	108,400
South Africa	104,800
Spain	23,600
Thailand	39,900
Turkey	155,600
UAE	273,600
Ukraine	407,300
Uruguay	15,600
USA	15,000
Yemen	25,700
Zimbabwe	36,300

1996–97—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Albania	30,900
Bahrain	156,200
Baltic States	572,500
Barbados	196,000
Belarus	52,600
Belize	502,100
Brazil	4,560
Bulgaria	66,900
Chile	920,110
Czech Republic	148,800
Egypt	67,780
Finland	45,120
Georgia	12,900
Greece	84,710

1996–97—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Hungary	43,000
India	43,680
Indonesia	1,675,280
Ireland	24,240
Jamaica	35,270
Jordan	156,570
Kenya	138,225
South Korea	53,340
Kuwait	2,570
Macedonia	31,200
Malaysia	164,390
Moldova	30,910
Morocco	33,590
Nepal	102,800
Oman	1,594,860
Pakistan	97,490
Philippines	20,000
Poland	47,700
Portugal	40,110
Romania	89,000
Russia	1,365,000
Saudi Arabia	9,210
Slovakia	33,500
Slovenia	29,300
South Africa	80,740
Spain	32,760
Thailand	57,760
Turkey	108,740
UAE	105,920
Ukraine	251,400
Zimbabwe	40,610

1995–96—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Albania	18,500
Bahrain	19,260
Baltic States	585,100
Barbados	761,260
Belize	834,930
Bulgaria	27,800
Chile	316,630
Czech Republic	100,200
Dominica	15,570
Egypt	73,660
Greece	39,900
Grenada	16,490
Hungary	18,500
Indonesia	691,880
Jamaica	12,285
Jordan	60,390
Kenya	95,590
Macedonia	9,300
Malaysia	188,780
Morocco	26,170
Nepal	91,040
New Zealand	19,835
Oman	749,570
Poland	123,500
Portugal	40,000
Romania	27,800
Russia	630,000
Slovakia	37,100
Slovenia	9,300
Spain	9,385
St. Kitts and Nevis	15,570
St. Vincent	3,970
Thailand	95,610

1995–96—DMAF Expenditure
£
Country	MOD Subsidy
Turkey	58,825
UAE	54,990
Ukraine	142,600

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the Defence Export Sales Organisation has in co-ordinating defence sales promotions with the Defence Military Assistance Fund. [63862]

I will write to the hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the budget is for the Defence Diplomacy Mission. [63863]

The Defence Diplomacy Mission is funded either by those Top Level Budget Holders responsible for specific activities or from the Defence Military Assistance Fund (DMAF). Figures on the former are not separately identified. The DMAF budget for 1998–99 is some £11 million, of which about £7 million is allocated to activities which now fall within the Defence Diplomacy Mission.The increases we intend to make to the DMAF of around £5 million next year and up to £15 million in the two subsequent years, will also be used largely for Defence Diplomacy-related activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Christmas season entertainment he is arranging for the troops in Bosnia. [63909]

The principal Christmas entertainment provided for troops in Bosnia this year was a Combined Services Entertainment show which ran from 27 November to 4 December. It played at all major sites and all troops had the opportunity to see it. In addition to this, the British Forces Broadcasting Service will be broadcasting Christmas messages and conducting a radio link with families. There will also be a Christmas delivery of library books and the Service Sound and Vision Corporation are donating videos.Units will also be arranging their own activities such as Christmas lunches and carol services. In addition, all troops will be given extra telephone time free of charge over the holiday period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) men and (b) women are currently serving in the (i) Army, (ii) Royal Airforce and (iii) Royal Navy. [64391]

The number of men and women serving in the UK Regular Armed Forces on 1 November 1998, were:

	Men	Women	Total
Naval Service	40,668	3,302	43,970
Army	102,174	7,673	109,847
Royal Air Force	50,351	5,073	55,424
Total	193,193	16,048	209,241

These figures do not include the 4,512 personnel serving in the Royal Irish Regiment (men 4,072, women 440), or the number of Gurkhas totalling 3,578.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions his Department has drawn from the consequences of the explosion at Bhopal as regards the results of bombing chemical and biological weapons facilities. [62662]

The accidental explosion at a chemical factory in Bhopal, India in 1984 provided a large amount of information on the dangers in the storage of very large quantities of toxic chemicals, and on the possible consequences of the destruction, by accident or otherwise, of such storage facilities.We advise caution, however, before this information is directly applied to other scenarios. In particular, we do not consider the information on Bhopal forms a suitable basis from which to construct predictions of the consequences of bombing of chemical or biological weapons facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely target accuracy in possible bombing campaigns in Iraq. [62656]

I am not prepared to discuss detailed operational issues under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. However, I can say that only precision guided weaponry would be used.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to ensure the safety of those with diplomatic status in Baghdad in the event of a bombing campaign. [62657]

I am not prepared to discuss detailed operational issues under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I can say, however, that all relevant factors are taken into account in selecting targets.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to make an official visit to East Anglia. [62734]

I have no immediate plans to do so, but I hope to be able to pay a visit in the future.

To ask the Prime Minister when he next intends to pay an official visit to the Congleton constituency. [62736]

I have no immediate plans to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 16 December. [63664]

This morning I attended a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party and had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

To ask the Prime Minister how many letters he has received since 2 May 1997 (a) in favour of and (b) opposed to lowering the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16 years; and how many replies have been sent in a standard form. [64278]

Since 2 May 1997 I have received over 3,500 letters on this subject, the large majority of which were opposed to lowering the age of consent for homosexual acts to 16 years. All would have been acknowledged by No. 10 and almost all would have received a reply from the relevant Department which made clear the Government's position on this matter.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the political consequences in Iraq of removing Saddam Hussein from power, with particular reference to possible fragmentation. [62658]

I am aware of my hon. Friend's concerns about the possibility of fragmentation if the Iraqi regime should fall.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the likely impact of a bombing campaign in Iraq on the strength of Saddam Hussein's support in (a) Iraq, (b) the rest of the Arab world and (c) the rest of the Islamic world. [62659]

I am not prepared to speculate about the possibility of military action or its possible consequences. The statement on 12 November by the Damascus Declaration countries made clear that the Arab world holds Saddam Hussein responsible for the consequences of his actions and the Gulf Co-operation Council summit earlier this month reinforced the message that the Government of Iraq were responsible for the suffering of the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people would no doubt express similar views, if they were allowed to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the reasons for the length of time so far taken by UNSCOM to fulfil its mission. [62663]

UNSCOM is mandated under United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 to ensure that Iraq gives up its weapons of mass destruction (WMD). With full co-operation from Iraq, UNSCOM's work could have been completed very quickly. Instead, Iraq has chosen to attempt to retain its WMD capability at all costs. Its behaviour towards UNSCOM has been marked by persistent duplicity, evasion and confrontation.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the current officials of UNSCOM, indicating their (a) nationality, (b) salaries and (c) dates of appointment. [62664]

We do not keep this information. This is a matter for UNSCOM.

To ask the Prime Minister what steps the Government will take to ensure that documents requested by UNSCOM exist before using the Iraqi Government's refusal to provide them as the reason for a military attack. [62665]

I am satisfied that UNSCOM would not have requested these documents without good grounds to believe they existed. I will not speculate on when and if military action will be necessary. I have made clear that I am watching Iraq's behaviour closely against a range of criteria. Iraq's response to UNSCOM's requested for documents is not a good start.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the observations by Mr. Denis Halliday, the UN's former humanitarian co-ordinator, in Middle East International on 13 November, concerning the deaths of children as a result of the UN sanctions against Iraq. [62668]

Like Mr. Halliday, we deeply regret the suffering of the Iraqi people and we agree with him that it is unfortunate that the UN has been obliged to sustain a sanctions regime against Iraq for so long. But we reject claims that the Iraqi people are suffering because of sanctions.The international community has done all it can to protect the Iraqi people from the effects of sanctions. It is the Iraqi Government, by consistently seeking to thwart these efforts in an attempt to bring pressure for sanctions to be lifted before it has complied with its obligations, who bear responsibility for the suffering of the Iraqi people. The latest report by the UN Special Rapporteur Mr. Max van der Stoel into the human rights situation in Iraq also holds Iraq primarily responsible for the precarious food and health situation in Iraq.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will place in the Library the latest Information Bulletin on the activities of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union covering the period May to September. [64281]

I have done so today.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish his shipping policy paper. [64267]

I have today published the Government's shipping policy paper "British Shipping: Charting a new course" and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Library of both Houses.The policy document sets out a long-term, integrated strategy for British shipping in partnership between Government and the shipping industry, including the trade unions. Drawing on the report of the Shipping Working Group which I set up late last year, the paper sets out 33 inter-related actions designed to develop the UK's maritime skills; secure British seafaring employment; enhance the UK's attractiveness to shipping enterprises; and gain safety and environmental benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to encourage the introduction of speed reduction measures on UK roads. [62934]

The Department has recently started a review of speed policy taking account of its effects on safety, the environment, the economy, and the quality of life.The Department already issues advice to local highway authorities on the type of speed reducing measures that are available to them and best practice on their use. We shall also shortly be introducing legislation freeing authorities from the requirement to seek central Government consent to make 20 mph speed limits; advice about introducing such limits will stress the need to ensure the required reduction in traffic speed is achieved by making the limits self enforcing through the use of speed reducing features where necessary.Officials from the relevant Departments are discussing detailed methods for funding the operation of speed cameras from fine income.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about the delay in providing new trains on the London Underground Northern Line and what is the expected date when the trains will be operational; and if he will list the financial penalties imposed for the late delivery of the trains. [63402]

London Underground and ALSTOM are working together to introduce the new Northern Line trains as quickly as possible. The first of the new trains entered passenger service on 12 June 1998 and London Underground expect that a full Northern Line service will be provided with new trains by early Autumn 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assistance his Department gives to local authorities to enable them to help children between the ages of 16 and 18 years to enter into tenancies for homes of their own; and what guidance it gives local authorities on this subject. [63468]

My Department does not provide any specific assistance to local housing authorities to enable them to allocate tenancies in self-contained accommodation to 16 to 18-year-olds.The Housing Act 1996 requires authorities to allocate social housing on the basis of housing need. A person aged 16 to 18 with dependent children would have to be given priority under an authority's allocation scheme. However, it is the practice of many local authorities to include under 18-year-olds on their housing registers only if the social services authority supports the application or if an adult is prepared to act as a guarantor for any tenancy allocated to the young person. 16 to 18 year olds who are unintentionally homeless and considered vulnerable for the purpose of the homelessness legislation are also required to be given priority under an allocation scheme. My Department's Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness, which is currently being revised, provides general guidance to authorities on these matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1998, Official Report, column 118, on the Energy Savings Trust, what was the value of the grants awarded for the purchase or conversion of electric vehicles. [64142]

The Energy Saving Trust has provided grants totalling £501,500 for the purchase or conversion of electric vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many grants, and of what value, have been awarded as part of the Powershift programme to overseas-based companies for the conversion of vehicles to run on electricity. [64005]

No grants have been provided to companies not registered in the UK for the purchase or conversion of vehicles to run on electricity. One grant of £120,000 was made available to a company registered outside the UK for the purchase of 6 electric buses for use in a demonstration project in Merseyside.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff were employed by valuation tribunals in England on (a) 1 May 1997, (b) 1 April 1998 and (c) 1 December 1998. [63691]

The number of full time equivalent staff employed by valuation tribunals in England on the dates were as follows:

• 1 May 1997: 242
• 1 April 1998: 225
• 1 December 1998: 211.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many offices served valuation tribunals in England on (a) 1 May 1997, (b) 1 April 1998 and (c) 1 December 1998. [63692]

The number of offices serving valuation tribunals in England on the dates were as follows:

• 1 May 1997: 38
• 1 April 1998: 36
• 1 December 1998: 34.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (a) staff and (b) offices he expects to be required to serve valuation tribunals in England on (i) 1 April 1999 and (ii) 1 April 2000. [63690]

Staffing levels are primarily determined by the appeals workload. The staffing complement as at 1 April 1998, which has generally been retained for the financial year commencing 1 April 1999, is for 180 staff. Continuing reductions towards that level are dependent on local decisions by the valuation tribunals and their staff. The staffing complement from 1 April 2000 will need to take account of estimates of the number of appeals likely to arise from the non-domestic revaluation in that year.The longer term aim is to move to a structure of 14 administrative units to serve valuation tribunals in England, with one or at most two offices per unit. Progress by the stated dates will depend on discussions with the individual valuation tribunals in each of the administrative units. We expect there to be at most 32 offices by 1 April 1999. It is impossible to be precise about the figure on 1 April 2000, because this will depend on progress locally, but it will probably number 30 or less.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under what circumstances new or revised bids can be submitted for shortlisting for the headquarters of London government. [64085]

There has been a careful and open selection and short-listing process, which has reduced an initial 55 locations down to seven, and then to a short-list of two. I expect to announce a decision in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the latest estimated total cost for the construction of the Jubilee Line extension; and from what sources the funds will be derived. [63697]

London Transport review Jubilee Line Extension cost estimates regularly. The latest issued estimate of final cost was £2.85 billion (derived from a review in August). LT is currently undertaking a cost review, in the light of the rephased programme for line opening.The majority of the project (some £2 billion) has been funded by ring-fenced Government grant. Private sector contributions have also been secured from the developers of Canary Wharf, and British Gas. The remainder is being funded from within LT's overall finances. It is the responsibility of LT to control costs on the project. JLE costs are taken into account by the Government in deciding on the level of overall funding for LT.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the total expenditure and the breakdown of expenditure in his Department since May 1997 on (a) public opinion research, (b) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (c) direct mail. [63923]

The Department carries out public opinion research, television, radio and press advertising and direct mailings in support of publicity campaigns. The total expenditure since May 1997 is £10,630,000. The breakdown of that expenditure is as follows:

£
Project	Expenditure1
(a) Public opinion research on DETR campaigns	560,000
(b) Television advertising	6,500,000
Radio advertising	1,560,000
Press advertising	1,840,000
(c) Mailings in support of campaigns and consultation exercises	2170,000
1 To the nearest £10,000
2 Includes postage

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to override decisions made by the South West regional planning conference. [64147]

Under the new arrangements for the preparation of regional planning guidance set out in the planning policy statement "Planning for the Communities of the Future" (Cmnd 3885), Regional Planning Conferences will have greater responsibility for determining the most sustainable way of meeting housing needs in their region. It is intended that this should be a more inclusive process, Conference will work together with the Government Office, the Regional Development Agency and other regional stakeholders to produce draft Regional Planning Guidance. Increased legitimacy and transparency of the Regional Planning Guidance will be achieved through new procedures for a public examination before an independent panel. The panel report will be taken into account by the Secretary of State in finalising the regional planning guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given the South West regional planning conference on the effect of the future household projections on each county in the region. [64146]

As indicated in the policy statement, "Planning for the Communities of the Future" (Cmnd 3885) we need to provide enough housing to help meet the housing objective of offering everyone the opportunity of a decent home and so promote social cohesion, well-being and self-dependence. Achieving sustainable development means addressing economic, social and environmental objectives equally, both for present and future generations. The Government's objective is to provide sustainable solutions which will help ensure that new housing will, by its nature and location, enhance the quality of the environment. The household projections are the starting point for assessing housing requirements and local authorities will need to be realistic in the assumptions that they make about the number of households likely to form and how they should be accommodated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given the South West regional planning conference on how to meet the needs assumed by his projections for future household numbers. [64145]

The Government's approach to offering everyone the opportunity of a decent home is set out in its response (Cmnd 4080) to the tenth report from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1997–98, on Housing and the policy statement "Planning for the Communities of the Future" (Cmnd 3885). In considering the broad distribution of housing within the region the South West Regional Planning Conference is also expected to have regard to the Government's policy for urban regeneration, transport and sustainable development and to the Regional Development Agency's regional economic strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding his projections for the south-west region future household numbers. [64144]

None. Work is currently underway on the 1996 based household projections, which will be issued next Spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will allow local authorities in the south-west to postpone development plans until regional planning guidance is revised following the result of his survey of brown-field land. [64149]

No. The importance for the plan-led system of keeping plans up to date was emphasised in the statement on Modernising planning, published on 15 January. Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended, local planning authorities, in preparing their development plans, must have regard to any regional or strategic planning guidance issued by the Secretary of State, as well as to current national policies and other matters. Therefore, where development plans are being replaced or altered in the short term, they should continue to have regard to existing regional guidance, including, where specified, the housing provision figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given local authorities in the south-west region on sustainable means of meeting the housing needs of their community. [64148]

The policy statement "Planning for the Communities of the Future" (Cmnd 3885) set out the Government's broad approach. The consultation document, "Opportunities for Change", issued in February set out four broad objectives on which the Government's vision of sustainable development is based and what needs to be done to put it into practice. Further guidance is set out in "Planning for Sustainable Development: Towards Better Practice", published by my Department in October.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to assist local planning authorities in delivering more sustainable patterns of development. [64150]

In October my Department issued a guide to local planning authorities entitled "Planning for Sustainable Development: Towards Better Practice". This document has been well-received as a source of practical ideas about how sustainability principles can be implemented on the ground.My Department's series of Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs) advise local planning authorities on how they should draw up their plans to ensure more sustainable patterns of development. We intend to issue shortly a new draft PPG11 on regional planning guidance. This will advise the regional planning bodies that the promotion of sustainable development should be a central feature of RPG. Moreover, we will also shortly be issuing a full revision of PPG12 (Development Plans) for public consultation. This will include a section devoted to the relationship between the content of development plans, for which local planning authorities are responsible, and sustainable development.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response he has made to the draft Devon County Structure Plan. [64152]

We have carefully considered the proposed modifications to the Devon Structure Plan First Review which were published on 28 September and have made objections to a number of policies that appear to conflict with national guidance. A number of objections have been resolved and the extant objections relate to policies S6, C7, C12, C23, T14, H1, E8 and T12.The objection to policy HI stated:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance to local authorities, transport authorities and public transport bodies pending the introduction of legislation to encourage greater consistency in concessionary fares schemes for pensioners. [63998]

We announced our intention to legislate for a statutory minimum concessionary fare scheme for pensioners in our White Paper "A New Deal for Transport", the minimum scheme will entail half fares, on purchase of a £5 annual bus pass. Meanwhile, decisions on concessionary fare schemes will remain for individual local authorities. I have no plans to issue guidance to them, but I should, of course, be glad if those authorities who at present offer less generous schemes were to implement the proposed minimum in advance of legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library the summary of the findings of the National Review of Voluntary and Community Transport as presented to delegates at the annual community transport conference. [63813]

The summary is an informal document meant only to stimulate discussion at the recent Conference. I will send a personal copy to my hon. Friend. I will ensure that copies of the final report—which is due early in the New Year—are placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what increased provision was made in the local government financial settlement for each local authority to manage current and improved public access to the countryside. [63832]

The need for revenue expenditure by local authorities on public rights of way is taken into account, along with other spending pressures and the scope for efficiencies, in the local government finance settlement.The Government recognise that their proposals for increasing public access to the countryside are likely to have cost implications for local authorities, and will take these into account in future financial settlements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the response to the Government's consultation on improving public access to the countryside; and if he will list the main concerns raised by local authorities. [63831]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers given by my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment, to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 27 October 1998, Official Report, column 103, and to the hon. Member for West Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) on 18 November 1998, Official Report, column 672. My Department's analysis of responses to the consultation paper, "Access to the Open Countryside in England and Wales," will summarise the key issues raised by respondents, including the representations made by local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate how many dwellings in which the household is headed by a person aged over 65 years are leasehold; and how many of these are (a) flats and (b) houses. [64003]

The estimates¹ in the table are taken from the Department's Survey of English Housing for 1997–98.

Households owning a lease
Thousands
	Type of accommodation
Age of head of household	House	Flat	Total
Under 65 years	668	691	1,359
Over 65 years	163	258	422
Total	831	949	1,780

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of all leaseholders are aged over 65 years. [64002]

Estimates¹ from the Department's Survey of English Housing show that in 1997–98, twenty four per cent. (24%) of leaseholders were aged over 65 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with train operators regarding access to first aid equipment on trains. [63811]

None. The provisions of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (HSFAR), a relevant statutory provision of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, 1974, which apply to train operating companies, require employers to provide access to adequate first aid facilities for their employees in the workplace. All trains must therefore be fitted with first aid equipment which on modern trains is located in the drivers cab and on older trains in the guards van.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many countries are required to ratify the Kyoto Climate Change Convention Protocol for it to enter into force; and which countries have done so to date. [63775]

The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will enter into force on the ninetieth day after the date on which not less than 55 Parties to the Convention incorporating Annex I Parties (i.e. developed countries) which accounted in total for at least 55 per cent. of the total carbon dioxide emissions for 1990 from that group have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. To date, Fiji and Tuvalu have ratified the Kyoto Protocol.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the analysis in The Lancet of 8 August 1998 concerning the risk of congenital anomalies near hazardous waste landfill sites in Europe, including the United Kingdom. [63903]

The Government would be most concerned if a casual link was established between congenital anomalies and hazardous waste landfill sites. The study reported in The Lancet did not establish cause and effect, but concluded that there was a need for further study. The commentary in The Lancet on the study pointed out that the lack of adequate exposure information made the present results difficult to interpret.My Department has nevertheless been looking at the results of the study very carefully with the Department of Health and the Environment Agency. The Small Area Health Statistics Unit (SAHSU) at Imperial College has been commissioned by the Government to carry out a substantial survey of health effects around landfill sites, including congenital malformations. This work will take at least two years to complete. In addition, my Department and the Department of Health have asked the Institute for Environment and Health (IEH) to arrange a one-day meeting of invited experts to discuss

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has made to secure the OSPAR agreed cessation of radioactive discharges from the reprocessing plant at Cap de La Hague in France. [64104]

It is for France, as an OSPAR Contracting Party, to decide how it will implement the undertakings made at the OSPAR Ministerial Meeting last July. I understand that the French Government are carrying out a full review of discharge authorisations for the La Hague site and that they expect to make an announcement shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress towards the cessation of (a) liquid and (b) gaseous radioactive discharges from (i) nuclear reprocessing plants and (ii) nuclear generating stations in accordance with the OSPAR agreement. [64103]

In accordance with the undertakings made at the OSPAR Ministerial Meeting last July, the Government are working towards achieving further substantial reductions or elimination of discharges of radioactive substances. UK nuclear operators will be producing twenty-year strategies to show options for reducing discharges, by 2020, to levels which add negligible amounts to historic concentrations in the marine environment.The Environment Agency has completed its consideration of BNFL's applications to vary radioactive discharges from the Sellafield site and the Agency's draft decisions are being considered by Ministers. Requests for the applications to be "called-in" for the Secretary of State's own determination are also being considered and decisions will be announced as soon as possible.