To ask the Attorney-General on what grounds he decided not to exercise his discretion under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 to certify that the charge of murder of Robert Hamill against Paul Marc Hobson be not treated as a scheduled offence. [85494]

In determining whether or not to certify that an offence should be treated as a non scheduled offence, I take into account the circumstances of the case on the basis of a note and recommendation furnished on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland. In the case of Paul Marc Hobson, who faced a charge of murdering Robert Hamill, on the basis of the information available to me, I took the view that the offence was connected with the emergency and declined to issue a certificate.

To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer of 20 April 1999, Official Report, columns 480—81, when the Government will issue further public information on the likely impact of the millennium bug. [86303]

I have today placed copies of the new public information booklet "The Millennium Bug—Facts Not Fiction" in the Libraries of the House. This has been compiled by Action 2000 on behalf of the Government for the general public and explains what the Millennium Bug is and how it could affect people in their everyday lives. It covers domestic appliances, home personal computers, shops and petrol stations, health, travel, personal finance, insurance and utilities.The booklet will be distributed as an insert in most Sunday newspapers on 13 June and in TV listings guides the following week. It will also be available at main Post Office counters from 14 June. The booklet will be supported by TV, radio and press advertising.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent work of his Department's vaccine fact-finding team with particular reference to the findings relating to the presence of squalene in blood samples provided by US and British veterans. [83015]

The MOD's Fact Finding Team within the Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit (GVIU) was established in September 1997 to look into the implementation in-theatre of the 1991 immunisation programme against biological warfare agents, with particular reference to the level of coverage and uptake of vaccine across the various units of the UK Armed Forces that participated in the Gulf conflict. This review is based on oral testimony and extant documentary evidence, with a view to making public as much information as possible. The team's fieldwork was completed last autumn and a paper based on their work, and on other contemporary material that has been located, is in the course of preparation. This will be published once it is completed, which is expected to be within the next three months.This review is aimed at providing more information about how the immunisation programme was carried out in principle, not the compositions of the vaccines used, which have already been set out in the MOD paper "Background to the Use of Medical Countermeasures to Protect British Forces during the Gulf War (Operation GRANBY)".

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which vaccines were acquired from the USA for the use of British soldiers in the Gulf War; which vaccines were used; and which contained squalene. [83014]

Details of the Ministry of Defence's programme to immunise UK troops against the potential threat posed by Iraq's biological weapons during the Gulf conflict were published in October 1997, in the MOD paper "Background to the Use of Medical Countermeasures to Protect British Forces during the Gulf War (Operation GRANBY)". This describes in detail how a vaccine against plague was purchased from the US DoD for use by UK forces. None of the other vaccines used for this programme were acquired from the US. None of the vaccines used for this programme contained squalene. In addition, UK Service personnel would have received other immunisations against disease that potentially posed a public health threat. So far as has been ascertained, none of the latter vaccines were either acquired from the US or contained squalene.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if (a) his Department, (b) the Defence and Evaluation Research Agency and (c) the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment produced vaccines or components of vaccines for use on Gulf War troops which contained squalene preparations. [83013]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those countries to which the sale of military aircraft has been stopped in each of the last five years, indicating the reasons for the decision in each case. [84524]

On 25 March 1999, Official Report, column 343, my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced that the Government had published its first Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls. The Report contains, by rating, details of all licences refused or revoked by the Government between 2 May and 31 December 1997, and none of these covered military aircraft. A report covering 1998 will be issued in due course.It would not be possible to provide validated data for previous years without significant inter-departmental effort and incurring disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what investigations have been undertaken into the physical rather than epidemiological aspects of illnesses exhibited by Gulf War veterans; [84354](2) what research has been undertaken into appropriate treatments for illness exhibited by Gulf war veterans. [84353]

The Government have pledged that appropriate research will be carried out into Gulf veterans' illnesses. In addition to two major epidemiological studies, the Ministry of Defence has in place a neuromuscular symptoms study. This study involves carrying out clinical tests on UK Gulf veterans. A separate study is examining the possible interactions between the various medical countermeasures used to protect UK personnel during the Gulf conflict, which includes laboratory research involving animals. These four research studies are complemented by an independent review of relevant research literature. A further study, which is being funded by the United States Government, is being undertaken by King's College, London. This study includes clinical tests on UK Gulf veterans.Any UK Gulf veterans concerned about their health can seek a referral to the Gulf veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) for advice and a full medical. The assessment comprises various standard investigations and any further tests considered clinically appropriate by the MAP physician to provide as full a diagnosis as possible of any medical symptoms which a patient may be exhibiting. MAP physicians provide diagnostic information and recommend any appropriate treatment to the veteran's doctor. It is the veteran's doctor's responsibility to arrange any treatment and to monitor progress. A paper on the clinical findings from the first 1,000 patients seen by the MAP was published in the "British Medical Journal" on 30 January. A copy of this paper has already been placed in the Library of the House.There is now strong scientific evidence, following the publication of a number of research papers over recent months, that Gulf veterans report more ill-health than other comparable groups. A further hypothesis, that Gulf veterans are not all suffering from a single illness, seems to be gaining support. However, there is still no medical or scientific consensus about the aetiology of the illnesses being suffered by some Gulf veterans. Nevertheless, the need for further research work in the light of emerging study findings in the UK and elsewhere (most notably from the United States), is kept under regular review by the Ministry of Defence and by the Medical Research Council (MRC), which advises the Government on its overall strategy for Gulf health issues. So far, the MRC has not recommended that the Ministry of Defence commissions research into possible treatments.Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence is aware that the United States Government announced in March that it would be beginning two medical treatment trials—an antibiotic treatment trial and exercise-behavioural therapy—in April to evaluate possible therapeutic approaches to improving Gulf veterans' health. The Ministry of Defence will monitor the outcome of these trials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those British military uniforms which are produced by overseas countries; and if he will list the countries that make such equipment. [84965]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what definition his Department uses of (a) active service and (b) conflict zone, in respect of military service. [84938]

(a) I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) on 9 March 1998, Official Report, column 46. (b) The Department has no definition of a conflict zone, as this expression has no recognised meaning.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilians were seconded to the armed forces during the Gulf Crisis; and, of those, how many are known to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. [84952]

Civilians, including foreign nationals, based in the UK and overseas, played a vital role in supporting British Forces during the 1990–1991 Gulf conflict, but the precise number seconded (that is attached to British Forces) has not been determined.However, a review of Ministry of Defence (MOD) records shows that on 22 February 1991, 931 MOD civilian staff were reported as being in the Gulf theatre, but not all were working in direct support of British Forces. Of these, 785 were members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. In addition, there were a significant number of civilian contractors' employees working in direct support of British Forces in the Gulf theatre. My Department conservatively estimates that the number of civilian contractors' employees involved would have been in excess of 1,000 people.MOD is aware of two civilians who claim to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their time in the Gulf during the conflict. MOD has no mechanisms in place for routinely monitoring the health of its employees, ex-employees, contractors' employees or foreign nationals. However, civilians who provided direct support to British Forces in theatre during the Gulf conflict can be referred by their GP for examination at the MOD's Medical Assessment Programme (MAP). As at 26 May 1999, 14 civilians had been seen by MAP physicians.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his contribution to the debate at the WEU Council of 10 May on European Defence and Security after Amsterdam; what (a) matters and (b) documents were discussed; and what decisions were taken. [85523]

I was unable to attend the WEU Council meeting on 10 May because of Defence Questions in the House and was therefore represented by a Senior official from my Department. I was present at the session on 11 May.One of the major points of business was continuing the process of informal reflection on European security and defence issues, initiated at the WEU meeting in Rome last November. Particular points emphasised in the discussion included: the need to rectify shortfalls in European military capability; the need to strengthen the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including by giving the EU the means to decide on military matters and take political control of crisis management operations; the importance of involving the non-EU European Allies, and the Associate Partners, in future arrangements; and the continuing importance of NATO as the cornerstone of European security and defence policy. No documents were considered or decisions taken on these matters. A number of papers relating to other aspects of WEU business were noted or endorsed by Ministers at their meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the (a) actual manning and (b) establishment levels of the (i) Royal Navy (excluding the Royal Marines),(ii) Army,(iii) Royal Air Force and (iv)Royal Marines as at 31 March. [85910]

Personnel statistics are produced for the beginning of each month. As at 1 April 1999, the trained and untrained strengths and establishment (trained requirement) levels for each of the Services were as follows:

Service	Trained strength (a)	Untrained strength (b)	Total strength (c)=(a)+(b)	Trained requirement (d)
RN	33,204	3,743	36,947	34,556
Army1	96,300	13,422	109,772	2102,389
RAF	51,761	3,452	55,213	53,024
RM	5,867	887	6,754	6,387
1 The Army figures are for UK Regulars; they do not include Gurkhas or Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service). If Gurkhas were included, the Army Strength would be 99,674, and Requirement would be 105,271.
2 To implement the Post-SDR force structure, the Army's Requirement for UK Regulars will increase to 105,335 by 1 April 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the (i) established strength and (ii) recruited strength of (a) 1, (b) 2, (c) 3, (d) 4 and (e) 10 Battalion Parachute Regiments. [85625]

The actual strength of the Battalions as at 1 April 1999, and their current and post-SDR liability, is detailed in the following table.

	Current Liability (1 April 1999)	Post SDR Liability 1	Current Strength (1 April 1999)
1 PARA	634	624	521
2 PARA	634	646	3
3 PARA	608	646	485
4 PARA (TA)	531	2324	224
10 PARA (TA)	530	2—	129
1 These liabilities take into account new changes approved by the SDR which have yet to be implemented.
2 On 1 July 1999, 4 and 10 PARA will merge and form a new 4 PARA with Regimental Headquarters and a Company at Pudsey with a detachment at Consett, a Company in Glasgow and a Company in London with a detachment in Croydon.
3The strength of 2 PARA does not include the Gurkha Reinforcement Company (GRC) that is currently attached to it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. [85648]

I have nothing significant to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 5 May 1999, Official Report, columns 384–85. Our consultation with stakeholders continues and my right hon. Friend still hopes to be in a position to make an announcement on DERA's future later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of supplying and fitting a gyro-stabilised satellite television dish to a frigate. [82902]

No MOD funded gyro-stabilised satellite television dishes have been fitted to RN frigates. However, this type of dish has been fitted to two aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious, and will be fitted to the third, HMS Ark Royal, during her current refit. The estimated cost of each dish is £36,000, excluding installation costs, which are included in the refit costs and are not separately identifiable. The majority of the RN's major warships are currently fitted with conventional domestic satellite equipment which provides reception whilst in harbour in European waters. We are planning to enhance this facility by providing reception whilst the ships are at sea. Under the revised arrangements, ships' crews would be able to see broadcasts within about 12 hours of transmission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what negotiations he has held with the Indian Government over provision of new training aircraft for the Indian Air Force. [84525]

Although officials from the Defence Export Services Organisation are aware of the Indian Government's potential interest in the Hawk Aircraft, no formal negotiations have been held between the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Government over the provision of a new training aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent reports he has received from his United States counterpart in respect of the security of confidential nuclear weapons design information originating in the United Kingdom and shared with the United States Department of Energy under bilateral atomic energy co-operation agreements. [84726]

I have received no such reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the roles and responsibilities of (a) Ministers and (b) officials in the process for determining eligibility for the award of the General Service Medal for a period of military service. [84934]

The qualifying criteria for the award of clasps to the General Service Medal and General Service Medal 1962 are laid down in the appropriate Command Paper. Ministers have no responsibilities in the process of determining eligibility for these awards. Officials in the appropriate medal office are responsible for determining individual eligibility by comparing a person's Record of Service against the criteria published for the award of the medal and the relevant clasp.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the terms of reference of the Committee of Honours, Decorations and Medals; [84936](2) what criteria the Committee on Honours, Decorations and Medals uses to determine whether a military event or service is eligible for the award of the General Service Medal; [84937](3) if he will list the members of the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals; and who was responsible for appointing them. [84933]

The Committee on the Award of Honours, Decorations and Medals is an official committee that reports directly to the Queen. I have therefore asked the Chairman of the Committee, Sir Richard Wilson, to write to the hon. Member with the information sought, and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what occasions the Prime Minister's Press Secretary has attended meetings in his Department at which ministers, officials and senior officers have been formulating policy on Kosovo. [85379]

[holding answer 25 May 1999]: The Prime Minister's Press Secretary has attended a number of meetings in my Department, as the Prime Minister or I have required.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to review military discipline for 15 to 18 year olds. [85496]

The UK does not recruit any personnel under the age of 16—and then only when an individual has completed his or her compulsory secondary schooling.Discipline procedures in all three of the Armed Forces are kept under review at all times and amended as necessary. Major changes which require amendments to primary legislation are normally affected by the quinquennial Armed Forces Acts, which continue in force the three Service Discipline Acts (SDAs)—the Army Act 1955, the Air Force Act 1955 and the Naval Discipline Act 1957—and which include any amendments to reflect changes to civilian law over the preceding five years. Where there is a need, however, changes can be made by other legislative means. It is my Department's policy to preserve consistency as far as appropriate, practical and sensible, between civilian and military law; this applies equally to measures concerning those under the age of 18.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress made in discussions between his Department and the Inland Revenue regarding repayment of tax on pensions awarded prior to 31 March 1973 which have been reclassified. [85614]

The MOD is working closely with the Inland Revenue on the repayment of tax for the 179 Army pensioners identified as having had tax incorrectly deducted from their invalidity pension. The affected pensioners will all receive a full refund of the tax wrongly paid since their discharge, together with a repayment supplement reflecting the interest which might have been accrued on the amount of tax wrongly paid. The repayment of tax is being processed in three stages: the first stage, the repayment of the current year's tax, has been completed; the second stage covers the period 1994–95 to 1997–98 for which records are held and repayments for this period will be made shortly. The final stage, which covers the period from the individual's discharge date to 1994, is more difficult to calculate as records of pension and tax paid are not held and therefore need to be recreated. This work is under-way and repayment will be made as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current status of the land that formerly constituted RAF Quedgeley. [85883]

The areas formerly known as Sites 2, 4 and 6 and were sold on the open market during the latter part of 1997 and early 1998. That area of RAF Quedgeley known as Main Site was placed on the market in November 1997 and a preferred purchaser, Manor Farm Consortium, has been identified. Contract for Sale negotiations are now in hand.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with local councils and residents over the future of RAF Quedgeley during the last year. [85884]

My Defence Estate officials have maintained close contact with both the County and Gloucester City Councils over the future of RAF Quedgeley. The City Council also jointly funded a feasibility study with MOD which made recommendations on appropriate forms of development for the re-use of the Main Site at Quedgeley.Agents acting for my Department were also invited to make representation at the Gloucester County Structure Plan Examination in Public in September 1998. My officials also attended, and supported the City Council's aspirations for residential and employment uses on the site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reply to the letters dated 4 February and 4 May from the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton to the Minister for the Armed Forces in respect of the playing fields amenity at the site known as ABRO Old Dalby. [86112]

I wrote to the hon. Member on 1 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current operational life of (a) Sir Bedivere, (b) Sir Geraint and (c) Sir Percivale. [85959]

It is planned to pay off RFA Bedivere in 2011, following an extension to her service life as a result of the recent Ship Life Extension programme. RFAs Sir Geraint and Sir Percivale have not been subject to similar life extension programmes and are expected to be withdrawn from service in 2003 and 2004 respectively, when they are due to be replaced by new vessels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost and timescale for the Service Life Extension Programme for (a) Sir Bedivere, (b) Sir Geraint and (c) Sir Percivale; and when contracts will be let. [85956]

The Ship Life Extension Programme of RFA Sir Bedivere started in November 1994 and completed in June 1998, at a cost of £68.8 million. In the light of experience gained from this work, the decision was taken not to pursue similar life extension programmes on either RFA Sir Geraint or on RFA Sir Percivale. It is planned that these two vessels will be replaced by new ships in 2003 and 2004 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 14 May 1999, Official Report, column 215, on Porton Down, what was the date of the Minister of Defence Procurement's visit. [85555]

My noble Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement visited Porton Down during his term in office between September 1976 and May 1979. The diaries from that period do not record the exact date of the visit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the shortfall in numbers and percentage of trained personnel for the (i) Royal Navy, (ii) Army, (iii) Royal Air Force and (iv) Royal Marines. [85915]

The shortfall in numbers of trained personnel against the trained requirement as at 1 April 1999 (the latest figures available) is:

	Number/percentage
Royal Navy	1,352 (3.9%)
Army1	6,089 (5.9%)
Royal Air Force	1,263 (2.4%)
Royal Marines	520 (8.1%)
1 The Army figure is for UK Regulars; it does not including Gurkhas or Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service). The Gurkha trained strength is 3,374, and trained requirement is 2,882, making a surplus of 492

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if his Department has applied the tests set out in the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee's September 1997 report on the Import and Export of Radioactive Waste to the reprocessing of German spent nuclear fuel at Sellafield. [82469]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to introduce legislation to make mandatory the tests set out by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee in its 1997 report on The Import and Export of Radioactive Waste; and if he will make a statement; [85463](2) what steps his Department takes to ensure that contracts for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel are compatible with the policy set out in the 1995 White Paper Review of Radioactive Waste Management Policy on the import and export of radioactive waste; [85462](3) if he will order an independent inquiry to establish whether current contracts for the reprocessing of foreign spent nuclear fuel in the UK meet the tests recommended by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee in its 1997 report on The Import and Export of Radioactive Waste; and if he will make a statement. [85464]

[holding answer 26 May 1999]: The Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee's September 1997 report on The Import and Export of Radioactive Waste suggests

"specific tests which … the Government should, subject to consultation, give to the regulators as guidance on the practical application of policy on the import and export of radioactive wastes".

As spent nuclear fuel has not traditionally been defined as radioactive waste, the tests outlined do not apply to the import of materials for reprocessing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with (a) BNFL and (b) the United States Nuclear Authorities in respect of BNFL proposals to import irradiated spent nuclear fuel from the US-based Yankee Power utility for storage at Sellafield. [85615]

DETR has not entered into discussions with either party on this issue, neither has it been party to any discussions BNFL might have had.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 1999, Official Report, column 151, on genetically-modified crops, how much money the Government will spend in total on (a) funding and (b) subsidising (i) farm-scale evaluations and (ii) other trial sites for genetically-modified crops in 1999; and how much money has been allocated for the same purposes in 2000. [85272]

The total cost to Government of funding ecological studies as part of the farm scale evaluations in 1999–2000 is £233,000, this includes all the farms, not just the one near Swindon. The expected figure for 2000–01 is £702,000. There is no subsidy. The industry grouping SCIMAC is covering the whole cost of growing the crops for the farm scale evaluations. SCIMAC are providing the GM seeds for the paired comparisons of GM and non GM crops, and funding their growing and management on the farm and the disposal of the produce.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw) of 22 March 1999, Official Report, columns 50–1, on road noise mitigation if tunnel roads include motorways; over what period the 80dB(A) noise level will be measured; and whether local authorities will be provided with the noise level predictions for the design years of the roads which may qualify in their area. [85439]

Nearly all motorways are included within the trunk road network.The noise level criterion of 80dB(A) is applied to an estimate of roadside noise based on readily available traffic information such as vehicle types, speeds and road surface. The estimate used is the average hourly L

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the occasions since 1 May 1997 on which (a) he and (b) his ministers have had meetings concerning the implementation of the Government's transport policy with the Road Haulage Association, indicating in each case (i) the purpose and nature of the meeting, (ii) the duration of the meeting, (iii) the location of the meeting and (iv) those who attended. [85484]

Full details in answer to this question can be provided only at disproportionate cost.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and his transport ministerial team since the General Election, have had many meetings both formal and informal with senior representatives of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) at which transport issues have been discussed. The inaugural meeting of the Road Haulage Forum was recently chaired by the then Minister for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, North and Bellshill (Dr. Reid) and attended by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 8 April. My right hon. Friend, the then Minister for Transport also attended the RHA annual dinner on 11 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress in respect of its planning decision in relation to Barnet Football Club, Copthall Stadium. [85617]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State refused planning permission on 3 June. A copy of the decision letter has been sent to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when regional development agencies will publish their required strategies. [86100]

We expect RDAs to submit their initial strategies to Ministers in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions by October 1999. The RDAs have all begun involving regional partners in drawing up their regional strategies. Draft versions of the strategies will be produced for consultation over the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of passenger loading on the Thameslink rail route. [85691]

Passenger counts are required by the terms of Thameslink's franchise agreement. The last counts were undertaken in the Autumn of 1998; and the results published on 29 March 1999 showed passenger loadings to be above the contractual threshold. In accordance with the contractual obligations of their franchise agreement Thameslink is producing for the Franchising Director a Feasibility Study considering options for additional capacity.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the planned reduction in service by Thameslink, to and from Hendon. [85712]

Thameslink have made marginal changes to peak services in their Summer 1999 timetable. One morning train no longer calls at Hendon. The minimum level of service which the operator must provide is set out in the Passenger Service Requirement (PSR) which is the key part of the franchise agreement under which services are provided. PSRs are based on the services which were being operated by British Rail at the time of franchising. Thameslink's PSR specifies a weekly half hourly service between Hendon and London. In the Summer 1999 timetable Hendon continues to receive 60 services from London Kings Cross Thameslink and 63 services to London Kings Cross Thameslink.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Rail Regulator on the transfer of rolling stock between Train Operating Companies to reduce over-crowding. [85692]

Overcrowding is an issue addressed in franchise agreements between the Franchising Director and the Train Operating Companies (TOCs). The Franchising Director has facilitated discussions between TOCs for the transfer of rolling stock to address overcrowding. Such transfers are contractual matters between TOCs and discussions are currently taking place which if implemented would reduce overcrowding on some of the worst affected services in the South East.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the environmental assessment regimes for afforestation, land drainage, salmon farming, harbours, electricity lines, pipe-lines and applications under the Transport and Works Act 1992 comply with EU Directive 97/11 on environmental assessment. [86049]

Responsibility for the consent regimes referred to in this question falls to five Government Departments. For convenience, I am replying on behalf of the other Departments as well as my Department.Directive 97/11/EC amends Directive 85/337/EEC on environmental impact assessment. The amended procedures have been applied to land drainage projects which require planning permission and to fish farming in marine waters, which includes salmon farming.Regulations to implement the amended Directive for the other consent regimes have yet to be finalised but these should come into force by the end of the year. Meanwhile extant regulations ensure that projects considered under these consent regimes are subject to environmental impact assessment before they may proceed. Pending entry into force of the amending regulations, administrative arrangements provide for the additional requirements of Directive 97/11/EC to be complied with in most cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the 10 most indebted local authorities in (a) 1997 and (b) 1998, indicating the cost (i) in total and (ii) per council tax payer of servicing the debt; and what plans he has to ensure that the debt level is reduced. [85776]

The available information is given in the table. The cost of servicing the debt has been defined in terms of external interest paid by local authorities in the financial year 1997–98. It should be noted that authorities with high levels of debt are generally those which have undertaken capital investment and that longer term borrowing to finance capital expenditure is regulated by Government through the issue of credit approvals, for which support is provided through the Standard Spending Assessment mechanism.It is for local authorities to determine arrangements for the prudent management and repayment of debt. We are currently examining options for encouraging earlier debt redemption.

Local authority1	Total external interest payment 2 £ million)	External interest payments per adult3 (£)
Birmingham	109.1	145
Manchester	115.9	370
Lambeth	78.4	386
Islington	88.0	640
Sheffield	77.7	187
Liverpool	75.3	214
Leeds	64.3	114

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans Her Majesty's Government have to secure the provision of extra runway space in the South-East of England. [85876]

On 11 March 1999, Official Report, columns 360–61, we announced our decision to undertake a study of airport issues in the South-East and East of Egland. That study will consider future policies for these airports within the framework of the Government's sustainable development principles. It will, among other things, consider whether new runway capacity in the region might be justified, having regard to social, environmental and economic considerations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ask the airport co-ordinator with responsibility for Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted to make a statement on runway constraints. [85878]

The Airport Co-ordinator is not the appropriate person to make such a statement. The capacity of Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted is assessed twice a year, for the summer and winter operating seasons, by the airport operator, in consultation with airport users, air traffic control and the airport co-ordinator. Maximising use of runway capacity may be constrained by airspace availability, terminal capacity, and aircraft stand availability. The assessment is then used by the airport co-ordinator when he comes to allocate take off and landing slots for the season.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take to protect the slots at present allocated to Regional Air Services in the South East from re-allocation to other services. [85836]

The EC regulation that governs the slot allocation process permits Member States to reserve slots for domestic scheduled services on two grounds:

That the slots concerned were being used for a particular route at the time of entry into force of the Regulation (1993), only one air carrier is operating on the route, and no other mode of transport can provide an adequate service.

Or

Where public service obligations have been imposed on a route (that is, a transport link between two cities or regions rather than an airport specific route).

No slots are currently protected on either ground. The Government said in

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safeguards exist to ensure that airspace management by NATS of airports and air traffic, where NATS does not provide the services, is impartial. [85841]

The Directions to the CAA under section 72 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 state that NATS must provide air navigation services

"without according preferential treatment to either civil or military users …".

If an airport or user has a complaint about the management of airspace by NATS, it could refer to, for instance, the Directorate of Airspace Policy or the Economic Regulation Group, depending on the circumstances. If they were not happy with the outcome, they would have the right to appeal to the Chairman of the CAA.The ability of NATS to unfairly influence access to airspace from airports is limited. The allocation of slots in NATS airspace for aircraft leaving airports is beyond NATS' control—in fact it is decided by the Central Flow Management Unit in Brussels. The only legitimate circumstances under which NATS could restrict access to airspace would be for reasons of safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the change in air traffic movements at (a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Stansted, (d) Glasgow, (e) Manchester and (f) Belfast airports in each of the last 10 years. [85871]

The most recent statistics published by the Civil Aviation Authority cover the period 1987 to 1997. The information requested is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has held with the British airlines holding slots at South-East airports about their re-allocation. [85837]

None. The current regulation permits slots to be freely exchanged between carriers, or transferred by a carrier from one route or type of service to another. But British airlines should be aware of the Government's view, as set out in A New Deal for Transport, that any revision of the EC Regulation that governs the slot allocation process at congested airports should recognise the case for maintaining access from regional airports into congested hubs such as Heathrow and Gatwick.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the Public Service Obligation rules to protect air services for those airports to which they apply. [85925]

The conditions under which a Public Service Obligation (PSO) can be established on an air route are set out in European Council Regulation 2408–92. The European Court of Justice found (Case T—260/94 Air Inter v The Commission) that a "route" should be defined as a transport link between two cities or regions, and is not airport specific.A PSO on a regional service to London could therefore be fulfilled by services from any airport in the London airport system. A PSO may be imposed by a Member State in respect of scheduled air services to an airport serving a peripheral or development region in its territory, or on a thin route to any regional airport in its territory. The criterion is that the route must be vital to the economic development of the region in which the airport is situated. PSOs may be used to the extent necessary to ensure on a route the adequate provision of scheduled air services satisfying fixed standards of continuity, regularity, capacity and pricing, which standards air carriers would not assume if they were solely considering their commercial interest. There is provision for the carrier fulfilling the PSO to be reimbursed as appropriate for meeting the specified standards."Adequacy" is assessed with regard to: the public interest; the availability of other forms of transport; air fares and conditions; and the combined effect of all air carriers operating or intending to operate on the route.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the (a) estimated and (b) actual aircraft movements at the three major south east airports for (i) 1996–97 and (ii) 1997–98. [85879]

The CAA produces forecasts for air transport movements in total UK airspace and for the London Air Traffic Control Centre (LATCC) for planning purposes, but does not break the figures down on an airport by airport basis. The LATCC figures which cover all airports in the London area are as follows:

	Estimated	Actual
1996–97	1,504,000	1,507,000
1997–98	1,618,000	1,609,000

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list the occasions in the last five years where twin-engined transport aircraft have made single-engined approaches to Heathrow; [85846](2) if he will list the number of incidents in the last five years in which aircraft have flown over central London with one engine inoperative intending to land at Heathrow. [85886]

The Civil Aviation Authority has received 24 reports relating to transport aircraft approaching Heathrow airport with one engine inoperative in the last five years. Nine of these reports related to twin engined aircraft. It is not possible to deteottine which, if any, of these incidents involved flights over central London as approaches are also made from the west.The dates on which the incident involving twin engined aircraft occurred, together with the aircraft types involved, are as follows:

Date	Aircraft type
22 September 1994	B757
25 January 1995	B737
1 November 1996	B737
24 November 1996	B737
5 July 1997	A310
26 August 1997	B757
15 May 1998	A321
9 July 1998	A300
20 January 1999	A310

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of trends in the number of aircraft near-misses in the last year; and what action has been initiated to check the efficiency of the air traffic control system.[85847]

All reported airprox incidents are fully investigated by the independent UK Airprox Board (UKAB). In 1998, UKAB investigated 202 airprox incidents, a figure slightly lower than at any time in the past decade, despite significant increases in traffic over that period. Of these, only 7 were assessed as being risk-bearing and attributable to National Air Traffic Services (NATS). This is the lowest figure in the 1990s despite record traffic levels. However, there is no cause for complacency and Ministers and NATS continue to ensure that the highest priority is given to maintaining and, where practicable, improving on the UK's outstanding safety record.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what provision HM Coastguard makes for the control of the operations room by experienced staff during meal breaks. [85839]

HM Coastguard Operational Instructions are clear that during a temporary absence of a watch manager, such as meal breaks, the watch manager is to ensure that a suitable officer is nominated and has assumed full responsibility for the Watch, and that an entry to this effect is made in the Operations Room Log.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list each occasion in the last 12 months on which untrained staff were substituted for trained Coastguard personnel. [85842]

On no occasions were untrained staff substituted for trained Coastguard personnel over the last 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation has taken place with the Coastguard at Dover Maritime Rescue Control Centre about the implementation of the mandatory reporting regime. [85881]

Mandatory reporting has been discussed at each 3 monthly meeting of the Channel Navigation Information Service (CNIS) Technical Working Group since September 1997. Coastguard Operations Room Staff representatives are present at all these meetings. In October 1997, a special meeting took place involving Regional, District, Operations Room and the, then Coastguard Agency (TCA) Technical Staff to discuss the implications and any necessary changes to current procedures. The last two Dover District Management Board Meetings have included mandatory reporting as the main agenda item. Two circulars on the subject have been issued to all staff who also have access to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) source documentation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions in the last six months the broadcast service for mariners in the Swansea area has been reduced. [85880]

There have been no occasions in the last six months when the broadcast service to mariners in the Swansea area has been reduced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what extra staff will be required by HM Coastguard to fulfil their additional duties to deal with weather forecasts and meteorological reports; and what talks have taken place on this subject with staff representatives. [85840]

Route	Approximate scheduled journey time in 1999 (minutes)	Change over last 10 years
Heathrow-Glasgow	75	Increase of approximately 2 minutes in 1999
Gatwick-Glasgow	85	Increase of approximately 2 minutes in 1998
Stansted-Glasgow	80	No change
Heathrow-Manchester	55	Increase of approximately 5 minutes in 1999
Gatwick-Manchester	65	Increase of approximately 5 minutes in 1999

HM Coastguard has recruited 40 additional Coastguard Watch Assistants (Operations) nationwide to supplement existing Co-ordination Centre watchkeeping complements to assist in the broadcast of Maritime Safety Information (MSI).The Coastguard Trade Unions were notified of HM Coastguard's future responsibilities for MSI in October 1998, and this was followed by a first meeting in November 1998. Consultation took place in February 1999 with Operations Room staff and District Management teams regarding the operational procedures, radio coverage, frequencies and scheduling required for the broadcast of Maritime Safety Information by HM Coastguard. As part of this process, the Coastguard Trade Unions were also invited to comment. The Maritime Safety Information radio broadcast instructions provided to HM Coastguard Co-ordination Centres are a direct result of this consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the recommended staffing levels for the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre Co-ordinating stations at (i) Oban, (ii) Liverpool, (iii) Belfast and (iv) Stornoway for the period January to April 1999. [85843]

The recommended staffing levels at Oban, Liverpool, Belfast and Stornoway for the period January to April 1999 are as follows.

Oban—1 District Controller (DC), 1 Deputy District Controller (DDC), 4 Watch Managers (WMs), 5 Watch Officers (WOs), 7 Coastguard Watch Assistants (Operations) (CWA (0)), 1 Coastguard Watch Assistant (Admin) (CWA(A))

Liverpool—1 DC, 1 DDC, 4 WMs, 8 WOs, 8 CWA (O)s, 1CWA(A)

Belfast—1 DC, 1 DDC, 4 WMs, 9 WOs, 6 CWA (O)s, 1CWA(A)

Stornoway—1 DC, 1 DDC, 4 WMs, 5 WOs, 7 CWA(O)s, 1 CWA(A).

A full-time CWA post may be split between 2 part-time staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what changes there have been in the published times for arrival and departure for domestic air routes in the last 12 months; [85927](2) what has been the change in scheduled journey time between

The information requested in the first question is set out in the table. The data have been gathered from the Official Airline Guide. Due to the number of airports and different permutations of routes, the information requested in the second question could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what principles and objectives underlie the review of standard spending assessments; and if he will make a statement. [85740]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale) on 24 May 1999, Official Report, column 8.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 84, on British Rail employees, what information is available from the British Railways Board on compensation payments since 1991 to former employees of British Rail who are diagnosed as having mesothelioma, asbestosis or primary carcinoma of the lungs related to exposure to asbestos.[85935]

I refer to my answers of 17 May 1999, Official Report, column 245 and 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 84. I will ask the Secretary to the Board to write to my hon. Friend, to provide an opportunity for her to discuss any particular concerns she may have in this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 May 1999, Official Report, column 471, on school budgets, if it is his objective in carrying out the present review of the formula for distributing central Government grant to local authorities to remove factors that cannot be justified by reference to actual cost and other objectively verifiable criteria. [85703]

The objectives of the current review of revenue grant distribution 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. These objectives were set out in last year's White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Green Ministers' Committee (a) has discussed and (b) plans to discuss, the New Deal Environment Task Force. [86040]

The Green Ministers Committee does consider policy areas of cross-cutting interest at its meetings, in addition to its main task of developing systems to integrate sustainable development and environmental concerns into Government policies and operations. We have not so far discussed the Task Force nor is it on the agenda for our next meeting in July. But we may wish to turn to it at a later date.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce an Environment Task Force Charter Mark to be awarded to projects achieving environmental benefit to the community. [86072]

Charter Mark is the Government's award scheme for encouraging and recognising excellence in public service. All public service organisations which serve the public direct, including public service organisations which deliver Environment Task Force placements, can apply for a Charter Mark. However, the environmental benefit of the projects is not a criteria for the award of Charter Marks.Providers of Environment Task Force placements have also been able to apply for New Deal Awards which will soon be presented to employers and other organisations in recognition of the significant contribution they have made to the success of the New Deal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has assessed of the number of (a) homeless people and (b) prisoners who are former members of the armed forces. [85665]

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions does not routinely collect information on the number of homeless people who are former members of the armed forces. However, research on single homeless people and rough sleepers commissioned by the Department provides some information on the proportion of these groups which have a service background. Single Homeless People (HMSO, 1993) found that a fifth of a sample of single homeless people living in hostels or bed and breakfast hotels had been in the armed forces or merchant navy (not counting national service or the territorials). From Street to Home: An Evaluation of Phase 2 of the Rough Sleepers Initiative (TSO, 1996) found that a quarter of rough sleepers had been in the armed forces or merchant navy.As part of the Social Exclusion Unit review of

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to monitor the composition of parish and town councils; and if he will make a statement. [85547]

The Secretary of State has no powers to monitor the composition of parish and town councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to exempt children who are in full time education from paying full fares on bus and train services; and if he will make a statement. [85548]

Transport operators may offer discounted travel for young people commercially if they wish to do so. Local authorities may also provide discounted travel for young people up to the age of 18 who are in full-time education. It is for individual local authorities to decide whether to do so, what the size of any discount should be, and whether it should apply to train as well as bus travel. In addition, it is for Local Education Authorities to decide whether a child qualifies for free or assisted travel to school.Provision of reduced fares varies, and my Department is currently undertaking a survey of local authorities and operators. The results will be available to the School Travel Advisory Group, which comprises representatives of the relevant Government Departments and of parents, teachers, local authorities and other interested parties, so that the Group can identify and promulgate best practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86086]

All staff in DETR(C), its associated bodies and agencies were already paid above the national minimum wage on its introduction on 1 April 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the cost to his Department of the inquiry into the Heathrow Fifth Terminal; and what is the estimated cost to his Department of the Inspector's preparation of his report.[86041]

The cost of the Heathrow Terminal 5 Inquiry to the Department was approximately £6 million. In addition, the Department's agencies (Planning Inspectorate, Highways Agency and Royal Parks Agency) spent a further £5 million collectively on inquiry costs. It is estimated that the preparation of the Inspector's report could cost the Department and Planning Inspectorate combined up to £1 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will commission an assessment of the (i) cost and (ii) risk effectiveness of the safety equipment currently required to be carried by fishing vessels. [85855]

The Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975 specified the carriage requirements for safety equipment on all UK registered fishing vessels. Since then, changes to those requirements have been developed within the context of the Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG), in which representatives of the fishing industry have themselves influenced the standards being required. For smaller vessels (under 12 metres in length) we hope soon to introduce a new Code of Practice. This Code will specify safety equipment which should be carried. The list of safety equipment to be carried results from consultation with the industry and the benefits of each item have already been fully considered. A special assessment of cost and risk effectiveness of safety equipment is not necessary as requirements are kept under continuous review by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the industry through the mechanism of the FISG.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the location of telecommunication masts and the issuing of interim planning guidance pending publication of the findings of the National Radiological Protection Board into the non-thermal effects of microwave radiation; and if he will make a statement. [85931]

Draft guidance on land use planning and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) was issued for consultation by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Health on 8 December 1998. Copies were placed in the Library. We have received 147 responses to the consultation draft. Since issuing the draft circular, my Department has received four Parliamentary Questions and some 70 letters related to the possible health effects of telecommunications apparatus.The draft guidance reflects the advice to Government of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) that there is no convincing evidence of a causal link between exposure to EMFs and cancer. The Board's advice is based upon a review and assessment of published scientific studies covering the fields of epidemiology, biology and dosimetry. In continuing to review the science, the NRPB takes into account the range of reported biological effects, including those of a non-thermal nature. We shall continue to take NRPB advice into consideration in developing policy on land use planning and electromagnetic fields.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to prevent properties bought under the right to buy legislation from being let to holidaymakers for extended periods on a commercial basis; and if he will make a statement. [85895]

We are not aware of a widespread problem though we shall consider any proposals that may be put to us by the local authority involved. Meanwhile it could be premature and prejudicial to comment on an issue that is likely to go back before the courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date he was formally asked by Surrey County Council if he planned to call in their planning application for a temporary replacement for the existing Walton Bridge across the Thames; and when he expects to take a decision. [85903]

Surrey County Council referred the planning application to the Government Office for the South East in March 1999. We expect to issue a decision shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what central Government grant will be made available for the construction of a temporary replacement to the existing Walton Bridge across the Thames; and when he expects it to be released to Surrey County Council. [85902]

In the local transport capital expenditure settlement announced in December last year, Surrey County Council was allocated £2,602,000 for bridge strengthening in 1999–2000. The allocation included £1,590,000 for the A244 Thames Crossing at Walton.Half of this allocation will be paid as Transport Supplementary Grant and will be released to the County Council in four equal quarterly instalments during the financial year. The remaining resources have been allocated as Annual Capital Guideline.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he intends to transfer responsibility for any of his Department's sponsored museums to the Greater London Authority. [80236]

[holding answer 13 April 1999]: The Greater London Authority Bill, currently before Parliament, does not provide for the transfer of responsibility for any of the museums and galleries which are sponsored by my Department. However, it is my intention to transfer to the Greater London Authority the responsibility for making some appointments to the Boards of museums which were previously funded by the Greater London Council. I am considering with colleagues the extent to which the Greater London Authority might be given further responsibilities in respect of museums and galleries in order to enhance the cultural role for the Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has (a) to put a time limit on claims in respect of works of art of dubious provenance from the Nazi period and (b) to seek amendment of the law governing de-accessioning of museum holdings; [85241](2) how many works of art of dubious provenance from the Nazi period have so far been identified in British museums; when further inventories of such items will be published; and what plans he has to publicise these inventories; [85244](3) how many museums are undertaking inventories of works of art in their possession of dubious provenance from the Nazi period; and what plans he has to increase the number of museums involved in the inventory process; [85243](4) what is his policy on works of art in British museums that are of dubious provenance from the Nazi period. [85242]

The Government have asked members of the National Museum Directors' Conference to examine their collections with a view to finding out whether any items may have been looted during World War II and the Nazi period. Any claims will need to be considered on their merits on a case-by-case basis.Some works have been identified which have gaps in their provenance, but this does not necessarily mean that they are the result of spoliation during the Holocaust and World War II. Research is continuing and it is hoped that updated information about the progress of this research will be published later this year.The National Museum Directors' Conference has published Action Plans for 23 national museums, galleries and libraries, and I have deposited a copy of these in the Library. The Museums and Galleries Commission has recently issued a Statement of Principles to all Registered Museums. This recommends action to be taken by non-national institutions. The Museums and Galleries Commission will also be having discussions with those non-national institutions which have major art collections about how they might approach the issue of research into provenance. I have deposited a copy of this Statement of Principles in the Library.The possibility of a time limit on claims is an issue which will need to be discussed with museums and galleries and other interests. However, the Statement of Principles published by the National Museums Directors' Conference last November suggests that an institution which has fully publicised the details of a work which it believes might have been the result of spoliation during the Nazi period and World War II would normally expect to receive a claim within six years. I have deposited a copy of this Statement of Principles in the Library. The question of de-accessioning will be considered on a case by case basis if, and when, there are successful claims for objects to be returned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the local authorities which have applied for funding from (a) the Capital Modernisation Fund for IT facilities in public libraries and (b) the National Lottery Opportunity Fund for funding for libraries, in each case since its introduction; and what sums were awarded. [85315]

The detailed criteria for these programmes have still to be finalised, so no library authorities have yet been invited to bid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when his Department will publish the report of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council Design Group; and if he will make a statement about his plans for implementing the recommendations in the report. [86305]

My Department is today placing copies of the report in the Libraries of both Houses. A copy is also being made accessible on my Department's website, www.culture.gov.uk. The Department would be pleased to receive any views from interested parties about the report, as it takes forward the process of establishing the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council by 1 April 2000. There are a number of issues arising from the report which affect the libraries, museums and archives communities and which my Department will be discussing with bodies representing those communities over the coming months. To start this process, I have written to the National Museum Directors' Conference to invite them to propose ways in which the national museums and galleries, and the British Library, can assist the new body in its work.Detailed decisions about the role and priorities of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council will be made by the Chair and other board members once they have been appointed later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in relation to the funding of the BBC's commercial activities; [85507](2) if he will list the arrangements under which the BBC is accountable to his Department for its commercial activities. [85346]

The BBC Charter and Agreement provide a framework for ensuring that the Corporation's commercial activities are funded, operated and accounted for separately from its public service activities. It is for the BBC's Board of Governors to ensure that the BBC meets its obligations in this area. Any commercial activities undertaken by the BBC are subject to the same UK and EU competition law as its competitors. The BBC publishes separate annual reports and accounts for its commercial subsidiaries BBC Worldwide Ltd. and BBC Resources Ltd. These are submitted to the Secretary of State and presented to Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 142, on the BBC, if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's rules governing borrowing by the BBC and its commercial subsidiaries. [85892]

Article 3(w) of the BBC's Royal Charter governs borrowing. As in all other aspects of the BBC's remit, its commercial activities are subject to the Royal Charter and Agreement. This is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has for the future funding of the Museum of London. [86081]

In common with all DCMS sponsored museums and galleries, the Museum has a funding agreement with my Department for the financial years up to and including 2001–02. Funding decisions beyond then have yet to be taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to make books of poetry, drama, the visual arts, architecture, history, biography and fiction available for purchase in the Dome; [86082](2) what plans he has to make recorded music available for purchase in the Dome; [86079](3) what plans he has to make copies of

As part of the New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) own retailing arrangements at the Millennium Dome, a range of books and other printed material relevant to the millennium and the Millennium Experience will be on sale. The company's general policy is not to replicate, or compete with, the retailing opportunities which people enjoy in their high streets and local town centres. The company's policy on recorded music reflects the same principles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list those purposes for which his Department and its executive agencies require a birth certificate to be provided by (a) employees, (b) contractors, (c) those applying for employment and contracts and (d) other persons. [85686]

In line with general practice elsewhere in Government, members of staff recruited by DCMS are routinely asked to provide proof of identity prior to taking up appointment with the Department. Birth certificates, passports, and a range of other documents are acceptable for this purpose. It is not mandatory for staff to provide a copy of their birth certificate. Contractors are expected to undertake satisfactory checks on proof of identity of their staff before they take up work with the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will instruct the ITC to obtain from ITV the latest figures showing (i) the change in the numbers watching news on Channel 3 since the abolition of News at 10 and (ii) the change in the viewing numbers for the 10.00 to 10.30 pm weekday slot on Channel 3 since the abolition of News at 10. [85775]

ITV began their new evening schedule on 8 March, replacing the bulletin at 5.40 pm to 6.00 pm and News at Ten with a half hour news bulletin from 6.30 pm to 7.00 pm and an update from 11 pm to 11.15 pm. For the four weeks beginning 27 April, the latest figures available to the ITC, the average audiences who were watching news on Channel 3 and the figures for the equivalent weeks in 1999 are as follows:

(i)
	Million
1998
5.40 pm to 6.00 pm	4.1
10.00 pm to 10.30 pm	5.5
Total	9.6
1999
6.30 pm to 7.00 pm	5.4
11.00 pm to 11.15 pm	3.6
Total	9.0

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has made for a British delegation to the World Science Congress in Budapest. [85305]

The exact composition of the UK delegation will be determined soon. It is likely to comprise representatives from the Office of Science and Technology, the Department for International Development, the United Kingdom's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. It is hoped that other non-governmental organisations will also be represented.The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Robert May, is giving one of the main presentations during the first, scientific, section of the Conference, and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development will make a statement on behalf of the Government during the plenary debate in the final section of the Conference.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the proceedings of the Energy Council of 11 May relating to the millennium bug in the energy sector; what documents were discussed; and what contribution he made to the debate. [85522]

For a general report on the Energy Council, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall) on 17 May 1999, Official Report, columns 253–54. For the item on the millennium bug, the Council took note of an oral presentation by the Commission. The Commission reported on the recent outcome of the Telecommunications Council in respect of the millennium bug and on progress being made in the energy sector, addressing, in particular, the supply of electricity, natural gas, oil and coal, as well as questions relating to nuclear safety. The Council asked to be kept informed of progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he was first informed of negotiations between British Nuclear Fuels plc and Maine Yankee Atomic Power on the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel at Sellafield; and if he will make a statement. [85461]

[holding answer 26 May 1999]: I understand that BNFL was one of the nuclear fuel services companies approached by the owners of the Maine Yankee reactor in New England, USA, about options for removing spent nuclear fuel from the now closed reactor. In the course of these informal discussions which took place during 1998, it became clear that it would not be possible for BNFL and Maine Yankee to conclude a contract which would be consistent with both UK Government policy on the importation of radioactive waste and US Government policy on reprocessing. The discussions were, therefore, brought to an end and this Department was so informed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to announce the outcome of the consultation exercise on strategic export controls. [85538]

As announced in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) on 30 November 1999, Official Report, column 55, the responses to the consultation exercise on strategic export controls were, with the exception of two for which complete confidentiality was requested, placed in the Libraries of both Houses and in the Library of the Department. Copies of the responses are also available on request from the Department's Export Control Organisation. The Government are currently reviewing the proposals contained in the White Paper in the light of responses received and are committed to introducing legislation as soon as time is available in the legislative programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the criteria are for approval of capital purchases overseas by the Post Office. [86047]

As was announced by my right hon. Friend, the former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, to this House in the statement on the future of the Post Office on 7 December 1998, Official Report, columns 21–24, the Government will approve normal Post Office requests for borrowing for investment cases that are commercially robust. Separate fast-track arrangements will be put in place for considering the largest strategic investments. Further details will be set out in our forthcoming White Paper on the future of the Post Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he now expects to conclude the Review of Electricity Trading Arrangements. [86045]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) on 18 May 1999, Official Report, column 300.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice is available from his Department to individuals and companies who wish to avoid importing goods made with the use of forced labour or child labour. [85829]

The Government strongly support a proposed new ILO Convention to eliminate the worst forms of child labour, and funding programmes such as the ILO International Programme on the Elimination of Child-Labour (IPEC). Individuals or companies are advised to seek assurances on the matter from their retailers or suppliers. The Government strongly support recent initiatives by the private and voluntary sector to develop or promote codes of conduct in this area; and an increasing number of UK companies are entering into such arrangements with their overseas suppliers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 6 May 1999, Official Report, column 450, concerning ECGD liabilities in respect of exports in Indonesia if he will list (i) the unrecovered claims, (ii) the proportion of the unrecovered claims which relates to military exports and (iii) the unrecovered claims which ECGD expects to be written off. [85848]

(i) Details of the unrecovered claims arising in contracts involving exports to Indonesia are classified as "commercial in confidence" and cannot, therefore, be disclosed by ECGD without the consent of the individual exporters concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to respond to the report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the selling of raw milk. [86025]

I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's answer to the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath), on 6 May 1999, Official Report, column 1069.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions his officials have had with the BBC on its commercial policy guidelines; and if the guidelines were subject to prior approval by (a) his Department and (b) the Office of Fair Trading. [85893]

DTI officials have not had discussions with the BBC on its commercial policy guidelines, which were not subject to prior approval either by the Department or by the Office of Fair Trading.