To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of electronic range simulators in London. [71662]

There are currently three electronic range simulators in Greater London; these are located in Wellington Barracks in Central London, Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, and at RAF Uxbridge. In addition, the simulator at RAF St. Mawgan in Cornwall will move to RAF Northolt in September this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are currently employed in the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency; and what the figure was at the time of its establishment. [72806]

[holding answer 24 February 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Base Storage and Distribution Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he proposes in his Department's police manpower over the next five years. [73133]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: The policing needs of the Department are kept under review at all times. Certain options are currently being studied, and announcements will be made at the appropriate time. Police numbers will not, however, be reduced below the level needed to fulfil long-term commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which targets the Army Technical Support Centre did not meet in 1997–98; and what monitoring he has undertaken for those targets in 1998–99. [72817]

[holding answer 25 February 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Army Technical Support Centre. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to introduce testing for British Gulf War veterans using protocols recommended by Dr. Asaf Durakovic; [74716](2) what discussions his Department has held with Dr. Asaf Durakovic; and if he will make a statement. [74715]

Dr. Asaf Durakovic is Clinical Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Georgetown University, Washington DC. He discussed his current work in general terms with MOD officials at a meeting last month, when he explained that, in conjunction with others, he is carrying out a study into uranium levels amongst veterans of the 1990–91 Gulf conflict, in which a small number of UK Gulf veterans are participating. Our understanding is that Dr. Durakovic and his colleagues plan to publish their findings later this year: hence we look forward to seeing full details of the methodology they are using and the results obtained in due course.MOD continues to advise UK Gulf veterans who are concerned that their health has been adversely affected by service during the Gulf conflict, including by possible exposure to depleted uranium (DU), that they are entitled to seek a referral to the Gulf veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for a full medical assessment. Any tests which are considered clinically appropriate by the examining MAP physician, including those to detect the presence of uranium, will be arranged.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the Auxiliary Oiler contract is (a) on schedule and (b) proceeding to budget; and if he will make a statement; [75125](2) what

Progress continues on the design, material procurement and construction of the two ships. Construction of the central section of the first ship, comprising four major blocks, is nearing completion. For the second ship, fabrication of units for the first major block has recently started. A small number of detailed design changes have been agreed, costing the MOD around £0.5 million, mostly related to "Spend to Save" programmes to achieve reduction in through life operating costs. None of these changes affects the delivery schedule and the project remains within budget. The prime contractor is currently reviewing its overall work programme. The outcome of this review will be discussed with MOD officials shortly. It is not possible to state at this stage the extent to which this might result in delay to the deliver of the ships, although some slippage is anticipated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) in what ways he will reduce the burden of training on individual army units in the training cycle; [75275](2) what plans he has to achieve a more balanced operational and training cycle for the United Kingdom's deployable divisions in the UK and in Germany. [75273]

As part of the Strategic Defence Review, we plan to introduce by 2001 a new formation readiness cycle in which each deployable brigade will carry out a three year cycle with formation-level training, commitments and other tasks. This new cycle will enable units to achieve required readiness states and to balance training requirements with operational commitments. It will be made possible by the reorganisation of army formations, including creation of a new mechanised brigade, into a more balanced force structure of two deployable divisions, one armoured and one mechanised, and will as a result help to reduce overstretch and the burden of training on individual units in the cycle.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Vectra Technologies has at the RN base Clyde; and what experience that organisation has in work on nuclear submarines. [75248]

Vectra Technologies supply specialist safety, engineering and project management services. It is an approved Defence contractor, providing the Royal HM Naval Base Clyde with expert consultancy support in the production of safety cases for nuclear support services, in the development of nuclear safety management systems, and on management system audits.Vectra Technologies has current experience in working for the MOD on nuclear submarines at HM Naval Base Devonport, where they have a contract for the deep cleaning of reactor compartments and for the provision of Health Physics Monitors. The company also provided Health Physics Supervisors and Monitors at the HM Naval Base Clyde between November 1992 and June 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further preparations are being made for a possible NATO force in Kosovo. [75693]

NATO remains ready to lead an international force in Kosovo to help implement an interim political agreement. Should such a force be required, it must be ready to go into Kosovo as quickly as possible after an agreement. This means that we must have forces ready in the region.The Government announced on 22 February 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department takes to ensure the compatibility of equipment held by the Falkland Islands defence force and that held by British troops stationed on the islands. [75641]

The Falkland Islands Defence Force, FIDF, is raised and funded independently by the Falkland Islands Government. We encourage the FIDF to purchase compatible equipment but are not in a position to require that they do so. The compatibility of forces is fostered by combined UK/FIDF exercises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the decision to reduce Tristar flights to the Falklands. [75640]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 120, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what gapping of (a) officers and (b) other crew exists on each Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel. [75556]

The following billets on RFA ships were gapped as at 5 March 1999.

	Gapped billets
RFA vessel	(a) Officers	(b) Other crew
Argus	—	1
Bayleaf	2	2
Fort George	—	3
Fort Grange	1	—
Oakleaf	1	—
Olna	—	align="right">2
Olwen	5	align="right">4

The total gapped billets are therefore 21. This figure is subject to change on a daily basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total number of deck officers employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary; and what is the planned complement. [75555]

The total number of seagoing Deck Officers currently employed by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is 212. The planned seagoing complement, which includes a margin for leave and training, is 229. A further 22 Deck Officers are in complemented billets ashore.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what assessment he has made of the prospects for removing regional anomalies in television coverage following the introduction of digital terrestrial television services; [75464](2) if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on communities receiving appropriate regional television broadcasting; [75463](3) what estimate he has made of the cost of

Responsibility for the delivery of analogue and digital terrestrial television (DTT) services rests with the BBC and Independent Television Commission. The ITC recently received an encouraging report of a study it commissioned into the prospects for increasing DTT coverage. The ITC will soon commence planning for the next phase of DTT transmitter in conjunction with the BBC. The prime objective of this work is further to extend DTT coverage. The Government have made it clear to the ITC and BBC that delivery of regional services is an important element to consider in development of the digital transmission network. The studies are, at this stage, designed to look at general principles and will not focus on the costs of employing digital transmissions to remove regional anomalies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the total funding his Department gave to the London Tourist Board in (a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, and (d) 1998. [75278]

The Government do not provide funding directly to the London Tourist Board. It does, however, directly fund the English Tourist Board which has for many years provided funding to the LTB and other regional tourist boards to complement the ETB's role in delivering national and regional programmes for tourism. Also, since 1996–97, a proportion of the Government's grant-in-aid to the BTA has been earmarked to help fund the LTB's Focus London campaign, which promotes London overseas as a major tourist destination and as the gateway to Britain. The funding that the LTB has received from the ETB and the BTA is as follows:

£
	ETB	BTA
1995–96	791,153	—
1996–97	546,110	650,000
1997–98	489,828	923,000
1998–99	447,310	1,500,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions have taken place between his Department and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about incoming passenger and airport capacity in England. [75424]

[holding answer 8 March 1999]: Discussions took place at official level last year on incoming passenger forecasts. My Department's new Tourism Strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism", makes explicit reference to the Government's work on preparing a UK airports policy looking some 30 years ahead which will reflect our policies on sustainable development and integrated transport. My Department and DETR will maintain close liaison during the preparation of this document.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his strategy for tourism, "Tomorrow's Tourism", what initiatives the Government are taking to widen access to tourism for the 40 per cent. of the population who do not take a long holiday. [75697]

"Tomorrow's Tourism" makes it clear that, if we are to widen access to tourism, we must first find out from those who do not take holidays what prevents them from doing so. Research into this is currently being carried out by the English Tourist Board. This will help to identify the market potential as well as any special needs which are not currently being met, and the level of training needed, to make sure that tourism businesses are able to cater for all customers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if (a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75877]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 195.

To ask the President of the Council if (a) she, (b) civil servants in her Department or (c) special advisers in her Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75872]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of departmental select committees giving me or the Parliamentary Secretary drafts of select committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of departmental select committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.However, as chair of the Modernisation Committee, I am responsible for drawing up its draft reports and these are also seen by my immediate advisers, that is, members of my private office and one or two officials who advise me on parliamentary matters and one of my special advisers. As a member of the House of Commons Commission, I also see some of the papers of the Domestic Committees; these are also seen by my immediate advisers.As chair of the Cabinet Committee on future legislation, I have also been consulted about the possibility of legislation to enact the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Parliamentary Privilege.

To ask the President of the Council when she will publish the Government's recent quarterly report on millennium computer compliance; and if she will arrange to meet transport providers to ensure that insurance cover is available for travel on 1 January 2000. [75679]

I will be announcing the results of the latest quarterly review shortly.Responsibility for the transport and insurance industries rests with the Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions and Treasury respectively. I therefore have no plans to meet transport providers, nor have such providers sought a meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what support (a) TECs and (b) his Department give to education business partnerships; [75616](2) what plans he has for education business partnerships to be supported in the future by

My Department supports a range of programmes which promote education business links—principally, work experience for pupils mentoring programmes and teacher placements to industry. Support for these programmes in the year ahead, made available through Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs), will be £13.5 million. My Department also provides £145,000 support per year to the National Education Business Partnership Network.The support that we make available to Education Business Partnerships through TECs has been an important element in the TEC Review which has been under way. I am today announcing some changes to the operation of TECs, arising from the first phase of the TEC Review. These will strengthen partnership and accountability, improve the quality of work-based training and streamline contracting arrangements.In the light of the TEC Review, the responses we have received to the "Learning Age" Green Paper, the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) Quinquennial Review report—which has been published today and copies of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses—and the setting-up of the new local learning partnerships, I propose now to undertake a wider assessment of how we can best meet the learning and skills challenge. We shall also take into account the forthcoming Moser Report on basic skills, the University for Industry Corporate Plan, the further report of the Skills Task Force and the Social Exclusion Unit report on disaffected 16 to 18-year-olds.Drawing on the TEC Review, we will want to examine the local and national arrangements relating to the delivery of lifelong learning, work-force development and skills, excluding higher education. This will include consideration of new opportunities for business involvement in meeting the skills challenge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will review the current statutory three-mile requirement for the provision of free school transport. [74820]

The School Travel Advisory Group, formed with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the Department of Health and other interested parties, together with officials in my Department, is already considering the legislation governing home-to-school transport, including the three-mile walking distance, and will offer advice in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what in the last five years for which information is available was the expenditure per pupil in full-time education in the (a) whole education budget, (b) general schools budget, (c) potential budget and (d) aggregate schools budget. [74977]

The following table gives, for schools in England for the financial years 1994–95 to 1998–99 inclusive, the averages of the (a) General Schools Budget, (b) Potential Schools Budget and (c) Aggregated Schools Budget, per pupil. Information on the whole education budget, per pupil, is not held centrally.

LEA-Maintained schools in England Average Per pupil
£
	ASB	PSB	GSB
1998–99	1,893	2,090	2,563
1997–98	1,839	2,028	2,471
1996–97	1,814	2,005	2,453
1995–96	1,752	1,948	2,398
1994–95	1,730	1,990	2,399

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money has been made available for information technology initiatives since May 1997 for (a) initial teacher training and (b) schools. [75021]

In respect of initial teacher training (ITT), the Teacher Training Agency has allocated just over £6 million for measures to improve the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) across the curriculum. This includes £1 million to support implementation of Qualified Teacher Status standards and the ITT National Curriculum for primary English and mathematics. During this period, support for £666 million of ICT-related initiatives in schools in England has been announced as part of a £1 billion programme to implement the National Grid for Learning.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the amount of funding per student in higher education in Durham in the last five years. [74976]

The following tables show, for each of the last five years, public funding per student at the University of Durham from recurrent grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and tuition fees paid from public funds.Consistent data for the five years concerned are not available. For the years 1994–95 to 1996–97, the figures are based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the unit of funding is in respect of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students combined. For 1997–98 to 1998–99, the figures are based on data from the HEFCE and the unit of funding is in respect of full-time undergraduate students.

Table 1
Academic year	Public funds 1(£ million)	Students 2(Thousand)	Funding per student (£)
1994–95	40.7	7.9	5,150
1995–96	42.4	8.0	5,300
1996–97	44.0	8.4	5,240
1 HESA 'Resources of Higher Education Institution'. Published in June 1996, June 1997 and May 1998
2 HESA 'Students in Higher Education Institution', published May 1996, July 1997 and June 1998

Table 2
Academic year	Public funds 1(£ million)	Students 2(Thousand)	Funding per Student (£)
1997–98	42.4	7.9	5,370
1998–99	45.1	8.1	5,570
1 HEFCE recurrent funding circulars in February 1997 and March 1998
2 Student numbers are those with the University's maximum aggregate student number (MaSN)—Predominantly full-time undergraduate students

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many mature students entered higher education in Durham in each year since 1995. [74978]

The information is given in the following table.

Mature 1 entrants to higher education courses at the University of Durham
Year	Mature entrants2
1995–96	1,860
1996–97	1,310
1997–98	1,470
1Mature students are defined as postgraduates aged 25 and over and undergraduates aged 21 and over.
2The numbers are census counts of enrolments, at 1 December, onto the first year of both full-time and part-time undergraduate and postgraduate HE courses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress the Government have made against their target of (a) placing 20,000 classroom assistants in schools by 2001–02 and (b) placing 2,000 more classroom assistants in schools by April 1999. [74737]

As part of the National Literacy Strategy, we have allocated £22 million to the Additional Literacy Support programme in 1999–2000. This will fund the deployment of about 2,000 full-time (or equivalent) classroom assistants. This is the first step in meeting our overall figure of an additional 20,000 full-time posts (or equivalent) by 2002. Further funding will be made available to create these additional posts in the years 2000–2001 and 2001–2002

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much of the allocation to local government in England earmarked for schools in July 1997 was received by schools. [74734]

Of the unhypothecated £1,017 million education SSA increase for 1998–99, which derived from the July 1997 announcement, £916 million has been reflected in LEAs General Schools Budgets (excluding capital items and including Annual Maintenance Grant for comparability).

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pay awards have been made by further education colleges for (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000 in the categories (a) 0 per cent., (b) greater than 0 per cent. but less than 1 per cent., (c) greater than 1 per cent. but less than 2 per cent., (d) greater than 2 per cent. but less than 4 per cent., (e) greater than 4 per cent. but less than 6 per cent. and (f) 6 per cent. or more. [74970]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many colleges of further education are in financial health category (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) C in (a) the North West and (b) England. [74969]

The following table shows the categories of colleges' financial health:

	North West	England
A	32(51%)	204(47%)
B	26(41%)	146(34%)
C	5(8%)	85(19%)
Total	63	435

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on how many occasions he has met representatives of BT to discuss internet connections to further education colleges. [75447]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met the BT Chairman for discussion on a range of issues. Other Ministers have also had contact with representatives of the company. These meetings have typically covered a range of issues, rather than specifically relating to internet connections to FE colleges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what is the average (a) capital and (b) running cost per link to the internet for further education colleges; and if he will list the range of such costs; [75444](2) what steps he is taking to monitor the terms under which free connections to the internet for further education colleges are being made; and if he will make a statement; [75445](3)

Information relating specifically to the terms and arrangements for FE colleges access to the internet is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate his Department has made of the total cost up to the end of the current financial year to schools of the removal of discretionary rate relief [74722]

None. There has been no change in the position that local authorities do not have the power to grant discretionary rate relief to schools of which they are themselves the ultimate occupier. Education authorities are responsible for ensuring that their own schools are in a position to meet their financial obligations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of youngsters currently attending special schools will be sent to mainstream schools as a result of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs. [74815]

We are not setting targets for the number of pupils with special educational needs that will in future be accommodated in mainstream schools. We have made it clear to local education authorities that, in line with their duties under the Education Act 1996 to arrange suitable provision for pupils with special educational needs, they should continue to give due weight to the views of parents—both where parents wish their children to attend special schools and where they wish them to attend mainstream schools. We expect that in future increasing numbers of mainstream schools will be able to offer high-quality provision to pupils with special educational needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many representations he has received from parents of pupils attending special schools in Essex in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and how many parents supported the policy of inclusion within mainstream schools. [74813]

Responses from parents both to the Green Paper "Excellence for all" and the subsequent Programme of Action were not recorded on a territorial basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from Essex Local Education Authority in respect of the Programme of Action for meeting special educational needs; and what proposals he has received from Essex LEA to shut special schools. [74812]

We have received no representations from Essex LEA in respect of the Programme of Action. Essex has made no formal proposal to the Department to close a special school.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's policy concerning Article 1.3 of the amended proposals establishing a community action plan for youth (COM(98)695–98/0197(COD) as regards the development of a European education area; and what is his voting position thereon. [75082]

The UK, with a number of other EU Member States, takes the view that the basis of the concept of a European education area in European Community law is doubtful. We would therefore oppose the use of this formulation on Community legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many literacy summer schools have been established since 1 May 1997; how many children have attended; and what proportion of all school children they represent. [74773]

Since 1 May 1997, the Government have made available funding to establish 607 literacy summer schools, catering for over 18,000 pupils. This summer, the literacy summer schools programme will run in over 900 schools with 27,000 pupils in attendance. This represents nearly 5 per cent. of the overall Year 6 cohort of pupils attending primary schools in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many advanced skills teachers are currently in post. [74783]

The number of teachers who had been appointed to Advanced Skills Teacher posts by 22 February 1999 was 112.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many parent governors of schools there were in each of the last 10 years. [74767]

This information is not collected by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the actions he has taken to improve teacher training; indicating the cost involved; and if he will make a statement. [74784]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has set new requirements to improve initial teacher training (ITT). These represent a major step change in the expectations and requirements of new teachers and include:

(a) new high standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status introduced for all trainees graduating from May 1998. These ensure that all new teachers have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to do their job effectively;

(b) national curricula in primary English and mathematics and the effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) in subject teaching for all trainees introduced from September 1998;

(c) national curricula in secondary English and mathematics and science for all phases will come into force in September 1999;

(d) an induction year was introduced by the Teaching and Higher Education 1998 Act. This will give all new teachers, from September 1999, structured support and training to consolidate and extend the skills they gained in initial training. Teachers who fall short of the standards will not be able to be confirmed as members of the profession.

The Teacher Training Agency (TTA) has been asked to support the introduction of the new requirements and has been funded to undertake a range of measures, which include:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the programme of British assistance to Sudan. [73836]

We were a major donor in the 1998 crisis. There will be substantial humanitarian needs in Sudan this year and we are prepared to continue to help. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) currently holds enough food stocks until at least early summer. I am therefore authorising an initial pledge for 1999 of £4 million for humanitarian assistance which will be available to international NGOs and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). We shall monitor the situation closely in the coming months and, as needs become clearer, we shall respond further as required. We shall continue our dialogue with the UN on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Operation Lifeline Sudan and will press for progress on the peace process which remains crucial to resolving Sudan's long term problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid her Department is currently providing to assist victims of the Chernobyl disaster. [73838]

We provide assistance in response to the Chernobyl disaster through the European Community and through DFID's bilateral aid programme. In total, the Government have provided over £20 million since 1997. The bulk of our support has been for the re-building of the sarcophagus, but we also give modest direct support to Chernobyl charities, especially those helping children.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to promote debt relief initiatives for highly indebted poor countries; and if she will make a statement. [73842]

The Chancellor and I have recently proposed faster and deeper debt relief for poor countries. We are working for agreement to cancel $50 billion of debt, and for the money saved from debt repayments to be used to reduce poverty. We are contributing to the review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The review is examining how the initiative needs to be redesigned, to ensure that the countries can escape from the burden of debt which prevents them from tackling poverty effectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the effectiveness of aid in contributing to the development of (a) economic opportunity and (b) civil society in the Palestinian Authority. [73843]

Assistance from donors, including the Department for International Development, has been crucial in attempting to foster development in the West Bank and Gaza, although the weakness of the peace process and reduction in opportunities to work in Israel have led to a growth in poverty. We are working to help the Palestinian Authority to build a legal and institutional framework in which the private sector and civil society can flourish. But greater transparency and accountability are required, and economic opportunity remains constrained by severely restricted access to outside markets.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she held on development during her visit to Tanzania in 1998. [73844]

I visited Tanzania, one of the poorest countries in the world, in August 1998. I discussed a range of development issues with the President, government and opposition politicians, and private sector and civil society representatives. I outlined Britain's policy for international development, which matches closely with Tanzania's own poverty eradication strategy. We discussed the urgent need to tackle corruption and to reform the health and education sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met the chairman of the British Council to discuss collaboration on development projects. [73846]

I met Baroness Kennedy, the Chairperson of the British Council, on 26 January. We agreed that, although the Council and my Department have different objectives, there is room for collaboration on some activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the linkage of good Government criteria to the provision of aid by her Department. [73847]

Good governance, which brings effective, equitable and transparent administration and which works to secure all human rights for all, is essential for sustainable development. It is not an optional extra. We support the reduction of poverty and this includes effective and accountable government.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the current humanitarian situation in Kosovo and Montenegro; and if she will make a statement. [73848]

There has been a continuation of violence in Kosovo, leading to continuing displacement of civilians. In recent weeks, an estimated 9,000 people have been driven from their homes. Fighting north of Pristina has also prevented the return of 15,000 people displaced from around 17 villages.The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, (UNHCR) in consultation with NGO partners, believe the number of displaced people inside Kosovo stands at about 210,000, while there are an estimated 25,000 displaced in Montenegro.UNHCR report that assistance has continued almost uninterrupted throughout the month of February despite the violence and severe weather, and that they have succeeded in gaining access to those newly displaced, (except where fighting is actually occurring). UNHCR has coordinated and led three multi-agency convoys every day, six days per week. DFID continue to keep in close touch with the main humanitarian agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the implementation of the banana recovery plan in the Windward Isles. [73849]

With the Department for International Development's (DFID) active support, the European Commission have committed substantial funds, including STABEX, together with a technical assistance team, to support the Windward Islands banana industry Production Recovery Plan. However, more still needs to be done by the industry—in terms of restructuring, the planning and management of production, and the implementation of the certified grower programme—in order to establish itself on a commercially viable basis. Both DFID and the Commission continue to encourage and support this essential process.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the role of company codes of conduct in protecting labour standards in developing countries. [73850]

Codes of conduct have considerable potential as a tool for protecting labour rights in developing countries. Last year, my department produced a widely circulated report entitled "A review of UK company codes of conduct". The report contained an analysis of the content of UK company's voluntary codes and showed that codes of conduct are being used by a small, but growing, number of UK companies which source their products from overseas. The best of these codes included specific references to the International Labour Office's (ILO) core labour conventions. There is less consensus on the best means of monitoring the effectiveness of codes. We are working to find ways of implementing and monitoring codes in order to assist UK companies work with their suppliers to improve the conditions of workers in poorer countries. My Department is also supporting the Ethical Trading Initiative whose members—companies, development NGOs and Trades Unions—are piloting best practice through monitoring the ETI code of conduct.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the Government are giving to initiatives to raise public awareness in developing countries on codes of conduct on labour standards. [75234]

The Department for International Development has supported the following initiatives to assist in raising awareness of codes of conduct on labour standards in developing countries:

The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) which provides practical support to efforts to develop codes of conduct and promote positive engagement between UK importers and their developing country suppliers to improve workers conditions (£530,400 over 3 years).

ETI is currently carrying out three pilot projects in the horticulture industry in Zimbabwe; the wine industry in South Africa and the clothing industry in China. The pilot projects are designed to identify ways that companies can improve labour standards amongst their suppliers by addressing the ETI code of conduct. This involves building capacity locally to ensure that there is an understanding of how the ETI code of conduct works.

ETI has also conducted a consultation exercise of developing country based NGOs for their views on codes of conduct (£25,000).

Support to a British based NGO—Women Working World wide—to carry out work in Asia (Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka) and Central America (Nicaragua, Honduras, Dominican Republic and Guatemala) to inform women workers about company's codes of conduct as a part of a workers' awareness and education campaign. (£44,000).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she estimates that the internationally agreed target for a proportion of gross domestic product to be spent on humanitarian aid will be reached by the United Kingdom. [73851]

As we pledged, we have reversed the decline in development spending which continued throughout the life of the previous administration. The oda/GNP ratio for 1997 was 0.26 per cent. The Comprehensive Spending Review announced a significant increase of £1.6 billion in development spending which will increase the oda/GNP ratio to an estimated 0.30 per cent. by 2001. We have not set a target date for reaching 0.7 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with EU and ACP ministers on the successor to the current Lomé agreement. [73852]

I met Commissioner Pinheiro and ACP and EU Ministers in Dakar on 8–9 February for the first substantive Ministerial discussion of successor arrangements to the Lomé Convention. The meeting made good progress. There was a consensus on the main objectives of the next Convention and, although the ACP were not ready to accept the inclusion of good governance as a new essential element, they agreed to work on reaching a common definition of the concept. There was a large measure of agreement on development strategies, providing support for private sector development and the need to rationalise the existing instruments and improve aid management procedures. Progress was more limited on the future of support for short term fluctuations in earnings from basic products. The EU proposed updated, more flexible and more effective arrangements for helping countries where economic and wider reforms were jeopardised from such fluctuations, but the ACP continue to favour the retention of current arrangements. I participated in the discussion on trade and economic co-operation, the area of greatest divergence between the ACP and EU positions. I put the case for alternatives to the Commission's favoured regional free trade option. This was taken up by the ACP and reflected in the final report.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to visit the Island of St. Helena to discuss ways of improving the standard of living of islanders. [73853]

I have no plans to visit St. Helena. The framework for the island's development over the period 1997/98–1999/2000, and the level and scope of HMG development assistance, is set out in the Country Policy Plan agreed by HMG and the St. Helena Government in 1997. A new CPP, for the period 2000/01–2003/04, is scheduled to be agreed by the end of 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to review the assistance programme for Caribbean states. [73854]

Documents outlining our strategies for the next three years will be published in the course of this year and early next year. The strategies are being prepared in consultation with a wide variety of local and other stakeholders.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on aid to Zimbabwe. [73855]

A Country Strategy Paper for Zimbabwe will be published shortly. The strategy will focus on reducing poverty in Zimbabwe in line with the objectives of the White Paper "Eliminating World Poverty". Copies—like all our Country Strategies—will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's conflict-reduction strategy. [73856]

My Department's conflict reduction strategy is set out in our Policy Statement on Conflict Reduction and Humanitarian Assistance. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the contribution made by private investment in supporting overseas aid projects. [73857]

Private investment can bring substantial economic benefits to developing countries; partnership with business can therefore support development assistance projects overseas, and help promote the achievement of the International Development Goals. We have established a new Business Partnership Unit in the Department and have instituted new arrangements to consult the private sector when drawing up our country strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to improve the effectiveness of its response to humanitarian emergencies; and if she will make a statement. [73858]

We have recently published a Policy Statement outlining our strategies for conflict reduction and humanitarian assistance. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.Following a disaster, most lives are saved by immediate local effort. We are giving priority to building up the disaster response capacity of communities and institutions in disaster-prone poor countries. We also look first to agencies that are well established in the country and have the local knowledge and expertise to deliver assistance most quickly and effectively. It is important that we not only save lives and relieve suffering following a humanitarian crisis but also reduce risks and vulnerability to future crises. Therefore, we are assisting disaster-prone countries to include risk reduction, disaster management and mitigation in their development planning process and supporting community initiatives to reduce their vulnerability to risks. This includes analysing common hazards and their impact on poor people, and assessing the effect of recurrent crises on achieving the targets of sustainable international development.Much of my Department's humanitarian response is channelled through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organisations. We are working closely with these agencies to strengthen international systems for dealing with humanitarian crises, particularly to improve response capacity and accountability, and the development of common standards for technical performance and reporting. We are also promoting better co-ordination within the European Union, especially through the European Community Humanitarian Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the target set of reducing the debts of the poorest countries by £50 billion. [73920]

The Government are committed to the international development targets, which include halving the proportion of people living in absolute poverty by 2015. For the poorest, most indebted countries, who are similarly committed to poverty eradication, faster and deeper debt relief is required to enable them to invest sufficient resources in poverty reduction programmes to meet these targets. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and I have therefore challenged the international community to increase debt relief and increase aid flows to poor countries. Our objective over the coming months is to get agreement to cancel $50 billion of debt and to increase development assistance to $60 billion by the year 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action the Government are taking to raise public awareness of ethically and fairly traded products. [75233]

Both I and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State have spoken at a number of public events aimed at raising awareness of ethical and fair trade. DFID also supports the Ethical Trading Initiative, whose work includes promoting positive engagement between UK importers and developing country suppliers. We are also supporting, through our development awareness funding, a range of activities which are designed to raise public awareness in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if (a) she, (b) civil servants in her Department or (c) special advisers in her Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75880]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of select committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts or select committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge have there been any occasions on which members of select committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the immunisation of sniffer dogs sent by her Department to assist in rescue work in Colombia. [75230]

My Department did not send any dogs to Colombia following the recent earthquake and therefore there have been no discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about immunisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the biotechnology companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within her Department since 1 May 1997. [74843]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: No biotechnology companies have placed staff (a) on secondment or (b) on placement within my Department since 1 May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met her colleagues from other member states of the European Union to discuss matters relating to the PHARE Programme. [73840]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State regularly meets with colleagues at the Development Council, the last of which was held on 30 November 1998. PHARE was not specifically on the agenda. She has regular informal contact with her counterparts regarding a range of issues including the PHARE programme.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a White Paper setting out the constitutional, economic and political implications of the UK joining the European single currency. [73873]

The Government's policy on the single currency was set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his statement to the House of Commons on 27 October 1997, Official Report, columns 583–88.

To ask the Prime Minister what is the central Government funding per pupil at secondary schools in (a) Staffordshire and (b) Hertfordshire in 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement. [73878]

The secondary standard spending assessment per pupil allocation for 1999–2000 is £2,759 for Staffordshire and £3,023 for Hertfordshire.We inherited the current system for calculating Standard Spending Assessments from the previous Government. The Government will be carrying out research over the next few years as part of a review of the way different Local Education Authorities are funded.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 10 March. [73871]

This morning I had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last visited Turkey; and if he will list the people he met on his visit. [74623]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last visited Turkey on 19 May 1998. During his visit he met the President of the Turkish Republic, Mr. Suleyman Demirel, the Prime Minister, Mr. Mesut Yilmaz, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Ismail Cem, and the President of the Human Rights Association, Mr. Akin Birdal, who was recovering in hospital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for discussions with the Turkish Government about forthcoming elections in Turkey; and if he will encourage Turkey to invite foreign election observers to witness the elections; and if he will make a statement. [74632]

Our Embassy in Ankara is closely following the forthcoming elections in Turkey.On the question of election monitoring, we encourage all OSCE (Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe) Participating States to acknowledge their standing commitment to election observation as expressed in the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Turkey on proceedings against Abdullah Öcalan; and if he will make a statement. [74627]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Edmonton (Mr. Love) on 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 797.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has had from the Government of Dubai to his note verbale of 10 November 1998. [74625]

The Government of Dubai have not replied to our Note Verbale of 10 November 1998 requesting Mr. Atkinson's release on the basis of the decision of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. His trial concluded on 13 December 1998 and he was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place copies of the audits of budget line A-3021 of the European Communities in the Library; and if he will list the sponsors and referees who supported the successful applicants for that budget line. [75079]

The Report on Beneficiaries of Community Grants 1997 was placed in the Library last year. The 1998 Report will be placed in the Library when it is published.Decisions on spending under this budget line are made by the Commission alone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if there has been a change in the view of EU partners on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme since his answer of 28 January 1999, Official Report, column 395. [75181]

The UK has always supported Israel's Association with the Fifth Framework Programme in principle. It became clear recently that EU partners were also moving towards a positive view, and we were able to see this agreed at the General Affairs Council on 22 February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the EU will decide on Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of research. [75165]

The EU General Affairs Council on 22 February agreed to Israel's participation in the Fifth Framework Programme of Research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what criteria are used by the EU to decide on the participation of non-EU member states in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75167]

There are no generalised criteria. Proposals for third country association with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5), and for project-by-project participation by researchers from third countries, are assessed on their individual merits in the context of the EU's interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent (a) each of the 10 Central and Eastern European countries, (b) Cyprus, (c) Israel and (d) Switzerland meet the criteria for participation in the Fifth Framework Programme. [75166]

These countries are at various stages in the process of negotiation for full participation as countries associated with the Fifth Framework Programme (FP5). There are no generalised criteria: each case is assessed on its merits in the context of the EU's interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries to which (a) the British Government and (b) United Kingdom companies over the last five years have sold arms, the type of weapons sold and the total value of sales. [75516]

The forthcoming Annual Report on Strategic Exports will list by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued by this Government between 2 May and 31 December 1997 in each equipment category and give details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted. It will also set out the value of defence exports to each country in 1997. This information will also be given in future reports.As regards information on export licensing decisions taken by the previous administration, it was normal practice for such statistics to be placed periodically in the Library of the House. However, as the then Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), made clear in her answer of 30 October 1997,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the removal of the Lan Chile flight on the people of the Falklands. [75642]

The Lan Chile link has commercial and social benefits to communities in both the Falklands and southern Chile. We would regret any action which penalised these communities. We have expressed our regret to the Chilean Government over their decision to ask Lan Chile to suspend flights to the Falklands and said we do not believe this to be justified. We hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands after 31 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made of the extent of human rights violations on vessels operating in waters around the Falklands. [75639]

Both HMG and the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) take seriously any violation of human rights on vessels fishing in Falkland Islands waters while there are clearly considerable difficulties in assessing the conditions on board such fishing vessels, every effort is made to monitor the situation. The FIG investigate all cases where complaints are made. A successful prosecution was brought against the Captain of a fishing vessel in April last year. We continue to work closely with FIG on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he plans to take if Lan Chile does not continue its flights to the Falklands after 31 March. [75888]

While we hope that Lan Chile will continue to fly to the Falklands, we are considering other options with the Falkland Islands Government, including flights to other countries, improve surface travel, and the possibility of the Falkland Islands Government leasing their own aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 20 January 1999, Official Report, column 505, concerning indicted EU officials, when the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), proposes to write to the hon. Member for Ludlow. [75723]

I continue to press the European Commission for the information requested by the hon. Member for Ludlow. I will write as soon as it is received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 2 March 1999, Official Report, columns 684–85, for what reason he does not hold it to be a worthwhile use of resources to record which of the Prime Minister's articles for publication by the foreign press his Department has facilitated placing. [75549]

The resources available to the FCO News Department and press and public affairs sections in our overseas posts are already fully committed in support of the FCO' s objectives. To maintain the records proposed by the right hon. Member would therefore require the diversion of resources from other more essential activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about his visit to Murmansk. [75772]

[holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had the opportunity, as part of his trip to Russia, to visit the Murmansk region on 3 March to see for himself the scale of one of the largest concentrations of nuclear reactors, spent fuel and waste in the world.The sheer number of nuclear submarines awaiting decommissioning is stretching the Russian facilities to breaking point. My right hon. Friend saw for himself the "Lepse", which has been used as a storage vessel for spent nuclear fuel rods for the past twenty years and is now in a rapidly deteriorating state in Murmansk Harbour.My right hon. Friend also met Foreign Minister Ivanov, who welcomed UK assistance in the management of Russian nuclear waste. In particular, my right hon. Friend stressed the importance we attach to Russia reaching agreement with donors on liability and taxation in the field of nuclear assistance.Whilst at Murmansk, my right hon. Friend was pleased to be able to announce a new British programme, backed by over £3 million in additional funds, to help Russia with these problems.We are not alone in seeking to resolve these issues. It will take a coordinated international effort and other countries are already making a contribution. The countries of Scandinavia, the United States and the European Union, amongst others, already have programmes dealing with the decommissioning of Russian nuclear submarines and the management of spent nuclear fuel and waste. We hope to work with these other countries and with Russia in building a wider international programme of assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Russian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister about Russian defence exports in Syria; [75799](2) if he will make a statement on his talks with the Russian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. [75771]

[holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Foreign Minister Ivanov in Moscow on 4 March, and had further talks with him and Prime Minister Primakov in Sochi on 5 March. The talks covered a number of current foreign policy issues, including Iraq and Kosovo, Russia's discussion with the IMF, and human rights. The Foreign Secretary emphasised the need for rapid agreement between Russia and the IMF, which he reinforced with a personal message from the Prime Minister. On Kosovo, the Foreign Secretary welcomed Russia's continuing involvement in the search for a lasting settlement. On Iraq, both sides agreed to continue working together for a common position in the Security Council. Arms exports to Syria were not specifically discussed, but the Foreign Secretary and Ivanov agreed on the need to avoid destabilising and uncontrolled arms exports. Ivanov plans to visit the UK in May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Russian Prime Minister about the Christian school in St. Petersburg that is under siege. [75804]

[holding answer 9 March 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made no representations to the Russian Prime Minister about the Christian school in St. Petersburg. Our representatives in St. Petersburg and Moscow are, however, following the situation closely as it develops.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to (a) Spain, (b) France, (c) Portugal, (d) Italy and (e) Greece about their refusal to endorse the free trade agreement with South Africa. [75768]

[holding answer 9 March 1999]: At the General Affairs Council on 22 February, which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended, the UK pressed hard for endorsement of a Trade & Cooperation Agreement between the EU and South Africa. My hon. Friend the Prime Minister has also urged member states to support the latest deal, most recently at the informal European Council on 26 February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps were taken by (a) special advisers, (b) Ministers, (c) officials or (d) other persons on behalf of his Department to seek to obtain (i) a draft copy and (ii) the key conclusions of the Foreign Affairs Committee report on Sierra Leone; [75887]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 4 March 1999, Official Report, columns 875–76.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many copies were made of the leaked Foreign Affairs Committee documents on (a) its Human Rights inquiry and (b) its European Union enlargement inquiry; and to whom they were circulated; [75859](2) what means the copies of the leaked Foreign Affairs Committee documents on

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on the 4 March 1999, Official Report, column 876.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when proposals for a directive concerning the regulations for growing and sale of genetically modified crops were first received by his Department from the European Commission; what observations were made by his Department prior to publication of the draft directive and on what evidence these observations were based; on what dates relevant explanatory memoranda were signed by ministers and placed in the Vote Office; and if he will publish the terms of such memoranda in the Official Report. [72178]

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The Directive 90/220 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms was negotiated in the late 1980s and adopted on 23 April 1990. The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 were made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and came into force on 1 February 1993.The European Commission adopted a Report on the review of Directive 90/220 on 10 December 1996. Following this, the Commission published its proposal for the amendment of Directive 90/220 in February 1998. UK Government officials participated in discussions on the draft proposal, prior to its adoption by the Commission, during meetings of the 90/220 Competent Authorities.The Competent Authorities for Directive 90/220 submitted written comments on a Commission Working Document in Autumn 1997. These focused on, among other issues, the difficulties in implementing the current directive due to differences between Member States about interpretation and delays by the Commission. These comments were based on experience of operating the directive. The views of interested parties were actively sought throughout this process.An Orientation Debate was held in the June 1998 Council of Environment Ministers under the British Presidency of the European Union. Negotiations were subsequently held under the Austrian Presidency and the proposal was further considered by Ministers at the December 1998 Environment Council. The German Presidency has not yet indicated its timetable for discussion of the proposal.Explanatory Memorandum 6378/98 covering the Commission's proposal was submitted by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 23 March 1998. EM 6378/98 was considered by the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee on 29 April 1998. The committee recommended that the document was of political interest and requested further information. The Minister for the Environment responded to the points raised by the Committee in a letter dated 27 November 1997. At their meeting of 9 December 1998, the Committee recommended the proposal for debate in Standing Committee A. The debate has yet to take place, but will be held in good time before any decision is taken in the Council of Ministers.Mr. Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which parts of

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for research purposes are governed by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 (amended 1995 and 1997) which give effect to Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Together, these Regulations implement Council Directive 90/220/EEC

"on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms",

of which Part B refers to deliberate releases for research and development purposes. These regulations are administered by my Department, in consultation with MAFF, the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office. This is a matter for which the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies will also be responsible after devolution.Since the regulations came into force on 1 February 1993, 153 consents have been issued for the release of genetically modified crops. Details of these consents, including the locations at which they have been released, are on the statutory public register held in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.All applications received by my Department for the release of genetically modified crops, either for research or for marketing, are copied for comment to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The statutory Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment which advises the Secretary of State on the safety of GMOs in the environment also advises MAFF Ministers.The Secretary of State has delegated the inspection and enforcement powers provided under Part VI of the Environment Protection Act 1990 to the Health and Safety Commission and Executive. HSE specialist inspectors visit a proportion of release sites to ensure that the releases are being conducted in accordance to the specifications set out in the consent. Full reports of the inspections are sent to DETR.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received on the Seahorse and Exodus incident of March 1997; if his Department has been informed of the findings of the investigation; if he will deposit those findings in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [74440]

A collision occurred between the United Kingdom registered fishing vessel Seahorse and the Irish registered fishing vessel Exodus in Bantry Bay, Ireland in March 1997. One crew member of the Exodus died. The Marine Accidents Investigation Branch undertook an Inspector's Investigation into the incident. The Inspector's report has not been published but a copy was forwarded to the Irish Maritime Authorities. The collision took place in Irish waters and the Irish Maritime Authorities are undertaking their own investigation into the incident. Their report will be published in due course. Following the incident the master of the Seahorse was successfully prosecuted by the Irish Authorities for a breach of the International Collision Regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the cost-effectiveness of campaigns to improve the take-up of energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector. [75207]

Each of the schemes to improve take-up of energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector is monitored, performance, including cost effectiveness, is reviewed at regular intervals and schemes are amended where that is appropriate. For example:

The performance of the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme is reviewed quarterly, and a full review of the scheme is taking place as part of the Government's review of fuel poverty policy.

Independent impact assessment of the Best Practice Programme, which covers the managed housing stock, is undertaken on an ongoing basis.

Each of the Energy Saving Trust's projects is monitored and assessed. In addition the Trust's programme of work for my Department is reviewed quarterly, and a full evaluation of the Trust's programmes is planned in the next year.

The Energy Regulator's Standards Of Performance schemes were recently reviewed by NAO.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to ensure that the introduction of new commuter services on the River Thames does not undermine established tourist operations; [75265](2) what representations his Department has received concerning the honouring by London River Services after 1 April 1999 of agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators; [75261](3) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators are honoured by London River Services after 1 April. [75262]

My Department has received a number of representations from and on behalf of Catamaran Cruisers Ltd. and the Thames Passenger Services Federation about this matter. London River Services Ltd. (LRSL) has been set up to manage river services operating from the piers currently owned by the Port of London Authority and certain other new piers.The Government support LRSL's objectives, which are to:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that London River Services does not sell the Thames piers in its ownership. [75263]

Whilst LT retains the right to dispose of assets that are not required for the purposes of its business, the Government believe that its subsidiary, London River Services Ltd., would not be able to fulfil the objectives it was set up to achieve—and which we fully support—without retaining ownership of the key central London piers. Other assets may be disposed of only with the Secretary of State's consent.In due course it is intended that ownership of the piers should pass to Transport for London. One of Transport for London's main transport duties will be to implement the Mayor's integrated transport strategy. In drawing up that strategy the Mayor will be under a duty to have regard to the desirability of encouraging the use of the River Thames, in particular for the provision of passenger transport services and for the transport of freight.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the statutory status of the EU Landfill of Waste Common Position Paper 49/98 with regard to United Kingdom legislation. [75344]

The EU Landfill Directive is still being discussed at European Council and is in draft form. The Common Position paper [Common Position (EC) No 49/98] is the latest official version of the draft directive. As the Directive has not yet been adopted by the European Council, and has yet to enter into force in the European Union, it has no status in UK legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to issue guidance to local authorities on public safety zones. [75220]

The preparation of draft guidance is in hand. We hope to issue it for consultation in the Spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many new rural public transport routes have been created since 1997. [75501]

My Department does not collect detailed information on specific public transport routes.We have distributed the greater part of England's share of the additional £50 million a year for rural public transport to local authorities in the form of the Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. Local authorities have used this money to let contracts for new services, either serving communities for the first time or enhancing existing routes, in accordance with the guidance which we issued to them. Many new services are now in operation.My Department will be gathering information from local authorities in the coming weeks to assess systematically the impact of this year's Rural Bus Subsidy Grant.We have also approved 46 bids, totalling £11.4 million, for grant under the Rural Bus Challenge competition to promote innovative local authority bus schemes in England, as well as making £4.2 million of the new money available each year for a Rural Transport Partnership scheme to reduce rural isolation and social exclusion by supporting community-based projects which enhance access to jobs and services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of road accidents caused by drivers falling asleep. [75266]

There is no national estimate of the number of accidents caused by drivers falling asleep. However, research has shown that tiredness is a principal factor in around 10 per cent. of all accidents. Accordingly, it is estimated that around 23,000–24,000 injury accidents a year result from driver fatigue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he or his ministers have received any advance copy or draft or briefing on the contents of any select committee report before its due publication date and time; and if he will make a statement. [75766]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if (a) he, (b) civil servants in his Department or (c) special advisers in his Department have (i) had sight of drafts of select committee reports, in whole or in part, or (ii) been informed of conclusions of select committee reports prior to their publication by the select committees. [75868]

[holding answer 9 March 1999]: I refer the right hon. and hon. Members to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire) on 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 531. There have been no instances of members of Select Committees giving me, or my ministerial colleagues, drafts of Select Committee reports, or of parts of reports including their conclusions, before publication. Nor, to the best of my knowledge, have there been any occasions on which members of Select Committees have given such material to civil servants or special advisers in my Department. This excludes embargoed copies of reports issued under House of Commons Standing Orders.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contingency plans he has for making water available in the event of the interruption of supplies caused by the millennium non-compliance of computer systems in the water industry; and if he will make a statement. [76057]