To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made on implementation of the Strategic Defence Review joint initiatives. [79609]

The Joint Rapid Reaction Forces (JRRF) concept builds on the Joint Rapid Deployment Force to provide a pool of highly capable force elements, maintained at high and very high readiness and trained to undertake short notice force projection operations of all kinds. We plan to have this larger, much improved and more balanced capability in place by October 2001. The forces that are needed to meet the JRRF requirement have already been identified and an initial operational capability will be achieved on 1 April 1999.The Joint Force Headquarters, which is co-located at Northwood with the Permanent Joint Headquarters in peacetime, will be expanded to enable it to command two simultaneous operations. It will be provided with a dedicated signals squadron drawn from 30 Signal Regiment based at Bramcote in Warwickshire.The authority of the Chief of Joint Operations, based at Northwood, will be increased and he will assume greater responsibility for Joint training, standards and exercises. To assist him in this task, a new 2* post, that of Chief of Joint Force Operational Readiness and Training (CJFORT) will be created from 1 April 1999.To meet the need for increased deplorability and flexibility in ground-based air defence, a Joint Rapier Training Unit will be formed at RAF Honington on 1 April 1999.Recognising that the proliferation of biological and chemical weapons programmes presents a continuing threat to our deployable forces, a Joint NBC Regiment will be established from 1 April 1999, initially at RAF Honington for at least four years. The Regiment will consist of Army personnel mainly from 1st Royal Tank Regiment and RAF personnel from the RAF Regiment. It will also include elements of the Territorial Army and Royal Auxiliary Air Force.A Defence NBC HQ will be established at Winterbourne Gunner on 1 April 1999. It will control both the Joint NBC Regiment and the Defence NBC Centre, command responsibilities for which will transfer from the Army Training and Recruiting Agency to RAF Strike Command on 1 April 1999.A Joint Doctrine and concepts Centre will be formed, located at Shrivenham. An Implementation Team will form at the beginning of April in London and will establish an Initial Capability at Shrivenham from September this year. It is planned to achieve a full capability from April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to continue to call out reservists to support military operations. [79665]

A new call-out order will be made under Section 54 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996. This will allow members of the reserve forces to continue to be called out to support operations in Yugoslavia and in the region of Iraq. The order will cease to have effect on 31 March 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the United Kingdom's chemical defence programme. [79669]

The UK's defence programme is designed to protect against the use of chemical weapons. Such a programme is permitted by the Chemical Weapons Convention, with which the United Kingdom is fully compliant. Under the terms of the Convention, we are required to provide information annually to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In accordance with the Government's commitment to openness, a copy of the summary which has been provided to the Organisation outlining the UK's chemical defence programme for 1998 has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries whose textile companies have been awarded contracts from his Department for armed forces uniforms for the last five years. [77469]

[holding answer 18 March 1999]: Textile companies from the following countries have been awarded contracts by my Department for Armed Forces uniforms over the past three years:

• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Belgium
• Italy
• Spain
• Canada.

Details are available for the last three years only as before this time information on clothing and textiles procurement was not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average cost of training a new recruit in each of the armed services. [78782]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of potential interference to military transmissions from the development of technology to deliver high-speed internet connections via powerlines; and if he will make a statement. [78868]

The Ministry of Defence and the Radiocommunications Agency have investigated the potential for such technology to interfere with military communications. The indications are that it has the potential to interfere with military and other users of the radio spectrum. I understand that the Radiocommunications Agency is consulting affected parties and is preparing to place limits on levels of emitted radio interference to safeguard military and other transmissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost to date of the bombs dropped on Iraq by British forces in Operation Desert Fox and subsequent military actions over Iraq. [78972]

The costs to date of bombs dropped on Iraq by British forces in Operation Desert Fox and subsequent military actions over Iraq is approximately £4 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have (a) been diagnosed as suffering from and (b) died from mesothelioma in the last five years. [77638]

[holding answer 29 March 1999]: There have been no recorded incidents of Service personnel suffering or dying from mesothelioma in the last five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what capital spending is planned on plutonium processing (a) by his Department and (b) by Hunting Brae in Aldermaston; and if he will make a statement; [79512](2) what environmental impact assessment has been made of the effect of new plutonium reprocessing at Aldermaston; what consultation there has been with the Environment Agency; and if he will make a statement. [79511]

I will write to my hon. Friend and place copies of my letters in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish the report on safety procedures in respect of the crash of an RAF harrier at RAF Wittering on 31 October 1997. [79509]

The RAF Board of Inquiry process into the accident involving a RAF Harrier GR7 on 31 October 1997 is nearing completion and a summary of its findings will be published in the next few months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if the Air Accident Investigation Branch was able to extract a complete full authority digital engine control fault history from the digital electronic control unit that was destroyed on impact following the crash of RAF Chinook ZD576 in June 1994; [78422](2) if the full authority digital engine control system fitted to the Chinook Mk2 was validated before it was brought into operational service; [78423](3) if the surviving digital electronic control unit retrieved from the wreckage of RAF Chinook ZD576 in June 1994 had the capacity to record the complete full authority digital engine control fault histories of both engines. [78424]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of pigmeat consumed by his Department's personnel is sourced from outside the United Kingdom. [79337]

The procurement of food for the Armed Forces is contracted to Booker Foodservice who import some 50 per cent. of the bacon and gammon required by the Armed Forces. The balance of the requirement for bacon and gammon and 100 per cent. of the pork requirement is presently sourced in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with whom he has entered into agreements or contracts or signed memorandums of understanding which extend to Ministry of Defence police officers the powers and privileges of constables (a) on land in respect of which he has agreed to provide the services of the Ministry of Defence police under notices published in the London, Belfast and Edinburgh Gazette and (b) in relation to matters connected with anything done for the purposes of the Ministry of Defence or the Defence Council. [75276]

The Secretary of State for Defence has agreed to provide the services of the Ministry of Defence Police to:

(a) the Royal Mint, Llantrisant, concerning which a notice was placed in the London Gazette on 5 May 1987;

(b) Devonport Dockyard, concerning which a notice was placed in the London Gazette on 3 March 1997;

(c) Rosyth Dockyard, concerning which a notice was placed in the Edinburgh Gazette on 28 January 1997.

The Secretary of State does not have to enter into an agreement for members of the MOD Police to have the powers and privileges of constables in relation to matters connected with anything done under a contract entered into by him for the purposes of his Department or the Defence Council: jurisdiction is conferred by section 2(2) or section 2(3) of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his statement of 17 March 1999, Official Report, columns 1125–27, if he will list the British overseas territories that meet in full international standards on money laundering, transparency in regulation of their financial sectors, co-operation with law enforcement authorities and independent financial regulation. [78002]

[holding answer 23 March 1999]: None at present meets all these requirements. The Overseas Territories are at differing stages of developing regulatory regimes which are acceptable to the international community.The White Paper on the Overseas Territories expands on the measures we consider necessary to ensure the OTs meet accepted international standards of financial regulation by the end of 1999. HMG will monitor progress in the OTs and continue to provide them with advice and support in drafting and effectively implementing legislation.An independent review of financial regulation will be conducted in the OTs to check what progress has been made in implementing these measures. The review will also make recommendations on how to deal with issues outstanding and to what timetable. If any OTs are found to be inactive or behind, HMG will seriously consider whether to use our powers to ensure the standards are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wirral, South (Mr. Chapman) of 12 March 1999, Official Report, columns 399–400, on exports, what the role of British Trade International will be in respect of the promotion of the export of British nuclear technologies. [78975]

British Trade International will support the promotion of the export of British nuclear technologies, as Overseas Trade Services did in the past, in conformity with our export and non-proliferation obligations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take in response to Recommendation 1382 (1998) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concerning the drawing up of a European code of conduct on arms sales. [78874]

Recommendation 1382 (1998) calls for a number of actions by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The Committee of Ministers has instructed the Ad Hoc Committee of Legal Advisers on Public International Law to prepare an opinion on the Recommendation. It is our understanding that there will be no further consideration of the Recommendation by the Committee until the opinion has been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many suspected or actual cases of human rights violations connected with vessels operating in the waters surrounding the Falklands took place in each of the last three years. [79039]

No cases of human rights abuses involving fishing vessels were recorded by the Royal Falkland Islands Police in 1996. In 1997, three incidents were reported in which mistreatment of seamen was suspected. These were pursued to the extent possible, but legal action could not be taken. Of two reported incidents in 1998, one resulted in the successful prosecution of the Captain of a fishing vessel. Both HMG and FIG take human rights violations seriously and continue to monitor the situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons the four British officials who were expelled on 7 March were visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo. [79165]

Three of the officials were in Kinshasa to conduct a routine review of the Embassy's civil contingency plan, the fourth (a State Department employee on an exchange programme with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office) was there to provide temporary cover for staff absences in the Embassy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what evidence the Democratic Republic of Congo presented to his Department in support of the detention and expulsion of British Embassy staff and four British officials on 7 March. [79164]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the Algerian Government, bilaterally and through the EU, to co-operate with the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance and to facilitate a visit to the country in order to conduct an independent investigation of disappearance cases. [79014]

We will continue to urge the Algerian Government to co-operate with all UN human rights mechanisms, including the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances, both in our bilateral dialogue and through the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Algerian Government calling on them to release all prisoners held in secret and unacknowledged detention unless they are to be charged with recognisably criminal offences. [79068]

We regularly raise with the Algerian Government our concerns about alleged human rights violations, both bilaterally and through the EU. To this end we support the work of the UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances and urge the Algerian Government to honour their obligations to co-operate with this and all other UN human rights mechanisms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will press for a resolution on Algeria at the United Nations Commission for Human Rights at Geneva. [79013]

We are our EU partners are considering our positions for this year's Commission on Human Rights, which runs until the end of April. Much will depend on the position taken by the Algerian Government to acknowledge their obligations under the UN Charter and agree to allow in UN Special Rapporteurs on Extra-judicial Executions and on Torture, and co-operate with all UN human rights mechanisms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the current human rights situation within Algeria. [79012]

The human rights situation in Algeria continues to cause us concern. In its latest report, the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances of the United Nations Economic and Social Council lists 731 cases of disappearances in Algeria since 1991. Only 11 have been addressed by the Algerian government to the Working Group's satisfaction. Over the same period there have also been numerous allegations of extra-judicial executions and torture by the Algerian security forces.It is fair to say that the number of new disappearances cited by the UN in the last 12 months is well down on previous years. But this is no substitute for independent investigations into all cases. We continue to urge the Algerian Government to allow independent UN Special Rapporteurs free access to the country to investigate all alleged human rights violations, as they are obliged to do under the UN Charter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to appoint additional business ambassadors. [79153]

A small number of Ambassadors for British Business will be retiring from their main business employment in 1999. We may consider replacements for them during the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many posts in his Department at (a) ambassadorial and (b) Consul-General level have been advertised in the last year. [79073]

No Ambassadorships were advertised in the last year. The post of Director General Trade and Investment US and Consul General New York, was advertised in September 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between Britain and Yemen. [79072]

Our long-standing relations with Yemen have been strained by recent incidents of kidnap involving British tourists, one of which resulted in the death of three British nationals, and by the arrest in Yemen of eight British nationals on terrorist-related charges. We are determined not to allow these set backs to cloud otherwise friendly relations. The Prime Minister wrote to Prime Minister Iriyani again on 24 March to help maintain dialogue at the most senior level, and to press our concerns about serious shortcomings in the legal process in the trial of the British nationals in Aden.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list all those task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his Department since May 1997 which have set up (a) sub-groups, (b) working parties and (c) other subsidiary committees; [79265](2) if he will list for all task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his Department since May 1997

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the US Government's contribution to the central fund on Ascension. [79401]

The US Government do not contribute to any central fund on Ascension. The Base on Ascension was built by the US Air Force during the Second World War and is provided free from rent and charges under the terms of the Agreement between the UK and US Governments Concerning the Extension of the Bahamas Long Range Proving Ground by the Establishment of Additional Sites in Ascension Island signed in 1956, as amended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the United Kingdom will apply the £10 million worth of new assistance for Sierra Leone which he announced on 2 March; what assurances he has received about its use; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to arms sales to Sierra Leone. [79670]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced on 2 March 1999, Official Report, columns 854–901, a new UK commitment of £10 million to promote stability in Sierra Leone. The objectives are to help the West African Peacekeeping Forces, ECOMOG, push back the rebels; to encourage the rebels to lay down their arms and return to civilian life; and to create a professional and democratically accountable Sierra Leone Army.Access to this new £10 million package of assistance is conditional upon matching pledges of support from other international donors. I am pleased to report that we have now received the full amount of £10 million in matching donations as a response to our lead in the promotion of lasting peace in Sierra Leone.Our new package of £10 million will be used as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications of the closure of the Kosovo-Macedonian border to Kosovan refugees; and if he will make a statement. [79507]

We welcome the reopening of the border between Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 24 March, following representations by the EU Presidency and others. This will facilitate the work of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in helping those who are fleeing Kosovo. The UNHCR can count on the support of the international community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of the Russian Federation on the situation in Kosovo. [79515]

As fellow members of the Contact Group, we have remained in close touch with the Russians throughout the Kosovo crisis. The Prime Minister last discussed Kosovo with Russian Prime Minister Primakov on 25 March. The Foreign Minister discussed Kosovo with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov on 29 March.We will gladly take any opportunity to discuss this subject with the Russians. This is a subject on which we want to stay closely in touch.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date requests were made by the UK representative at the UN for a meeting of the Security Council to discuss the situation in Kosovo. [79516]

We took the lead in bringing the situation in Kosovo before the Security Council in the late summer and autumn of 1998. The Security Council has been kept fully informed of developments since then. As Co-Chairs, we briefed the Council on the outcome of the negotiations which took place at Rambouillet and in Paris in February and March.The Security Council debates on 24 and 26 March demonstrated the strength of support for NATO action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what undertakings were given to the Government of Montenegro (a) at the Rambouillet Conference and (b) afterwards, concerning military action by NATO forces. [79514]

No undertakings have been given to the Government of Montenegro concerning NATO military action. However, we have expressed strong support for the political and economic stability of Montenegro, particularly at this critical time for Yugoslavia and Montenegro.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list for all task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his Department since May 1997 (a) their dates of establishment, (b) those which have issued final reports and their dates of publication, (c) those which have been terminated and their dates of termination and (d) for those bodies still in existence, expected reporting and termination dates. [79286]

The information requested is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all those task forces and policy reviews with external members established by his Department since May 1997 which have set up (a) subgroups, (b) working parties and (c) other subsidiary committees. [79264]

Two task forces and policy reviews with external members established by my Department since May 1997 have set up working groupsThe Review of Company Law's independent Steering Group has set up six working groups, looking at the purpose of company law and the needs of small and closely-held firms; company formation, capital maintenance and regulation and boundaries of the law; international issues and information and communications technology; vehicles and structure; corporate governance (directors); and corporate governance (shareholders).The Oil and Gas Industry Task Force has set up seven working groups, looking at long-term vision; competitiveness; fiscal issues; regulation and licensing; skills and training; innovation and technology; and sustainable development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps were taken by his Department to revise European Union policy to protect the United Kingdom's trading relationship with Caribbean countries within World Trade Organisation rules during the period of the United Kingdom presidency. [79096]

The UK's trading relationship with the Caribbean forms part of the wider EU relationship with the ACP countries (sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific) enshrined in the Lomé Convention. This provides a framework for trade, aid and political relations with the ACP. Under Lomé, ACPs have open access to the EU market for industrial goods and for a wide range of agricultural products.The current (fourth) Lomé Convention expires in 2000. A negotiating mandate for a new Convention was adopted under the UK Presidency at the General Affairs Council (GAC) on 29 June 1998. The Commission's draft mandate suggested that these new arrangements, after a 5-year roll-over of current arrangements to 2005, should be in the form of Free Trade Areas between the EU and groups (yet to be defined) of ACP countries. In response to the concerns of the UK and some other member states, the mandate as agreed by the Council commits us to examine the position of those ACPs not able to join in FTAs, in order to provide a new framework for trade which will offer them equivalent access to the EU market as at present under Lomé. Whatever the final balance of arrangements, the EU will of course have to ensure that they are compatible with WTO rules.Those ACP countries who are unable or unwilling to enter into FTA negotiations will still be eligible for the EU Generalised System of Preferences scheme which offers entry into the EU market with reduced import tariffs. However, these provisions are not as generous as Lomé and the ACP have expressed concern that they will lose their market access. The UK as Presidency worked hard to ensure a mandate which clearly indicated that the ACP would retain equivalent market access under the GSP and that GSP terms would need to be improved during the review of the scheme in 2004.We believe that these revisions reflect the interests of the Caribbean and our other Lomé partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide a breakdown, in numerical and percentage terms, of the ethnic origin, at 1 March, of (a) his private office, (b) Government special advisers, (c) his Policy Unit and (d) staff in total. [78506]

(a) On 1 March 1999, the DTI employed 71 staff in Private Offices and Parliamentary and Correspondence Sections, of whom 15 were known to be of ethnic minority origin (i.e. 21 per cent.).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate he has made of the number of employees of (a) small and medium enterprises and (b) larger companies who will opt to take paternity leave each year; [76670](2) what estimate he has made for

[holding answer 16 March 1999]: We shall be consulting on the detailed implementation. Only when this has been completed can a realistic estimate be made of the Parental Leave Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect on British companies and information technology users of the legislation introduced in the United States of America limiting the liability and damages that can be awarded in millennium bug-related cases. [78871]

The so-called 'Good Samaritan' legislation in the United States of America, which provides companies with limited liability protection for certain statements regarding Year 2000 compliance, is designed to stimulate public disclosure of those companies' millennium bug preparations. It has been suggested that this limited protection may lead companies and individuals to seek redress in overseas countries such as the UK. My Department has considered this issue and concluded that there is no substantive evidence to suggest that UK companies will as a result be exposed to a greater risk of litigation. I believe that, in practice, the 'Good Samaritan' legislation has to date provided no protection for US companies in lawsuits about the Bug.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of introducing legislation to limit the liability and damages that can be awarded in millennium bug-related cases. [78870]

This issue has been addressed within my Department in consideration of preparations for the millennium. It is possible that the introduction of limitations of this type would encourage companies to divulge additional information on their state of readiness, but this could unreasonably limit the availability of existing remedies available to consumers under, for example, the Sale of Goods Act 1979. The issue of disclosure in the UK is being addressed by Action 2000's Pledge 2000, whereby companies can make declarations of intent confirming their commitment to exchange information to allow others in their supply chains to prepare for the Year 2000, and to using dispute resolution outside the courts wherever possible. I believe that, on balance, the case for further legislation of this type has not been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 15 March 1999, Official Report, column 475, on export controls, what amount of the debt arising from Export Credits Guarantee Department claims were repaid between November 1997 and February 1999 by the Governments of (a) Algeria and (b) Jordan. [78951]

In the period from 1 November 1997 to 28 February 1999 Algeria paid £1 million of principal and £19 million of interest under the UK/Algeria Debt Agreements. Under the current UK/Jordan Debt Agreements principal repayments do not commence until June 1999. Interest paid during the period amounted to some £23 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the business leaders who have contributed to the six competitiveness working parties. [77790]

[holding answer 25 March 1999]: The following people were members of the six competitiveness Working Parties:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to change the current scale of charges for market reports; and if he will make a statement. [78433]

The Export Forum report, placed in the Library of both Houses, concluded that the current level of prices was close to what the market will bear. A review of the chargeable services themselves is planned to start in April and the new Chief Executive of British Trade International, Sir David Wright (current Ambassador to Tokyo), will wish to consider the outcome of the review before decisions are taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to increase (a) awareness and (b) take-up of the Export Marketing Research Scheme; and what funding has been made available for the (i) current and (ii) next financial year. [78431]

The Scheme's budget for the current financial year is £1,195,000. £1,550,000 has been allocated for 1999–2000. My officials and the Scheme's contractor (British Chambers of Commerce) have drawn up and are implementing a comprehensive action plan to increase awareness and take-up of the Scheme. This includes:Direct mail to eligible companies of more than 20 employees8,000 letters sent out; 400 have contacted BCC asking for additional information and 18 applications have been received to dateThe placing of editorial material in relevant publicationsEnsuring presence at organised events and speaking at export clubsEMRS was represented at 28 events (exhibitions, seminars etc) in 1998An Internet presence:www.britishchambers.org.ukStaging regional "Showcase" events for companies10 showcases presented to 285 companies; 19 applications have arisenThe publication of a regular EMRS Newsletter which is distributed to over 3000 past and prospective customers as well as intermediaries.Steps are also being taken to refresh intermediaries' knowledge of the scheme through:3 half day showcases held in 1998 completing national coverage for intermediaries and export advisers (52 attended)4 two-day training courses in export marketing research specifically tailored to the business advisers (50 attended)Direct mail to 300 trade associations. BCC are currently discussing projects with 20 different trade associations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he proposes to continue support from his Department for the Languages for Export Advisory Scheme. [78432]

The Languages for Export Advisory Scheme is currently being reviewed as part of the normal evaluation programme for DTI schemes. The Chief Executive and board of British Trade International will consider the future of the Scheme after the review is completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a list of staff of his Department currently posted overseas identifying (a) the capacity in which they are posted, (b) their grade and (c) their terms of service. [78439]

At senior levels (Range 10 and above) 26 managers are in post overseas. Below that level, 12 officers are in posts under the Overseas Attachment Training Scheme. A small number of additional staff are likely, at any time, to be in posts overseas. Details of these are not kept centrally in a form which enables the data readily to be aggregated.It would not be appropriate to list individuals' appointments and terms of conditions as requested. Most of these staff are on loan to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, usually on FCO terms of service. Others are on secondment or detached duty, for example to the European Commission, on the terms of the receiving organisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of each one per cent. increase in sterling against the euro on (a) industrial profits and (b) jobs in manufacturing. [77591]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 11 February 1999, Official Report, column 403.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of ECGD's Fixed Rate Export Finance Scheme. [79666]

Over the past year, the Government have been undertaking a fundamental review of ECGD's financing support for UK exports, including the FREF arrangements which have been scheduled to expire on 31 March 1999. The review has included a formal consultation process and follow-up work involving ECGD, Treasury and Bank of England officials as well as representatives from the UK exporting community. A number of options are being evaluated. More time is needed to complete the review and for ECGD to negotiate with the banks an appropriate successor to the current scheme. The current arrangements are, therefore, being rolled forward for a further 6 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the eligibility of areas under Objective 2. [79667]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to make an announcement on the distribution of EU structural funds for the regeneration of deprived areas. [78990]

The discussions between Member States and the Commission on the reform of the Structural and Cohesion Funds were concluded at the Berlin Council on 25 March.I am pleased to say that the UK has negotiated an outcome that is fair and affordable to all future and existing Member States, including the UK. One notable success for the UK was the securing of the safety net which maintains two thirds of the existing Objective 2 and 5b population coverage.The Government will consult widely with all those with an interest, principally local and regional bodies, on the determination of proposed areas and the criteria to be used to ensure that we target the areas of greatest need. Careful consideration will be given to the relative needs of different areas across the UK. I am issuing today a public consultation document which will set out the basis on which interested parties will be invited to make their submissions. I am also placing copies of the document in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.Those wishing to make representations should do so to the appropriate Government Office in England, the Scottish Office, the Welsh Office and the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland. Other Departments with an interest include the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foods for fisheries and rural areas and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for tourist-dependent areas, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department for Education and Employment.In order to meet the likely deadline of mid-June for submission of the proposed Objective 2 areas to the European Commission by each Member State, the public consultation will end on 25 May 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he expects to publish his consultation paper on renewable energy generation; and if he will make a statement; [79085](2) what targets he has established for the generation of electricity from renewable sources. [79086]

I have today published a consultation paper "New and Renewable Energy—Prospects for the 21st Century" which reports on the outcome of the Government's review of new and renewable energy policy.The Renewables Review paper demonstrates that there is tremendous potential for renewables to become a fully competitive part of UK energy supply. Renewables make an important contribution to secure, sustainable and diverse energy supplies in the UK. They are an essential element of a cost-effective climate change programme and will help the Government meet their environmental objectives at the least cost to the customer. Renewables play a vital role in enabling the UK to meet its environmental targets of reducing greenhouse gases by 12.5% by 2012, and the goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 20% by 2010.The document shows that producing 10% of UK electricity from renewables appears to be feasible. The Government intend working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10% of UK electricity supplies, cost effectively, as soon as possible. I want to achieve this by 2010. However, this should not be seen as an end in itself, but a step forward on the road to making renewables a strong, world-beating industry.There are already considerable benefits of the renewables industry. The UK industry employs 3,500 people. Through creating. an export drive, and by further developing the industry and the UK market, up to 45,000 jobs could be created.The Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) has already provided over £600 million of support for renewables. Support for renewables under NFFO will accelerate in the first decade of the next century and could rise to around £150 million a year. NFFO has played a major part in stimulating the industry and bringing down the costs of renewables. As a result of NFFO, an industry of some 700 organisations has been developed. This is why the Government want to see how NFFO can evolve, and to see how it can help the industry to thrive even more.The review document therefore presents options for possible ways to support renewables while they are reaching market prices. It looks at both the costs and benefits of moving towards a greater use of renewables. In particular, it looks at options for a revised NFFO in the competitive energy markets of the future.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the future of the grant-in-aid to the Royal Household for communications and information work. [79671]

Subject to the approval of Parliament, from 1 April 1999 the Government intend to merge the small grant-in-aid that was established last year on the COI vote with the property services grant-in-aid on the vote of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This will avoid the circularity of the COI providing the Royal Household with the funds to purchase specialist services partly from itself. Communications and information expenditure will be separately identifiable in the Report of the merged grant-in-aid prepared by the Royal Household, copies of which the Secretary of State will place annually in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament. As now, the Memorandum of Understanding will make clear that the Department does not have any responsibility for the functions and engagements undertaken by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family or for the Royal Household's decisions on the content of the communications and information provided from the grant-in-aid.

To ask the Prime Minister if there are any changes in the composition of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe. [79672]

The right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) becomes a full representative of the delegation in place of the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge), who now becomes a substitute member.

To ask the Attorney-General when the Crown Prosecution Service will take a decision about whether criminal charges should be brought as a consequence of the police investigation into the death of Diarmuid O'Neil. [78964]

The investigation report of the Metropolitan Police is being carefully considered by the Crown Prosecution Service in accordance with the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. A decision on whether any criminal charges should be brought will be made as soon as possible after the case has been reviewed.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will place a copy of the authorised transcript of the judgment in the Hamilton v. Al Fayed appeal in the Library. [79838]

A copy of the Times Law Report is held in the Library. A copy of the authorised transcript will be placed in the Library as soon as it is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the proposed Town & Country Planning (Control of Major Accident Hazards) Regulations will be devolved matters for (a) the National Assembly of Wales and (b) the Scottish Parliament. [77213]

Not for the part of the Control of Major Accidents Hazards Regulations (COMAH) which relates to health and safety. COMAH also contains environmental requirements. Environment matters are to be devolved in Scotland. Ministerial functions in connection with the provision of information by the competent authority, insofar as the exercise of these functions concerns the environment in Scotland, are transferred to Scottish Ministers by virtue of section 53 of the Scotland Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the appointments to the Commission for Integrated Transport; and if he will make a statement. [79571]

I have today appointed David Begg as Chair and Sir Trevor Chinn as Vice-Chair of the new Commission for Integrated Transport. The selection process for the other members of the Commission is still under way, but I hope to be able to announce the complete composition of the Commission by May. It will then begin its work of building on the consensus established around last year's Transport White Paper.David Begg, who was prominent in advising the Government during the preparation of the White Paper, has established a reputation for action in tackling Edinburgh's transport problems, and has the dynamism and commitment to make the Commission an influential voice in realising the objectives of the White Paper. Sir Trevor, who is Chairman of the motor services group Lex, will support Professor Begg by bringing an understanding of people's attitudes to transport, including the views of motorists.I am delighted that Professor Begg and Sir Trevor have agreed to work together to lead the Commission. The Commission's success in helping put integrated transport into practice will depend on it having the authority and energy to press transport policy forward. It will need to bring with it all those involved in providing transport services and all of us affected by its impacts. Professor Begg and Sir Trevor, coming from different backgrounds but sharing the same goal of a better, more sustainable transport system, are the right combination to ensure the Commission makes a real difference. Together they constitute a balanced team who look forward to establishing an effective Commission and adding real value to the transport debate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to change his Department's cash limits for 1998–99. [79771]

The cash limit for Class VI, Vote 4 (local government and regional policy, England) will be reduced by £2,300,000 from £32,294,969,000 to £32,292,669,000. This decrease reflects savings on special grant in support of Private Finance Initiative projects, resulting from delays in starting some projects. It will allow increases of £1,000,000 in the DETR/LGR (local government reorganisation) non-voted cash limit and £1,300,000 in the DETR/LACAP(E) (local authority capital—environment) non-voted cash limit.The DETR/LGR (local government reorganisation) non-voted cash limit will be increased by £1,000,000 from £127,300,000 to £128,300,000, to meet increased demand for supplementary credit approvals in connection with the commutation of annual loan charges and grants to local authorities on 1 October 1992.The DETR/LACAP(E) (local authority capital—environment) non-voted cash limit will be increased by £1,300,000 from £928,232,000 to £929,532,000, to provide other capital support for the London Borough of Haringey.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to improve the safety of passengers in balloons. [78319]

The operation of commercial passenger balloons is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority Safety Regulation Group (CAA SRG). While the safety standards and requirements for these flights are well-established they remain under constant scrutiny by the CAA. Consequently, ballooning operates to a very high safety standard and there has been only one fatal accident in the last 10 years.One additional safety measure to be implemented soon will require Balloon Air Operator Certificate Holders to produce and operate to a Company Safety Management System. The CAA will provide advice and assistance in establishing this system which is part of an introductory programme for all aircraft undertaking public transport operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents there have been involving power lines and passenger balloons in each of the last 10 years. [78320]

The Civil Aviation Authority have provided accident figures for commercial balloons involving power lines as follows:

		Injuries
Year	Collision with cables	Fatal	Serious	Minor
1989	0	0	0	0
1990	0	0	0	0
1991	1	0	0	0
1992	4	0	3	3
1993	5	0	1	3
1994	2	0	1	0
1995	2	0	2	0
1996	3	0	2	1
1997	2	1	8	4
1998	2	0	0	2
Total	21	1	17	13

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (a) fatalities and (b) injuries have resulted from accidents involving passenger balloons in each of the last 10 years. [78318]

The Civil Aviation Authority have provided accident figures for commercial balloons as follows:

		Injuries
Year	Total accidents	Fatal	Serious	Minor
1989	0	0	0	0
1990	0	0	0	0
1991	8	0	4	5
1992	11	0	9	13
1993	11	0	7	5
1994	11	0	7	18
1995	7	0	5	0
1996	6	0	4	2
1997	6	1	12	20
1998	6	0	3	3
Total	66	1	51	66

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make it an offence for motorists to advance to a cyclists' advance stop line at traffic lights. [78732]

It is an offence, under section 36 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and by virtue of the Traffic Signs Regulations 1994, to proceed beyond any stop line as shown in diagram 1001 in those Regulations and placed in conjunction with light signals when the red signal is showing. At junctions where an advance stop line for cyclists is provided Rule 154 of the current Highway Code instructs motorists that they must wait behind the first white line reached.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what (a) representations and (b) requests for assistance he has received from local authorities on the withdrawal of insurance cover due to the threat of the millennium bug; and if he will make a statement. [79211]

We have received one representation—from Bournemouth Borough Council—seeking assistance on the withdrawal of insurance cover due to the threat of the Millennium Bug. It is a matter for each individual council to put in place such arrangements as it considers appropriate and practicable to meet the risks posed by the Millennium Bug.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of the UK population receives fluoridated drinking water; what measures are being taken to ensure that the systems for the control of dosage will not be affected by the millennium bug; and if he will make a statement. [79016]

About 10 per cent. of the population receives fluoridated drinking water supplies. The Drinking Water Inspectorate, during its inspections of water companies in England and Wales in 1998, examined the companies' general arrangements for maintaining the wholesomeness and quality of their supplies both during and after the millennium. The Inspectorate was satisfied with the progress being made by companies and will continue to keep the matter under surveillance during 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the timing of the introduction of secondary sewage treatment at the sewerage works under construction at Yaverland, Sandown, Isle of Wight. [78571]

[holding answer 26 March 1999]: The Government have said that we wish to see secondary treatment installed on the Isle of Wight as soon as practicable. Southern Water need various consents from Government to proceed with the works. They are currently in the process of providing the necessary supporting information and we are putting pressure on them to do so as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authority owned dwellings are empty in each English shire county; and if he will make a statement. [78905]

[holding answer 26 March 1999]: I have placed in the Library a table presenting the latest information on the number of vacant dwellings owned by local authorities in each English shire county (as in existence before the creation of unitary authorities), and reported by them at 1 April 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning applications since May 1997 he has called in following a resolution by the relevant local planning authority to refuse planning permission. [79160]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of (a) the quantity and (b) the trend rate of growth of annual United Kingdom CO₂ emissions generated by (i) the household sector, (ii) industry excluding power generators, (iii) power generators, (iv) the service sector and (v) other sectors. [79190]

The following table gives estimates of CO₂ emissions in 1997 and 1998 from the UK's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The 1998 data are provisional. The table also gives estimated growth rates based on the trends observed since 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the current estimate of (a) the quantity and (b) the trend rate of growth of annual CO₂ emissions in respect of (i) power generation as a whole, (ii) gas-powered generators, (iii) coal-powered generators and (iv) other power producers. [79191]

The following table gives estimates of CO₂ emissions in 1997 and 1998 from the UK's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The 1998 data are provisional. The Table also gives estimated growth rates based on the trends observed since 1990, rounded to the nearest per cent.

	Emissions in 1997 (million tonnes carbon)	Emissions in 1998 (million tonnes carbon, provisional)	Trend (% per year)
Power generation as a whole	40	41	-3
Gas powered generators	12	12	+50
Coal powered generators	27	27	-6
Other power producers	1	1	-10

Other power producers include oil powered generators and the incineration of municipal solid waste.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the effect on the level of carbon dioxide emissions of (a) the moratorium on gas-powered electricity generation, and (b) the use of a fuel mix chosen solely on cost grounds. [79234]

[holding answer 29 March 1999]: The environmental impact of the Government's programme of reform of the electricity market is discussed in Annex H of the White Paper 'Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports from the Trade and Industry Committee' (Cm 4071). This makes clear that the new policy does not aim to achieve any particular outcome on fuel mix. The Government have therefore not sought to provide a quantification of the effect of the policy on CO₂ emissions or fuel mix relative to what would have occurred in its absence. The Department of Trade and Industry is currently developing a set of scenarios on future CO₂ emissions from energy use in the United Kingdom. These scenarios will take the new policy on fuels for electricity generation into account and will be used to inform decisions on the scope and nature of additional policies to meet our commitments on reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend fuel duty rebate to coach operators who operate contracted school bus services. [79402]

I have at present no plans to change the eligibility arrangements for fuel duty rebate. Bus services which only take pupils to or from school are not eligible for rebate. However, bus services provided or secured by a local education authority are eligible for rebate if they are registered with the Traffic Commissioner as a local bus service, and if they are normally available to, and are used by, members of the general public.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on which dates in 1999 the Department's web site relating to releases into the environment was updated; how frequently he plans to update the site; and if he will make a statement. [79093]

The DETR's Web site updated information from the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment on the following dates: 26 January, 3 February, 9 February, 10 February, 18 February, 22 February, 24 February and 16 March. These pages are amongst the top ten most popular of this site's environmental information pages. The Web site will continue to be updated as and when required.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff are currently employed by British Rail; and what are their functions. [78981]

I understand from the British Railways Board that the latest (March 1999) staff in post figure is 2,363. Of these, 2,194 work for the British Transport Police. The remaining 169 staff are largely employed on the administration, and sale where appropriate, of the BR property estate, on other residual BR functions and central services such as finance and legal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total wages bill for British Rail for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [78982]

The total staff costs of the BR Board for the year to 31 March 1998 are shown on page 21 of the BR Annual Accounts 1997–98. Total salaries and wages in that year were £83.7 million. This related to an end year employment figure of 2,386, down from 4,328 at end 1996–97.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made in respect of the future regulation of water prices; and if he will make a statement. [79102]

On 1 March 1999 Ministers announced their guidance to the Director General of Water Services on the programmes of investment in environmental and water quality improvements by water and sewerage companies that he should assume in setting their price limits for the period 2000–01 to 2004–05. While the setting of price limits is the responsibility of the Director, the required investment programme of some £8 billion of quality improvements over five years should allow room for significant price reductions in 2000–01. The Director will announce his provisional determinations of price limits in July.Under proposals in the Water Industry Bill, currently before Parliament, household water customers would gain increased choice in the method of calculation of their individual bills. The Bill also proposes new powers for the Director and Ministers to regulate the provisions of companies' charges schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce regulations to limit Heavy Goods Vehicles to the inside lane on busy commuter motorways. [78960]

Goods vehicles with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes are already banned from the outside lane of motorways with three or more lanes. We do not believe that a further restriction to the inner lane is justified for road safety reasons. It would cause a queue to form in the inner lane, moving at the speed of the slowest. Journey times are often a significant factor for hauliers, and drivers might be tempted to divert from motorways to less suitable roads through towns where accident rates are higher and there are more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to mark the 25 anniversary of the laying of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. [79664]

I intend to take forward a strategic appraisal of health and safety to mark the 25th anniversary of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974. This legislation has delivered significant improvement in standards of health and safety at work. But we cannot be complacent: people continue to lose their lives and suffer serious injury at work. Not only does this have a terrible human cost, but it also jeopardises the competitiveness of our economy.It is not my intention to revisit the basic structures of the Act, but I want to inject new impetus and relaunch the health and safety agenda. We also need to make sure that our approach to regulation continues to be appropriate for the changing world of work as we enter the next millennium, but without simply adding new and unnecessary regulatory burdens to business, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Our aim must be to reduce the rate of workplace accidents and ill-health still further, crucially by working with all stakeholders to demonstrate that a healthy, well protected workforce is not only right, but is good for business and good for society.I will launch a public consultation document, jointly with the Health and Safety Commission, in the summer to open up a debate on this important issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to publish revised planning guidance for opencast coal mining. [79770]

We have published revised Mineral Planning Guidance on Coal Mining and Colliery Spoil Disposal today. This meets the major concerns expressed in the 10 Point Plan for Opencast Coal issued before the General Election and firmly puts the interests of protecting the environment and local communities first.The revised guidance takes account of our pre-election commitments, the final conclusions of the Energy review published in October 1998 and the responses to the draft guidance issued for public consultation in October 1998.The guidance will ensure that planning permission for opencast coal mining is only given where the development is environmentally acceptable or provides over-riding local or community benefits. If neither of these requirements is met, there should be a presumption against opencast coal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme which organisations have been registered under the Group Environmental Body Scheme; and how much has been awarded to environmental bodies under this scheme. [78556]

I have been asked to reply.This is a matter for the Regulator for the environmental bodies credit scheme. I have passed on my hon. Friend's question to them and asked them to reply direct. The Regulator is:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme how much has been awarded under the Group Environmental Body Scheme to (a) Albany Architecture Heritage Trust, (b) Enventure, (c) Global Balance Trust, (d) Global Wildlife Trust, (e) Triedar Ltd., Salisbury, (f) Cory Environmental Trust, Thurrock, and (g) Cory Environmental Ltd.; and if he will list the environmental projects which have been supported by these organisations. [78582]

I have been asked to reply.The information requested is best provided by the Regulator for the environmental bodies credit scheme. I have passed my hon. Friend's question to them and asked them to reply direct. The Regulator is:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under the Landfill Tax Credit scheme how much has been awarded to environmental bodies since January; and what percentage of this total is a voluntary donation from landfill operators. [78555]

I have been asked to reply.Entrust, who is the Regulator for the environmental bodies scheme, has been notified by the environmental bodies of awards of £6.56 million since 1 January 1999. All donations by landfill site operators through the scheme are voluntary, although they can receive landfill tax credits of 90 per cent. against their donations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received on the six bed-space rule relating to the business rate for small guest houses and hotels; and if he will make a statement. [78429]

I received representations on this subject during a recent meeting with the Chairman of the National Council of Hotels Associations. The matter has also been raised with me by tourism business people during visits to various parts of England. The Government have no current plans to amend the "six-person test" for non-domestic rates, although matters such as these are kept under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the successful bids for millennium festival awards in the north-west. [78785]

A list of successful bids is shown in the following table. This information is also available on the Millennium Commission's website (www.millennium.gov.uk). In addition, the North West has benefited from Watson Steel of Bolton winning the contract to provide the steel for the structure of the Dome.