To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those hon. Members who are planned to go, or have been, to Sweden to lecture on the single currency and EMU for the British Council. [75130]

I understand from the British Council that no hon. Members have travelled to Sweden to lecture on the Council's behalf on the single currency and EMU. The Council is organising a conference in Sweden later this month with the title "Outside EMU—North European Perspectives" at which the right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke) will speak.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the ministerial visits made to (a) Argentina and (b) Taiwan in 1998. [75020]

(a) There were six ministerial visits to Argentina in 1998. These were as follows:

The Minister for Sport visited Argentina from 26 to 28 March in connection with the World Cup 2006 campaign.

The Minister for Education and Employment visited from 18 to 21 April in connection with educational co-operation.

The Minister for Transport in London visited from 12 to 14 July in connection with transport co-operation.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), visited from 2 to 4 August to discuss bilateral relations.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Minister for the Environment visited from 10 to 13 November for the Climate Control Conference.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many ambassadors and high commissioners there are; how many of them (a) are women, (b) are members of ethnic minorities, (c) have Oxbridge degrees and (d) were educated at public schools; and if he will make a statement. [74880]

As of 1 March 1999 there were 148 Ambassadors and High Commissioners and High Commissioners/Ambassadors designate. Seven are women. None are members of ethnic minorities. Eighty-four have degrees from Oxford or Cambridge universities. Information on the schools they attended is incomplete but at least sixty were educated at private schools and at least fifty-eight were educated at state schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the UN to be able to conduct a referendum on the future of the Western Sahara. [74872]

In his report of 11 December 1998 the UN Secretary-General stated that it is the United Nations' intention to hold the referendum in the Western Sahara in December 1999, provided that it receives full co-operation from the parties involved. We fully support the UN in its efforts to achieve this goal and hope that this deadline will be met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the EU member states that are assessing the need to provide extra funds to Sierra Leone; when he requested them to do so; and what form the invitation took. [75482]

The new £ 10 million package of British assistance to Sierra Leone was announced by the Foreign Secretary on 2 March 1999, Official Report, columns 895–96. On the same day, we instructed our Embassies and High Commissions to invite not just our partners in the European Union, but around the world, to play their part. Support from other donors could include direct support for ECOMOG, for the Government of Sierra Leone, or for humanitarian or other assistance

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he took the decision to commit up to an additional £ 10 million from the reserve for Sierra Leone; and over what period of time the sum will be spent. [75481]

The request from the Foreign Secretary for a contribution from the reserve for Sierra Leone was approved by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 18 February. We are inviting others in the international community to follow our lead in providing support to Sierra Leone; the £10 million will be spent as we receive matching new pledges from them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 605, for what reasons President Milosevic was not invited to join the Rambouillet talks. [75485]

The invitation allowed both sides to nominate their representatives at Rambouillet. It is a matter for the Federal Yugoslav and Serbian Governments as to why President Milosevic was not a member of their delegation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the representatives of the Governments of (a) Angola, (b) Zimbabwe, (c) Namibia, (d) Uganda, (e) the Democratic Republic of Congo and (f) South Africa whom the Minister of State met on his recent visits to the region, indicating the dates of the meetings. [75479]

As the Prime Minister's Special Envoy I visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries directly or indirectly involved in the conflict from 22–26 February to assess progress in African mediation efforts and to explore what more Britain and the international community may be able to do to support these. I met (a) Deputy Foreign Minister Miranda (24 February), (b) President Mugabe (25 February), (c) Prime Minister Geingob (24 February), (d) President Museveni (26 February), (e) President Kabila (23 February) and (f) Deputy Foreign Minister Pahad (22 February). I also met President Bizimungu and Vice President Kagame of Rwanda (25 February) and the Secretary General of the OAU (26 February).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those (a) British citizens and (b) British citizens with dual nationality who have been kidnapped in Africa from 1 January 1998 to date, together with (i) the date of the kidnap, (ii) the identity, or suspected identity, of the kidnappers and (iii) the outcome of the kidnaps. [75484]

Not all kidnappings of British nationals are reported. However, to our knowledge, the following kidnappings have taken place in Africa since 1 January 1998:

On 10 March 1998, Lenard Holland and Barry Glover (both British nationals) were abducted by villagers in Warri, Nigeria, along with a US national. They were released unharmed on 12 March.

On 14 April 1998, Gordon Hutchinson, Andrew Odell, Mark Edward and Grevill Moteran (British nationals) were held hostage by fellow oil workers in Nigeria. They were released after four days.

On 11 August 1998, Douglas Kear (joint New Zealand/British national) was abducted, probably by Rwandan Interahamwe rebels, in the eastern Democractic Republic of Congo, along with two Swedes and a Canadian. The Canadian was released on 18 August. The fate of the other three remains unknown.

On 6 October 1998, Pierre de School-Meester (British national) was abducted by pirates from a ship off the Delta State Coast, Nigeria. He was released unharmed on 12 October 1998.

On 8 November 1998, following a UNITA attack on a diamond mine in north-east Angola in which two British nationals were killed, Jason Pope (British national) was abducted along with a South African, two Filipinos and several Angolans. Their fate remains unknown.

On 10 November 1998, Peter John Holgate (British national) was taken hostage with seven other oil rig workers by Ijaw youths in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. All eight were released unharmed on 17 November 1998.

On 9 February 1999, Jim Simpson (British national) was abducted by local youths in Warri, Nigeria, along with an Italian and a Nigerian. He was released unharmed on 17 February.

On 15 February 1999, Martin Westbury and his young son Benjamin (both British nationals) were abducted by armed youths in Warri, Nigeria. They were released unharmed on the same day.

On 1 March 1999, Joanne Cotton, Steve Roberts, Mark Lindgren, Martin Friend, Gary Tappenden (all British nationals and Mark Avis (joint New Zealand/British national) were abducted by Rwandan Interahamwe rebels in Bwindi National Park, western Uganda, along with a number of other Western tourists. Gary Tappenden and Mark Avis found their way to safety; the other four were murdered by their abductors, along with four US and New Zealand tourists.

On 3 March 1999, Ian Lane (British national) was abducted by armed men in Warri, Nigeria. The case has not yet been resolved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to the Minister of State during his recent visit to Africa concerning the targeting by the Interahamwe of (a) British and (b) American citizens. [75480]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department received from the Government of Uganda concerning travel advice between 1 January 1998 and 1 March 1999. [75487]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to assist the Ugandan authorities in their investigation into the murders and kidnappings at Bwindi National Park. [75483]

The Ugandan President has promised us a full report on this tragic incident. A British police team arrived in Uganda on 5 March to assist the Ugandan authorities with their investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the President-elect of Nigeria following his announcement of the intention to withdraw Nigeria's peace keeping troops from Sierra Leone. [75477]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will visit Nigeria on 8 and 9 March. In his discussions with President-elect Obasanjo, the Foreign Secretary will pay tribute to the efforts which Nigeria is making to help provide security in Sierra Leone; and will stress the support which Britain is giving to ECOMOG to help it consolidate the security situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 192, on the Rotherham Euro Experiment, what role (a) ministers and (b) officials in his Department played in locating sponsors for the Rotherham Euro Experiment. [74491]

(a) None. (b) None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the issues for discussion before the Environment Council of 11 and 12 March, indicating the position he proposes to take on each issue. [72738]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: The following issues will be debated in Brussels on 11–12 March:

Community strategy on climate change: Council conclusions.

Amended proposal for a Council Directive establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy: Common position.

Proposal for a Council Directive on end-of-life vehicles: Common position.

Community strategy to reduce C0₂ emissions from private cars— Commission negotiations with car manufacturers which are not members of ACEA: Council conclusions.

Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 88/609/EEC, on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants: Policy debate.

Proposal for a Council Directive on the incineration of waste: Progress report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the current running cost estimate of the Environmental Protection Agency website is projected to rise to £ 1,000,000 in the year 2000–01. [74007]

I am advised by the Environment Protection Agency that the estimated cost of running its website is projected to increase from £ 25,000 in 1998–99 to £ 100,000 in 2000–01. This estimate is based on current growth rates, comparisons with the US Environmental Protection Agency and costs of other internet services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the (a) budgeted cost and (b) total final cost for the three contracts to extend the North Circular Road (A406) at the junction of Fore Street, N18 (A1010) extending eastwards to the boundary of the London Borough of Enfield; on what date each contract was to be completed and when they were actually completed; and if he will make a statement. [74202]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highway Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will deposit in the Library a copy of the report of the April 1998 Conference organised at Brighton by the European Commission on the Regions. [74443]

I regret that the Department was unable to determine from the Question which conference the right hon. Member has in mind. If he would like to write with further details, I would be happy to consider his request further.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many supermarkets have been granted planning permission as a result of a planning inquiry or appeal since May 1997 on (i) out of town, (ii) green-field, (iii) town centre and (iv) brown-field sites. [74556]

Since May 1997 planning permission has been granted, as a result of a planning inquiry or appeal, in respect of ten supermarkets. Of these, none were out-of-town or on green-field sites, six were in town or district centres and the remaining four were out-of-centre, but within the urban area on brown-field sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce his decision on the extent of the core trunk road network following consultation on his paper, "Roads Review: Implementation of Detrunking Proposals". [74720]

Responses from regional planning bodies, local authorities and others are being considered. We will announce a final decision on the extent of the core network as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to consider (a) the order application for the link from London Underground's East London Line to Railtrack's South London Line and (b) the funding application for the southern link and the northern extension to the North London Line; and if he will assess the benefits of creating an orbital rail network for London. [74624]

The Deputy Prime Minister gave permission for London Underground last August to do preparatory work for securing the legal powers necessary to build the southern extension to the East London Line. This work would need to be completed before an order application could be lodged.London Transport and the Department are considering a number of ways in which both the Northern and Southern Extensions might be funded. Any appraisal of the extensions will take into account the benefit of establishing orbital railway links.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for consideration of planning applications by public inquiry have been received by him since May 1997. [74536]

Comprehensive records are not kept centrally of requests to my right hon. Friend to call in planning applications. However, of those called in in the period 1 May 1997 to 31 December 1998, 239 applications have been or are due to be considered at a public inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning applications have been called in by him since May 1997. [74535]

For the 20 months from 1 May 1997 to 31 December 1998, my right hon. Friend called in some 246 planning applications.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will (a) list and (b) estimate for each of the past three years applications by local authorities in England and Wales for trading credit approvals or other borrowing requirements for the development and maintenance of self-financing trading operations other than airports. [74702]

In the last three years my Department has received a large number of applications for extra credit approvals for a wide range of purposes, including for Trading Credit Approvals (TCAs) for self-financing schemes. Owing to the constraints on my Department's resources, such requests could only be approved in the most exceptional circumstances. Local government in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the effect on the Public Sector borrowing requirement for 1999–2000 of approving all applications by local authorities in England and Wales for trading credit approvals or other borrowing requirements for the development and maintenance of self-financing trading operations other than airports for that period. [74703]

Local authority applications for Trading Credit Approvals (TCAs) can be made at any time of the year and therefore it would not be possible to estimate the amount of requests for TCAs my Department might receive in 1999–2000 or future years. Were an application to be successful the PSBR for 1999–2000 would be expected to increase by the amount of the credit approval issued. Local government in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will estimate the financial impact of the changes made to advance corporation tax since May 1997 on local authority budgets for 1999–2000; [74948](2) if he will estimate the cost per council tax payer for 1999–2000 by local authority of the changes to advance corporation tax introduced since 1 May 1997. [74947]

Actuarial assessments of the impact on local authority pension funds as a result of changes to advance corporation tax are not yet available for all funds. The Local Government Association, following a national survey last year, estimated the impact at £ 130 million. This was taken into account in the Revenue Support Grant Settlement for 1999–2000. It is not possible to say how these changes will impact on council tax. Local authorities will need to take into account all the relevant local circumstances in deciding on budgets and hence council taxes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to report on the planning application for a Royal Mail sorting office on the Feltham Marshalling yards site. [74886]

We have decided not to intervene on this planning application and have written to the local planning authority today to tell them that they can determine the application as they see fit.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many merchant ships joined the United Kingdom register during the last year for which figures are available; and if he will indicate their (a) names and (b) previous flags. [74965]

In 1998, 30 trading vessels of 100 gross tons and over joined the UK register. Their latest recorded names and previous flags are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the development projects involving sites larger than one hectare in the South East which he has called in the past year. [75499]

In the period from 1 March 1998 to 28 February 1999 the Secretary of State has called-in 20 planning applications involving sites larger than one hectare in the South East. These are as follows:

• Extension of a quarry and new cement works at Holborough Quarry, Snodland, Kent;
• Leisure development at Stone Lodge, Dartford, Kent;
• Conversion of a house and outbuildings to residential units, North Frith, Tonbridge, Kent;
• Development of land for bagging and storing topsoil at Honeypot Farm, Edenbridge, Kent;
• Leisure development at site of High School for Girls, Chichester, West Sussex;
• Housing development at Newdigate, Surrey;
• Retail, leisure and restaurant development at land to the west of Park Street, Camberley, Surrey;
• Mixed-use development including retail, leisure, restaurant and cinema at land to the north of Obelisk Way, Camberley, Surrey;
• Extension to Nuffield Priory Hotel, Nuffield, Surrey;
• Multiplex cinema, Port Solent, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, Hampshire;
• Foodstore, Bordon Motors site, Bordon, Hampshire;
• Foodstore, Southampton Road, Paulsgrove, Portsmouth, Hampshire;
• Storm Water Screen House, Fort Cumberland, Portsmouth, Hampshire;
• Retail warehouse and restaurant, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, Hampshire;
• Two proposals for the redevelopment of Bracknell town centre, Berkshire;
• Housing development, Grazeley, Wokingham, Berkshire;
• Housing development, Spencers Wood, Wokingham, Berkshire;
• Park and ride, Grain Silo, Cherwell, Oxon;
• Multiplex cinema, Abingdon, Oxon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the team of Green Ministers last met; what was discussed; and which departments were represented by officials. [75089]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 8 December 1998, Official Report, column 131, and also to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, West and Penistone (Mr. Clapham) on 25 November 1998, Official Report, column 5. Those replies related to the last meeting of Green Ministers on 18 November 1998. The next meeting is scheduled for 22 March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy in respect of the use of cycle paths by invalid scooters. [75104]

Cycle tracks and mandatory cycle lanes are not generally available to invalid carriages, although advisory cycle lanes can by used. Local authorities can permit the use of Class 3 invalid carriages (those capable of a maximum speed of 4 mph on the footway and 8 mph on the carriageway) on mandatory cycle lanes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how crops grown in genetically modified crop trials are disposed of where the subsequent foods or food ingredients do not meet the requirements that would allow them to enter the food chain. [75112]

The method of disposal is specified in each consent to release genetically modified crops. Methods for disposal include landfill, incineration, or autoclave. In addition to these methods, non-regenerative material may be disposed of by maceration or chemical treatment at the trial site and subsequent incorporation into the soil at the trial site.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers are available to local authorities to encourage businesses to move to their areas through the waiving or reduction of business rates; and if he will make a statement. [75008]

Local authorities do not have the power to waive or reduce business rates to attract businesses to their areas. However, we have proposed in the White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People" (July 1998) a measure of local discretion over the business rate, which would allow an authority to grant a rebate to all of its ratepayers, though the cost of that rebate would have to be met by the authority. We shall shortly be issuing a public consultation paper on the details of implementing the White Paper proposals on rates.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make changes to the function and composition of local councils. [75075]

Our plans for the modernisation of local government are set out in the White Paper "Modern Local Government: In Touch with the People" published in July 1998. This is a programme for change stretching for ten years or more. The Local Government Bill (which provides for the replacement of Compulsory Competitive Tendering with the new duty to achieve best value in providing local services, and also abolishes crude and universal capping) completed its Committee stage in the House of Commons on 25 February. Our proposals to transform the political management and ethical framework of councils will be published soon in a draft Bill, and other measures will follow.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will announce the results of the consultation exercise on the proposed incentive for local authorities to buy back ex-council flats and houses. [75707]

Around 200,000 people in England have bought a council flat, mainly under the Right to Buy. Research shows that the great majority consider it good value for money. But some, especially in system-built flats, cannot afford the costs of maintenance. Some cannot re-sell their home—either because they cannot find a buyer, or because mortgage lenders refuse to give a loan.The Government already provide financial help to councils to reduce high repair bills in flats. But some people—including some older people on low incomes— can no longer cope with the cost and strain of home ownership. Local authorities have powers to buy back housing, but their resources are limited, and they have other pressures. Last July we published a consultation paper offering to cover 25 per cent.of councils' costs.Many respondents were concerned that the incentive offered was too small. We have therefore increased it to 35 per cent.of all costs incurred by a council above a threshold of £50,000 per council per year. This will target help on those areas with the greatest problems. We have also extended it in other ways—for example, to cover homes already bought back during 1998–99, and to include former New Town housing.In addition to this incentive, when a council buys back a property it regains a capital asset which, sooner or later, it can re-let. It also reduces the costs of managing its leasehold property including, for example, trying to recover arrears of service charges. And in some cases, such as buying from an elderly or vulnerable person in arrears, the council will be helping someone whom it might otherwise have to re-house.Local authorities are best placed to decide who needs their help. They will be free to decide whom to assist and on what terms. there are just two restrictions: the incentive only applies where they are buying from an individual, and where they are not using compulsory purchase powers. This limits the incentive to cases there occupants wish to sell their home.We have today laid an Order before Parliament amending regulation 104 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance) Regulations 1997. Subject to Parliamentary approval, this will come into force on 1 April and councils will then be able to use the financial incentive. A copy of the consultation paper, and a list of the responses, is in the Library of the House, and copies of the responses are available in the Library of the Department.

To ask the Prime Minister what instructions he has issued relating to the Minister for Science's attendance at, or participation in, meetings where genetically modified foods and crops are discussed. [73026]

It has not been necessary to issue any such instructions.At all times the Minister for Science has acted in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and the statement he made at the time he became a Minister.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 24 February 1999, Official Report, column 383, what criteria he uses to evaluate the (a) quality of service and (b) customer satisfaction provided by train operating companies. [74153]

[holding answer 2 March 1999]: Quality and customer satisfaction are currently measured against benchmarks in passengers' Charters and franchise agreements. As I made clear at the Rail Summit on 25 February, this Government are committed to improving the quality of rail services, and believes that transport generally is as important as schools and hospitals.The Summit demonstrated our determination to improve rail services. Sir Alastair Morton, as the new Chairman of the British Railways Board and prospective Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority, will have a key role in raising standards and boosting investment. We also made clear that we need better measurements of quality and customer satisfaction.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on procedures for (a) democratic accountability and (b) official representations on economic management permitted from (i) national Governments and (ii) parliamentarians from countries within the euro zone, concerning management of the single currency; and what analysis he has made of such in determining whether the United Kingdom should join EMU. [74446]

Article 109b(3) of the Maastricht Treaty contains several provisions designed to balance the necessary independence of the European Central Bank with the need for democratic accountability. The Government believe that accountability and transparency in their policy-making will be key to ensuring that the European Central Bank gains the trust of the European public and financial markets. Ultimately, it will help to provide the credibility needed to deliver a more effective monetary policy.

To ask the Prime Minister what estimate he has made of total costs to (a) public services and (b) government departments of preparations for transition to the euro; and if he will make a statement. [74499]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb) on 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 529.

To ask the Prime Minister what arrangements are being proposed to guard against institutional racism in the public sector as a whole, with particular reference to new tests, guidelines and monitoring arrangements; and if he will make a statement. [75136]

The Government have accepted the definition of institutional racism set out in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report and have welcomed the Report's recommendations. A detailed response and action plan will be laid before the House in time for the debate on the Report.As my right hon. Friend made clear in his statement to the House on 24 February 1999,

To ask the Prime Minister if he will arrange for copies of articles which he writes for publication in overseas journals and newspapers to be deposited in the Library, together with a translation. [75051]

No central store is routinely kept of such articles and it would not be practical to make systematic arrangements to do so.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what representations he has received from (i) foreign Governments, (ii) foreign agencies, (iii) foreign media and (iv) British lobbyists concerning potential writing of articles for placement in foreign newspapers and journals; [75050](2) what representations he has received from overseas on articles which he has written in foreign newspapers and journals. [75049]

As far as I am aware, none.

To ask the Prime Minister who will represent the British Government at the High Level Symposium on Trade and Environment in Geneva on 15 and 16 March 1999; what policy position the Government will be promoting; and if he will make a statement. [74869]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: We will be represented at the World Trade Organisation Symposium on Trade and Environment by senior officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department for International Development, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We expect the event to be an opportunity to work with other WTO members and representatives of non-governmental bodies, including business, to identify constructive ways ahead on the trade and environment interface.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 527, on genetic modification, on what basis he stated that genetic modification has the potential for the production of food that is more nutritious and better tasting. [75061]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: This is the view of eminent scientific opinion. In its report on 'Genetically Modified Plants for Food Use' published in September 1998, the Royal Society say that

'the use of genetically modified organisms has the potential to offer real benefits in agricultural practice, food quality, nutrition and health'.

To ask the Prime Minister when he last met environmental groups with an interest in biotechnology; and who was present at the meeting. [75063]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: As under previous Administrations, it is not the normal practice to provide details of private meetings with specific individuals or organisations.

To ask the Prime Minister on what date he was informed that the American Government were running a signals intelligence operation under the cover of UNSCOM. [75408]

I am aware of the latest press allegations of the United States spying under cover of UNSCOM operations.The US Government have publicly stated that all activities by US nationals assigned to UNSCOM, and all information exchanges between the US and UNSCOM have been strictly in pursuit of UNSCOM's mandate to dismantle Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) capability.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to the answer by the Minister for Home Affairs and Devolution of 23 February 1999, Official Report, column 212, on Lockerbie, if he will define which aspects of the Lockerbie issue will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament, and which for the UK Parliament. [75280]

Scottish criminal procedure and the Scottish criminal justice system will be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. International relations will remain the responsibility of the United Kingdom Government.

To ask the Prime Minister what action he has taken in respect of the Lord Chancellor's use of his private office to promote a candidate for membership of the Garrick Club. [75153]

None. The Lord Chancellor did not use his Private Office to promote a candidate for membership of the Garrick Club. His Private Office was involved in preparing and despatching some letters on the Lord Chancellor's behalf. This was an oversight and the costs have been reimbursed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 6 February the number of (a) violent incidents involving paramilitary groups, (b) punishment beatings and (c) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [70902]

Between 31 January and 6 February 1999, there were 4 shooting incidents and 1 bombing incident. The number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks were as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 30 January the number of (a) violent incidents involving paramilitary groups, (b) punishment beatings and (c) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [70901]

Between 24 and 30 January 1999, there were 4 shooting and 2 bombing incidents. The number of casualties as a result of paramilitary-style attacks were as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list those incidents of violence attributed to Loyalist paramilitary groups which have occurred in 1999 to date. [71379]

The number of security incidents during 1999 to 24 February attributable to Loyalists are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the timetable for normalising security in Northern Ireland under the Good Friday Agreement. [71399]

The Government will make progress towards the objective of as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements in Northern Ireland, consistent with the level of threat. The situation is kept under constant review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost was to the public purse in each of the past five years to clean up graffiti on public buildings in Northern Ireland. [72912]

This information is not recorded in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 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. [72636]

The Department is funding five pilot schemes to promote the voluntary recording of archaeological finds in Kent, Norfolk, North Lincolnshire, the North-West and Yorkshire for two and a half years from September 1997 to April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what systems he has in place to ensure that policies being developed by his Department are subject to a crime impact (a) assessment and (b) audit and are not likely to lead to enhanced criminal opportunities. [72694]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: Departments co-operate on policy development and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State works closely with other Ministers in assessing any likely implications for crime of new developments, in support of the Home Office's aim to reduce crime and the fear of it.The procedures for crime assessment and audit vary across the Department's responsibilities. Where a policy is assessed as carrying some risk, for example where grants are made to third parties, specific systems are in place. Relevant sponsored bodies such as the national museums and galleries, Historic Royal Palaces, and English Heritage have security systems to guard against theft and criminal damage and we expect our sponsored bodies to keep these systems under review, to ensure they are appropriately effective in developing circumstances. The Department and its sponsored bodies have fraud policies in place and the Department has developed a checklist of key controls to prevent, detect and investigate fraud and deal with its consequences. The Department is committed to producing an annual fraud return to the Treasury's timetable each year.From this year onwards, Departmental and NDPB Accounting Officers will be required to prepare statements on the system of internal financial control which operates in their organisations, including risk management. In preparation for this, my Department is about to pilot Control and Risk Self Assessment (CRSA) techniques in a number of policy areas.The National Lottery regulator also has systems to ensure that those associated with the running of the National Lottery are fit and proper for their role and to monitor the effectiveness of the operator's systems to guard against crime including fraud.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met representatives of British Airways; what was discussed; what help his Department is receiving from British Airways and if British Airways is financially sponsoring initiatives run by his Department or its agencies. [72810]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: I have no formal meetings with representatives of British Airways in that capacity. From time to time, however, both as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and as Chairman of the Millennium Commission, I have met Bob Ayling, the Chief Executive of British Airways, in his capacity as Chairman of the New Millennium Experience Company.Neither my Department nor The Royal Parks Agency is receiving any help or financial sponsorship from British Airways. However, British Airways has for some years been providing financial sponsorship for the Art for Architecture scheme, for which my Department is the core-funder.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what dates he has visited the headquarters site of the UK Sports Institute since December 1997. [73563]

[holding answer 26 February 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I visited the Sheffield headquarters site of the UKSI on 26 January 1998 and I returned for a second visit on 18 June. We have had several meetings with the UKSC, ESC, Sheffield City Council and the Phoenix consortium throughout this development period to track progress; the most recent one took place on 26 January this year. I will be visiting the site again in April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what advice is given by his Department on the provision of locally available, accessible libraries. [73161]

[holding answer 1 March 1999]: Local library authorities have a statutory duty to provide comprehensive and efficient services and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently reminded them of his own statutory obligation to ensure that they do so. The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 does not specify the number, location, distribution or opening hours of local libraries. These detailed decisions are for local library authorities to make, based on the precise nature of their areas and their local resources and priorities. However, through their Annual Library Plans, library authorities are required by my right hon. Friend to report on the availability and accessibility of local libraries, which is a key element in ensuring that a comprehensive and efficient service is being provided, and he subsequently provides both individual and general feedback to each authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received concerning the future of Kilburn, Chalk Farm and Belsize public libraries in Camden; and if he will make a statement. [75186]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: To date, I have received 23 representations about these public libraries. I am looking at Camden's proposals for its library services in detail to ensure that they meet with statutory requirements and do not result in a reduction in service quality across the authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the members of the Sports Cabinet; and when it has met. [74558]

[holding answer 4 March 1999]: The Sports Cabinet is chaired by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and brings together the Ministers with responsibility for Sport in the four parts of the United Kingdom and, when appropriate, others who are closely involved in the development of sport.The Sports Cabinet last met on 26 November 1998 and is scheduled to meet next on 10 March. Officials of my Department have met their counterparts from the Home Country Departments on a number of occasions during this period and are in regular contact on a range of issues that relate to elite performance and of strategic priority for UK sport.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in respect of their impact on poorer countries, what assessment her Department has made of the compatibility of Article 27 of TRIPS and Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the UN Convention on Biological Resources. [74844]

The World Trade Organisation Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are complementary. They both seek to establish common international frameworks and obligations within which individual countries may develop legislative regimes appropriate to their circumstances.There are concerns about the way in which the two instruments can be implemented in a mutually supportive way. Given the interests of developing countries, many of which have indigenous and local communities which depend on local biodiversity for their livelihoods and welfare, we have funded an independent assessment of the implementation issues. This has been published and is being placed in the Library of the House.Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the CBD refer to the rights of indigenous people, access to genetic material and transfer of technology respectively. Article 27 of the TRIPS agreement deals with the application of intellectual property rights to plant and animal material. Regarding compatibility with Article 8 of the CBD on the rights of indigenous people, patents can protect only new technical contributions. Rights cannot be obtained which cover existing knowledge. Regarding Article 15 of the CBD on access to genetic material, it is for individual contracting States to the CBD to set the conditions for access and it is not a matter for TRIPS or intellectual property regimes. Regarding Article 16 of the CBD, both the CBD and the TRIPs agreement encourage the transfer of technology.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from developing countries on their attitude towards genetic modification issues; what assessment she has made of them; and if she will make a statement. [75105]

I have received no direct representations on these issues. We will publish a paper later this month outlining our work on genetically modified organisms and how we propose to assist developing countries to strengthen their capacity to handle these important issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of aid to Iran. [75350]

We do not have a programme of assistance for Iran. We do provide support to Iraqi and Afghan refugees in Iran, both bilaterally and through contributions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since April 1996, we have spent nearly £1.2 million bilaterally. We also provide emergency aid in response to natural disasters in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what forms of Government support are available for civil aerospace research in (a) the United Kingdom, (b) France and (c) Germany; and what level of funding was provided by each in 1997–98. [74533]

In the UK, the Civil Aircraft Research and Technology Demonstration (CARAD) Programme supports long-term research in key aeronautics technologies by providing grants for industry and for funding work undertaken at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) or placed by DERA in industry and universities. In 1997–8, funding totalled £24.6 million. Additionally, in the three years ending 1997–98, £12 million was targeted through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) industrially led Innovative Manufacture Initiative (IMI) Aerospace Programme. For further information about the EPSRC programme, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 7 December 1998, Official Report, columns 67–68.For France, our best estimate of expenditure in 1997 (calendar year) on CARAD—equivalent support is about £50 million. For Germany, our best estimate for 1998 (calendar year) is about £ 90 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies and academic establishments have received funds through the CARAD programme in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; what areas of research have been sponsored by the programme; and what assessment he has made of the benefits of the programme. [74532]

In 1997–98, 47 companies and 22 universities received CARAD funds; similar numbers are expected to receive funds for the financial year 1998–99. Areas of research sponsored include aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials and structures, aircraft systems and rotorcraft (which was subject to a moratorium on new support from February 1998). Copies of the CARAD Annual Report for 1997–98 have been placed in the Library of the House.The research programmes supported by CARAD over the years have made a significant contribution to the technological competitiveness of our industry, including wider benefits outside aeronautics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which fire retardant chemicals are authorised for use in consumer goods in the United Kingdom. [74956]

There is not an authorised list of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer goods. The use of chemicals is governed by "The Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 1994", as amended, and "The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) (Consolidation) Regulations 1994", as amended.A recent report by the University of Surrey for the Department of Trade and Industry on "Risks and Benefits in the Use of Flame Retardants in Consumer Products" gives an indication of the types and quantity of flame-retardant chemicals used in consumer products. A copy of this report is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 21 January 1999, Official Report, column 547, on researchers, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting of the new RCI steering group. [72896]

The new group has its first meeting on Thursday 18 March. I understand that the Minister for Science would be pleased to consider making a response to the meeting's outcome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 89, when he expects to place the final firework safety figure for 1998 in the Library. [75183]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: A summary report of the 1998 injuries is being sent to the printers and copies will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as they are available. I will inform the House when this has been done. The full report, complete with analytical tables, should be available in mid-April and copies will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Internal Market Council held in Brussels on 25 February; and if he will make a statement. [74198]

My noble Friend the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe represented the UK at the Internal Market Council in Brussels on 25 February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made, pursuant to European Communities State Aid Examination 1999/C 28/05, on Ente Poste Italiane; and if he will make a statement. [75083]

My right hon. Friend has made no representations on this case. The Government intervene in cases only where substantive legal or policy issues are raised. The Commission has exclusive competence to take decisions on state aid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the ability of British university lecturers to find employment at French universities; and if he will make a statement. [74403]

My Department has received no representations on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the ability of British teachers to find teaching positions in German schools; and if he will make a statement. [74398]

Since 1 May 1997, my Department has received written representations from 10 teachers concerning difficulties involved in obtaining recognition in Germany of their UK Qualified Teacher Status.My officials have, where appropriate, taken up individual complaints with the German authorities and the European Commission, with a view to ensuring that Germany complies fully with its Single Market obligations in this respect. My officials also provide more general continuing advice, assistance and support to British-trained teachers in their dealings with the German authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) United Kingdom and (b) European legislation regulates the sale of secondhand goods; and if he will make a statement. [75010]

Consumers have the same rights in UK law when they buy secondhand goods as when they buy new ones. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 requires goods sold by traders to be of satisfactory quality. The test of quality is what a reasonable person would find satisfactory, taking into account the price, how the goods are described and other relevant factors such as age. If, taking account of these considerations, a buyer finds the goods are not of satisfactory quality when he initially examines or tries them out, he can reject them and seek a refund. If a fault, of which the buyer could not reasonably be unaware when he bought the goods, manifests itself after he has accepted the goods he is entitled to claim compensation (such as the cost of repair or money back). The buyer can claim compensation for up to six years after purchase in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and up to five years after the goods have caused loss in Scotland.Traders selling new or second hand goods must also comply with general consumer protection legislation, such as the Trade Descriptions Act 1968.The proposed EC Directive on the Sale of Consumer Goods, expected to be adopted later this year for implementation by 1 January 2002, applies to both second hand and new goods. If goods sold are not in conformity with the contract, the Directive will give consumers the remedies of repair or replacement whichever is more economical, in relation to defects, present when the goods were bought, for up to two years afterwards. The Directive gives additional remedies of price reduction or rescission of the contract when repair or replacement of faulty goods is not possible.In addition to Sale of Goods legislation, there is a considerable body of Community and domestic legislation setting out safety requirements for specific kinds of goods, including second hand goods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to introduce legislation to prohibit the sending of unsolicited faxes. [75074]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Russell) of 27 January 1999, Official Report, column 284.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 22 February 1999, Official Report, column 97, on plutonium shipments to Japan, when he expects the contracts for MOX shipments by BNFL to be signed; and what role his Department will play in the negotiations. [74972]

The timing and terms of contracts for the shipment of nuclear materials are linked to the operational and commercial requirements of customers and are matters for the companies concerned to agree. These are not matters in which the Government is directly involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the actions his Department is taking to promote the Ethical Trading Initiative among UK companies; [75236](2) what action his Department is taking to promote the establishment of internal systems in UK companies for the implementation and external verification of ethical practices. [75235]

My Department has made it clear that, along with other interested departments, we fully support the aims of the Ethical Trading Initiative—as one of the important initiatives being taken currently by the voluntary sector—to promote a culture of social responsibility among British companies. We have enjoyed regular contacts, at both official and ministerial level, with the ETI and applaud their efforts to develop and promote corporate codes of conduct relating to companies' dealings with their overseas suppliers, and have given them all the support they have called for.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Office regarding the impact of oil exploration near St Kilda. [73929]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 2 March 1999, Official Report, columns 693–95.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he had with MAFF, the Department of Health and the Department for International Development on the formulation of Government policy on patenting genetic resources for food and agriculture. [74473]

The patenting of genetic resources for food and agriculture, as with all areas of technology, is governed by the Patents Act 1977. In July 1998, an EC Directive on the Legal Protection of Biotechnological Inventions was adopted with the aim of clarifying and harmonising the patent legislation of all Member States for such inventions. During the negotiations on this Directive my Department consulted closely with other Departments including MAFF, the Department of Health and the Department for International Development. These links have been maintained since the adoption of the Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what official visits he, his ministers or officials have paid to Zimbabwe since May 1997; whom they met; and what was discussed. [73556]

No Ministerial visits have been paid to Zimbabwe over this period.One official visited Zimbabwe in August 1998 to assess a penal report project which the Department for International Development (DFID) had funded. He met senior Government legal officers and staff from non-governmental organisations.One official visited Harare in September 1997 and September and November 1998 to undertake carriers' liability training and made liaison visits to British Airways and Air Zimbabwe. Two Immigration Service officials paid similar visits to Air Zimbabwe in February 1999.One official provided consultancy services to the Zimbabwe police in October 1998 in relation to record keeping.One official is currently on a DFID-funded secondment to the Zimbabwe Police Department to review and advise on the collection of crime statistics in Zimbabwe.In addition, two police officers, from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, were attached to the Zimbabwe fraud and anti-corruption unit from 18 April 1997 for 18 days.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a summary and analysis of the responses to the 1997 White Paper on asylum and immigration. [73890]

The White Paper published in July 1998 set out the Government's policy proposals and did not seek views on specific issues. In those circumstances, we took the view that the best approach was to publish a list of respondents and their full comments rather than attempt an extensive summary and analysis of the responses. A list of respondents, together with copies of their comments, was placed in the Libraries on 17 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce measures to allow (a) elections to be held on Sundays and (b) the European election to be held on Sunday 13 June. [74685]

We have no plans at present to introduce polling at the weekend for Parliamentary or European Parliamentary elections. We are, however, considering the possibility of pilot studies of this and other alternative electoral procedures at local elections.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been (a) injured or (b) killed in each year since 1990 as a result of an accident involving a fire engine answering a 999 call. [74631]

This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many au pairs were registered with the police under the terms of the au pair scheme in (a) May 1997, (b) July 1998 and (c) the latest month for which figures are available. [74488]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: Statistical information about the number of "au pairs" who registered with the police because of the imposition of such a requirement by an immigration officer on entry is not available. However, the table showing the number of "au pairs" given leave to enter the United Kingdom in the specified months gives a strong indication of the number who might have been expected to have a registration requirement imposed.As a result of the changes to the scope of the Police Registration Scheme which came into effect on 11 May 1998, only those foreign nationals from the countries or territories listed in Appendix 2 of the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules will normally be required to register with the police from that date. This means that it is only "au pairs" from Turkey who will normally have been required to register with the police since then.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will estimate the costs saved since August 1998, following the relaxation of the rules requiring au pairs to register with the police after being in the United Kingdom for six months. [74489]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: The Police Registration Scheme is administered by the police on a cost recovery basis, with the current fee standing at £34. Until the scope of the Police Registration Scheme was amended on 11 May 1998 "au pairs" given leave to enter the United Kingdom for a period of over six months were required, as a condition of that leave, to register with the police within seven days of arrival. Since that date only foreign nationals from the countries or territories listed in Appendix 2 to the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules should normally be required to register. The changes to the scope of the registration scheme in respect of "au pairs" have not resulted in any cost saving to the police or central Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the Government plan to take forward their programme of reform of juvenile secure accommodation; and if he will make a statement. [75814]

The Government set out their programme of reform of the current arrangements for the provision of juvenile secure accommodation on 29 July 1998, Official Report, columns 255–56. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 provided the courts with more appropriate remand and sentencing powers to deal with the most serious and persistent young offenders, as well as giving the police and the courts new powers to deal with other young offenders more effectively in the community. To complement these provisions, the Government are seeking to establish a range of secure accommodation appropriate to the age and maturity of young people and with regimes which address offending behaviour, and to develop intervention programmes which will support the new multi-agency youth offending teams under the 1998 Act in working with young offenders in the community.Since July 1998, the Government have set up an 18-month pilot project in ten areas to pave the way for introducing youth offending teams across England and Wales in April 2000 and the final warning scheme and new court orders in 2000–2001. The Youth Justice Board for England and Wales was established in September and is responsible for administering a development fund of £85 million over three years from April 1999, which is being used to develop bail support initiatives and other community-based intervention programmes to support the final warning scheme and new court orders.The Government have also taken forward the necessary arrangements for implementing on 1 June 1999 the provisions in the 1998 Act for court-ordered remands to local authority secure accommodation of 12, 13 and 14-year-old boys and girls, 15 and 16-year-old girls and, where a place has been identified in advance, vulnerable 15 and 16-year-old boys. This will ensure that the courts have the powers they need in dealing with those young people the seriousness of whose alleged offending means that they cannot be dealt with safely in the community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders sentenced to life imprisonment have been granted an oral hearing before the parole board in the last five years. [75351]

The readily available information, which relates to the number of oral hearings held by the Parole Board, is published in the Board's annual reports. The most recent report, for 1997–98, records the number of such hearings as:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) phone calls and (b) letters have been received at Her Majesty's Prison Lewes since 1 May 1997 from local residents complaining of noise nuisance. [75097]

Since 1 May 1997, Lewes prison has received 16 letters from local residents about noise disturbance. A telephone log only began on 23 October 1997. Since then, Lewes has received 18 calls from local residents about noise disturbance.Various measures have been taken to eliminate this problem, including the fitting of corrective brackets to cell windows. This work was undertaken on the advice of the Environmental Health Department and was completed in October 1998. Since this time no further written complaints have been received. Only one telephone complaint was received by the prison in the last month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the status of the Immigration Services Commissioner, indicating the regulatory powers which apply to him. [74752]

The status and regulatory powers of the Immigration Services Commissioner are set out in Part V of, and Schedules 5 and 6 to, the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the fast-track immigration appeals system for weddings and funerals; and what plans he has to prevent abuse. [74754]

The Immigration and Asylum Bill contains provisions which will allow applicants who are refused entry clearance to visit a family member in the United Kingdom to appeal against the decision.Applicants will have to pay a fee to appeal. The fee will depend on whether an applicant opts for a hearing on the papers or a full oral hearing. Applicants whose appeals are allowed will have their fee refunded.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what level the bond for those on family visits will be set. [74756]

We have not yet decided at what level bonds will be set. This will be one of the issues addressed in a consultation on a pilot bond scheme, which we shall issue later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the provision of legal representation for those appealing against immigration detention. [74758]

Detainees who are challenging the legality of their detention by way of a writ of habeas corpus (judicial review in Scotland) are entitled to legal aid.Detainees may apply to the independent Immigration Appellate Authority for bail and can receive free representation from either the Immigration Advisory Service or Refugee Legal Centre under the grant in aid payments allowed for under section 23 of the Immigration Act 1971.A detainee who prefers to be represented at a bail or appeal hearing by a solicitor or other representative must fund the application themselves.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what rights of appeal defendants will have against decisions by immigration office officials. [74753]

The Government's proposals for a new system of appeals in immigration and asylum cases are set out in Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for judicial scrutiny of the Immigration Services Commissioner. [74757]

Any person aggrieved by a relevant decision of the Commissioner may appeal to the Immigration Services Tribunal against the decision. A determination of the Immigration Services Tribunal will be subject to judicial review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to pilot the payments in kind benefit system for asylum seekers; and what minimum standards will apply. [74755]

No decisions have yet been taken on which aspects of the new support arrangements for asylum seekers it might be possible to pilot. However, we will be monitoring closely the non-statutory interim arrangements for dispersing asylum seekers which are being set up by the local government associations. There will be a statutory requirement that accommodation provided must be adequate for the needs of the asylum seeker and his dependants, if any, and that essential living needs should be met.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, columns 598–99, on visas for supply teachers, what are the terms and conditions of the concession; when it was introduced; and for what reasons. [75292]

Young Commonwealth citizens, between the ages of 17 and 27 inclusive, may be admitted to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday of up to two years. Although working holidaymakers would normally be precluded from continuing their careers in the United Kingdom those in the teaching profession may do so provided such work is incidental to their holiday and the remainder of the Immigration Rules are met. This means that they cannot take full-time work for more than half of their stay here. For the purposes of the working holidaymaker scheme full-time work is more than 25 hours a week.I am making further inquiries about the other information requested and I will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what checks his Department made prior to the publication of the now withdrawn appendices of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report to ensure that no member of the public was put in danger by the information provided; and if he will make a statement. [75283]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, West (Mr. Butterfill) on 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 760.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the report into unauthorised publication of extracts from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report ordered by his Permanent Secretary; and if he will make a statement. [75284]

No. It is not the practice to publish leak inquiry reports. I have undertaken to inform the House of the outcome of the investigation when they are known.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 567, on the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, for what reasons it would not be in the interests of the investigation into the leak of parts of the Macpherson report to provide the information requested by the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire. [75409]

The details sought by the right hon. Member need to be established, along with other matters, by the independent investigator. It would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt that work.