To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was (a) the ceiling on personnel numbers and (b) the actual strength of the Territorial Army in each month between May 1998 and May 1999; and if he will make a statement. [83629]

[holding answer 12 May 1999]: The following is the information.

TA strengths by month May 1998 to April 1999
Month	Total
May 1998	55,735
June 1998	55,612
July 1998	55,070
August 1998	54,737
September 1998	54,145
October 1998	53,847
November 1998	54,430
December 1998	54,031
January 1999	53,466
February 1999	52,312
March 1999	51,456
April 1999	50,438

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many surplus RAF aircraft have been sold in each of the last five years; and to whom they were sold. [84567]

The numbers of surplus RAF aircraft including helicopters sold in each of the last five years by the MOD's Disposal Sales Agency were as follows:

Year
1994	154
1995	54
1996	34
1997	61
1998	45

A small number of these aircraft were sold to the armed forces of India, Oman, Uruguay and Sri Lanka. The majority, however, went to over 130 UK and overseas commercial enterprises and individuals. To identify each of these, and to seek their agreement to being named, would incur disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 1999, Official Report, column 19, on the Falklands garrison, what is the strategic reason for maintaining a garrison in the Falklands; and if he will make a statement. [84899]

Our garrison on the Falkland Islands is a demonstration of the Government's commitment to ensure the security of the Falkland Islands and to uphold the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. We will continue to provide a garrison comprising air, and land sea assets, backed up by the capability to reinforce if necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first full squadron of Eurofighter aircraft will be in service with the RAF; and what was the original date expected. [82522]

I am withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to Defence, Security and International Relations.

To ask the President of the Council if she will list the increases in Members' salaries and office expenses from 1971 to 1999. [84123]

The information requested is as follows:

Parliamentary Salary (£)	Effective date
3,250	16 October 1964
4,500	1 January 1972
5,750	13 June 1975
6,062	13 June 1976
6,270	13 June 1977
6,897	13 June 1978
9,450	13 June 1979
11,750	13 June 1980
13,950	13 June 1981
14,510	13 June 1982
15,308	13 June 1983
16,016	1 January 1984
16,904	1 January 1985
17,702	1 January 1986
18.500	1 January 1987
22,548	1 January 1988
24,107	1 January 1989
26,701	1 January 1990
28,970	1 January 1991
30,854	1 January 1992
30,854	1 January 1993
31,687	1 January 1994
33,189	1 January 1995
34,085	1 January 1996

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce measures to encourage farmers to shift to organic production methods. [84562]

The Organic Aid Scheme provides direct financial support for conversion to organic production. Subject to the approval of the European Commission, the payments rates available under this scheme will be increased to the following:

£s per hectare
	(a) Arable Area Payment Scheme eligible land	(b) Improved grassland	(c) Unimproved grassland/rough grazing
Year 1	225	175	25
Year 2	135	105	10
Year 3	50	40	5
Year 4	20	15	5
Year 5	20	15	5
Total	450	350	50

The Welsh Organic Food Sector Action Plan, launched in March, sets out an agenda for developing the organic sector in Wales, with the aim of encouraging an expansion of organic farming to 10 per cent. of Welsh agricultural produce.The Organic Conversion Information Service will continue to provide free advice to prospective organic farmers.In future, following the transfer of powers, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made, for each of the new NHS trust areas in Wales, of the number of posts which have been terminated in executive and directorate structures as a direct result of the recent reorganisation of the health service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [84727]

Across the new NHS trusts in Wales the number of senior managerial posts has so far been reduced by a total of 80, as follows:

NHS Trusts	Senior managerial posts
Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust	12
Pontypridd and Rhondda NHS Trust	9
University Hospital of Wales and Llandough
Hospital NHS Trust	5
Cardiff and District Community NHS Trust	4
Swansea NHS Trust	15
Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust	12
Carmarthenshire NHS Trust	5
North West Wales NHS Trust	4
Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust	5
North East Wales NHS Trust	9

Further reductions in managerial and administrative posts are expected to take place throughout the year.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the present regulations applying to genetically modified trial crops in respect of the need to prevent cross-contamination. [74864]

[holding answer 5 March 1999]: The risk of cross pollination is assessed for each case as part of the approvals process and consent would not be granted if cross pollination would cause harm to human health or the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 24 March 1999, Official Report, column 240, on genetically modified organisms, what was the name and position of the representative of the US State Department who made the representation to his Department. [80835]

The US representative was Mr. Frank Loy, Under Secretary for Global Affairs at the State Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria he will employ in appointing new members of the Advisory Committee on Releases into the Environment. [81387]

[holding answer 19 April 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend, the Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Stinchcombe) on 11 May 1999, Official Report, columns 106–07.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the outturn, estimated outturn or planned level of core investment excluding the Jubilee line extension in London Transport for the years 1993–94 to 1999–2000, in 1999 prices. [82419]

The requested information is in the table.

Constant 1998–99 prices in £ million
	LUL	PFI1	LTB and other LT Businesses2	Total core business investment excluding JLE3
1993–9444	556	0	38	594
1994–954	563	0	28	591
1995–96	522	122	31	675
1996–97	395	145	24	564
1997–98	334	165	37	536
1998–995	415	53	35	503
1999–20006	335	161	29	525
1The PFI figures are not estimates of what the private sector is investing in London Transport. Rather they are London Transport's estimates of what investment in PFI projects would have cost had LT undertaken the investment themselves.
2LTB and other LT Businesses include LT Buses, LT Property, Victoria Coach Station, PASS, LT Museum and Group Services.
3 Also excluding other smaller ring fenced activities including Croydon Tramlink, Dial-a-Ride, Crossrail, LUL works at Kings Cross for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and London River Services pier purchase and construction.
41993–94 and 1994–95 include expenditure by London Buses Limited subsidiaries, which have since been sold to the private sector.
5Estimate
6Planned

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of herbicide-resistant oil seed rape varieties created by conventional plant breeding methods; what controls exist on such plants; and if he will make a statement; [82071]

[holding answer 27 April 1999]: No formal assessment has been made of the environmental impact of herbicide-resistant oil seed rape varieties created by conventional plant breeding methods or the adequacy of the regulatory systems for crops created by conventional plant breeding in respect of their potential environmental impact.However, concern over the environmental implications of herbicide-tolerant crops (whether produced by genetic modification or conventional methods) have been raised on several occasions by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), in particular in their annual reports for 1996–97 and 1998.The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is co-funding research on the management of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops through the so-called BRIGHT project.The guidelines developed by the industry grouping SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops) for growing herbicide tolerant crops also applies to both conventionally bred and genetically modified crops.In their report on the EC Regulation of Genetic Modification in Agriculture at paragraph 178, the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities recommended that, from now on, any crop with novel traits which may have the potential to impact significantly on the environment should be subject to an oversight system.In responding, the Government recognised that regulating on the basis of process rather than product could lead to anomalies and undertook to ask ACRE to advise what might be done to address the issue raised by the Committee. ACRE have now taken this task on. However the Government consider it right that the focus is on the genetic modification of organisms since this can result in the crossing of species barriers where potential risks have to be particularly carefully assessed and managed. The EC legislation on genetically modified organisms reflects this view.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the volume of road traffic which is accounted for by journeys to and from places of work. [83041]

[holding answer 5 May 1999]: In 1997, the volume of road traffic accounted for by journeys to and from places of work was about 97 billion km, 26 per cent. of the total of 368 billion km for all car and taxi traffic in Great Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with representatives of British Transport Police on the future role and responsibilities of their service; and if he will make a statement. [84744]

The Government announced on 31 July 1998, Official Report, column 637, their intention to seek to establish, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, an independent national police authority for the British Transport Police (BTP). Subject to Parliament's approval the legislation would also place the jurisdiction of the BTP for all railway land (including the London Underground and the Docklands Light Railway) on a statutory basis. Following consultation the Home Secretary is also considering an extension to the BTP's jurisdiction outside the railways in specific circumstances. If acceptable this would also be included within the legislation. My officials meet regularly with senior officers from the BTP to discuss a range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to implement the measures to protect limestone pavements in the United Kingdom proposed by the Wildlife Trusts. [83843]

[holding answer 20 May 1999]: Limestone Pavement is a priority habitat under both the Habitats Directive and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Under the latter, the Wildlife Trusts are members of the Limestone Pavement Working Group, which is seeking to ensure no further losses in extent or quality. The Group is preparing a report on what further measures may be necessary, and I shall consider any recommendations carefully.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will specify in contracts between his Department and construction companies the use of a minimum percentage of recycled materials; and if he will make a statement. [84898]

The Department follows the advice of the "Green guide for managers on the government estate", published in March 1999 to promote more sustainable construction. This guidance refers to the importance of using recycled materials and ensuring future recyclability in obtaining best value. The Environment Agency has adopted a target for the engineering works it procures that 20 per cent. of the aggregates used should be from secondary sources, while the Highways Agency is encouraging the adoption of material specifications which make recycling technically practical.The Department is helping the Government Construction Clients' Panel to develop a methodology for assessing how well Departments and Agencies procure and manage their built assets against indicators of sustainability, which are expected to include criteria relating to the re-use and recycling of materials. In addition, the Department is working with representatives of the whole construction industry to develop a strategy for more sustainable construction. This strategy, which will set out how the industry intends to contribute to sustainable development, is due to be published later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the effect of genetically modified pollen on butterflies. [85285]

I am aware of the recent report in "Nature" about the possible adverse effects of pollen from genetically modified insect resistant maize on the Monarch Butterfly in America. The maize in question has had a gene from a naturally occurring soil bacterium "Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)" inserted which allows it to produce a toxin that kills corn boring insects.Information from this laboratory study will be considered carefully, and ACRE will be asked to advise about the implications for existing approvals for the planting of this GM crop in the European Community. The GM crop used in the study is not being released in the United Kingdom, either experimentally or commercially. Since the European Corn Borer, the pest controlled by the Bt toxin, does not occur in the UK, this GM crop is unlikely to be grown here.DETR are aware of potential risks of GM insect resistant crops to non-target and beneficial organisms, and are funding research to investigate these. This research will underpin regulatory decision making and inform ACRE' s deliberations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the objectives of the standard spending assessment review. [84968]

The broad objectives of the review of revenue grant distribution are set out in paragraph 5.16 of the White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People". These are:

to investigate thoroughly whether there is a better way of determining the distribution of revenue support grant which is simpler, more stable, more robust and fairer than the present arrangements for SSAs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has had with Ministers of other Departments in connection with the review of standard spending assessments. [84969]

Details of meetings between Ministers are not disclosed in line with exemption 2 of part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures his Department has taken to develop mechanisms for sharing (a) information and (b) best practice between local authorities in the West Midlands. [85273]

The Government have established the Beacon Council Scheme to spread best practice among all local authorities. Beacon councils will host a nationwide programme of open days and other events which will enable all councils to share their experiences and learn from the best. Applications for beacon council status, to be made by 31 July, have now been invited with publication of the brochure, "The Beacon Council Scheme: How to apply".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the Government are taking to increase walking and cycling in urban areas. [85260]

My Department is supporting the implementation of the National Cycling Strategy and we are about to publish a national strategy for encouraging walking.We have made it clear to local highway authorities that we expect to see local cycling strategies and local walking strategies included in their Local Transport Plans. We have already issued detailed guidance to authorities on the features to be covered in Local Transport Plans.We shall continue to publish technical advice for local authorities on measures and designs which will benefit cyclists and pedestrians.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will make a decision on London Transport's proposals for changes in their byelaws concerning busking. [85319]

London Regional Transport and the train operating companies are in the process of making new byelaws. The majority of operators have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State. Once those from the remaining companies are received, the Secretary of State will consider all the representations from affected persons made in connection with the byelaws. In due course he will make a decision to approve, modify or refuse the byelaws.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to consult buskers on the proposed London Transport byelaw changes relating to busking; and if he will make a statement. [85321]

There are no provisions in the legislation requiring the Secretary of State to consult interested parties before he makes his decision to approve, modify or refuse London Regional Transport's new byelaws. This was an issue for London Regional Transport to consider before they made their new byelaws. London Regional Transport were required to advertise the byelaws and invite persons affected to make representation to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State will consider any representations, including those from buskers, before he makes his decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what criteria London Transport intends to apply when giving permission for individuals to busk on London Underground. [85320]

London Regional Transport have submitted new byelaws to the Secretary of State for his approval which would allow them to give written permission to buskers. The criteria to be applied would be a matter for London Regional Transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what regulations exist concerning the frequency with which air is circulated in planes; and what changes there have been to these in the past three years; [84790](2) what representations he has received about air circulation in planes; and what proposals he has to change the regulations relating to the circulation of air on planes; [84791](3) what health risks are associated with inadequate air circulation on planes; and what monitoring activity he undertakes. [84792]

We regularly receive correspondence from Members of Parliament and the public on this issue.The standards for the ventilation of the passenger compartments of aircraft form part of the requirements under which individual aircraft types are certificated. The standard for new types of aircraft being placed on the UK register is contained in Joint Aviation Requirement 25—Large Aeroplanes. These requirements have not been changed in the last three years. However, they are in the process of being amended to reduce the maximum permitted amount of carbon dioxide to bring them into line with the equivalent US requirement.The degree of re-circulation is determined by the aircraft designer and in some cases may be adjusted by the crew. Even when the air conditioning is set at its lowest level, the air in a modern aircraft cabin is changed every three minutes on average. The oxygen used by passengers is a small proportion, approximately 5 per cent. of the oxygen supplied at the minimum flow rate. The oxygen level in the cabin therefore remains at around 20 per cent. for the duration of a flight, which is almost the same as normal atmospheric oxygen levels.There is no evidence of links between air quality, flow rates and the spread of disease. The filters used in most modern aircraft are similar to those used in critical wards of hospitals, operating theatres and burns units, and provide protection against the circulation of biological agents such as viruses. However, the spread of disease is facilitated when large numbers of people gather in close proximity. This has nothing to do with air quality but is a matter of personal contact.While the re-circulation of air poses no risk, the air pressure in aircraft in flight, which is roughly equivalent to the atmospheric pressure at 8,000 feet above sea level, can affect people with respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and bronchitis. Those affected are advised to consult their own doctor and the airline before travelling.We have no plans to seek further changes to the JAR-25 requirements on air quality.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress being made on banning the importation, sale and use of white asbestos. [84877]

On 25 May the Health and Safety Commission will consider draft Regulations to restrict further importation, supply and use of white asbestos. I expect to receive their recommendations by the end of the month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the levels of harassment and nuisance caused by misuse of fireworks. [84694]

I have been asked to reply.Fireworks, provided they are used sensibly and safely, can provide pleasant entertainment. I am, however, aware that the thoughtless misuse of fireworks by a small element of the population, mostly unsupervised children, can result in local disturbance, nuisance and harassment.It is important, therefore, to regulate the sale of fireworks. Relevant legislation comprises the Explosives Act 1875, as modified by the Control of Explosives Regulations 1991 and as amended by the Explosives (Age of Purchase) Act 1976, the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. Under the 1875 Act, it is an offence to discharge a firework in a street or public place. The 1997 Regulations, among other provisions, make it an offence to sell certain types of firework to any members of the general public and to sell other types to anyone under 18, or in some cases, under 16. There is a maximum penalty of £5,000 or six months' imprisonment or both.For over 20 years, Government-organised firework safety awareness campaigns run in collaboration with local authority trading standards departments, fire services and the fireworks industry have aimed to heighten awareness of the dangers from the misuse of fireworks. The Government consider the safety of the public as paramount and will keep under consideration the effectiveness and coherence of legislation, policies and strategies to ensure that problems and potential problems are addressed in a practical way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what risk assessment exercises have been undertaken with other European countries concerning the potential threat to the United Kingdom population from their nuclear installations over the millennium period. [84256]

I have been asked to reply.The UK has long been aware of the potential risks from nuclear installations over the millennium period and has been co-operating for several years with countries in Europe and beyond, both on a bilateral basis and through the European Union, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the OECD's Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), to help ensure that any risks are properly addressed. The UK's nuclear safety regulator—the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII)— keeps in proactive touch with the considerable activity in other countries to address safety issues and continues to follow developments closely.In the event of any nuclear emergency, the IAEA and the European Union have established and tested international systems for early notification of any overseas nuclear accident. The UK also has bilateral arrangements for the early notification of any nuclear accident with a number of overseas governments. The Government's National Response Plan, co-ordinated by the Development of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, makes arrangements for the UK's response in dealing with any consequences of an overseas nuclear accident. This is supported by the RIMNET national radiation monitoring system, which gives the UK a second independent warning mechanism, should for any reason the early notification system fail.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with President Prodi on the establishment of a European army. [84092] The Prime Minister: There is no question of creating a European army and there have therefore been no discussions on this matter with Mr. Prodi. We have, of course, already identified a need for renewed debate on European Union common foreign and security policy and the statement of principles agreed at the British-French Summit at St. Malo was an important step forward. Our aim is clear: to enable the European Union to have a more united and influential voice in world affairs. This must be backed up, when the need arises, by effective military capability. We are taking a leading role in this debate. We have, however, made clear that the deployment of forces must remain a decision for national Governments.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to hold regular formal meetings with the first Ministers of (a) the Scottish Parliament and (b) the National Assembly for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [84629]

I will meet Ministers and Secretaries from the devolved administrations from time to time.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 12 May 1999, Official Report, column 309, for what reasons the Government have made no assessment of the effect of depleted uranium on the water supply, and water-table and on the health of the civilian population in Iraq. [84579]

[holding answer 18 May 1999]: The Government have not seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research data to support the claims that there has been an increase in ill-health in southern Iraq, attributed to the use of depleted uranium based ammunition by coalition forces during the 1990–1991 conflict.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to answer questions on the length of Cabinet meetings. [85062]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on 30 April 1999, Official Report, column 281.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the advantages of designating a lead department to deal with Government responsibilities in respect of the horse industry. [85209]

The Government recognise the economic importance of the horse industry in rural areas. A number of Government Departments currently have responsibility for different aspects of the horse industry and the division of these responsibilities is kept under review.

NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): All doctors in the psychiatric speciality by ethnic group: England at 30 September 1997
Numbers
	All staff	White	Ethnic groups Black	Asian	Other	Not known
Psychiatry Group	6,620	4,300	310	950	620	450
Child and adolescent psychiatry	750	570	20	70	40	50
Forensic psychiatry	280	190	10	30	20	20
General psychiatry	4,220	2,640	220	650	410	290
Learning disabilities	500	300	20	90	60	30
Psychiatry of old age	710	460	30	100	80	40
Psychotherapy	180	140	0	10	10	20

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to co-ordinate a meeting to discuss new cancer treatment initiatives. [85077]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 20 May 1999, Official Report, columns 401–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many black and ethnic minority (a) psychiatrists and (b) community psychiatric nurses are currently registered in England and Wales. [84111]

The information available for England is given in the tables. These figures refer to England only. The statistics for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.The Department is reviewing the collection of ethnic statistics with a view to improving the quality and coverage of the information we collect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each type of cancer the type and effectiveness of the screening tests currently available on the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [84688]

There are currently two cancer screening programmes routinely available on the National Health Service.The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50—64 years for screening by mammography every three years. Since 1988 when the programme was introduced the United Kingdom death rate from breast cancer has been falling faster than the European average. Based on current detection rates it is estimated that the programme is saving up to 1,250 lives each year.The NHS Cervical Screening programme invites women aged 20—64 years for a PAP test at least every five years. The test is designed to detect cervical abnormalities which if left undetected and untreated might develop into cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer has been falling at a rate of about 7 per cent. each year since the national programme was introduced in 1988 and experts estimate that the programme prevents around 3,900 cases of cancer per year. Further evidence from the Imperial Cancer Research Fund suggests that the cervical screening programme may have prevented 800 deaths in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the addition of fluoride to drinking water in Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement. [84767]

The Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation", invited comments on the contribution which fluoridation can make to improved oral health. Of the 604 comments received from the West Midlands region 595 were in favour of fluoridation and nine opposed. We will be announcing our policy on fluoridation in a White Paper on public health which will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the elective waiting list totals for the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for each month from May 1995 to date. [84861]

The information requested is in the table.

Date	Total waiting list
June 1995	4,201
September 1995	4,269
December 1995	4,481
March 1996	4,358
June 1996	4,325
September 1996	4,083
December 1996	3,990
March 1997	4,245
June 1997	4,047
September 1997	4,057
December 1997	4,653
March 1998	5,422
May 1998	5,482
June 1998	5,362
July 1998	4,996
August 1998	4,827
September 1998	4,601
October 1998	4,337
November 1998	4,095
December 1998	4,058
January 1999	4,050
February 1999	3,966
March 1999	4,083

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate how many pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham have had free eye tests since their introduction. [84864]

We estimate that there are some 21,000 residents aged 60 and over in Shrewsbury and Atcham and will therefore be eligible for a free National Health Service sight test. Some will have already been eligible for NHS tests on income grounds or because of predisposition to eye disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many directors serve on National Health Service trust boards operating in (a) Doncaster and (b) Barnsley; and how many of those directors reside in the Barnsley, East and Mexborough constituency. [84988]

Name	Post type	Appointment	Term	Post town
Barnsley Community and Priority Services NHS Trust
Councillor Thomas Sheard	Chairman	I December 1997	30 November 2001	Barnsley
Mr. Brian Key	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1997	30 November 2000	Barnsley
Mrs. Josephine Ruth Lees	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1996	30 November 1999	Barnsley
Mrs. Margaret Michaels	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1997	30 November 2001	Sheffield
Mr. Keith Ellis	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1998	30 November 1999	Barnsley
Mr. William Newman	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1997	30 November 2001	Barnsley
Barnsley District General Hospital NHS Trust
Mr. Gordon E. Firth	Chairman	1 November 1998	31 October 2000	Barnsley
Ms Lynn Joyce Ambler	Non-Executive Director	1 November 1996	31 October 2000	Barnsley
Mr. C. Barry Taylor	Non-Executive Director	9 November 1998	31 October 2001	Barnsley
Mrs. Linda Burgess	Non-Executive Director	9 November 1998	31 October 2001	Near Barnsley
Mr. Robert Walker	Non-Executive Director	1 November 1996	31 October 2000	Sheffield
Mrs. Judith Watts	Non-Executive Director	4 November 1997	31 October 2001	Barnsley
Doncaster Healthcare NHS Trust
Mr. David Bertram	Chairman	19 December 1997	30 November 2001	Doncaster
Mrs. Sheila Bryant	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1996	30 November 2000	Doncaster
Councillor Jean Maureen Elwick	Non-Executive Director	16 December 1997	30 November 2001	Doncaster
Mr. Graham K. Vaughan	Non-Executive Director	27 October 1998	30 November 2001	Doncaster
Mr. David Charles Miller	Non-Executive Director	11 December 1996	30 November 2000	Doncaster
Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital NHS Trust
Mr. Richard D. Kitson	Chairman	1 December 1996	30 November 2000	Doncaster
Mrs. Janet Conroy	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1998	30 November 2002	Near Doncaster
Mr. Thomas J. Keegan	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1998	30 November 2002	Doncaster
Mrs. June Hawley	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1997	30 November 2001	Near Doncaster
Mrs. Carol Shekle	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1996	30 November 2000	Doncaster
Mr. Colin D. Ambler	Non-Executive Director	12 October 1998	30 November 2001	Doncaster
South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust
Dr. Bernard Kingston	Chairman	16 January 1998	31 May 1999	Sheffield
Mrs. Patricia Battersby	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1998	30 November 2000	Sheffield
Mrs. Sandra Holland	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1997	30 November 2001	Doncaster
Mr. Sean Mahon	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1995	30 November 1999	Sheffield
Mrs. Anita Cartner	Non-Executive Director	1 December 1998	30 November 2001	Rotherham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a national scheme to compensate nurses who will be working over the millennium period. [84977]

We have no plans to agree any new specific national arrangements for staff over the millennium period. Guidance was issued to the National Health Service in Health Service Circular 1999/097, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice is issued by his Department to local education authorities over the treatment of children of school age suffering anaphylactic allergic reactions; [85264](2) what advice his Department has received on the appropriate treatment of anaphylactic allergic reactions in school children, from

The current non-executive directors serving on the boards of National Health Service trusts operating in Barnsley and Doncaster are shown in the table. Information is not held centrally on the Parliamentary constituencies in which directors reside.(3) what guidelines his Department has issued to local health authorities on the provision of advice to local education authorities in developing care plans for pupils suffering from potentially life-threatening medical conditions. [85266]

The Department and the Department for Education and Employment issued joint guidance in October 1996 on "Supporting pupils with medical needs in schools". The guidance, which was sent to health authorities and local education authorities, covers treatment and the development of healthcare plans for pupils suffering from potentially life threatening medical conditions, including anaphylaxis. It was produced after extensive consultation with interested parties, including professional bodies and voluntary organisations such as the Anaphylaxis Campaign.In March 1999 the Department and the Department for Education and Employment launched a new website, "Wired for Health", to provide teachers with health information on a range of conditions, including anaphylaxis. The website gives direct access to advice from the Anaphylaxis Campaign on anaphylaxis and schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999, Official Report, column 321, concerning long-term care, if his Department will assist interested bodies in promoting a full public debate on the findings of the Royal Commission. [85057]

The Royal Commission's report has already stimulated an important debate on this complex issue and the Department has been happy to assist that, as well as responding to the hundreds of contributions received in correspondence from individuals and organisations. We will continue to take account of the views of all interested parties and use these to inform decisions we make on the proposals over the coming months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to co-ordinate a meeting to discuss new cancer treatment initiatives. [85078]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) on 20 May 1999, Official Report, columns 401–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish his list of new medical student places. [85079]

Allocation of student places to universities in England is the responsibility of the Higher Education Funding Council for England. The Funding Council is working with my Department to produce recommendations for the allocation of additional medical student places, and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what reasons underlay the refusal of the bid for funding under the Investing in Dentistry scheme submitted by Paul Carlin of Shipley Bridge, South Brent, Devon; [84078](2) how many dental practices in England and Wales have received funding under the Investing in Dentistry project in each year since its inception; and if he will provide a breakdown of what it has been spent on. [84206]

The Investing in Dentistry (IID) initiative only applied to General Dental Services in England. IID was launched in September 1997 and continued until April this year. Requests for funding could be submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State at any time during this period. To date, 282 IID funding requests have been approved, primarily to help towards the cost of opening new dental practices, relocating existing practices to larger premises, and providing extra surgeries. A further 140 are currently being assessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the average cost of four years' care in a nursing home. [75527]

The average cost of four years' care in a nursing home for elderly people is estimated to be £73,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of (a) those people who have been in long-term care or nursing homes for four years or more and (b) all people in long-term care or nursing homes continue to pay part or all of their fees. [75528]

Information is not collected in the form requested, but we estimate that about 9 per cent. of people in nursing homes make no contribution to the cost of their care as they have been placed by the National Health Service. All others contribute in part or in full.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment his Department has made of (a) the social costs and benefits of Aricept for Alzheimer's patients and (b) the savings in respite and other long-term care resulting from the use of Aricept. [84274]

The Department has made no such assessment.The Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme is considering a research project looking at "new drugs for dementia". Full proposals will be considered at a specially convened meeting in June which will include Professor Tom Walley (Chair of the HTA pharmaceutical Panel) and Professor Kent Woods (Director of HTA). Due account will be taken of the findings of the AD 2000 project, a large trial organised through West Midlands National Health Service Regional Office, which has included consideration of the social costs and benefits of Aricept for Alzheimer's disease and the savings in respite and other long-term care resulting in the use of Aricept.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what cost benefit analysis his Department has carried out or draws upon to inform its current policy towards the supply of digital hearing aids through the NHS. [84304]

Digital technology in hearing aids is very new so at this stage only manufacturers' evaluations are available and there is no independent cost benefit analysis. National Heath Service trusts purchase hearing aids from a range that is supplied by the NHS Supplies Authority and they may also purchase hearing aids from commercial suppliers to meet individual clinical need.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will place in the Library copies of the external legal advice taken by Her Majesty's Government on the legality of the present NATO operations against Serbia. [85076]

Any legal advice taken by Her Majesty's Government on this, or on any other matter, is subject to legal privilege and thus confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement on the implications for the Post Office of the Pathway Scheme; [84051](2) what evaluation he has made of the role of information technology in developing postal and other services in rural areas; [84054](3) what evaluation he has made of the benefits of the Pathway project for the viability of sub-post offices. [84052]

[holding answers 13 May 1999]: The Government today reached agreement in principle with ICL about the continuation of the Horizon project to computerise the Post Office network and automate the payment of benefits.The changes to the Horizon project are aimed to put it on a sustainable footing for the future and allow the Post Office to move as quickly as possible to the computerisation of post office counter services.The main elements of the agreement are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bolton West, (Ms Kelly) of 12 May 1999, Official Report, columns 145—46, on parental leave, what estimate he has made of the average length of leave which will be taken by (a) mothers and (b) fathers. [85090]

For the purposes of the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill, it was assumed that the average length of leave for those taking parental leave would be ten weeks for mothers and for fathers. A copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment was placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what protocols have been agreed between his Department and the Scottish Office in relation to the expenditure of European Structural Funds in Scotland and compliance with rules and conditions imposed by the European Union; and how he intends to apply such protocols to the funding of the proposed funicular railway on the Cairngorm. [85263]

There are no protocols agreed between my Department and the Scottish Office relating to European Structural Funds; the two Departments are working closely together to consider the impact of devolution. Administration of the Structural Funds in Scotland and funding of individual projects there are a matter for the Scottish Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will request the Director General of Electricity Supply and Gas Supply to produce figures for the average annual cost of fuel used by (a) pensioners and (b) other domestic users. [84786]

[holding answer 20 May 1999]: Energy consumption varies from household to household across the whole population. It is dependent on many factors, such as energy efficiency of the home, time spent in the property, size of property etc. Accurate and timely data on energy consumption by pensioners are not available.Annual fuel bills for typical and low-volume household consumers are presented in the table. Bills are based on latest 1999 prices and include VAT.

£
	Electricity	Gas
Typical consumption1	263.70	302.59
Low volume consumption2	187.68	218.78
1Annual consumption 3,300 kWh for electricity, 18,000 kWh for gas
2 Annual consumption 2,200 kWh for electricity, 12,000 kWh for gas

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give further details about the proposed Partnership Fund. [85474]

The Government intend to make available up to £5 million over the next four years through the Partnership Fund. The fund will help develop partnerships at work by supporting partnership projects in the workplace and encouraging the spread of information about best practice.Statutory authority for funding in this area is being sought through Clause 26 of the Employment Relations Bill. Support will be available for up to 50 per cent. of total eligible costs of individual projects, up to a limit of £50,000 support per project. It will be a requirement of support that projects should have matching funding of at least 50 per cent. from non-public sector sources.The Fund will be launched and a first call for proposals announced once the Employment Relations Bill has received Royal Assent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of National Lottery Funds distributed by Scottish local authority area for each year since the National Lottery was set up. [84366]

To date 6,164 awards worth a total of £615,445,091 have been made in Scotland. This total includes Scotland-wide projects and projects which cannot be allocated to a particular local authority. A breakdown by Scottish local authorities for each distributing body has been placed in the Libraries of the House.Awards information is also available on the Lottery website at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 17 and 18 May; and if he will make a statement. [85240]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I attended the General Affairs Council and the EU/Russia Co-operation Council on 17 May. There was a meeting of the European Economic Area Council on the 18 May. The Council adopted the A points listed in document 8136/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its sessions of 12–16 April, listed in document 7187/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature of the social security provision agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council of 26 and 27 April. [83930]

From time to time it is necessary to amend the EC Regulations, which co-ordinate the operation of Member States' social security schemes, to take account of changes in legislation of the Member States or to effect improvements in the provisions where a deficiency in the existing arrangements comes to light. The social security provisions agreed at the Luxembourg General Affairs Council on 26 and 27 April related to amendments of this type. The only amendment of direct concern to the UK was to an Annex of the co-ordinating Regulations. This was to clarify which is the competent State for payment of UK Family Credit and Irish Family Income Supplement for workers who are resident in Ireland and work in the UK, or vice versa.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the authorities investigating the unauthorised publication of the identities of British security agents plan to take evidence from Mr. Mohammed Fayed. [84738]

The Metropolitan Police are conducting investigations into possible breaches of the Official Secrets Act 1989, but these investigations are an operational matter for the police and it would not be right for me to comment on any inquiries they may be undertaking.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Greek Cypriot (a) men, (b) women and (c) children up to the age of 16 years are living in the Karpas area of occupied northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [84951]

According to UNFICYP figures there are 450 Greek Cypriots living in the Karpas. We do not have figures showing the proportion of men and women. In addition to the 30 children who attend the Greek school in Rizokarpasso, there are a number of pre-school children in the, Karpas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action his Department has taken in conjunction with the British High Commission in Cyprus to support projects to encourage contacts between Greek and Turkish Cypriots living in Cyprus; and if he will list the projects that have been supported in each of the last three years. [84963]

Until December 1997 bi-communal contact was possible but difficult. The High Commission worked hard in the period May 1996 to December 1997 to bring members of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities together. They created the Westminster group to promote the principles of democracy through bi-communal contacts with members of all professions and organised its meetings, arranged meetings of Chevening scholars, and brought members of both communities together through other events such as the Queen's birthday party and the Education fair. In addition, members of the High Commission have assisted with and participated in many other events sponsored by the UN and other bodies to bring members of the two communities together.Since December 1997 most bi-communal contacts have been banned by the Turkish Cypriot side. We have therefore found it effectively impossible to arrange bi-communal contacts on-island. But we arranged a meeting on 24 March in London of Cypriot Chevening scholars in co-operation with the Friends of Cyprus. We also continue to support the work of other in this field, notably the Trade Unions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when an official of the British High Commission in Cyprus last visited the Karpas area in occupied northern Cyprus; and what report of that visit has been produced. [84964]

A member of the British High Commission last visited the Greek Cypriot community in the Karpas on 7 May as part of a regular series of visits to that area. The High Commission reports no significant changes in living conditions since the previous visit in October 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what surveys have been carried out to establish the number of Turkish Cypriots who were born in Cyprus, and still live in northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [84939]

In November 1997 the Turkish Cypriot authorities published the results of a census carried out the previous year which found that, of 200,587 people resident in the northern part of the island, 137,398 had been born in Cyprus.These figures are accepted among Turkish Cypriots as generally accurate, but we have no means of independent corroboration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) Embassies and High Commissions and (b) Consulates have e-mail and internet links available to hon. Members. [84941]

The FCO has provided 112 of its Embassies and High Commissions and 43 of its Consulates with facilities to send and receive internet e-mail.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on changes to the membership of the permanent members of the UN Security Council; and if he will make a statement. [84895]

The Government support early enlargement of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. It supports the addition of five permanent seats: one each for Germany and Japan, and three for developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. It also supports the addition of up to four non-permanent seats, making an expanded Council of 24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provision he has made to provide advice and guidance to UK-based relatives of persons involved in the Kosovo crisis who wish to bring their families to the United Kingdom. [84852]

Advice and guidance for United Kingdom-based relatives of persons involved in the Kosovo crisis has been drawn up by the Home Office in consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council. This has been distributed to all Government Departments and non-governmental organisations concerned including any ethnic Albanian organisation that requested it.The Kosovo Unit of the Home Office has dealt with in the region of 1,000 telephone calls from United Kingdom-based relatives of persons involved in the crisis and offered appropriate guidance on the steps they, and their relatives, should take. This advice is that those members of the public who wish to bring their families to the United Kingdom from the Kosovo region should contact the British Red Cross United Kingdom Family Reunion Service who are liaising with UNHCR and the Home Office in the compilation of family lists.UNHCR have recently confirmed that they are unable to undertake this role other than in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. In order to help UNHCR and at their request, a Home Office team went out to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 9 May to assist with the process of registering refugees. We are considering how this initiative might be widened to assist with family reunion applications in the wider region. These will be considered in accordance with our family reunion concession. This provides for close family members (spouse and minor children and in exceptional circumstances, a family member who formed part of the family unit before fleeing to seek asylum) to join any persons who are settled or granted asylum in the United Kingdom. This concession is being extended to families in the United Kingdom who have been granted exceptional leave to enter as part of UNHCR's Humanitarian Evacuation Programme.Revised guidance is being prepared to reflect these new arrangements, also in consultation with UNHCR, the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council. The initial advice to family members to register details of relatives in the region with the offices of the British Red Cross in the United Kingdom remains valid.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the (a) total hours of education study and (b) total teaching hours bought in the Prison Service in 1998; and what was the percentage change for each on the previous year. [84748]

The total number of taught student hours for 1998 was 9,483,889, an increase of 6.19 per cent. on the 1997 figure.The total number of teaching hours purchased by the Prison Service in 1998 was 1,254,040, an increase of 7.69 per cent. on the 1997 figure.In addition to this, just over £10 million per annum for the three years from 1 April 1999 has been allocated to enhance education provision. It will be used to deliver an additional 2,000,000 hours of basic and key skills education which will produce 17,000 accreditations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to encourage liaison between the Prison Education Service and the University for Industry. [85267]

There are very positive discussions currently taking place between the Prison Education Service and the University for Industry. It is the intention of the Prison Service to respond to the University for Industry's call for partners and apply to become a learning centre hub with local learning centres being developed in individual prisons in partnership with education providers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) self-inflicted deaths, (b) incidents of self harm, (c) reported assaults of prisoners on other prisoners and (d) reported assaults of prisoners on members of staff took place in each young offenders institution and in total in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [84747]

The information requested is given in the tables.

1997–98
Young offender institutions	Self-inflicted deaths	Incidents of self-harm	Assaukts(prisoner on prisoner)	Assaults (prisoner on staff)
Aylesbury	1	32	54	45
Castington	0	13	40	8
Deerbolt	0	87	65	11
Dover	0	10	16	9
Feltham	2	292	11	5
Glen Parva	0	136	78	16
Guys Marsh	0	28	11	2
Hatfield	0	1	10	0
Huntercombe	o	18	20	7
Onley	0	75	102	25
Portland	0	16	10	1
Reading	1	72	18	8
Stoke Heath	0	61	21	6
Swinfen Hall	0	13	13	8
Thorn Cross	0	1	17	3
Wetherby	0	24	34	5
Totals	4	879	520	159

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are employed on work which involves payment from the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [84749]

The number of prisoners employed in public sector prisons on work which involves payment from the private sector is approximately 4,500. In addition, 3,400 prisoners in privately managed prisons undertake activities, including education, work in the prison kitchen, cleaning and employment in industries, for which they receive payment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve recruitment and retention of health care staff in(a) Feltham Young Offenders Unit and (b) other young offender units. [84848]

Conventional recruitment and retention measures are now supplemented at Feltham by arrangements with the local NHS mental health secure unit to provide a number of qualified psychiatric nurses to assist Feltham's delivery of health care. Meetings are also being held with the local health authority to produce a specification for the provision of nursing services at Feltham.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the speed of transfer of inmates sectioned under the Mental Health Acts from young offender units to other institutions. [84845]

The Government have accepted the recommendations in the report of the joint Prison Service/National Health Service executive working group on the future organisation of prison health care, published on 29 March 1999, aimed at providing that the National Health Service takes a greater role in the provision of health care to prisoners, especially those with mental health problems.Implementation of the recommendations should greatly assist the assessment and transfer process. The Department of Health strategy document "Modernising Mental Health Services—Safe, Sound and Supportive", published last December, indicated that, among other measures, steps were being taken to expand the number of secure psychiatric places within the NHS.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a specific profession of prison officer for young offender institutions and for young offenders in prison. [84850]