To ask the Attorney-General if he will refer to the Serious Fraud Office recent allegations that irregular and unauthorised payments have been made by a drugs company (a) to avoid tax and (b) to encourage doctors to prescribe certain drugs; and if he will make a statement. [73527]

Section 1(3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 empowers the Director of the Serious Fraud Office to investigate any suspected offence which appears to her on reasonable grounds to involve serious or complex fraud. If my hon. Friend has relevant evidence or information, he should make it available to the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his current estimate is of the number of households of working age in which there is no-one in work for each local authority area in Wales. [72641]

According to the Spring 1998 Labour Force Survey household dataset, there were an estimated 195,000 working-age households in Wales with no-one in employment; a breakdown by local authority area is not available due to the sample size.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of ordinary classes in primary schools contained more than 30 pupils in January 1998. [73110]

In January 1998, 28 per cent. (2,735) of ordinary classes in primary schools had more than 30 pupils.On the basis of grant approvals for local authorities to employ additional teachers from September 1998 to reduce infant class sizes, it is estimated that there are 722 fewer infant classes with over 30 pupils than would have been the case without grant. The additional £50m provided for schools in the local government revenue settlement for 1998–99 will also have had an impact. The results of the January 1999 schools' census will give the actual position.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity; and who or what organisation was acting as their sponsor or host. [73348]

The Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), was at the awards as the guest of BPI (the British Phonographic Industry Ltd.).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he or his predecessors have signed an agreement to lease land adjacent to Crickhowell House in Cardiff for use as a site for the National Assembly Building. [73620]

A lease has been signed for a parcel of land of approximately one acre which comprises one half of plot 1E adjacent to Crickhowell House for a term of 150 years from 29 September 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much matching funding has been given for European rural development grants in Wales in the current financial year; how many projects are awaiting match funding and what would be the total requirement of matching funds to enable them to progress; and what funding has been agreed for such match funding for 1999–2000. [72824]

In the current financial year Rural Development Grant of £809,000 has been committed to support European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) Objective 5b awards.There are currently 35 projects under consideration arising from successful EAGGF Objective 5b bids under Rounds 7 and 8. These represent a total bid of some £3.8m over the financial years 1998–99 to 2001–2002.The Secretary of State will be making decisions shortly about further funding for the scheme based on the merits of individual projects and our priorities for securing the long-term future of the agriculture and food industries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department has paid in regional selective assistance for supermarket developments in Wales in each of the past three years. [73566]

Retail developments of this type are not eligible for regional selective assistance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received regarding the tax burden on business. [72341]

I have received a number of representations on this issue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the ending of ACT recovery on the finances of charities; and if he will make a statement. [72773]

The withdrawal of payable tax credits will be completed from 6 April 1999. We recognise the special position of charities and provided generous compensation for them through public expenditure, for the withdrawal of their payable tax credits. This compensation takes the form of a payment to a charity of a percentage of the dividends it receives, and will apply for five years from 6 April 1999 on a tapering basis, giving charities an opportunity to adjust to the withdrawal of payable tax credits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action Customs and Excise is taking to investigate allegations that Sky Air Cargo of London and Occidental Airlines have been supplying weapons to rebels in Sierra Leone. [73266]

The investigation of alleged breaches of United Kingdom legislation implementing arms embargoes is a matter for the Commissioners of HM Customs and Excise. It is not the Commissioners' general practice to comment publicly about the existence or nature of such investigations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the 20 most prevalent fatal illnesses in terms of annual death rates. [72713]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the issues for discussion before the ECOFIN Council on 15 March indicating the position he proposes to take on each issue. [72741]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: Every six months, at the beginning of an EU Presidency, the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), outlines to the House the main items of business expected during the Presidency. Every month, she gives the House details of the items expected at meetings of the Council of Ministers during the month. After each meeting of the ECOFIN Council, I report back to the European Scrutiny Committee on the business conducted at the ECOFIN meeting. This has been the practice under successive Governments.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those Ministers in his Department who were present at the recent Brit awards in an official capacity; and who or what organisation was acting as their sponsor or host. [73494]

None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the consultations he has had with the European Central Bank since 1 January. [71495]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: The Chancellor regularly meets his colleagues from other Finance Ministries and Central Banks.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what responses he has received to proposals for a single ombudsman scheme as set out in the draft Financial Services and Markets Bill; and if he will make a statement. [74393]

The Government are committed to improving consumer protection, and the creation of the single ombudsman scheme is an important element in delivering such protection. The response to the draft Bill published in July 1998 showed strong support for the creation of the single ombudsman scheme. The Government, however, intend to amend some of the relevant provisions of the Bill to meet valid concerns raised.The draft Bill allows for an appeal to the courts against the ombudsman's determination by either respondent or complainant on a point of law. Consistent with the objective of resolving disputes quickly and with minimum formality, we have decided to remove this provision.Currently, the Bill allows the Ombudsman to order complainants to pay costs if they behave improperly or unreasonably. In order that complainants should be able to approach the Ombudsman without the fear of being ordered to pay the respondent's costs, we have decided to provide for the scheme operator to make rules authorising awards of the scheme's costs against either party, limited in the case of the complainant to the costs of the scheme operator.We also intend to widen the FSA's discretion over which complaints are to be included in the compulsory jurisdiction. The FSA will be able to include all financial services carried out by authorised persons, not just those listed in Schedule 2 to the Bill. This change will allow the FSA to bring within the compulsory jurisdiction the large majority of disputes involving authorised persons which can currently be dealt with by the existing schemes, including the Banking and Building Societies Ombudsmen. We will also give the FSA sufficient flexibility to exclude some categories of regulated firms where there is a case to do so. We propose that the scheme operator should have similar discretion over the scope of the voluntary jurisdiction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of creating a new chief of staff post on the Surgeon General's staff; and if he will make a statement on the nature of the employment that will be covered under that part of his remit which involves the implementation of the changes following the strategic review of defence medical services. [70879]

The upgrading of the Chief of Staff post in the Surgeon General's Department will not result in any additional personnel cost as the new incumbent will replace the current Chief of Staff who, as a medical officer, is in receipt of additional remuneration to reflect his professional qualifications. The new Chief of Staff's responsibilities will include ensuring that the changes to the Defence Medical Services announced by the Secretary of State for Defence on 14 December 1998 are implemented expeditiously and cost-effectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has had from South African police on the incident in May 1998 involving a cargo of military equipment flown from RAF Manston destined for South Africa which failed to reach its destination; and what his response was. [71565]

[holding answer 16 February 1999]: The Ministry of Defence has not received any representations from the South African police or other authorities on this matter. This is a matter for Customs and Excise. I refer my hon. Friend to the response given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 8 February 1999, Official Report, column 22.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which organisation supplies his Department with fast insertion craft; and which other countries have been supplied with similar vessels. [72644]

Fast insertion craft are currently supplied to the Ministry of Defence by Halmatic, who are now part of the Vosper Thornycroft group of companies. Vessels of this type have been procured by Singapore.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long after he ceased to be Head of Defence Export Services Sir Charles Masefield joined the Board of GEC; and if he will make a statement. [73267]

Sir Charles Masefield joined GEC on 14 December 1998, the day that Mr. Tony Edwards succeeded him as Head of Defence Export Services, HDES. Sir Charles originally joined the MOD on 1 September 1994 on secondment from his previous employer, Airbus Industrie, a subsidiary of BAe. As a secondee, we would have expected Sir Charles to return to industry on completion of the HDES appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times in each of the last five years Royal Navy personnel have been involved in activity to assist Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and other agencies to control drug trafficking. [72937]

The number of occasions on which Royal Navy personnel have been involved in support of HM Customs and Excise counter-drug operations over each of the last five years is as follows:

• 1998: 3
• 1997: 3
• 1996: 6
• 1995: 3
• 1994: 4

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the (a) Defence Medical Training Organisation and (b) Army Personnel Centre published its report for the year 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [73012]

This is a matter for the Chief Executives of the Agencies concerned. I have asked them to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what official visits he, his Ministers or officials have paid to Zimbabwe since May 1997; whom they met; and what was discussed. [73457]

There have been no visits by MOD Ministers to Zimbabwe since May 1997. Two senior MOD officials visited Zimbabwe in 1998 where they met UK staff working for the regional British Military Assistance Training programme, gave presentations on the UK Strategic Defence Review, held workshops on management issues and paid office calls on Defence Ministers, senior members of the Armed Forces and senior officials. A senior MOD official has been on secondment since May 1995 assisting in the restructuring and management of the Zimbabwean MOD.There have been a number of visits by other officials and military staff for a variety of reasons. The cost of listing them all would be disproportionate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles in tandem with an airborne stand off radar system. [72755]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: The planned Airborne Stand-Off Radar, ASTOR, programme, together with the in-service Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicle and future UAV programmes, such as SENDER and SPECTATOR, will form an important part of our integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, ISTAR, capability.Long range surveillance and reconnaissance assets, such as ASTOR and longer range radar and UAVs, will help to cue and subsequently direct medium and short range reconnaissance and target acquisition assets, such as Phoenix, to identify, prioritise and engage enemy targets from long range before they can inflict damage on our and friendly forces. This integrated approach ensures our ground attack air assets and long range artillery assets are used to maximum effectiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Army Training and Recruiting Agency; and what was the figure at its inception. [72818]

[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 Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Old Gym at Caerwent military base. [73649]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: The Army is currently in discussions with Caerwent Community Council regarding the sale or lease of the Old Gym at Caerwent Training Area to the Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to set targets for the Defence Dental Agency for the year 1999–2000. [72979]

I aim to announce the key targets for the Defence Dental Agency in April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which countries had armed forces involved in the brigade exercise in Poland carried out between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998. [72847]

Exercise ULAN EAGLE, which took place at the Drawko-Pomorskie training area in north east Poland in October 1997, was a British Army exercise undertaken by 20^th Armoured Brigade. No other countries' armed forces were involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the Defence Codification Agency published its report for 1997–98; and what was the cost of production of the report. [73035]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Codification Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Defence Codification Agency; and what the figure was at its inception. [72978]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Codification Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed by the Defence Bills Agency; and what was the figure at its inception. [72839]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Bills Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department by what means members of the public may obtain access to an indexed collection of determinations by immigration adjudicators in order to find out if there is a relevant decision relating to their case. [72862]

No collection of indexed adjudicator determinations exists. Adjudicators' decisions are not binding on other adjudicators. Determinations are retained on tribunal files and are available to the public only with an adjudicator's permission.Immigration Appeal Tribunal decisions are available from the Supreme Court Library on request and are available to subscribers on the Electronic Immigration Network Database via the internet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) on how many occasions (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department have (i) spoken with and (ii) received representations regarding genetic modification from Mr. Stan Greenberg of Greenberg Research; [72248](2) on how many occasions

[holding answer 23 February 1999]: I and my officials are in regular contact with representatives of all those with an interest in biotechnology—including environmental groups, consumer groups and biotechnology companies. It is not the normal practice of Governments to give details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations (a) he and (b) his ministers have received on genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry from the US Government. [72762]

The Department has received one representation on this subject from the US Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the sites in Northavon where genetically modified crops (a) are currently grown and (b) have been grown in the last three years. [73910]

No genetically modified crops are currently grown or have been grown in the last three years in Northavon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will require the Health and Safety Executive to institute prosecution proceedings against Zeneca for a breach of the regulations governing the escape into the environment, through the consumption by Zeneca staff, of genetically modified tomatoes and tomato seeds. [73402]

HSE inspectors have sought clarification from Zeneca regarding reports in the national press that members of staff have eaten whole genetically modified tomatoes as part of taste trials. If this had taken place it would have represented a possible breach of environmental safety regulations. This is because tomatoes are a seed bearing fruit and the inadvertent dispersal of seeds from genetically modified tomatoes could have given rise to growth of genetically modified plants in the environment. The concern would have been that seeds would have dispersed through the sewage system, thereby breaching containment requirements.It has been found that there were major inaccuracies in the reporting. In particular, it would appear that taste trials have been undertaken only using tomato tissues from which all seeds have been removed. Therefore, there would not appear to have been any breach of environmental safety legislation.The photograph of Zeneca staff eating whole tomatoes, which appeared in one newspaper, was posed for the cameras using non-modified tomatoes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the pilot projects instigated by his Department since 1 May 1997, indicating the area in which each pilot took, or is taking, place. [72634]

A table setting out the pilot projects which have been instigated by my Department and its Executive Agencies since 1 May 1997 has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with London borough councils as to the number of empty council properties within their boroughs and the period of time that such properties are empty; and if he will make a statement. [72629]

I have had no such discussions. However, officials of the Government Office for London regularly discuss with Borough officials, as part of the annual Housing Investment Programme determination, many aspects of the Borough's housing strategy and of its performance as a housing authority. Empty council properties are one aspect of that discussion. The Government regularly mention the number of empty houses in each local authority area, and encourage all local authorities to implement strategies to minimise the number of empty houses in their area.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of the United Kingdom land area he has designated as special areas of conservation; and what the percentage is for other EU member states. [72775]

A total of 333 UK sites have been submitted to the European Commission as candidate SACs covering over 1,687,000 hectares. This accounts for 3.4 per cent. of the UK land surface. A similar additional area is covered by marine sites below mean low water. The Department does not have official information about other Member States, which is a matter for them and the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the designation of new special areas of conservation; and what was his evaluation of each suggestion. [72647]

333 UK candidate Special Areas of Conservation have been submitted to the European Commission following consideration of all representations made as a result of consultation. Many representations related to specific proposed sites; others, mainly from environmental organisations, suggested additions to the list. Where these suggestions were judged, on the advice of the nature conservation agencies through the JNCC, to be consistent with the Habitats Directive's criteria and requirements, they have been adopted. The JNCC publications, The Habitats Directive: selection of Special Areas of Conservation in the UK (Report No. 270), sets out the rationale that has been applied. It was published in October 1997 and placed in the Library of the House at the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will lay a specific duty on Transport for London to provide services at their existing levels on those parts of the Underground network outwith Greater London. [72653]

We do not intend to place such a duty on Transport for London. TfL will be directly accountable to the Mayor who, subject to the passage of the Greater London Authority Bill, will be responsible for arranging for the setting of the general level of services provided or secured by Transport for London. More widely, the Mayor will be under a duty to develop and implement policies for the promotion and encouragement of safe, integrated, efficient and economic transport facilities and services to, from and within Greater London. This duty therefore encompasses services to be provided by Transport for London outside the Greater London boundary.The Mayor will also have a duty to draw up an integrated transport strategy for London, while taking account of national policy including the Government's integrated transport strategy. The Government have made it clear that their policy is to promote and encourage integrated public transport and the Mayor will need to bear that in mind when making decisions about the level of services provided or secured by Transport for London outside the Greater London boundary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he proposes that representatives of those areas served by Transport for London railways outside Greater London will be consulted on the development of the services. [72654]

Subject to the passage of the Greater London Authority Bill, the Mayor will be under a duty to prepare a transport strategy document. It will be open to the Mayor to consult any body or person he or she thinks it appropriate to consult about the preparation of his or her transport strategy.In addition, we will establish a new body to represent the interests of users of all modes of transport in London, including all services and facilities provided or secured by Transport for London. The new body will be known as the London Transport Users' Committee (LTUC). We envisage that LTUC will have regular contacts with Transport for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he plans to give to London's Mayor over the former British Rail network within Greater London. [73171]

Our proposals were set out in our White Paper "A Mayor and Assembly for London" (Cm 3897). Paragraph 5.27 of the White Paper indicates that the Mayor will be able to:

issue guidance to OPRAF regarding franchisees in London;

secure the provision of new passenger services to be operated in London;

promote or fund new network improvements, as well as investment in new stations or improvements to existing ones;

require operators to participate in new multi-modal ticketing arrangements or concessionary travel schemes; and

ensure Transport for London is consulted on timetable decisions to ensure that bus, rail and tube services can be planned to complement each other.

The White Paper made it clear that OPRAF would not be bound to accept the Mayor's guidance if it would have an adverse impact beyond London or would result in additional financial liability to the taxpayer. Transport for London will also be able to exercise powers inherited from London Transport to ensure consistency between rail, Underground and bus services in terms of Travelcard fares and ticketing, marketing and passenger information. Transport for London will also have the power to oppose rail schemes which it thinks are contrary to the Mayor's transport strategy or other policies, or to the interests of Londoners.Clauses 163 to 166 of the Greater London Authority Bill currently set out the draft provisions which will give effect to our proposals. Those clauses were debated in Standing Committee on 23 February 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current estimate for the start date of the construction of the Thameslink 2000 rail scheme. [73092]

The start of construction work on the Thameslink 2000 rail project is dependent on two factors:Firstly, the project requires construction powers to be granted under the Transport and Works Act 1992 (TWA). Railtrack submitted an application for a TWA Order for Thameslink 2000 in November 1997. Following consideration of representations made in respect of that application, and changes resulting from a review of the project, Railtrack is currently preparing a supplementary TWA Order application. A decision on when any public inquiry into the proposed scheme might be held has therefore been deferred until December 1999. The earliest an Inquiry could realistically be expected to commence is Spring of 2000. The timing of the Secretary of State's decision on whether to grant powers following the Inquiry Inspector's report, and—if powers are granted—the start of construction work, would depend on a number of factors, including the length of the Inquiry and the Inspector's findings.Secondly, the Thameslink 2000 project is dependent on Stage 2 of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) for the provision of certain works at St. Pancras. Railtrack has said that it intends to proceed with the exercise of its option to construct Stage 2 of CTRL, but believes that it would be inappropriate to make such a commitment until after the outcome is known of the Rail Regulator's review of access charges. If this option were exercised in 2001, construction of Thameslink 2000 would start in early 2002 and the service could be operational in 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he plans to take to provide future funding security for, and protection of, existing service levels on the Robin Hood line between Nottingham and Mansfield. [73095]

The Office of Passenger Rail Franchising (OPRAF) is in discussion with the local authorities and Central Trains about the future arrangements for the funding and provision of services on the Robin Hood line. For the current financial year (1998–99), OPRAF is providing a contribution of £350,000 to Central Trains in respect of Robin Hood Line services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising has concerning proposals made by train operating companies to (a) reduce staffing levels and (b) change staff pay and conditions. [73107]

The Franchising Director does not have any power to prevent train operating companies from reducing their staffing levels. He has rights of approval over changes to pension arrangements and changes to pay and conditions which would leave undesirable legacies for the next franchisee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising made of the likely impact on staffing levels of the successful bids for rail franchises; and if he will place a copy of each such assessment in the Library. [73152]

Bids for franchises were assessed on value for money for the provision of passenger rail services. The contents of the bids remain confidential and therefore copies of the assessments cannot be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many rail staff took redundancy in each of the years between 1992–93 and 1997–98. [73169]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson), on 16 December 1997, Official Report, columns 152–53. I understand from the British Railways Board that, in 1997–98,310 British Rail staff were made redundant.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Government will take into account Sea Containers' punctuality record when evaluating the company's request for a franchise extension for the East Coast main line. [73090]

As I announced at the rail summit on 25 February, the track record of franchisees will be one of the factors in considering proposals for renegotiation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what surveys of public opinion (a) his Department and (b) the British Transport Police have carried out in the last five years into fear of crime on the national rail network. [73104]

In 1997 the Department published a report entitled "Perceptions of safety from crime on public transport". This was the outcome of a number of surveys and focus groups carried out across England which included train travel. In the last five years the British Transport Police have carried out annual surveys alternately with railway passengers or staff and these included questions on the fear of crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total sum invested in measures specifically to improve access to stations for travellers with disabilities in each of the years between 1987–88 and 1997–98. [73103]

Information on specific expenditure on disabled access is not available for those years.However, all new stations planned or in build will provide full unassisted wheelchair access. In addition, Railtrack are on course to meet the target, set in the Network Management Statement 1998, of providing unassisted wheelchair access at a further 119 stations this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what duties will be given to the Strategic Rail Authority in regard to improving access to the rail network for travellers with disabilities. [73102]

Subject to Parliament's' consideration of the necessary legislation, the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to have regard, in particular, to the interests of disabled people. The SRA would also inherit the Rail Regulator's code of practice for protecting disabled railway passengers and a duty to revise it from time to time and encourage its adoption and implementation. The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998, which came into effect on 1 January this year, have set clear technical requirements for wheelchair access and a range of other features that will apply to all new rolling stock coming into service from that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the average annual increase in the cost of (a) supersaver, (b) cheap day return and (c) standard single tickets on the national rail network for each year from 1992–93 to 1997–98. [73091]

This information is not available in the form requested. However, I will write to my hon. Friend about the data that are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many, and what proportion, of journeys on the InterCity and former InterCity network were made using (a) supersavers and (b) savers in each of the last 10 years. [73106]

This information is not available in the form requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (a) family railcards, (b) network cards, (c) forces railcards and (d) all-line rail rovers were issued in each of the last 10 years. [73105]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if those rail services provided under the Rail Regulator's Moderation of Competition proposals will be required to accept national interavailable protected fares. [73190]

In all the access agreements which the Rail Regulator has approved to date, the acceptance of national interavailable protected fares has been a requirement. The Rail Regulator has indicated that he would not expect to approve access rights for new services where he had reason to believe that approval was likely to result in the loss of network benefits. Those benefits include the provision of interavailable tickets. For franchise operators, the obligation to accept interavailable tickets is a condition of their franchise agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what instructions he gave to passenger transport authorities in regard to fares levels in connection with the payment of the special rail grant to passenger transport executives. [73094]

None. Where Passenger Transport Authorities (PTAs) have chosen to retain responsibility for setting fares on the rail services which they support, they are free to raise or lower fares as they wish. However, the amount of grant entitlement will take account of the financial consequences of fares changes which diverge from the national fares cap set by the Franchising Director. Fares in the areas of the two PTAs which have chosen to pass responsibility for setting fares to the train operating companies are subject to the regulated fares cap set in franchise agreements, i.e. RPI-1 from 1 January 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria were used by the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising to assess the impact on existing or potential rail services of the coach links which OPRAF approved as part of the Virgin/Stagecoach deal for the InterCity West Coast Main Line and Cross Country Franchises. [73089]

The Criterion for securing the bus links was the integration of public transport in line with our recent White Paper, A New Deal for Transport. The primary aim was to transport passengers to rail heads by bus from areas not currently served by rail services and thus to encourage greater use of train services from these rail heads.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total number of passenger train services on the national rail network for each year between 1985–86 and 1997–98. [73093]

Information is not held in this form. However, I will write to my hon. Friend about alternative statistics that are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made by the DVLA in reaching their target to deliver 95 per cent. of vocational licences within nine working days. [73097]

Since the beginning of 1998–99 the target has been met or bettered during every month except for April 1998, when a 10 day turnaround was recorded. DVLA expects to deliver an 8 day performance for the year as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from Eagle Star in relation to the structure plan for Hampshire. [73181]

Following publication of the Hampshire Structure Plan Examination in Public panel report in May 1997, Eagle Star forwarded to the Secretary of State in October 1997 a copy of the Company's response to Hampshire County Council Conservative Group's press release on the structure plan. In October 1998 the Secretary of State received two representations from Eagle Star asking him to intervene in the Hampshire Structure Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to require motor vehicle registration number plates to comply with the laid-down specification. [73255]

Enforcement is a matter for the police. We are, however, planning to introduce new regulations, later this year, on the display of number plates which will facilitate enforcement and should reduce abuse. From 1 March this year, motorists who mis-represent their vehicle registration marks may also have them withdrawn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last advertised posts of (a) Chairman, (b) Vice-Chairman, (c) Executive members and (d) non-executive members of the Board of London Regional Transport. [73506]

The information requested is set out:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many Air Miles have been earned by him and each of his Ministers; and how he proposes to use them. [73336]

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, column 141.Detailed information on any air miles earned by Ministers as a result of office travel is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what official visits he, his Ministers or officials have paid to Zimbabwe since May 1997; whom they met; and what was discussed. [73462]

There have been no official visits by DETR Ministers to Zimbabwe since May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the current members of the Board of London Regional Transport, (b) the dates on which they were first appointed and (c) their (i) qualifications and (ii) experience.

The information requested is set out.There has been one official visit on 27–30 January 1998 when a senior Departmental official represented DETR at an International Workshop on Strategic Approaches to Freshwater Management. The event was attended by some 80 countries, together with NGOs, industry and International agencies. This event was hosted by the Zimbabwe Government with EC support, and helped pave the way for the Commission for Sustainable Development's Sixth meeting at which a formal Decision on Strategic Approaches to Freshwater Management was adopted by CSD, and later endorsed by UNGASS.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what criteria are used in assessing the suitability of people to be appointed to Government Zoo Inspectors' List A and Government Zoo Inspectors List B; [73725](2) what plans he has to assess the continuing suitability of those on the Government Zoo Inspectors Lists A and B. [73726]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: The requirements for selecting zoo inspectors are set out under Section 8 of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The list of inspectors is compiled after consultation with the British Veterinary Association, the Federation of Zoological Gardens and other bodies. The list consists of two parts: the first part contains the names of veterinary surgeons and practitioners who have experience of animals of the kinds that are or may be kept in zoos; the second part contains the names of other persons who are in the Secretary of State's opinion competent to inspect animals in zoos, to advise on keeping them and on their welfare, and to advise on the management of zoos generally. The Secretary of State may, after the required consultation, vary the list of inspectors by adding or deleting names.Following the Government's review last year of the operation of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981 we plan to revise and update the current list of zoo inspectors. A new advisory body, the Zoos Forum, which we will be establishing shortly will also have an important part to play in reviewing the current list of inspectors and advising on further nominations for appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what standards his Department uses to determine whether a (a) circus and (b) zoo elephant has been excessively shackled; and if he will make a statement; [73727](2) what guidance he has given Government Zoo Inspectors on action to be taken in respect of elephants which have been excessively shackled. [73728]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: All zoos in Great Britain are required to comply with the Standards of Modern Zoo Practice issued by the Secretary of State under the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. The Standards do not at present specifically cover shackling. We announced a package of proposals in September last year to modernise the British zoo licensing system, and this included a review of the Standards, which is currently under way.Local authorities are responsible for the issuing of licences and other executive functions under the Act. In considering whether to issue a new or renewed licence under the Act, local authorities may attach any conditions or recommendations which they consider necessary or desirable, having regard to the

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999, Official Report, column 445, what consultation is taking place regarding further assistance and protection for homeless people; what representations he has received on the restoration of a duty to fund permanent housing; when he plans to complete his consideration of the further steps to be taken referred to in his answer; and if he will make a statement. [73526]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: The Government have received representations from Shelter about making changes to the homelessness legislation which we are considering carefully. The Government intend to consult very widely on any proposals for strengthening the assistance and protection available to homeless people which it brings forward. No date has been set for completion of consideration of the steps that might be taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what strategy he has to meet the need for social housing over the next 20 years; and if he will make a statement. [73517]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: Our aim is to offer everyone the opportunity of a decent home and so promote social cohesion, well-being and self-dependence. The provision of good quality, efficiently managed social housing plays an important part in meeting that aim.We are making available an extra £5 billion for housing over the life of this Parliament, giving local authorities increased scope to invest in new social housing where this best reflects local needs and priorities, and boosting the Housing Corporation's support for new social housing relative to the last Government's spending plans.However, the overall number of new social houses built is not a full or satisfactory measure of a successful housing strategy. Decisions on investment have to strike a balance between the need for new social housing and the requirement to invest in improvements to the existing social and private sector stock. They must also take proper account of the demand for social housing, which varies greatly between regions and even between local neighbourhoods. It is important, therefore, that investment decisions reflect local circumstances. The policies we are putting in place following the Comprehensive Spending Review are designed to ensure that investment decisions are based on robust local assessments of housing need, reflected in housing strategies drawn up by local authorities in partnership with their communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the revenue support grant for Gloucestershire for the last five years for which figures are available; and what revenue support grant he is providing for 1999–2000. [73140]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: The information requested is shown in the table:

£ million
	1994–1995	1995–1996	1996–1997	1997–1998	1998–1999	1999–2000
Gloucestershire
County Council	122.009	116.893	114.407	121.930	125.861	128.611
Cheltenham	3.909	3.861	3.688	3.779	3.393	3.237
Cotswold	2.125	2.042	1.659	1.811	1.556	1.509
Forest of Dean	1.861	1.702	1.322	1.690	1.470	1.394
Gloucester	4.423	4.289	4.269	4.560	4.379	4.233
Stroud	2.098	1.920	1.515	1.736	1.462	1.306
Tewkesbury	2.510	2.318	1.902	2.015	1.499	1.450
Gloucestershire
Police	1—	9.589	9.004	9.280	9.455	9.105
1 Gloucestershire Police Authority came into existence in April 1995. In 1994–95, police services were provided by the County Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received recently from the Transport on Water Association regarding river transport to and from the Millennium Dome; and if he will make a statement; [73528](2) what correspondence he has received from the Transport on Water Association since 1998; and if he will lay copies of the letters and his replies in the Library; [73530](3) when he first received a copy of the Transport On Water Association's study of the future of passenger services on the River Thames; and what assessment he has made of their recommendations. [73529]

My hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction received a letter from the Chairman of the Transport on Water Association dated 27 July 1998 asking a number of questions about the Government's plan for encouraging new river transport services on the Thames, including services to the Millennium Dome. I replied on 28 September. As requested, I am placing copies of both letters in the Libraries of the House.My Department first received a copy of the Association's proposals for a system of passenger transport on the Thames in 1994. These were taken into account, along with other studies and advice, in developing the Government's own proposals under our Thames 2000 initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of planning appeals dealt with by means of written representations since 1 May 1997 have conformed with the timescales required by the Written Representations Regulations 1987. [73403]

The provision of information on planning appeals is the responsibility of the Planning Inspectorate. I have asked the Inspector's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what evaluation his Department has made of proposals for the possible construction of a new railway station at Tufnell Park on the Barking to Gospel Oak line. [73160]

This is a commercial matter for Railtrack. The construction of a new station at Tufnell Park is dependent on an approach from the train operating company and/or the local council. I am advised that to date no formal proposal has been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the proposals currently being considered by his Department for the re-opening of closed railway lines. [73159]

No specific proposals are currently under consideration, but we announced on 25 February that the Franchising Director is taking forward a wide ranging consultation on the future development of rail services. Proposals for the re-opening of lines may also be submitted under the Rail Passenger Partnership Fund effective from 1 April. The Office of Passenger Rail Franchising will be publishing guidance for bidders shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the environmental changes in Antarctica since the agreement of the Environmental Protocol. [73166]

The Environmental Protocol entered into force in January 1998, although the UK had implemented its provisions soon after its adoption in 1991. Operational procedures in Antarctica have changed considerably within the past few years to take on board the tough provisions of the Protocol, e.g., the regular use of Environmental Impact Assessments, rigorous waste disposal standards, etc. All activities of British citizens in Antarctica, including the scientists of the British Antarctic Survey, are the subject of permits issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. An assessment of compliance with environmental standards is a routine part of permitting procedures. From our knowledge of the operations in Antarctica of other Treaty parties it is apparent that all, to a greater or lesser extent, have embraced the provisions of the Protocol.Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey continually monitor conditions in Antarctica. Whilst the Environmental Protocol has strengthened the environmental protection of Antarctica from activities which are carried out there, changes to Antarctica's environment are occurring due to the impact of wider global events, e.g., pollution from industrial areas outside of Antarctica.The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions partly funds the Hadley Centre to analyse global temperature trends, although they have not studied Antarctica specifically. We do not fund measurements of ozone depletion in the Antarctic although the British Antarctic Survey do so, funded by the National Environmental Research Council.The Department does, however, follow the work of scientists working in the region. We have also just let a contract to make a risk assessment on the possibility of collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet in the face of climate change. The results of this survey should be available by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the incidence of elderly people living alone because their extended families have moved elsewhere due to the lack of local affordable housing. [73164]

My Department has made no specific assessment of this issue. Indeed, given the number of factors likely to affect the decisions of individual households, it is difficult to envisage any meaningful conclusions arising from any such assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of, and what representations he received on, the spending needs of Islington Council prior to the rate support grant announcement for 1999–2000. [73165]

We looked carefully at the pressures and burdens on all local authorities and the scope for further efficiency savings, taking into account the views of the Local Government Association, when considering the level of provision for local government over the next three years, as set out in the Comprehensive Spending Review. We also looked in detail with local authorities at the distribution of grant to continue our aim of providing a fairer distribution of resources. We consulted local authorities during December and early January on the local government finance settlement 1999–2000 which was approved by Parliament on 4 February. Islington Council did not comment on our proposals during that consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimates his Department has made of average traffic speed in central London (a) in each of the last 15 years and (b) at the latest available date. [73157]

Speed surveys covering central, rest of inner, and outer London are conducted on a rotating basis, with each of these three areas surveyed every three to four years. The latest survey in central London was carried out in 1997. The estimates of average traffic speeds (mph) in central London over the last 15 years are as follows:

	Morning peak	Daytime off-peak	Evening peak
1983	11.8	11.9	11.5
1986	11.5	11.0	11.0
1990	10.3	10.6	10.3
1994	10.9	10.9	10.8
1997	10.0	10.0	10.2
Peak times	7.45am-9.15am	10.00am-4.00pm	4.45pm-6.15pm

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect of the Millennium Dome on economic regeneration in London. [72127]

The building of the Millennium Dome, and its proposed long-term retention, will have major regenerative benefits for London, the full effects of which will become increasingly apparent over time.Before the decision was taken to site the Millennium Dome at Greenwich, the Greenwich Peninsula was one of the largest derelict sites in the country, suffering from heavy contamination. Yet it lies only a few miles from the centre of London and close to the many historic attractions of Greenwich. The extensive site preparation works and infrastructure improvements required for the Millennium Experience have acted as the catalyst for a major mixed-use development project on the Greenwich Peninsula, under the direction of English Partnerships. This project, including the new Millennium Village that is being built in the southern part of the site as a model for sustainable regeneration of a brownfield site, will establish the Peninsula as a vibrant new urban quarter for London, with ensuing economic, social and environmental benefits for the capital—and beyond.Furthermore, the Government intend shortly to launch a competition to find an alternative use for the Dome after the Millennium Experience finishes. We consider that retention of this unique structure with a new use that is both suitable and sustainable can make a substantial and lasting contribution to development of the Greenwich Peninsula, and give an added impetus to the long-term regeneration of the Thames Gateway. My hon. Friend will appreciate that different types of use could have widely varying impacts, both locally and nationally. We are confident, however, that the competition will bring forward a wide range of imaginative proposals and an outcome that will be of major benefit to London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been his Department's expenditure on research on red squirrels since May 1997. [73906]

The Department's statutory scientific advisers, English Nature, have spent approximately £100,000 on a Species Recovery Programme for the red squirrel, which includes a research element.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the presence of red squirrels in South East Britain. [73907]

Red squirrels are absent from South East Britain, with the exception of the Isle of Wight and islands in Poole Harbour, where the populations are estimated to number 4,000 individuals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the United Kingdom Red Squirrel Group is taking to encourage red squirrels in West Sussex. [73905]

There are no known populations of wild red squirrels in West Sussex. The focus of work by the UK Red Squirrel Group is currently in areas where there is the best chance to assist the long-term survival of red squirrel populations.

To ask the President of the Council what recent discussions she has had with transport providers on problems concerning millennium compliance and insurance cover for travel on 1 January 2000; and if she will make a statement. [72134]

I have not had any discussions with transport providers on the issue of insurance cover for travel on 1 January.Responsibility for the transport and insurance industries rests with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Treasury respectively. In my role as Chairman of MISC4 I have however received reports on Year 2000 preparations across the transport and insurance sectors.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on progress being made towards establishing a royal commission on reform of the House of Lords. [72135]

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on progress being made towards establishing a royal commission on reform of the House of Lords. [72137]

The members of the Royal Commission have all been appointed and the Secretariat has started work in its new premises. The first formal meeting of the Royal Commission is being held today.

To ask the President of the Council how many Air Miles have been earned by her and her Minister; and how she proposes to use them. [73342]

As part of our official duties at the Privy Council Office neither I nor the Parliamentary Secretary have earned any Air Miles.

To ask the President of the Council what official visits she, her Ministers or officials have paid to Zimbabwe since May 1997; whom they met; and what was discussed. [73460]

No visits have been made.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on progress on reviving the Standing Committee on the English regions. [72139]

I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton).

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what action she plans to take to improve the facilities for reporting of the House. [72130]

There are no plans at present to change the arrangements for access to, or the facilities available in, the Reporters' Gallery and Lobby. The latter consist of working space (which includes the Press Gallery library, dining room, cafeteria and bar), and telephones for representatives of the media provided free of charge over three floor levels in the area behind the Speaker's Chair. Filmed interviews of hon. Members by the media may take place in the Interview Rooms off Westminster Hall, the Jubilee Room and the Conference Rooms in the Parliamentary Outbuildings and are also permitted on the Terrace, in New Palace Yard and on Abingdon Green, where permanent power cables are provided for this purpose. It is always open to officers and members of the Press Gallery and Lobby Journalist Committees to present proposals for improvements to these facilities, should they wish to do so.With respect to the availability of the

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1999, Official Report, column 283, on Concorde flights, if he will list the Ministers who have taken a Concorde flight; and what was the total cost of the flights. [71307]

Since 2 May 1997, I and the following Ministers have taken scheduled Concorde flights: my right hon. Friends the Deputy Prime Minister; the Secretary of State for Defence; the Secretary of State for Health; the Foreign Secretary; the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett); the Minister for the Cabinet Office; and the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department. The total costs of these flights is some £86,800. This compares with 11 Ministers using Concorde on a total of 13 occasions during the last two years of the previous Administration.Expenditure on these flights is part of the Government's expenditure on Ministers visits overseas of £6.1 million for the period 1 May 1997 to 31 March 1998, and £4.0 million for the period 1 April to 31 December 1998. By comparison, in the last year of the previous Administration, expenditure on overseas visits was £7.8 million.In addition, as accounted for in answers to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) on 14 July 1997,

To ask the Prime Minister what factors underlay his statement that genetically modified food is beneficial for human consumption. [72240]

[holding answer 23 February 1999]: All genetically modified food produced in the United Kingdom has been approved by independent expert scientific advisers as part of an extensive regulatory process designed to protect both consumers and the environment. No approvals have been given since 1 May 1997.Genetic modification has the potential to enable us to produce food that is more nutritious and better tasting.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received on genetically modified organisms and the biotechnology industry from the US Government. [72763]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 31 July 1998, Official Report, column 600.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 23 February 1999, Official Report, columns 179–84, what his definition is of the term "pooling sovereignty". [73597]

In his statement to the House on 27 October 1997, Official Report, columns 583–88, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that to share a common monetary policy with other Member States represents a major pooling of economic sovereignty.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on progress made on passing each of the five economic tests for joining the euro; if deadlines have been imposed; and what staff have been tasked to monitor progress. [73596]

The Government have said that, barring some fundamental and unforeseen change in economic circumstances, making a decision during this Parliament to join the single currency is not realistic. The UK economy needs a period of stability in order to demonstrate sustainable convergence. The Government have put in place a new macroeconomic framework and introduced a series of microeconomic reforms which are both in the national economic interest and will help to deliver the stability required to demonstrate that convergence is sustainable. As I said in my statement to the House on 23 February 1999, Official Report, columns 179–84, we cannot say that yet.

To ask the Prime Minister who will judge whether the five economic tests for United Kingdom participation in the EMU have been passed; and who will be consulted. [73594]

The Government have said that the determining factor in any decision to recommend membership of the single currency will be the national economic interest. In order to make the assessment the Government have set out five economic tests which must be met before the UK could join. The final decision on whether or not the UK should join is for Government, Parliament and the British people in a referendum.