To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what data she has collated on the take-up of children's vaccination in Southern Sudan. [83088]

United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF confirm that during two rounds of National Immunisation Days (NIDs) in Sudan in February and March this year, over one million children in Southern Sudan were vaccinated against polio. The next Sudan NIDs are planned to take place in February and March 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's plans to link debt relief with poverty elimination programmes. [83297]

We are working to influence the World Bank and the IMF during the comprehensive review of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative to strengthen the linkage between debt relief and poverty eradication. In particular we are stressing the need for HIPC to deliver a greater reduction in the level of service payments in the early years to enable governments to invest sufficient resources in anti-poverty programmes such as health and education and so achieve the International Development Goals.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what discussions were held at the recent IMF/World Bank meeting in Washington on debt relief; and if she will make a statement; [83298](2) if she will make a statement on the HIPC Initiative following the IMF/World Bank spring meetings. [83304]

The Chancellor of the Exchequer and I participated in discussing the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative at the Interim Committee meeting of the IMF and at the Development Committee of the World Bank in Washington at the end of April. At both meetings, Ministers gave strong support to providing more debt relief to countries which are committed to eradicating poverty. In discussions on the fundamental review of the HIPC initiative, the Chancellor and I emphasised the need for change, in order that the initiative provides countries with a permanent exit from their debt problems, as it was intended to do. We also stressed the importance of debt relief being provided in such a way that it releases resources for governments to invest in key sectors to enable them to achieve the International Development Goals. Phase 2 of the HIPC review will consider how to strengthen this link between debt relief and poverty elimination.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what provision will be included in the Government's proposed debt relief framework for debt (a) service and (b) stock reduction. [83300]

The Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative focuses on reducing the stock of debt, with countries receiving one large cut in their debt which takes effect after many years. We are pressing the international community to agree not only to provide more debt relief to countries who are implementing demonstrably pro-poor policies, but to provide it in a way that enables governments to increase spending on anti-poverty programmes. This points to revising the Initiative so that it takes more account of what governments can afford to pay from their budgets, and delivers greater reductions in debt service paid, especially in the early years.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the long-term reconstruction needs of (a) Albania, (b) Montenegro and (c) Macedonia. [83299]

We are working with the European Commission, EU Member States and International Financial Institutions to determine the longer term needs of Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro. As the Donors Conference on Macedonia on 5 May indicated, the international community is prepared to provide considerable support based on real needs. Bilaterally we plan to focus on know how and technical support to enable the Governments of the region to increase their capacity to respond to the crisis and absorb international assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the IMF's suitability as the lead organisation in helping poor countries meet the 2015 international development targets. [83301]

Multilateral organisations including the IMF have a key role to play in helping countries to meet the international development targets. Following last year's review of the IMF's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility, it was agreed that the IMF should take more account of the social impact of their programmes, the quality of government expenditure, and should protect budgets in high priority areas such as health and education. We are encouraging the IMF to work more closely with the World Bank to ensure that, in designing structural adjustment programmes, they take account of the impact on the poor. Following proposals put forward by the UK, the World Bank is developing principles of good practice in social policy, in consultation with the IMF. We envisage that these principles will be drawn upon by the World Bank and the IMF in the design of programmes. We continually emphasise the need for the IMF to build support for reforms which lead to economic growth which benefit the poor programmes, through discussion and consultation with civil society.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the current humanitarian situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea. [83302]

The UN estimate that there are 3,250,000 people in need of humanitarian relief in Ethiopia. 397,000 of whom have been displaced due to the border conflict. In Eritrea 540,000 people need support with 290,000 displaced by the conflict. Main relief requirements are food, shelter, clothing, household items, health care, water and sanitation. Since January 1998 Britain has provided £5.2 million (including our contribution to EU actions) for emergency food and other support to Ethiopia and Eritrea.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about the current humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [83303]

We are continuing to press all parties to the conflict to agree a cease-fire and to reach a negotiated settlement. The signing in April of the Sirte agreement between the DRC, Uganda, Libya, Chad and Eritrea was a welcome step towards a cessation of hostilities, as was the communique issued on 5 May by the leaders of Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda re-affirming their commitment to a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Date	Location	DETR Minister	US Counterpart
13 February 1998	London	John Prescott	Stu Eizenstat (Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs)
16 February 1998	London	Gavin Strang	Mortimer Downey (Deputy Secretary, US Department of Transportation)
4 April 1998	Leeds Castle	John Prescott Michael Meacher	Carol Browner (Administrator at the US Environmental Protection Agency)
28 April 1998	Washington	John Prescott	Rodney Slater (Secretary of Transportation)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure (a) public transport access and (b) access off the southern bypass to the new hospital in Norwich from the city centre. [82688]

Public transport access to the new Norfolk and Norwich Hospital at Colney is a matter for Norfolk County Council as the local transport authority, the Hospital trust, who have entered into an agreement with the County Council to provide a high quality bus service for the new site, and the commercial operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many applications for information she received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83117]

In the Parliamentary session October 1997 to July 1998 I received and granted four applications for information under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer on 26 March 1999, Official Report, column 417, how many times Ministers in his Department met their counterparts in the US Government between 1 January 1998 and 1 June 1998; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion and the name of the US counterpart at each meeting. [82227]

The information for DETR is as follows:My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has asked the Highways Agency to look again at access to the hospital. The Highways Agency is considering the matter. A decision will be taken as quickly as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff transferred to each regional development area from (a) English Partnerships, (b) the Rural Development Commission, (c) Government offices, (d) regional development organisations and (e) other bodies. [82922]

The table shows the number of staff transferring to each regional development agency on 1 April 1999. The figures exclude temporary staff and

Number of staff transferring to RDAs on 1 April 1999 by source organisation
Region development agency	English partnerships	Rural development commission	Government offices	Regional development organisations
Advantage West Midlands	26	7	30	57	0
East of England	9	15	13	0	0
East Midlands	35	11	13	29	0
North East	85	9	27	91	0
North West	83	8	20	44	0
South East of England	16	9	15	0	0
South West of England	44	23	13	44	5
Yorkshire Forward	60	11	33	63	0

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what staff with environmental expertise have been recruited by each regional development agency. [82923]

Staff transferring from English Partnerships, the Rural Development Commission and Government Offices to take forward transferring functions, will have, or will have access to, any necessary environmental expertise to carry out the work. RDAs have been recruiting for a wide range of posts, including strategy development and corporate functions. Where environmental expertise is relevant to the post this will have been a consideration in the advertisement and selection process. RDAs will also be establishing links with a range of organisations, some of which will be able to provide advice on environmental issues. However, separate records are not kept on the environmental expertise of individual staff in the RDAs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he made of whether the author of the report, "UK Emission of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 and Potential Emission Reduction Options", had been involved in lobbying on behalf of (a) the refrigeration industry and (b) the manufacturers of refrigerants referred to in the report; and if he will make a statement; [82928](2) what action he plans to take as a consequence of the report commissioned by his Department, "UK Emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF6 and Potential Emission Reduction Options"; [82927](3) what representations he has received concerning the independence of his advisers on climate change issues, with particular reference to the global warming impact of different refrigerants. [82926]

We have received representations concerning the consultants who have prepared for my Department a report which updated annual UK emissions data for HFCs, PFCs and SF6, provided emission projections to 2020 and assessed the costs and benefits of options to reduce future emissions. One of the representations included a detailed list of comments on the report, and a detailed reply, responding in full to each of the points raised, has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in phasing out the chlorofluorocarbon exemption on metered dose inhalers. [83172]

The Montreal Protocol allows chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to continue to be produced for use in the manufacture of metered dose inhalers (MDIs). This essential use exemption will continue to be provided only until an adequate range of non CFC alternatives is on the market, which in the European Union is likely to occur within the next two to five years.The Montreal Protocol also required Parties to prepare a national or regional strategy by 31 January 1999, which would ensure a smooth and efficient transition from CFC MDIs to non CFC MDIs whilst protecting the health and safety of patients.As the European Community is a Party to the Protocol, the European Commission prepared an EU wide transition strategy in consultation with member states, which was published by the Commission at the end of October 1998. The EU strategy sets out the criteria which will be used to determine when the essential use criteria for MDIs will be withdrawn in the EU. A number of non CFC MDIs are now available in the UK, and we anticipate that it should be possible to complete the transition for most types of MDI in the next three years.To complement the EU strategy, my Department is currently consulting stakeholders and interested parties on a draft UK strategy which will manage the transition process within the UK. The consultation ends on 31 May 1999 and we aim to publish the final strategy later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the annual volume of chlorofluorocarbons released into the atmosphere through the use of metered dose inhalers in the UK in 1997 and 1998. [83173]

Based on data supplied by the European Commission, my Department estimates that the volume of chlorofluorocarbons used by manufacturers of metered dose inhalers in the United Kingdom was 2,208 tonnes in 1997 and 2,109 tonnes in 1998. About 40 per cent. of these metered dose inhalers will be used in the United Kingdom, the remainder being exported to other European Union countries and elsewhere. It is assumed that all the chlorofluorocarbons used in the manufacture of metered dose inhalers will eventually be emitted to atmosphere.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with London borough councils on the number of empty housing units in their authorities. [83333]

As part of the annual Housing Investment Programme determination, officials from the Government Office for London regularly discuss with all London boroughs many aspects of their housing strategies and their performance as housing authorities. These discussions include the boroughs' enabling role in bringing empty properties back into use and their private sector renewal strategies to tackle empty properties in the private sector.The Government fully support the work of the Empty Homes Agency and the London Empty Property Forum, which are both playing an important role in bringing empty homes back into use.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of road freight in the United Kingdom originated outside the United Kingdom, in the latest year for which figures are available. [82882]

[holding answer 5 May 1999]: In 1997, an estimated 2.5 per cent. of all tonne-kilometres performed in Great Britain, for both domestic and international haulage, were performed by vehicles originating outside the United Kingdom. Virtually all of this foreign activity was accounted for by the British part of international journeys by foreign hauliers. Domestic journeys by foreign hauliers accounted for under 0.04 per cent. of the total Great Britain tonne-kilometres in 1997, which is the last year for which we have full figures. However, there is some anecdotal evidence that the foreign haulier activity within the UK has been increasing over the recent years. This is one of the issues we will be addressing through the Road Haulage Forum.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the main environmental safeguards agreed under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as preconditions for granting planning permission for the second runway at Manchester airport. [83353]

Manchester airport entered into a number of legal agreements including such matters as landscape and nature conservation, noise controls, night flying, highways improvements, public transport and the relocation of listed buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when research into accommodation and support services available to households experiencing domestic violence is expected to be (a) completed and (b) published. [83564]

The research was commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in association with the Women's Unit and the Department of Health, in June 1998, and is progressing well. The research involves a number of data collection exercises, including surveys of local authorities and women's refuge groups, case studies in a small number of local authorities, and interviews with households who have made use of the accommodation and support services. Fieldwork will be completed by the end of the year.The final report and good practice guidance for local authorities on the options for addressing the accommodation and support needs of households experiencing domestic violence is expected to be published in summer 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the guidelines for the Passenger Partnership Fund. [83699]

OPRAF will be publishing shortly guidance for those who wish to bid for some of the Rail Passenger Partnership Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for information he received under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83105]

For monitoring purposes, this information is collected on a calendar year basis. Information for 1997 was published last year in the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information 1997 Report. In 1998 my Department received 5,304 applications for information under the Code and granted 5,302 of them.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps the Government are taking to improve facilities in urban centres for (a) the less mobile and (b) those on low incomes. [83599]

My Department has issued guidance to local authorities on a range of measures to improve town centres for people with mobility difficulties. On the transport side, in January this year we published new guidelines on the use of tactile paving surfaces to provide warning and guidance to blind and partially-sighted pedestrians. We also intend to publish our strategy to encourage walking soon. This will set out the need for town centre improvements to take into account the needs of all groups, including disabled people and the 30 per cent. of households without access to a car.More generally the planning policy guidance for town centres and retail developments (PPG6) we have issued to local authorities has made particular reference to improving access to and within town centres, improving the pedestrian environment and, in particular, addressing the needs of people with mobility difficulties. We would expect authorities to survey the access and mobility needs of disabled people and demonstrate a commitment to meeting their needs in drawing up their strategies for town centres, their development plans and in making decisions on new developments.We also expect local authorities to demonstrate a similar commitment in their Local Transport Plans (LTPs). The guidance already issued to local authorities on preparing their LTPs has made particular reference to the needs of people with mobility difficulties. We expect LTPs to provide evidence to support their record in this area, and provide detail of their future plans.Turning to buildings, Part M of the Building Regulations requires that reasonable provision should be made for access and facilities for disabled people in all new buildings. These requirements currently apply to buildings other than dwellings, but from 25 October this year they will be extended to all new dwellings.In terms of low incomes, we have commissioned research into the links between public transport and social exclusion. The research will seek to establish the level of exclusion from public transport, identify the factors which discourage different groups from using it, examine the initiatives to encourage new passengers, and propose a range of initiatives to encourage ridership among excluded groups. The results of the research will be available in late 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the Government's policy is on returning rural brown-field sites developed in the Second World War and no longer required for the original purpose to greenfield status. [83778]

The future use of a previously developed site should be consistent with the local planning authority's development plan and with the Government's planning policy guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what account he takes of public support for the construction of a relief road in deciding whether to give statutory protection to an area considered by English Nature to be worthy of special conservation the designation of which will obstruct the building of that road; [83777](2) what account his Department takes of the effect on environmental pollution of selecting a site for protection as a Special Area of Conservation whose designation will obstruct the construction of a relief road. [83760]

None. All Special Areas of Conservation are selected on the basis of their scientific conservation interest. The decision to allow the building of a road must be based on a number of planning factors one of which is its possible effect on nature conservation sites. Article 6 of the Habitats Directive requires all plans or projects which may have a significant effect on sites designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) to be assessed for their implications on the site's conservation objectives. If that assessment shows that the plan or project would adversely affect the integrity of the site, consent may only be given, in the absence of alternatives (ie a less damaging way of carrying out the scheme), in the overriding public interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the remit for the multi-modal transport study for the London-Ipswich corridor; when it will be completed; if he will place any papers relating to traffic flows, investment options and opportunities for the injection of private finance received in the course of the study in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [83749]

Following consultation with the Regional Planning Body and others, we announced on March 23 that a study into the London to Ipswich corridor would be added to Tranche 2 of the Multi-Modal Studies programme. Tranche 2 studies will begin in 2000 and are expected to take on average 2 years to complete.The terms of reference for the study will be drawn up by a Steering Group which will include the Regional Planning Conference (SERPLAN) the Government Office, the Local Highway Authorities and transport providers. The aim of the study will be to address strategic problems within the London to Ipswich corridor, including on the Al2, and to identify solutions to those problems from all modes of transport and land use planning which meet our overarching environmental, safety, economic, accessibility and integration objectives for transport.The study will be an open process conducted in partnership with SERPLAN and in consultation with a wide range of interests. Specific reports related to the studies, covering topics such as data collection, option testing and strategy formulation etc., will be available from the Government Offices who are managing the studies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 1999, Official Report, column 396, concerning services to Fenchurch Street Station, if he will introduce legislation to improve the level and speed of compensation for customers in respect of infrastructure failures which are the responsibility of Railtrack. [83714]

Compensation to passengers for delays and cancellations, whatever their cause, is paid under the Passenger's Charter. These payments are made directly to passengers by the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) with which they travelled. All TOCs were required as part of their franchise agreements to publish a Passenger's Charter and the level of compensation offered and the events which triggered such payments were required to be as good or better than those offered by British Rail. The Franchising Director cannot unilaterally require improvements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 1999, Official Report, column 396, concerning services to Fenchurch Street Station, what action the Government are taking to ensure that Railtrack invest sufficiently to reduce the incidence of infrastructure failure. [83716]

We made it clear at the National Rail Summit in February that the Government is prepared to work in partnership with the railway industry to deliver a better rail service and increased investment. But Railtrack must play its part in creating a high quality, high growth, high investment railway. We have appointed Sir Alastair Morton to lead the shadow Strategic Rail Authority, and Tom Winsor as Rail Regulator, to ensure that that investment is delivered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the total cost to public funds of the Westminster auditor's inquiry into the Westminster Council's designated sales policy over the period 18 July 1989 to 30 April 1999. [83381]

We are advised by the Audit Commission that the auditor's costs for the investigation, up to and including the publication of his report in 1996, was £3,017,905, which has been met by Westminster City Council. The Audit Commission has, since the commencement of High Court proceedings, met further costs of £3,705,000. This includes the legal costs of the auditor for the High Court and Appeal Court Hearings, and the costs of those appellants whose appeals were successful in the High Court. It does not include the High Court and Appeal Court costs of Dame Shirley Porter and David Weeks; the Appeal Court is reconvening in several weeks to consider the award of these costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the authority under which the Audit Commission may make, vary, or refuse payments to a District Auditor it has appointed; and if he will make a statement. [83382]

The Audit Commission appoints auditors in accordance with the provisions set out in the Audit Commission Act 1998. Section 3(8) gives the Audit Commission discretion to make appointments on such terms and for such periods as the Commission may determine. These terms include the basis on which payments are made to appointed auditors.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the Government's fuel poverty policy proposals. [83906]

The Government intend to publish their proposals for the way ahead on fuel poverty tomorrow. They follow an extensive inter-departmental review of all current policies and programmes, including discussions with over 60 organisations with an interest in this area. Fuel poverty is an important issue which affects all too many households and which we are determined to address. The proposals will be subject to a two month consultation period, during which we shall actively seek views from interested parties. Copies of the consultation paper will be available tomorrow morning in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what monitoring his Department undertakes of the implementation of Government policies on wages and union recognition in companies in South Wales. [81921]

:WagesThe Government asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the national minimum wage with particular reference to the effects on pay, employment and competitiveness. The Commission has been asked to report its findings by December. However, all employers in Wales will need to act within the law respecting the provisions of minimum wage legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list each application for a licence to grow genetically modified crops in Wales in 1999, and the proposed locations. [82220]

No applications to release genetically modified organisms at sites in Wales have been received in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of lone parents who have agreed to join the New Deal programme in Wales. [83765]

The latest information from the Employment Service indicates that, by the end of March 1999, over 4,400 lone parents had agreed to participate in the New Deal for Lone Parents in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his latest estimate is of the number of lone parents who have found jobs under the New Deal arrangements in Wales. [83764]

The latest information from the Employment Service indicates that, by the end of March 1999, almost 1,200 lone parents had secured jobs through the New Deal for Lone Parents in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the numbers of 18 to 24-year-olds who have obtained jobs through the New Deal arrangements in Wales. [83766]

The latest information from the Department for Education and Employment indicates that, by the end of February 1999, over 4,300 young people had secured sustained jobs through the New Deal for 18-24s in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications for information he received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83121]

For monitoring purposes this information is collected on a calendar year basis. Information for 1997 was published last year in the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information 1997 Report. In 1998 my Department received 18 applications for information under the Code and granted 14 of them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures his Department is taking to address overstretch in the Armed Forces. [82588]

We remain firmly committed to addressing overstretch in the Armed Forces. Recruiting is an important priority; it remains buoyant and all three Services have improved their recruitment achievements during the last year. We are also making strenuous efforts to improve retention, for example through the Strategic Defence Review 'Policy for People' initiatives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Kosovo. [82589]

Serbian forces continue their brutality against Kosovar Albanians. Over one million have been forced from their homes. The UNHCR report that approximately 800,000 are now resident in temporary camps outside Kosovo or in countries elsewhere. A further 350,000 to 800,000 are thought to be internally displaced seeking refuge and safety in Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated tonnage of ordnance dropped on oil and chemical plants in Yugoslavia since 24 March; and what estimate he has made of resulting emissions of (a) ammonia, (b) benzene, (c) chlorine, (d) mercury, (e) phosgene and (f) sulphur dioxide. [82592]

I am withholding information on the tonnage of ordnance dropped in Yugoslavia since 24 March under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. We take the need to avoid dangerous emissions from nuclear and chemical plants fully into account in making decisions about targets. The UK will comply with its obligations under the First Geneva Protocol.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the air campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to date. [82600]

NATO's military action has had significant impact on Yugoslav military and special police operations and continues to do so. The air campaign is moving systematically and progressively to disrupt the violence and degrade President Milosevic's forces, his sustaining infrastructure, command and control and other targets associated with his system of repression.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role British troops are playing in assisting the humanitarian relief effort for Kosovar Albanian refugees. [82610]

The UK will continue to play a leading role in responding to the humanitarian crisis in the region.British troops in Macedonia have been assisting refugees since the beginning of April. They are continuing to prepare and distribute food and to supply blankets, nappies and other essential items. UK troops have also been involved in improving infrastructure at the refugee camps. This has included erecting tents and shelters, digging latrines, laying water pipes, removing rubbish, erecting fences and constructing tracks and bridges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role British troops are currently playing in providing humanitarian support in south-east Europe. [82601]

In south-east Europe, British troops are providing humanitarian support in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and in Albania. For the details of their role, I refer The hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton, South (Ms Taylor) today, Official Report, column 140.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of (a) food, (b) medical equipment and (c) temporary accommodation have been provided by (i) United Kingdom military forces and (ii) NATO forces to refugees in (1) Macedonia, (2) Montenegro and (3) Albania since the outset of the NATO action in Yugoslavia; and what has been the cost to date of such assistance. [81944]

UK forces have not yet provided any assistance to refugees in Montenegro. In Albania and Macedonia UK forces have played a key role in alleviating the refugee crisis. In Albania this has not as yet involved provision of food, medical supplies or temporary accommodation. In Macedonia, full details of the quantities are not available, but estimated costs to date under the relevant headings are as follows:

£
(a) food	2,500,000
(b) medical supplies	37,000
(c) temporary accommodation	95,000

The Department for International Development will reimburse MOD for the above costs, and has assumed responsibility for future assistance. We do not have records of the value of assistance supplied by other NATO nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many additional (a) major units and (b) trained soldiers the Army would require to sustain 24-month tour intervals if operational deployments to Kosovo/ Macedonia/Albania and Bosnia are sustained at current levels indefinitely. [83139]

[holding answer 4 May 1999]: This would depend on the circumstances of particular operations, the overall level of operational commitment and progress towards achieving full manning.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received on the identity of the perpetrators of war crimes in Kosovo. [83402]

It is for the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague to seek indictments against individuals she believes have been responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law in Kosovo. The Government will hand over as much information as they can that will be relevant to the Tribunal's investigations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received of the extent of collateral damage caused by NATO air raids in (a) the Belgrade suburb of Banjica and (b) Aleksinac. [83490]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: We do not have any information on collateral damage to the Belgrade suburb of Banjica.As NATO has said, a military facility was struck at Aleksinac, home of the 203rd mixed artillery brigade. Despite meticulous pre-attack planning, it is possible that one weapon fell short of the target. (I am placing in the Library of the House a full transcript of what was said on the subject by a NATO spokesman at a press conference on 6 April 1999).Unlike President Milosevic, we take great care to reduce the risk of casualties and collateral damage. If there has been any unintended damage to civilian property or loss of life we regret this, but NATO's military actions are the result of Milosevic's brutal policy of ethnic cleansing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on funding for the Royal Army Medical Corps. [82590]

The Strategic Defence Review increased the size of the Royal Army Medical Corps by 212 Regular and 675 Territorial Army personnel, an increase of 14.5 per cent. overall. This is part of a major enhancement of the Defence Medical Services for which we are providing an extra £140 million over the years 1998–99 to 2001–02, with further expenditure planned in subsequent years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the position of former service men discharged on the basis of their sexual orientation. [82591]

The Ministry of Defence does not monitor Service personnel once they have been discharged from the Armed Forces, whether on the grounds of their sexual orientation, or any other grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decisions were made at the NATO summit in Washington regarding the non-proliferation of (i) nuclear weapons and (ii) weapons of mass destruction; and if he will make a statement. [82593]

At the NATO Summit meeting in Washington on 23-25 April, which I attended, the Alliance decided to launch a Weapons of Mass Destruction Initiative. It is designed to integrate and further improve Alliance political and military efforts to counter their proliferation. This decision was recorded in the summit communiqué.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will announce his plans for safeguarding the war memorial and buildings of staff college, Camberley; and if he will make a statement.[82595]

In the light of the decision to base the Joint Doctrine and Concepts Centre at Shrivenham, a further review of the future of the Camberley site will now take place and a report will go to Ministers in the autumn. This solution will take full account of the war memorial in the Main Building.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the planned gift of guided missiles to Saudi Arabia. [82596]

The details of the gift of Paveway bombs are contained in the Departmental Minute which was laid before Parliament on 4 February 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the Territorial Army is currently deployed on operations. [82597]

334 Members of the Territorial Army (TA) are currently deployed on operations, and these represent some 0.67 per cent. of the overall TA. The majority of these are in Bosnia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of morale in the Territorial Army. [82605]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 22 February 1999, Official Report, columns 27–28. The situation remains unchanged.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the proposed reorganisation of the Parachute Regiment following operations in Kosovo. [82598]

No. The current situation in Kosovo does not affect the Strategic Defence Review conclusions made in respect of the Parachute Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are currently deployed in Bosnia. [82603]

I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer given today, Official Report, column 3, to my hon. Friends the Members for Warrington, North (Helen Jones) and Plymouth, Sutton (Mrs. Gilroy).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in determining the future use of the old and the new ranges in Shoeburyness. [82604]

Progress is being made with respect to the disposal of defence establishments at Shoeburyness, Horseshoe Barracks and the Old Ranges (including Gunners Park). Having been declared surplus to my Department's requirements, they are now being prepared for disposal. A draft Planning Brief has been the subject of a public consultation exercise and was approved by the full Borough Council on 25 February. Marketing of the site will begin shortly. With regard to the New Ranges, DERA is seeking to appoint a new contractor to support the operation of the range. It is intended that this contractor will also work with the Agency to improve exploitation of the range through the introduction of alternative activities to supplement income. Several possible diversification opportunities have been identified. However, as negotiations are currently in hand with preferred bidders, it would be premature to provide details until the remaining contractual issues have been resolved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of RAF Strike Command is currently committed to operations. [82606]

As at 7 May 1999, approximately 8 per cent. of Strike Command's trained strength is currently deployed on operations.The figures represent personnel deployed away from their parent station and, as such, do not account for personnel supporting operations from their normal station, such as those at RAF Bruggen. Similarly, the figures do not include personnel working at Strike Command or Group Headquarters who are involved as part of their normal tasks in planning activity in support of operations. It would not be straightforward to give an accurate figure which included these personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to adapt the Army's tactical doctrine to the more flexible role defined for it by the Strategic Defence Review. [82607]

The Army's tactical doctrine is under continuous review and improvement, taking into account the lessons of current and recent operations. This process now includes planning for the employment of the new structures created by the Strategic Defence Review, such as the Air Assault Brigade with its Attack Helicopters. In addition, a Joint Doctrine and Concepts Centre is being established at Shrivenham. It will be a centre of excellence on joint doctrine for all three Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to change the resource assumptions made in the strategic defence review. [82609]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Eurofighter programme. [82608]

The Eurofighter programme is progressing satisfactorily. Production contracts for the first 148 Eurofighter aircraft, 55 of which are for the Royal Air Force, were signed in Munich on 18 September 1998. The project remains on schedule to deliver the RAF's first Eurofighter in June 2002.The seven development aircraft have now flown a total of some 950 sorties, (some 770 flying hours), achieving speeds up to Mach 2.0.Achievements this year include the signing of the initial aircraft supports contracts in January, and a high altitude demonstration of the aircraft powered by the new Eurojet 200 engine. Most recently, the rear seat controls in one of the 2 twin-seater development aircraft have been demonstrated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current deployment of the Trident submarine fleet. [82611]

There are currently three Trident submarines in the operational cycle in order to maintain one submarine on deterrent patrol at all times. The UK's minimum deterrent force is maintained at several days' notice to fire as was announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current cost of garrisoning the Falklands. [82612]

The cost to the Ministry of Defence of the Falklands garrison in the financial year 1998–99 is expected to be approximately £70 million.This figure relates to the costs incurred by the Commander British Forces Falkland Islands only. It does not include the costs of the RAF airbridge to the Falkland Islands, nor the cost of naval deployments to the South Atlantic. These costs fall to other budgets and are not separately identified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the merger of the Military Survey and Joint Air Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre (JARIC) Defence Agencies. [83904]

The case for merging the Military Survey and JARIC Defence Agencies into a single, converged Agency was considered under the Strategic Defence Review, and built on earlier work.The final study, which was completed in September 1998, concluded that there were a number of drivers, mainly in the medium to long-term, recommending the merger of Military Survey and JARIC. These would secure improved operational effectiveness and better service to Defence. Early implementation of merger was recommended.Following full consultation, I have asked the Director General of Intelligence and Geographic Resources to proceed with the implementation of a single Agency to be launched in April 2000. The post of Chief Executive Designate of the new Agency, Colonel Peter Walker OBE, has been filled by internal competition. On promotion to Brigadier he will lead an Implementation Team which will be established shortly before he assumes his Chief Executive role in April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the illustrative resource accounting and budgeting accounts for his Department for 1998–99. [82517]

The first Departmental Resource Account for publication is that for 1999–2000, which will appear in autumn 2000, in line with the timetable set out in the White Paper "Better Accounting for the Taxpayer's Money" (Cmd. 2929, July 1995). The 1998–99 Departmental Resource Account is not due to be published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the required increase in (a) RAF squadrons and (b) RAF strength to achieve an average deployment on operations for RAF personnel of six months every 30 months based on the RAF's deployed position as at 23 March. [83231]

[holding answer 4 May 1999]: The target figure for nights away from home on deployment or detachment is 140 nights in one year, or 280 aggregated over two years in peace-time. This needs to be seen in the context of the likely demands placed on the Royal Air Force over a period of time rather than on the basis of a snapshot on one particular day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ex-servicemen receive levels of pensions that were adversely affected by short-term pay restraint measures which were in force at their date of retirement. [82575]

[holding answer 4 May 1999]: During periods of pay restraint, principally during the mid 1970s, the pay of members of the armed forces rose by less than the rate of increase of the retail prices index (RPI). As a consequence the pensions of those who retired during these periods can be lower than the pensions of those who retired either before or after that period. The numbers affected are not known. However, the numbers leaving the armed forces during the years 1976–78 ranged between 46,500 and 48,500, but not all of those who retired during those years would have been entitled to a pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of a graphite bomb. [83465]

The UK armed forces do not hold such weapons and we have no details about their cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many applications for information he received under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83113]

For monitoring purposes, this information is collected on a calendar year basis. Information for 1997 was published last year in the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information 1997 Report. In 1998 my Department received 271 applications for information under the Code, and granted 248 of them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future development of the RAF museum at Hendon and Cosford. [82594]

Development of the RAF Museum is a matter for its Trustees. A new Visitor Centre at the RAF Museum's Cosford site was completed last year. The Trustees' plans for a major development at Hendon, which are dependent upon Heritage Lottery Fund grants, are progressing well. My Department supports these plans. Indeed, we funded the initial work and have promised further funds towards the Museum's contribution to the development costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish the statement on the Defence Estimates; and if he will make a statement. [83581]

I have made no decision on the publication date of the 1999 Defence White Paper. I am keeping the timing of publication under review in the light of developments in the Balkans. As I informed the House of Commons Defence Committee in February, the Defence White Paper will be a forward-looking policy document complementing the Annual Performance Report and replacing the Statement on the Defence Estimates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what skill shortages he has identified within Her Majesty's forces. [82602]

In the Naval Service there is a shortfall of Engineer Officers, particularly Direct Graduate Entry Engineers, and Engineer (Training Managers). For Ratings/Other Ranks the shortfall categories are: Operator Mechanics; trained Naval Nurses; Short Engagement Seamen; Artificer Apprentices; Commando Medical Assistants; and General Duties Marines. For the Army, there are skills shortages in the medical, dental, and veterinary services. Shortfalls also exist in the Royal Artillery, Royal Signals, Infantry, Army Air Corps, Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Intelligence Corps and Corps of Army Musicians. The RAF has a shortfall in the number of junior officer fast jet pilots, and officers in engineering and medical branches. A shortage in RAF Fighter Controllers is also giving cause for concern.Each Service has introduced a range of initiatives to reduce these shortfalls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for encouraging the power generating companies to increase their use of renewable energy sources. [82244]

Renewable sources of energy make an important contribution to secure, sustainable and diverse energy supplies and are an essential element of a cost-effective climate change programme. The Government are working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible. They hope to achieve this by 2010. I have recently published "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21st Century", which seeks views on the balance of measures and the precise form of support for renewables in the next stage of their development. It identifies the key issues which the Government, industry and other players will need to address. It affirms the Government's commitment to their new drive to develop renewables; identifies the practical steps which might be needed to achieve this objective; and seeks to engage a wider public in the development and realisation of its strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many redundancies were reported to his Department (a) in 1997, (b) in 1998 and (c) to 31 March 1999, in (i) Southport and (ii) the North West of England. [82911]

The number of redundancies reported to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State were:

	Southport	North West Region
1997	314	33,316
1998	516	36,948
to 31 March 1999	359	18,697

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of businesses in the United Kingdom run from home; and what initiatives his Department has taken to address the specific needs of those businesses. [83040]

[holding answer 5 May 1999]: No official estimate has been made of the number of businesses run from home. The Labour Force Survey, Spring 1998, estimated that 600,000 self employed people work mainly from their own home, and a further 1.1 million use their home as a base while working in different places.There are no schemes specifically addressed towards home-based businesses. Home based businesses and the self employed are eligible for business support in the same way as any other small business. Business Link partnerships provide support to all businesses regardless of size or their location. In addition, the DTI makes available a considerable amount of free information on a wide variety of topics.I met with officials from the Home Business Alliance on 27 April to discuss their concerns for home-based workers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those European countries which (a) pay and (b) do not pay people on parental leave, indicating the methods used for making such payments. [83558]

From the information that we hold, it appears that some form of state payment is provided in Italy, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and Luxembourg during parental leave, subject to each Member State's qualifying conditions.There does not appear to be any universal provision for payment in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Ireland or the Netherlands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what (a) reciprocal and (b) other arrangements have been made for hon. Members to use facilities at the Scottish Parliament. [83240]

MSPs themselves will wish to consider the nature of their relationship with Westminster MPs. It will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament itself to decide on what arrangements it would be appropriate to make for hon. Members to use facilities at the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for information he received under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83112]

This information is collected for monitoring purposes on a calendar year basis. Information for 1997 was published in the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information 1997 Report. In 1998 my Department (including non-departmental public bodies covered by the Code) received 263 applications for information made under the Code and granted 255 of them.From 1 July, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many linear metres of storage space at the Public Record Office for Scotland are (a) occupied by records and (b) vacant. [83753]

The National Archives of Scotland has 69,492.94 metres of available shelf space, of which 57,618.48 are currently occupied.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what environmental appraisals of policy his Department has (a) completed, (b) started and (c) planned. [79632]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 66.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the agenda for the forthcoming EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting of 6 May. [83279]

The last EU-ACP Ministerial Meeting took place in Dakar in February and the next will take place on 29–30 July in Brussels. A separate ACP-EU Council between these negotiating sessions was provisionally envisaged for May, but in the event no need for it arose. No agenda has yet been fixed for the next meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) of 26 April 1999, Official Report, column 36, on China and Tibet, if he will list those areas on which a dialogue-based approach has made limited progress; and if he will make a statement on how he intends to press China to take further action. [83557]

Since the UK/China human rights dialogue was established in September 1997, and the EU/China human rights dialogue resumed in October 1997, China has taken several positive steps which will bring about its closer co-operation with UN human rights mechanisms. These include signature of the international covenants on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Civil and Political Rights, and agreement to report to the Un under those covenants in respect of Hong Kong. It has received visits by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, as well as allowing a visit to Tibet by EU Troika Ambassadors. It has also extended an invitation to visit to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture. We have been able to discuss issues of serious concern including the death penalty, religion, Tibet and individual cases in the dialogues; China has also begun to collaborate with the UK and EU on human rights co-operation programmes. We shall press for further concrete steps through these continuing dialogues, as well as forthcoming bilateral and EU high level meetings with China.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions he has blocked a Commission proposal at the Council of Ministers on the ground of subsidiarity. [83474]

Subsidiarity is one of numerous factors taken into account when legislation is discussed in the Council of Ministers. It is not possible to say how often it has been the principal factor in UK opposition to a Commission proposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position Her Majesty's Government took on Cambodia at the recent United Nations Commission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva; and if he will make a statement. [83374]

We see the UNCHR as an important opportunity to press the Cambodian Government to improve its human rights record. This year we co-sponsored a successful resolution on Cambodia which called for proper investigation into extra-judicial killings, an end to impunity, and for Khmer Rouge leaders to be brought to justice. We will continue to press for full respect for human rights in Cambodia, both through diplomatic pressure and practical assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has received from the United States Government concerning the missile attack last year on the pharmaceutical plant in Khartoum. [83468]

It is established practice under Section 1(c) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose or discuss information received in confidence from foreign governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from Sudan concerning the attack on Akoc in Troc County, Bhar-el-Ghazal, Southern Sudan on 26 February. [83084]

[holding answer 6 May 1999]: We have had a number of reports of an attack on Akoc by murahileen. Reporting by NGOs on the ground talked of over 40 killed and nearly 900 abducted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in re-establishing an embassy in Khartoum. [83085]

[holding answer 6 May 1999]: As I made clear at the time of the withdrawal of staff, we hope the necessary conditions will be re-established for a return to normal relations with Sudan. We have been in regular contact with the Sudanese authorities and discussions continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the letter from Lady Bingham of Cornhill to the Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett), what assistance he has given to the Sudanese Red Crescent (a) emergency vaccine campaign against meningitis and (b) malaria eradication programme. [83354]

Support for Red Cross activities, as for all humanitarian responses in Sudan, is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the average length of time of an interview for an entry clearance visa in (a) Bombay, (b) New Delhi, (c) Calcutta, (d) Islamabad, (e) Dhaka and (f) Karachi in the last year for which figures are available. [83560]

Applications are dealt with on the basis of a triage system which separates them into 4 tiers. The tiers are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received in respect of Turkey's conflict with its Kurdish population; and if he will make a statement. [83561]

We receive regular representations from Members of Parliament, Members of the House of Lords, members of the public and interested groups about the conflict in south-east Turkey.We have made it clear to the Turkish authorities that we believe the conflict in the region cannot be resolved by military means alone. We believe that the social and economic problems of south-east Turkey and the aspirations of the Kurdish population there must be addressed if the region is to achieve a long-lasting peace.We have long made clear our condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including terrorist acts by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current position in respect of Turkey's application to become a member of the European Union. [83488]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: The Cardiff European Council in June 1998 endorsed the European Strategy for Turkey, which aims to prepare Turkey for membership by bringing it closer to the EU in all areas. The Turks and the Commission have met three times so far to discuss implementation of the Strategy. We welcome the Commission's proposals for funding the Strategy, worth 150 million euro over 3 years. These proposals are currently being considered by the European Parliament; we hope they can be agreed soon.In November 1998, the Commission produced its first annual report on Turkey's progress towards European Union membership. The report noted that Turkey had most of the hallmarks of a market economy, but still needed to address shortcomings in the areas of human rights, treatment of minorities and the lack of civilian control over the army. Turkey must improve its record in these areas in order to meet the criteria for membership of the European Union laid down by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many children over the age of majority living in the United Kingdom as part of the household of employees or diplomats of the Zimbabwe High Commission are entitled to diplomatic immunity. [83551]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: There are five children over the age of majority living in the United Kingdom as part of the households of diplomats of the Zimbabwe High Commission. All five are entitled to diplomatic immunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer on 26 April 1999, Official Report, column 35, what approach he will adopt in considering applications for full British citizenship from Ibis who do not hold full citizenship of another country. [83379]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: The British Government does not propose to extend the offer of British citizenship to British Dependent Territories citizens who owe their status to their association with the British Indian Ocean Territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what reports he has received concerning the whereabouts of Dr. Ibrahim Rugova; what attempts have been made to contact him; and with what results; [83485](2) what contact Her Majesty's Government have had with the Democratic League of Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [83484]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke by telephone to Dr. Rugova on 6 May in Rome, where he was staying as a guest of the Italian government. Prior to that, I met with Mr. Hafiz Gagica, a senior representative of the LDK on 23 April. Officials remain in close contact with the LDK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from Montenegro in respect of the military action in Yugoslavia. [83486]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with the Montenegrin President, Mr. Djukanovic. President Djukanovic naturally regrets the need for military action against the FRY. We understand his position and have pledged Montenegro maximum support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made on the effects of an oil embargo on Montenegro. [83582]

We recognise the political and economic impacts on Montenegro of the conflict in Kosovo. Both the EU and NATO have made every effort to minimise the adverse effects for Montenegro of punitive measures against the regime in Belgrade, including the EU oil embargo which entered into force on 30 April. The European Union has recently allocated 13 Meuro for budgetary assistance for Montenegro. We are pressing the Commission to ensure that these funds are disbursed as soon as possible, and are exploring other ways of assisting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of the return of refugees to Krajina; and what representations have been made to Croatia in respect of their return. [83492]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: The Government believes that all those displaced from their homes during the conflicts following the break-up of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should be allowed to return to their homes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Her Majesty's Government first made direct contact with the Kosova Liberation Army; and how many meetings there have been between Her Majesty's Government and that organisation since. [83494]

[holding answer 7 May 1999]: An initial meeting between an official of the British Embassy in Belgrade and leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) was held on 30 July 1998. As co-Chairman of the Rambouillet peace talks, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary held frequent meetings with the Kosovo Albanian delegation, which included representatives of the KLA. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and officials have subsequently had a number of contacts with senior leaders of the KLA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for information he received under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83107]

For monitoring purposes, this information is collected on a calendar year basis. Information for 1997 was published last year in the "Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information 1997 Report. In 1998, my Department received 46 applications for information under the Code—35 were met in full, 8 in part and 3 were refused.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications for information he received under the Open Government Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many of these applications were granted. [83115]

My Department monitors applications for information received under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information on a calendar year basis. In 1998–99 the Department and those of its sponsored bodies¹ then subject to the Code received 34 requests for information. 30 of these were granted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures his Department is taking to promote traditional folk and acoustic music. [83294]

The Government recognise the importance of folk and acoustic music to our wider arts policy. The strategic arms length relationship between DCMS and the Arts Council in funding issues means that it is for the Arts Council and Regional Arts Boards to take decisions on the funding of specific art forms, but DCMS is aware of the need to ensure that performers, producers and promoters of folk music continue to receive appropriate support. The Arts Council—having already provided significant Lottery support to folk music, and having also increased substantially the grant-in-aid budget to be committed to it—will shortly be launching a new Folk Music Policy which, following consultation, will provide a framework for future development, partnerships with other sectors, and future funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to publicise the launch of the new rating scheme for hotel accommodation; and when it will take place. [83036]