To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the British Horseracing Levy Board's financial plan. [73513]

It is the British Horseracing Board (BHB) which has produced a financial plan for British racing. We are having constructive discussions with the Chairman of the BHB on the issues it raises.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last met members of the British Horseracing Levy Board; and what was discussed. [73514]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met the Horserace Betting Levy Board in October 1997. I met the Board on 24 March 1998 and have subsequently had several meetings with the Chairman—most recently on 23 February. We discussed a range of betting and racing issues which impinge on the Board's work.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on how many occasions since July 1998 he has attended a meeting with the Minister for Science where GM foods and crops were discussed; and if the Minister for Science left the room during those occasions. [73126]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: On the one occasion that policy on GM Foods was discussed in the Ministerial Group on Biotechnology and Genetic Modification, the Minister for Science left the meeting.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what was the outcome of the departmental stocktake meeting on genetically modified goods held on 22 February. [73724]

It is not the normal practice of Governments to give details of the outcome of internal meetings.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many air miles have been earned by him and each of his ministers; and how he proposes to use them. [73286]

The Government's policy on the use and disposal of air miles was set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 12 January 1999, Official Report, columns 141–42.Detailed information on any air miles earned by Ministers in this Department as a result of official travel is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy of linking aid to good governance and human rights in (a) Zimbabwe, (b) Burma, (c) Vietnam and (d) Cuba. [73731]

The Government's White Paper on International Development makes it clear that raising standards of governance is central to the elimination of poverty. All our development assistance programmes take good governance and human rights issues into account. We do not have bilateral aid programmes in Burma or Cuba. We have published a detailed Country Strategy paper for our programme in Vietnam and will shortly be publishing one for Zimbabwe which set out our approaches in those countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how she defines leakage in respect of food aid diversion in southern Sudan. [73175]

In Sudan, we regard "leakage" as being synonymous with "diversion" which refers to food aid that is deflected from reaching its intended beneficiaries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to visit Zimbabwe. [73729]

I made a brief visit to Zimbabwe in January 1998 and have no immediate plans to visit again. I will make arrangements to visit when and if it would contribute to the reduction of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the shortages of general practitioners and the action the Government are taking to encourage more doctors to (a) remain and (b) become general practitioners. [70082]

[holding answer 10 February 1999]: We believe that there is no overall shortage of general practitioners at present; and the supply of new GPs is adequate in the short term. However, there are difficulties in certain localities at present and, potentially, more widespread problems in the future without effective action.Recent policy initiatives to improve GP recruitment and retention include the salaried doctors scheme and Personal Medical Services Primary Care Act pilots, both of which provide opportunities for doctors to work in general practice in more flexible ways, without committing themselves to long-term financial investment, and to provide services in the areas where there is most need. They also include improvements to the GP retainer scheme, allowing GPs to work in general practice on a limited sessional basis, keeping in touch with practical and educational developments. On a longer time scale, the continuing support of out of hours developments is having a real impact on GPs' conditions and their morale.In addition, we announced on 22 July 1998 that undergraduate medical school intake to United Kingdom universities would be increased by about 1,000 places, a 20 per cent. increase. Intake is now planned to rise from the 1997 level of 5,050, to about 6,000 places by 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the manufacturers from which the NHS purchased the single mumps vaccine for use in the UK, and the dates when it did so; and what is the cost of a dose sufficient to immunise a child; [71314](2) between which dates the single mumps vaccine

The vaccines recommended in the childhood immunisation programme in England are centrally purchased and supplied to doctors free of charge. Single antigen mumps vaccine has never been recommended as part of the childhood programme and has, therefore, never been centrally purchased and supplied to doctors. Medicines Control Agency (MCA) records show that a single mumps vaccine. Mumpsvax (supplied by Pasteur Mérieux MSD), has been licensed in the United Kingdom since October 1972, when the licensing of medicines, and records, began and would have been available on prescription. The British National Formulary (September 1998) gives the price of a single-dose vial of Mumpsvax as £4.00. The administration of the vaccine would be a matter between the individual doctor and patient.During the period 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 553,000 children in England received a first dose of mumps, measles and rubella vaccine. Overall, around 1 million children would have received MMR vaccine over the year, taking those who received a second dose into account. Equivalent data on mumps vaccine coverage are not collected, since it is not a recommended vaccine, but, in the same period, a total of 440 prescriptions for mumps vaccine were dispensed. It is not possible to say how many children received the mumps vaccine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what studies his Department has assessed which indicate health outcome benefits from a reduction in the dietary sodium intake of the general population; [72325](2) if he will request the COMA Panel to review the recommendations on sodium consumption set out in its 1994 report on Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease. [72320]

The Government's source of independent expert advice on food and nutrition policy is the Committee of Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA). It considered the dietary requirements for sodium amongst the general population in its 1991 report on Dietary Reference Values, and the relationship between sodium and blood pressure in its 1994 report on the Nutritional Aspects of Cardiovascular Disease. Both of these reports are available in the Library and contain full references of the studies considered. We have no plans to ask COMA to review its recommendations.However, at the Department's request, the Faculty of Public Health Medicine (a faculty of the Royal College of Physicians) and the British Heart Foundation convened a seminar to review the evidence on the relationship between dietary sodium and blood pressure. This confirmed that there is a large body of authoritative opinion which favours a general reduction in salt consumption, and we have, therefore, asked officials to explore with the food industry the scope for reducing the levels of salt in processed foods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many current occupants of National Health Service hospital and unit beds had a main diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses in the last year for which figures are available. [72587]

The information requested is not collected centrally. However, there were 34,000 estimated finished consultant episodes and estimates occupied bed days of 1,600,000 with the primary diagnosis of schizophrenia psychoses in 1997–98, the latest date for which figures are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to recover money from tobacco companies for the NHS treatment of illnesses resulting from tobacco use. [72649]

Section 1(2) of the National Health Service Act 1977 requires that the National Health Service be provided free of charge except to the extent that charging is authorised by or under statute.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by authority the proposed allocations of the additional £140 million for the National Carers Strategy. [72945]

The £140 million covers the years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02. A special grant report, giving details of the allocation of the £20 million for the first year, will be laid before Parliament shortly. As the results of the allocation formula change from year to year because of new data, any figures for 2000–01 and 2001–02 could only be indicative at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many days lost and early retirements there were in the past 10 years arising from nurses and ancillary staff suffering injury consequent upon their lifting or moving patients; and if he will make a statement. [73705]

The information requested is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide funding for centres for deaf and blind people (a) in Gloucestershire and (b) nationally; and if he will make a statement. [73136]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to provide specific funding for centres for blind or deaf people. It is for local authorities to determine how their funds under the standard spending assessment should be spent. Gloucestershire County Council's personal social services resources will increase by 6.5 per cent. next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with officials from the Gloucestershire Health Authority regarding the impact on services of the 1999–2000 financial settlement; and if he will make a statement. [73139]

Officials at the South West Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive have had discussions with Gloucestershire Health Authority in the course of their normal performance management duties. Gloucestershire Health Authority has been allocated £334.6 million for 1999–2000, which represents an increase of £17.4 million (5.5 per cent).

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received proposing the making of the (a) basic state pension, (b) SERPS/state second pension, (c) private personal pensions, (d) LISAs, (e) contracted-out/contracted-in occupational pensions, money-purchase/final salary, (f) FURBs, (g) AVCs and (h) FSAVCs into a more simplified system of pension provision. [73394]

We have received a number of representations to the Pensions Review calling for greater simplification of some elements of the pensions system. We expect to receive more in response to the Pensions Green Paper consultation exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Aylesbury of 22 December about his constituent (N.I. reference ZW755428A), receipt of which was acknowledged by the Benefits Agency on 8 January ref. 7932. [73630]

The Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency replied to the hon. Member on 24 February 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of those who will no longer be eligible for (a) severe disablement allowance and (b) incapacity benefit have savings of (i) over £8,000 and (ii) between £3,000 and £8,000. [73512]

No information is available on the capital assets of potential future claimants of Incapacity Benefits.Some of those who in future will be ineligible for Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) will also be unable to receive Income Support (IS) because of the level of their income and/or capital. However, at least 70 per cent. of those who do not qualify for SDA and 70 per cent. of those who do not qualify for IB because of changes to the contribution conditions are expected to be entitled to IS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the overpayments of disability living allowance and other benefits, which have come to light as a result of benefit reviews; and if he will make a statement. [74164]

The need to ensure that the amount of benefit paid to claimants is correct at the outset, and remains correct, is an important element in our programme of welfare reform. This requires systems of review which are fair, sensitive and appropriate to the individual circumstances of the claimant.These requirements are particularly important where the claimant is a severely disabled person. Accordingly, on 28 January 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number those who will lose the bereavement allowance after six months who will have savings of (a) between £3,000 and £8,000 and (b) over £8,000. [73523]

The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is set out.The information provides figures on the proportion of capital holdings among existing Widow's Pension recipients which might be indicative of the position of future Bereavement Allowance recipients. The information is subject to a wide margin of error.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what savings he has estimated as a result of his proposal measures to reduce under-occupation of social housing; and on what assumptions his estimate is based. [73524]

Under the Housing Benefit under-occupation pilot scheme, tenants living in social housing, who move to smaller accommodation may be entitled to a payment equal to approximately half the Housing Benefit saving in respect of the next three years.This Department has worked with a number of local authorities to devise the scheme and identify the cost factors. We propose to operate the scheme initially as a pilot in order to evaluate its housing and financial effects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of people claiming social security benefits while receiving a wage paid in cash; and what measures he plans to take to reduce the number. [71098]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security will publish a fraud strategy document which will outline this Department's approach for creating a secure benefit system.The administration of the Benefits Agency is a matter for its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to write to the right hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many mixed sex wards there were in hospitals in Wales in each of the last five years. [71395]

The information requested is not collected centrally.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost over the last year of the Over-Thirty-Month scheme in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [72034]

The total cost over the last year of the Over-Thirty-Month Scheme in Wales was £26,770,716

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) in how many health authorities in Wales, and in which ones, the rate of caesarean section exceeds the World Health Organisation recommended rate; [72535](2) how many caesarean sections took place in Wales in each of the last five years; and what they were in each year as a percentage of all deliveries. [72536]

The following table shows the number of caesarean sections performed in NHS hospitals in Wales in each of the last five years for which data are available. Two percentage figures are shown: (a) as a percentage of births which took place in those hospitals which perform caesareans (home births, births to Welsh residents outside Wales and births at other hospitals where caesareans are not undertaken are not included in the denominator) and (b) as a percentage of all live births to residents of Wales (some of which may have taken place outside Wales).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what payments he has proposed under the Organic Aid Scheme for (a) Arable Area Payments Scheme eligible land, (b) ineligible land and (c) unimproved grassland or rough grazing. [72619]

[holding answer 24 February 1999): Subject to approval by the European Commission, the new payments rates available under the Organic Aid Scheme will be as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he decided to visit the United States of America. [73008]

In January I agreed to undertake an inward investment mission to North America fulfilling a promise given by my predecessor. Dates in March were decided upon following advice from officials and from the Welsh Development Agency. I took the decision to do so in January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) reviews, (b) task forces and (c) advisory groups have been established by his Department since 1 May 1997; what costs they have incurred to date; and what reports they have published. [71511]

Details of the reviews and task forces established by my Department since 1 May 1997, and of the reports published to date, are set out in the table. Expenditure on these reviews and task forces is not separately recorded, and could not be calculated without incurring disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on his Department's policies of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to be implemented in October 1999. [71275]

The DTI is acting to ensure that its policies meet the needs of disabled people and that we comply with our legal obligations. The Department already takes positive steps to make it easier for disabled people to make use of its services. We shall continue to do so, not only by complying fully with new duties in the Disability Discrimination Act but by aiming to exceed them where appropriate.The Department has recently circulated guidance on mainstreaming to those with responsibility for policy development. This ensures that all new and existing policies and programmes are assessed for any adverse impact not only on disabled people, but on any minority or disadvantaged group and, where necessary, action is taken to remove or reduce any such impact.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what amounts in his Department's budget for 1998–99 can be attributed to spending on disabled people; and what proportion this represents of total departmental spending. [71291]

During the year 1998–99 the Department allocated the sum of £31,000 for adjustments to information technology and specialist equipment for its staff with disabilities, excluding alterations to premises.The Department does not separately record the proportion of its total expenditure which goes to the disabled people. However, the Department aims to take account of the needs of those with disabilities in the design of its programmes.The above excludes the DTI's Executive Agencies, whose Chief Executives have delegated responsibility for disability issues in their Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times Ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the US Administration since 1 June 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved, and the name of the US counterpart. [71962]

My Ministers and I meet our US counterparts as and when necessary. Since 1 June 1998, there have been the following meetings:

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met William Daley, Commerce Secretary on 13 September 1998, (Johannesburg);

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry met Mrs. Charlene Barshefsky, US Trade Representative on 22 October 1998, (London);

The Minister for Science met Dr. Neil Lane, President's Scientific Adviser, on 4-6 December 1998, (Kyoto, Japan).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry who will represent his Department at the Biosafety Protocol meeting in Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [72230]

A senior official from the Department of Trade and Industry was present in Cartagena, Colombia throughout the negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list (a) those units in his Department and (b) the number of departmental staff which are concerned with preparing rebuttals of allegations in the media; and what is (i) the total cost of their work, including salaries, and (ii) the number of rebuttals issued since May 1997. [71856]

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: My Department has no units or staff who are exclusively required to prepare rebuttals of allegations in the media.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what systems are in place to ensure that Lord Simon does not see papers which could relate to his financial interests. [72801]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: Following the sale of Lord Simon's shareholding in BP, and the transfer of his other shareholdings into a blind trust, no such arrangements are required.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Air Miles have been earned by him and each of his ministers; and how he proposes to use them. [73325]

The Government's policy on the use and disposal of Air Miles was set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 12 January 1999, Official Report, columns 141–42.Detailed information on any Air Miles earned by Ministers as a result of official travel is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with representatives of the tobacco and alcohol industries concerning the future of their industries since his appointment. [72199]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: None, although my Officials continue to have regular contact with the Scotch Whisky Association to assist them in resolving many trade problems in a number of exporting markets. For example, at our request the EU has successfully challenged, through the World Trade Organisation, Japanese and Korean discriminatory tax regimes on spirits, and is presently pursuing another against Chile.My officials also have contact with the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association to discuss issues of current concern to the industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many representations he received, and from whom, between 30 January 1998 and 31 January 1999 concerning the Monopolies and Mergers Commission investigation into the supply of raw cows' milk in Great Britain. [73350]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received a number of letters from hon. Members and from members of the public regarding the investigation by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) into the supply of raw milk in Great Britain. Those representations have been passed to the MMC for them to consider.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the conclusions of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee regarding the source of and pathways for highly active particles found at Dounreay and Sandside Beach; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [72332]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: My right hon. Friend expects to receive advice from the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee shortly. The Committee itself publishes all the advice it gives to Government. A copy of the Committee's report will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports he has received from Dr Arpad Pusztai of the Rowett Institute in Aberdeen; when he received them; and if he will place copies in the Library. [72337]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: A copy of the report produced by Dr. Pusztai in response to the report of the Rowett Research Institute's Audit Committee was received by The Scottish Office on 26 October 1998. A copy of Dr. Pusztai's report together with the Audit Committee's response to the report has been placed in the House of Commons Library.From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much National Lottery funding has been distributed by (a) the National Lottery Charities Board (Scotland), (b) the Scottish Sports Council and (c) the Scottish Arts Council for projects in (i) Paisley, South Constituency and (ii) Renfrewshire Council area. [71429]

I have been asked to reply.The Local Authority of Renfrewshire (which includes the awards for Paisley, South) has received £3,880,033 covering 123 awards; of these Paisley, South has received £2,210,097 covering 43 awards.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the cost of escorting prisoners in the Simon de Danser case can be recovered from HM Customs and Excise by the Avon and Somerset Police on the same basis as additional costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence have been recovered. [72285]

No. The arrangement for escorting the prisoners to and from court in the Simon de Danser case was made by the police who are responsible for the costs. The Ministry of Defence costs were incurred during the investigation phase of this case and their arrangement with HM Customs and Excise is for cost recovery.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 26 January 1999, Official Report, column 217, on the EU Code of Conduct Group, if he will list those taxes other than corporation tax and equivalent taxes due for consideration by the Group. [72326]

The Group is considering business taxation measures which affect, or may affect, in a significant way the location of business activity in the Community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what security clearance will be required for the NHS representative on Defence Medical Services management boards established under the review of defence medical services. [70897]

The NHS representative will be subject to the normal security clearance procedures in the same way as an MOD employee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the shortlisted candidates for NHS hospitals to be associated with the Centre for Defence Medicine. [70870]

A Statement of Requirement for the new Centre for Defence Medicine is currently being prepared. Expressions of interest from NHS Trusts will be sought once it is complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the Ocean Wave deployment; what assessment he has made of the benefits and value of it; and what military tasks were not carried out because of the involvement of personnel in it. [71939]

Ocean Wave was the deployment of a Royal Navy Task Group to the Gulf, Far East and Asia Pacific regions between 13 January and 28 August 1997.Clear military and strategic objectives were set for the Task Group prior to the deployment. Ocean Wave demonstrated the UK's continued commitment to the Asia-Pacific region after the hand-over of Hong Kong. It underlined our interest in the promotion of regional peace and stability, the protection of freedom of international trade, and promoted bilateral relations by the joint working between military forces in the Asia-Pacific region. There was also considerable benefit to the UK defence industry.In addition, the Royal Navy were able to test their readiness and to assess how well equipment, procedures and personnel stand up in a realistic scenario with integrated forces. Such interactive training is achievable only when a number of diverse assets are deployed together over a prolonged period.The additional costs directly attributable to Ocean Wave were about £9.8 million. The main elements of this additional sum were port and harbour dues, Suez Canal transit fees, operational support, additional fuel costs, local overseas allowances, ships taken up from trade and travel subsistence.Planning for Ocean Wave commenced 2½ years prior to the deployment taking place, so that we were able to ensure that all routine or contingent tasks were also undertaken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Army personnel have been dismissed for bullying, or related offences, in each of the last five years. [72932]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency; and what was the figure at its inception. [72957]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Army Training and Recruiting Agency published its report for 1998–99; and what was the cost of production of the report. [71904]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact on her Department's policies of the goods and services provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to be implemented in October 1999. [71266]

Northern Ireland Departments are acting to ensure that their policies meet the needs of disabled people and that they comply with their legal requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act. Departments already take positive steps to make it easier for disabled people to make use of their services. They shall continue to do so, not only by complying fully with new duties in the Act but by aiming to exceed them where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list the parliamentary constituencies which she has visited in an official capacity in the past 12 months. [71344]

[holding answer 15 February 1999]: I have visited the following Parliamentary constituencies in an official capacity in the past 12 months:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have to discourage smoking by those aged under 16 in Northern Ireland in 1999–2000. [71536]

The Government set out their proposals for a comprehensive strategy to tackle smoking across the United Kingdom in the White Paper "Smoking Kills".the White Paper identifies a range of measures that will help protect young people. These include:

• minimal tobacco advertising in shops;
• tough enforcement on under age sales;
• proof of age cards; and
• strong rules on the siting of cigarette vending machines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the incidence was of cigarette smoking among (a) children under 16 and (b) adults in 1998 in Northern Ireland. [71535]

The latest available data for children's smoking are from 1997–98 and are available only for children aged 10 to 16. The latest available data for adults are from 1996–97. The incidence of cigarette smoking in Northern Ireland was (a) 19% among children aged 10 to 16–17% males and 21% females—and (b) 29% among adults—31% males and 27% females.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 3 February 1999, Official Report, column 642, on overseas publications, if he will deposit in the Library copies of the English versions of the articles he has written for foreign newspapers and journals. [71144]

We do not keep a systematic record of the final printed versions or articles written by the Prime Minister for foreign newspapers.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the continuing responsibilities of the Lord Chancellor in relation to devolution. [70848]

[holding answer 23 February 1999]: The Lord Chancellor chairs the Cabinet Committee on devolution policy. Its terms of reference are:

"To consider policy and other issues arising from the Government's policies for devolution to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the regions of England and to promote and oversee progress of the relevant legislation through Parliament and its subsequent implementation."

To ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to the letter from the right hon. and learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard) of 14 January, on the subject of EU fraud and mismanagement. [73265]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 February 1999, Official Report, column 230.

To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions, when he has met the Minister for Science, genetically modified foods or crops have been discussed. [73025]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: I have regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others on a wide range of subjects. As with previous administrations it is not my practice to provide details of confidential discussions.

To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions, he or his officials have held discussions with (a) Monsanto, (b) Novartis and (c) Agrevo. [73036]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 23 February 1999, Official Report, columns 232–33.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans the NMEC has to offer concessionary tickets to the Millennium Experience to families on means-tested benefits. [69672]

The New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) ticketing strategy and pricing structure aims to ensure that as many people as possible who wish to visit the Dome will be able to do so. The structure will include a range of group, family, student and other discounts. In addition, the company is working closely with the travel trade to ensure that attractive packages combining travel and Dome entry are available. In drawing up its pricing structure and discount categories the Company has been informed by the experience and systems of other major visitor attractions both in the public and private sectors. Concessionary tickets for families on means-tested benefits is not standard practice and would be particularly difficult to introduce in a way

that would prevent abuse. The NMEC does not therefore propose to introduce such concessions. The Government, and the Millennium Commission, have endorsed this approach.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications have been made for (a) branded restaurants and (b) other catering facilities at the Dome. [67267]

The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) announced on 18 December agreement with Granada Food Services Ltd., and Letheby Christopher for the provision, respectively of public service catering and hospitality catering. On 26 January the NMEC announced contracts for ten branded catering outlets at the Dome. Contracts for the remaining catering outlets will be announced shortly. The process prior to the appointment of these caterers involved the company in discussions with about one hundred potential caterers; the issue of thirty-one invitations to tender; and interviews with and presentations from sixteen companies in support of their tenders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the English Sports Council's grant-in-aid was spent on (a) staff costs, excluding national centres, (b) administrative expenses, (c) publicity/promotions/communications, (d) grants to national governing bodies, (e) grants to the National Coaching Foundation, (f) sports science, (g) sports medicine, (h) national centres, (i) grants to other national sports bodies, excluding NGBs and (j) regional support in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) what are the provisional spending plans for 1999–2000 to 2001–02. [71745]

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The information the hon. Member requested on the English Sports Council's grant-in-aid expenditure is included in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to the BBC about the amount of money they intend to spend on their Internet and on-line services. [72678]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: None. In granting approval for the launch of BBC Online, my right hon. Friend was satisfied that proposed expenditure on BBC Online represented effective value for money in delivering a key part of the BBC's public service remit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will list the representations he has made to the BBC on political content since 1 May 1997; [73689](2) what representations he has made to the BBC concerning the programme, "One Man and His Dog". [73691]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the Statutory Instruments made under paragraph 11(5) of Part III of Schedule 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1990; and what plans he has for further statutory instruments under that provision. [73146]

Paragraph 11(5) of Part III of Schedule 2 of the Broadcasting Act 1996 sets out the restrictions on participation in companies holding digital radio multiplex licences. There have been no Statutory Instruments under that paragraph to date. As my hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting announced on 28 January 1999, Official Report, columns 322–23, I intend to lay an order revising these restrictions before the House shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to consult on the relaxation of restrictions on ownership of national (a) analogue radio licences and (b) digital radio multiplex licences. [73145]

I consulted broadcasters, broadcast regulators, consumer groups and other interested parties on the relaxation of the restrictions on participation in companies holding digital radio multiplex licences on 26 November last year. I have no immediate plans to consult on the present restrictions on the ownership of analogue radio licences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) which (a) bodies and (b) individuals advise the (i) Independent Television Commission and (ii) Radio Authority on religious broadcasting; [73147](2) who appoints members of the Central Religious Advisory Committee; and if he will list the membership of that body. [73195]

The Central Religious Advisory Committee (CRAC) advises the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority and the BBC on policy matters relating to religion. The members of the Committee are appointed by the ITC and the BBC. The membership of CRAC is as follows.

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list incidents of (a) fraud and (b) gross mismanagement reported or referred to (i) his Department and (ii) HM Magistrates' Courts' Inspectorate relating to (1) payments by and (2) funding of the Kent Magistrates' Courts' Committee from 1 January 1996 to date. [72655]

One potential incident has been reported in respect of the Kent MCC. It has not yet been resolved. There have been exchanges between the Department, the Magistrates' Courts' Inspectorate, the Magistrates' Court Committee and the paying authority and advice has been given and recommendations made. What further action is

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the applications he has received for commercial planting of genetically modified crops since 1 May 1997. [72207]

Applications for commercial planting of genetically modified crops need to be submitted to a Member State acting as a competent authority under Directive 90/220/EEC. The UK has not directly received any such applications. It has received dossiers forwarded from other competent authorities for an opinion on whether approval should be granted, as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list by (a) title, (b) name of author and (c) date of receipt the advice that he has received about the (1) environmental and (2) health consequences of the (i) growth and (ii) sale of genetically modified crops in the United Kingdom; and if he will publish that advice. [73511]

The Secretary of State is advised on the environmental and health consequences of genetically modified crops by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). The Committee publishes an annual report which is available in the Library. DETR and the Committee have also produced a series of guidance notes and DETR has produced a number of research reports to inform ACRE's advice. These are all published and are listed in the annual reports.The Deliberate Release legislation requires the Secretary of State to seek advice from ACRE on all consent applications. ACRE advise as to whether or not a consent should be granted and the conditions which should be attached to a consent. As the legislation requires certain information to be made available to the public, DETR maintains a public register of all consent applications and the advice on them from ACRE.English Nature has also published advice calling for the regulatory process to include an assessment of the risks to wildlife in its "Position Statement on Genetically Modified Organisms", which is also available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions where the new Greater London Authority will be located; and if he will make a statement. [73922]

I have decided to proceed with the scheme for a new building on the London Bridge City site proposed by CIT Markborough Ltd., incorporating an outstanding design by Foster and Partners. The building, on a major brown field site on the south bank of the River Thames, by Tower Bridge, will be very energy efficient, include the provision of significant civic space in and around the building and improve public access to the river.We shall be working with the developer and his architect over the coming weeks to develop the building design taking account of comments that have been expressed about it, and to agree the detailed terms on which the building will be available. Subject to a satisfactory resolution of these discussions and the developer securing planning permission quickly, I anticipate that the building will be ready for occupation in 2001.This concludes a major and very competitive search for a suitable location for the headquarters of the Greater London Authority (GLA). From a long list of 55 initial sites, we invited the developers of seven sites to submit outline proposals which, after a careful assessment, was reduced to a short-list of two. The developers were then invited to submit detailed designs by two of the country's leading architects, for London Bridge City and Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square to show how they would meet the GLA's needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with bus companies about introducing wheelchair-accessible low-level buses; what plans he has to speed up the introduction of such buses; and if he will make a statement. [73141]

We are introducing regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for all new buses to be wheelchair accessible. An informal consultation on regulations to require improved access to buses and coaches took place in 1998. Copies of the consultation document were circulated widely, including to all bus and coach operators. Meetings were also held with representatives of both manufacturing and operating industry, and a formal consultation on the draft regulations is planned for this year.The regulations will progressively require a lower first step height, provision for wheelchair users and other passengers with a wide range of disabilities, starting in January 2000. End dates are also being proposed for all regulated buses and coaches to ensure that over a reasonable timescale they all become fully accessible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with local councils about the design of kerbs with regard to wheelchair accessibility; if he has discussed kerb design with charities for the blind; and if he will make a statement. [73142]

The Department first issued advice on dropped kerbs almost twenty years ago. Last month we issued new technical guidance to local authorities "Guidance on the use of tactile paving surfaces". The first chapter of that document deals with the design of dropped kerbs for wheelchair users and the provision of tactile paving at such installations to warn blind and partially sighted people that they have reached the edge of the footway. The advice was produced after consultation with local authorities, disability organisations, including those representing blind and partially sighted people, and other interested parties.We propose to support the advice contained in this document on dropped kerbs with a Traffic Advisory Leaflet which will be issued to local authorities. The leaflet should be available later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation to ensure that all new buildings have wheelchair access to all floors via front and back doors. [73137]

Part M of the Building Regulations, which applies to all new buildings, requires that reasonable provision shall be made for disabled people to gain access to and to use the building. The Approved Document which gives guidance on meeting this requirement says that the requirement will be met by making it reasonably safe and convenient for disabled people: to gain access to and within buildings other than dwellings and to use them; and from 25 October 1999 to be able to visit new dwellings and to use the principal storey. For the purposes of Building Regulations disabled people are defined as people who have an impairment which limits their ability to walk or which requires them to use a wheelchair for mobility or who have impaired hearing or sight.The provisions for access and facilities in buildings other than dwellings are for the benefit of disabled people who are visitors to the building or who work in it. One of the objectives of Part M is that disabled people should be able to use the principal entrance provided for visitors or customers and an entrance which is intended, exclusively, for members of staff. The provisions are not described in terms of front and back doors. Another objective of Part M is that in designing buildings, it is important that disabled people are able to reach the facilities that are provided within them and to use them. To this end reasonable provision is to be made for vertical circulation within a building other than a dwelling.In view of this, I have no plans to introduce further legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack regarding the displaying of information which can be understood by blind people; what discussions he has had regarding the quality of broadcasts made on stations about the relaying of train information; and if he will make a statement. [73144]

We work closely with Railtrack on a wide range of issues affecting the needs of disabled rail travellers, including those who are blind. Railtrack, in common with other service providers, are subject to the provisions of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. From October 1999, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service and provide auxiliary aids or services, for example induction loops or information in Braille, which would enable disabled people to use a service.My Department (in collaboration with representative bodies of local authorities and the professional institutions) is also producing advice for service providers in the transport sector on best practice in meeting the needs of disabled people. That advice, which is due to be published later this year, will include guidance on both audible and visual information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will give the reasons for not calling in the planning applications for a new ground for Coventry City Football Club, retail and other development at Foleshill Gasworks. [73564]

It is not my Department's practice to give reasons for not calling in planning applications. The Courts have endorsed this view.Under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, my power to call in planning applications is discretionary and I exercise it very selectively. My policy is not to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless it is necessary to do so.Having had regard to our procedures and all our planning policy guidance, I did not consider that it was appropriate to call in the application for Arena 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will decide the detailed investment programmes for water companies to undertake between 2000 and 2005; and if he will make a statement. [74163]

The Government published "Raising the Quality" on 23 September 1998. This document gave guidance to the Director General of Water Services on the environmental and quality objectives to be achieved by the water industry between 2000 and 2005.The Director General of Water Services requested that decisions on the detailed programmes needed to achieve these objectives should be made by the end of February, to enable water companies to prepare their business plans.I shall make a detailed announcement on Monday of the investment programmes to be delivered by 2005. The terms of the announcement will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many bids in respect of the initiatives in (a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000 involving competitive bidding from local education authorities were (i) made and (ii) successful in each education action zone. [63981]

Table 1 shows the bids from local education authorities for schools in education action zones for the School Inclusion: Pupil Support Standards Fund Grant 1999–2000. Table 2 shows bids from local education authorities for the Early Excellence Centre Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to regulate the use of au pairs for childcare; and if he will make a statement. [71974]